“Three things remain to us from paradise: Stars, flowers, and children.”
This enchanting statement is often attributed to Dante Alighieri; I regret to say that no evidence supports this. So rather than waste time grappling amongst a thousand footnotes for the truth let’s agree that the very talented Anon. wrote it.
It came to mind because of Sophie’s arrival across the canal from us on January 4. I don’t know her; I haven’t seen (and, strange to say, haven’t even heard) her. I only know that she’s a new neighbor and she has brought joy with her.
So in the spirit of Anon.’s poetic observation, here are a few glimpses over the years of these particular remnants of paradise scattered around here. Flowers and stars will follow.
CHILDREN
I’m always on the lookout for the welcome ribbons. Pink for girls, blue for boys, as you know. They always make me feel a bounce of hope.
INTERLUDE: A summer stroll around Pellestrina, August 7, 2022. I was there on a typically sweltering summer Sunday to watch the annual local Venetian rowing races. With at least two hours to spare, I had plenty of time to lollygag. This was not at all my first time to this lagoon outpost of some 3,000 souls, so I wasn’t expecting surprises.
But surprised I was, to discover that the Stork had been working overtime. The number of ribbons I found tied to so many houses seemed almost like some sort of game. I won’t hazard any theories as to why a regiment of births had marched through this modest municipality in early August, though I’d like to know what had happened during the preceding November. Massive power outage — no TV but lots of candles? A village-wide festival of wine or grappa that got out of hand? Did a whole cohort make some crazy bet? Is it a cult? Articles continually come out lamenting Italy’s falling birth rate. Maybe they should come to Pellestrina and test the water?
Years ago I read a little report in the Gazzettino. The parish priest of Pellestrina — I’m pretty sure that’s where he was — had just happily celebrated the baptism of a new arrival. And he asked, “Why do we ring the church bells only when someone dies? We ought to ring them too when a baby is born.”
He’s not wrong.
12 Comments
More power to these young people making it all work ! My wife and I drove (2 1/2hrs) yesterday to The Brooklyn Art Museum to see “Monet in Venice”. A beautifully done show with the general public making their/our way through it. Monet died just about 100 years ago. I am in awe thinking that Venice is simply – still there ! What a beautiful thing after all these years ! I have wondered if Vivaldi’s parents took him (as a child) to see the sculptural reliefs somewhere around St Marks Square representing the 4 seasons ?
What a charming story; thank you for the cheering anecdotes and pictures.
Grazie Erla e buon anno!
Benvenuti a tutti i piccoli nuovi veneziani
e congratulazione alle loro famiglie.
Un’esplosione demografica che mi riempe il cuore di gioia!
Lovely, lovely, lovely
Boy, that’s a lot of bows. I thought the population was going down!!!
Not in Pellestrina, evidently!
Thanks for being a bright light in a dismal moment! Did you catch the blue ribbons on Sant’Erasmo for the twins that were born, maybe 18 months ago? It really outshone most, and in good humour too. Storks, twin babydolls in cribs, blue ribbons galore… we all enjoyed it for months and months…a much better tradition than baby showers that are invitation-only!
I have no recollection of 18 months ago on any part of Planet Earth, much less Planet Sant’ Erasmo. But I’m always on Team Twins, being one myself (twin, I mean, not team). People cheer for the twins, I cheer for the mother…..
In a world that seems to be in complete turmoil your post is a beacon of light. We do need good news and some signs of normality. Thank you, Erla!
Congratulations to the families and to the world that gets to receive these little ones. I really love the Italian tradition with coloured bows and public display of sheer happiness and bliss. We need more happiness and love in the world, and Venice needs more Venetians (D.O.C.G).
LIKE!!
Utterly delightful and delectable, as ever. I love the Italian/Venetian tradition of posting ribbons to announce new arrivals. A wonderful whimsical visual shorthand.
Delightful, super observation, and reporting – as usual. Near neighbours of ours are on the point of producing a baby, so I went to the local post office to get a congratulations card to be ready, and pop a cheque in. They had already told me if it was to be boy or girl – but I’d forgotten, so sought in the card racks for a multi-purpose one that said “Congratulations on your new baby” – but they all were boy, or girl. I had to go into our local town in order to have one ready … any moment now!
Ella B