DOOR AND LANGUAGE POLICY – PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY!
Dear lovers of the Italian language, nothing has changed, but we could not help noticing a significant number of attendees speaking Spanish at our last gatherings. This goes against the policy of our Club. We are primarily a conversation Club. Being a social club is only a secondary function. Speaking Italian at the meetings is required, even if you can just utter a few words. Please, respect this aspect of our policy. Regarding the food, we serve food as a pairing to our wine, not as dinner.Please, refrain from filling your plate to the brim. Same thing for seconds: it is disrespectful to the other members and to those who arrive late. This is also to remind you that our Club survives thanks to your contributions at the door. A $10 minimal contribution per person is expected at the door, unless you are bringing a bottle of wine of comparable value or more. Empty handed? We prefer your cash contribution. The door fee allows us to pay for our running expenses, website and hosting, as well as our sponsoring efforts for a variety of cultural initiatives. We do our best in bringing you great events and your generosity goes a long way. Thank you!
SUMMER SOLSTICE – A PAGAN RITUAL
Paganism has been mislabeled by the Roman Church as an anathema. Yet, Easter and Thanksgiving are two examples of widely celebrated pagan rituals, even among Christians. Bacchanalia are the wild Italian version late summer debauchery, but you will get quite drunk at one of them, and even more, as one of the objectives of the ancient Romans was to get their women pregnant – it’s has remained in the blood of most Italian males.
Everyone knows that the codification of the Roman Calendar by Justinian Reform and the Roman Church mean but a bunch of politics me, although the reformism of our wonderful Pope Francesco is to say the least refreshing, not to mention revolutionary – he is about to introduce awareness of climate change and global warming. Amazing!
But why mentioning Paganism? The summer solstice is around the corner. This year, it takes place on Sunday June 21, at 11:38 a.m. CDT – though it is traditionally celebrated at sunrise. The night before, campfires are set for those who want to wait for the moment. But is it not the best way to be vigil al sunrise. But what is so peculiar about it? Well, for once, the Sun reaches its maximum height in the sky – this is valid at every latitude. The solstice also marks the beginning of Summer. It is also the longest day of the year. However, I am not attempting a for a scientific treaty on the subject. I just would like to tune you to the rhythms of Mother Nature.
Among those populations whose religious practices were based on natural rhythms, the Druids maintained this practice as a summer celebration. Stonehenge gets most of the publicity with its crowds of thousands, but the ritual takes place in many parts of the world. For those who care doing something different, the ritual is very simple: all you need is a spot with a view of the northeastern horizon and a glass of water. However, you just have to get up really early, like around 6:00 a.m. or earlier.
Find a spot where you’ll have a view of the northeastern horizon. Getting an unobstructed view of the sunrise in a city is no easy task, but you can get up on a hill, better if it is a natural spot, such as the western hill surrounding the large lawn at Piedmont Park. Your spot doesn’t have to be perfect – you just need to be able to see the Sun shortly after it rises over the hills, trees, and houses. Your sunrise time is when the top edge of the sun’s disc is first visible on the horizon.
Here is one traditional ritualistic invocation. Face East and say “Spirits of the land, spirits of this place, you who were here long before me, I invite you into this circle. Join this celebration of the Summer Solstice. I ask, and accept this offering of clear water, given in hospitality and in love.” Raise the water in offering, then pour some onto the ground. Trust me if I tell you that you will feel differently about our planet, the moment you reconnect with its sidereal clock. Yours Truly, AGP
WHO MAKES CIANCIA POSSIBLE?
We are always on the lookout for active individuals to join our committee. If you would like to take part of our organization, please contact us at one of our meetings. Ciancia is brought to you by an outstanding Steering Committee of accomplished professionals, each one bringing to the table amazing expertise in communication and event production. This is entirely a team of volunteers, all strong believers in the great rewards of social interaction, intellectual curiosity, diversity and cultural engagement. We admit new committee members on a regular basis. If you think that you have the drive and the time to take over one of the numerous responsibilities, which make Ciancia possible, please step forward.
Here is our current roster:
Arturo Giancarlo Pirrone, President
Francesco Scordato, Facebook and Internet interface
Alexandra Salivia, writer, Editor in Chief
Nelson Salivia, Photography and IT services
Stefano Grossi, website design
Roberto Napoli, IT technical services
Alessio Medda – Special Events
Saskia Isabella Handschin, Event Planning, Music & Opera
QUESTIONS, IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS, ARTICLES?
Most questions regarding the format of our meetings are answered at our website at www.ciancia.org <https://www.ciancia.org> If you have other questions, or if you are trying to contact anyone in our organization for ideas, forthcoming cultural events, for hosting an event, advertising or, for publishing relevant material or articles which are related to the Italian culture you may contact us at info@ciancia.org We look forward to hearing from you!