Buon Ferragosto

August 15 is a big, beautiful, summertime holiday in Italy. The tradition goes way back to the days of the Roman Empire, when it was the Festival Holidays of the Emperor Augustus.

Goddess Diana was at the center of the revels, symbolizing the cycle of fertility, and all were grateful for the summer days of sunshine and ripening.

Here’s Diana in a Villa D’Este fountain. What looks like breasts actually represent bull’s testicles, as bulls were sacrificed at the Temple of Mother Goddess Diana in Ancient Times.

Along came Catholicism, and the holiday switched to center around the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven, a triumphant event honoring the Mother of God, that inspired masterpieces…

Titian’s in the Frari in Venice is my favorite, with Mary dancing skyward…

The painting was recently restored by the Save Venice non-profit organization. It’s breaktaking to see it at the altar of the Basilica dei Frari, a treasure-filled spot in Venice where you can wander, without crowds.

I also love Correggio’s in the ceiling of Parma’s cathedral…