MARRIAGE IN A Million'50 (Basilicata) IL MATRIMONIO A MIGLIONICO NEGLI ANNI '50

The union between a boy and a girl was often bound by very different motives from which parents often forced their children to marry and fidanzarsi for economic or social interests. The girls promised in marriage could not absolutely oppose the will and family were then forced to marry a man not loved.
Normally, the marriage was combined in this way: the mother of the groom chose the girl for their son, called "the ambassador of the country" and sent the home of the girl to the father's request of the hand of her daughter. His father, examined the proposal, gave the answer and, after taking the decision, communicated to his daughter. Since then, she had to keep attitudes reserved in public and at home. Furthermore, young married couples had promised not wear short dresses and leave the house alone, but should always be accompanied by someone.
Second stage was very important that the engagement official, who was the first of marriage. On this occasion, traditionally called "trasút '", namely "entry", families of the two boyfriends and you know, done with a reception at home of the bride, made "official" report of the children, not only among themselves, but especially the whole country. Followed, then, premarital contracts, with the presence of a notary.
Singular is an example of the "Charter of clothes," which listed the dowry that the girls had to have at the time of marriage (sheets, blankets, towels, dusters, furniture, land, etc.).. Often, during these meetings the families and argued the figure of the mother of the bridegroom emerged for his arrogance and his claims, distinguished by mother of the bride, who seemed more docile and more inclined to support the consuocera, always possessive against child male. Often there were disputes that led to the rupture of engagement, in that case, it quickly sought other substitutes, because the mentality of the time did not see eye to good men and women not married.
After the engagement is going to agreements for the day of the wedding: invitations, and invited festivities, lunch. Singular was the delivery of calls. Parents of the bride and groom, usually fathers, went personally to invite relatives and friends on three occasions! The first inform the date of the wedding day, to remember the second and third to take the response of participants in the marriage.
The celebrations lasted three days: the first day at home celebrating the wedding with friends and relatives, the second and third home of the bridegroom, always with friends and relatives. But it was also very unique wedding lunch that included:

• Zitoni the sauce sheep;
• Boiled in rural chicory with pork;
• Roasted Lamb with salad;
• Sighs (local sweet);
• Tarallucci, wine and browned.