FILÃ’
A Journal for Tyrolean Americans Volume 22
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An Introduction . . .
The Filò is to be published and distributed several times each year and is targeted to the children of our immigrant parents. The Filò (pronounced fee-lò) was the daily gathering in the stables of the Trentino where the villagers met and socialized. The intent is to provide a summary of our culture, history, and customs in plain English to inform and provide you with the background of your roots and ancestry.. If you wish to contact us, call Lou Brunelli at 914-402-5248. Attention: Your help is needed to expand our outreach to fellow Tyrolean Americans. Help us identify them, be they your children, relatives or acquaintances. Go to filo.tiroles.com and register on line to receive the magazine free of charge. You may also send your data to Filò Magazine, PO Box 90, Crompond, NY 10517 or fax them to 914-734-9644 or submit them by email to filo.tiroles@att.net. Front cover: Otisei, Val Gardena, at the feet of Sassolungo with the Sella Group on the horizon 3
Intro to the Val Gardena
T
he Val Gardena is an Alpine paradise replete with the Dolomites, picturesque and quaint villages, and the storied Ladini with their artistic and religious traditions. Its wood craft with its Gardena bran is known world wide. The wooded slopes of its valley and the religiosity and traditions of its Ladini combined historically to create and excel in an industry of wood carving while their mountains, the Dolomites, and singular beauty have made Gardena a very popular tourist destination offering hiking, skiing, S. Cristina good food and a great choice of hotels and lodging. In Sassolungo (Langkofel in German and Saslonch in Ladin), Cinque Dita (Fünffingerspitze in German, Pizes di Cin Dëic in Ladin), Sassopiatto (Plattkofel in German, Saspiat in Ladin), Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm in German, Mont Sëuc in Ladin), Odle-Puez natural park and SciliarCatinaccio natural park, are among the most beautiful Dolomite places and a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ortisei –St. Ulrich – Urtijëi (Italian, German & Ladino) is the main village resting at the entrance of the valley. Its populations are 84.19% Ladin, 9.30% German, 6.51% Italian. From 1860 to 1914 Urtijëi experienced a relevant economical growth due to the opening of a major road connecting Val Gardena to the main railroad as a result the local woodcarving industry flourished. International tourism developed through the discovery of the Dolomites first by English tourists, and subsequently visitors from other parts of Austria-Hungary as well as the German Empire. Currently, the town's economy is mostly based on winter skiing tourism, summer hiking tourism, and woodcarving. Traditional hotels and many homes from the turn of the century are a nostalgic nod to the pioneering times of mountaineering. Mountain cable cars and footpaths provide an easy way to enjoy the beauty. The Ladin Museum displays the unique treasures from the Ladin culture and nature, and guests can also visit tpermanent exhibition of contemporary Val Gardena woodcarving pieces.
Wolkenstein
the past and to this day, fine lace is produced and is a component of the Ladino folk costumes as well as “loden”, boiled wool that is the principal fabric used in many of the traditional Tyrolean garments. The Val Gardena’s religiosity can be attributed to its being ruled by a theocracy for 800 consecutive years under the Prince Bishops of the Principato of Brixen. In the early 1800’s, it became part of the very Catholic Austrian Hungarian Empire.
Ortisei
In Val Gardena three languages are spoken: Italian, German and Ladin, for this reason the valley is known by three different names, in addition to the Italian one: Gherdëina (ladino) and Grödental (German). The characteristic mountains of Val Gardena are the Dolomites:
Sellaronda
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A Ladino Bridal Procession
Sassolungo
S. Cristina is located in the middle of the valley and is Val Gardena’s smallest village. Visitors move between two completely different worlds. There is the timeless and peaceful life on the country side that can still be enjoyed at the top of the village, peppered with farmsteads and its churches and graveyards while below there is the buzz of the hotels, cafes, and shops along the main street. Hiking, one enjoys the beautiful views on the path running along the old Val Gardena rail track or the legendary Sassolungo, seen by all three villages. Selva Val Gardena is the second-largest village and Val Gardena’s highest village situated at the foot of the Sella Massif and the direct gateway to the Sellaronda, which is a ski route that loops around the massif of the Sella mountain range that offers a singular sightseeing experience to skiers, hikers, mountain bikers. In the vicinity is the Puez-Odle Nature Park situated around the Odle Group, Puez Group and Sass de Putia Massif is known for its beauty, the different rock layers and a haven of eagles, chamois’s, deer and marmots. In the Selva’s vicinity are also the ruins of Wolkenstein and the picturesque Ciastel de Gherdëina.
