Old stories of Sicily
Stories, traditions and folklore of Sicily
Giuseppe Sorbello • September 14
Historical regulations in Sicily placed religious obligations on physicians caring for the seriously ill, including calling for the Viaticum.
Giuseppe Sorbello • August 3
As an illness worsened, relatives decorated the house with religious objects and gathered around the dying person in prayer and support.
Giuseppe Sorbello • July 18
The body was blessed by the attending priest, then washed and dressed in the finest clothing available, sometimes with valuable personal accessories.
Giuseppe Sorbello • June 21
Coins, talismans, locks of hair, pieces of clothing, and even grave earth could play a role in traditional Sicilian funeral beliefs.
Giuseppe Sorbello • May 4
Children who died were traditionally dressed in white garments with a red ribbon at the waist, while wax candles were lit around the body.
Giuseppe Sorbello • April 10
Traditional belief held that, at death, the soul left the body and began its journey toward Heaven or Hell.
