Ribbons of Italy

I love the way the Italians celebrate achievement - A pure - loud - figurative shout from the top of the mountain - " Look what I did !" echoed by an approving "Bravo" from the masses. Not just recognition from family and friends or neighbors but from the total strangers passing by. As a non native how do we know what we should celebrate ? Read along - The code will be revealed.

How do Italians translate their personal achievement into collective joy? Do they really shout from the mountains ? No. But they do share achievements in a very beautiful, simple, public way - through ribbons.

Category 1 - Welcome Sweet New Baby Ribbons

Predictable but adorable blue or pink ribbons shout from 'the figurative mountain' - "We have a beautiful baby boy" or "We have a beautiful baby girl." Sometimes names are announced. Anyone passing by smiles and replies "Welcome little one."

One of my favorite parts of the baby ribbon category is that it is not only the new parents get to share the joyful news by adorning their home with ribbons but the grandparents do too. I know for sure that the ribbons that these houses below are grandparent's houses. They are absolutely sharing in the news of their children - but they are also proclaiming rightfully their own joy in welcoming their new family member: a grandchild.

Grandparent's houses

Cars too, become a portable proclamation of the good news. Mobile joy automobiles all around Italy - how wonderful is that? New Mothers, Fathers and Grandparents take their happiness and ribbons on the road.

Even local businesses - put out the news of an employees newborn for all to see.

Category 2 - Wedding ribbons

White of course is the choice for wedding ribbons. The newlyweds decorate their homes and fences to show the world they are married. More joy in the world for family, neighbors and strangers passing by.

Category 3 - Anniversaries

In Italy, they take wedding ribbons one step further, they decorate for special anniversaries too - silver ribbons for 25th - (nozze d'argento) and gold ribbons for 50th (nozze d'oro) . And once again they take their joy on the road to the masses with ribbons on their cars as well as at home.

Category Four - Graduations

Graduation is another ribbon event. This time the traditional ribbon is Red. Red was chosen as the appropriate color because in ancient Rome, red was the color of the toga worn by the highest roman politician, advocates and poets. A symbol of learning and stature.