March 21 is the 80th day of the year (81st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar -- the March equinox. There are 285 days remaining until the end of the year. An equinox occurs twice a year, when the tilt of the Earths's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, the center of the Sun being in the same plane as the Earth's equinox. Basically, these are the days where sunrise and sunset are closest to being exactly 12 hours apart.
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| St. Joseph and the Christ Child |
Two days ago, on March 19, Italy celebrated Father's Day! We just learned of this yesterday as Papa and I were doing our usual run through the commisary and base exchange after church. Our Orthodox church service is early, 0800, and we arrive at 0700 for the 'preparation service' that Fr. Phil must do beforehand. We usually finish up by a little after 9:00 and hang around for fellowship and coffee for a little while; however, the commissary doesn't open until 10:00. It's very convenient, since it's right next the the chapel, although 35 minutes from our house. So on our way home yesterday, after our trek through the stores, we ran into a lovely employee of the Base Exchange who got to telling us about some personal things in her life, but also how her family had just been together on Saturday to celebrate Father's Day, Festa del Papà, and the Saint of the Day, (Santo del Giorno) San Giuseppe - Saint Joseph, the earthly father of our Lord! Every year on this day all those who are named after Guiseppe, which, it Italy, seems like every fifth person or so (ha) will celebrate their onomastico - their Saint's day or "name day," in a way that is very similar to the way they celebrate their birthday.
Festa del Papa, the Italian name for Father's Day, is celebrated on March 19, St. Joseph's Feast Day in Italy. Households prepare traditional spreads of special Italian breads and cookies. This is the day when families show their gratitude to their fathers with favors and gifts. Here's how to celebrate Father's Day in Italy:
1. Start your Dad's day with a delicious breakfast. Prepare Zeppole, the most common pastry treat for Father's Day in Italy. Gather all the ingredients required for the dish in advance so that you can spend most of your time with dad.
2. Serve the breakfast on a tray decorated with attractive ribbons and a bunch of red roses. The red rose is the traditional flower of Father's Day. Little extra efforts such as this will fascinate your father.
3. Take him out to an elegant restaurant or cafe for a hearty meal. It could be for brunch, lunch or dinner. Choose his favorite Italian or non-Italian restaurant or a new restaurant that serves the cuisine he enjoys.
4. Don't forget dessert. Choose from traditional Italian desserts such as tiramisu, gelato, zabaglione, Zuppa Inglese, cannoli, Genoise cake and so on.
5. Consider treating him to a lavish meal at home by cooking some of his favorite dishes. Remember to include dessert which you can either make at home or order from a nearby bakery.
6. Do away with normal gifts like ties and wallets. Give him a traditional picture of St. Joseph with a handmade card that includes a nice message for him on the inside. Also consider giving him grappa, a strong Italian brandy. Or search for and order a gift online (see Resources below).
7. Reserve your day for him. Time is the most precious thing you can give him. Do some of his favorite things together--hiking, fishing, watching a sports game, going to the movies or whatever else he enjoys.
8. Arrange a party for your dad. Invite family friends and relatives. Prepare a few words for your father in advance to be spoken at the party. Let dad know how much you love him. [ehow.com]
Click to read about Father's Day around the world!
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