Angelo De Gubernatis
Storia comparata degli usi nuziali in Italia e presso gli altri popoli indo-europei
Seconda edizione riveduta e ampliata dall'autore
"Storia comparata degli usi nuziali in Italia e presso gli altri popoli indo-europei" by Angelo De Gubernatis is a scholarly work focused on comparative cultural practices regarding marriage, written in the late 19th century. The book explores the various wedding customs in Italy, along with similarities and differences found among other Indo-European communities. It aims to illuminate the cultural significance of these practices and their historical roots. At the start of this extensive examination, the author reflects on the nature and purpose of marriage, suggesting that it is often viewed through a lens prioritized by societal norms and expectations. He discusses how various customs, from childhood games involving dolls to auspicious rituals for brides, serve to prepare young girls for their future roles and highlight the importance of fertility and family. The opening portion also touches on the universal themes of love and the series of traditions and superstitions that accompany the journey to matrimony, hinting at the cultural intermingling that shapes the practices in Italy compared to those in neighboring regions.