Ladini in festive dress
underwent a process of Germanisation. The local peasants were called Welsche by Germans while they called themselves Latin" (Ladin). The Ladin movement was sparked by the Tyrolean Rebellion (German: Tiroler Volksaufstand) which was a rebellion of peasants in the County of Tyrol led by Andreas Hofer against the occupation of their homeland by the French and Bavarian troops within the context of the War of the Fifth Coalition against Napoleon. In 1833, the Ladin language
Risciesa-Winter Skying in the Dolomites
was codified by Micurà de Rü (alias Nikolaus Bacher, 1789–1847), a priest from Badia. I have a suspicion…a theory that Walt Disney admired and celebrated the Val Gardena. Take note that as his Pinocchio movie begins, the place is full of snow covered mountains; the houses of the village are decorated chalets; Geppetto is a carver and a toy and watch maker and his product is a little toy wooden boy figure, Pinocchio, who wears leiderhosen…who then talks. What if…what if the countless figures carved in the Val Gardena were to talk just like his Pinocchio… Oh, what a wonderful tale they would tell of the Gardena, its villages, its churhes, mountains. and its people.
Gardena is the Haven of the Ladini who are one of the three linguistic minorities of today’s Trentino-Alto Adige along with the Cimbri and the Mochen. The Ladin people developed a national identity during the 19th century, when most of the area was incorporated into the Princely County of Tyrol and, as part of the Austrian Hungarian Empire, 5
The Haven of Wood Carvers
T
he history of the Val Gardena reflects the ingenuity of the valleys of the Tyrol using their survival skills and creativity to make the most of their environment. An extraordinay beautiful Alpine paradise of Dolomites, it had little arable land depending on the cultivation of dairy products involving their alpine pastures and haymaking. Tourism had not yet arrived to the area. Their narrow valley was flanked by wooded slopes that inspired and fostered a culture of wood that created their tools, utensils, barns, balconies and the wood to whittle sculptures and toys as did most of the valley populations in the cold months. Yet the Ladini of the Val Gardena had a reputation and were distinguished for their skills and diligence as craftsmen. They produced those typical loden clothes with decorative buttons as well as the buttons fashioned from the deer horns. The women created exquisite lace that was sold and used for their singular folk wardrobes.At the beginning of the 17th century, Christian Trebinger, his brother Bartima and Melchior Vinazer established a craft that is today inseparable from the name Val Gardena…wood carving.
17th century the Val Gardena wood carvers concentrated more on works of a figural type, while some of them produced caricatures, picture frames, ornaments, animals, nativity scene figurines and children’s toys. Hence, there was a tri-forcation of their crafts: Sacred figures for churches of Saints, God, Angels and altar pieces; Figurines of gnomes, animals, creches and decorative ornaments and toys. By the 18th century Val Gardena was a major centre of wood carving, and peddlers and merchants carried the carvings and the name of Val Gardena far and wide. Like their fellow Ladini of Fassa, they did not migrate to the Americas but move around the lands of Hapsburg and Switzerland pedaling their artifacts. Of the many wood carvers in the valley, some developed into true artists, and in order to raise the general standard an art school was founded. Today wood carving is a modern industry and a genuine craft at the same time, producing individual, varied and authentic specimens of the art. Throughout Europe, the Vatican and here in the USA, Catholic churches display religious statues. Hence, if you find yourself reciting a prayer in the presence of such a statue…you are in the presence of a sliver of the Gardena…and possibly you might detect the aroma of the valley’s pine wood!!!
Many made wooden bowls and other simple utensils, while the more talented tried their hand on more artistic items, mostly statues with a religious subject. Religiosity was a hall mark for the Ladini. In the Val di Fassa, their Ladini painted houses with themes In the course of the
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Cor di Jëuni Gherdëina...
A
t the very beginning of the Sound of Music, Maria..surrounded by her mountains was fascinated, enthralled and sings…The Hills are alive with the Sound of Music. Hills and music…what a combination! The people of the Tyrol have always had this facination for their mountains that configured their valleys, provided them with pastures, woods and inspiration as the sun with its light beautified their environments. The permanence of the mountains rendered the communities secure and gave their individual valleys a singularity that even prompted their individual way of talking. No wonder our emigrants never lost their memories and images of these pillars of their origins. Their songs, their choirs celebrated their affection and admiration for their presence. The Cor di Jëuni Gherdëina (The Youth Choir of the Val Gardena) is an example of this fascination. The choir salutes their mountains with their anthem: “Gardena! Gardena! It is an anthem, a hymn to the Val Gardena with its spectacular mountains and its singular language: Ladino. It calls out in Ladin the names of its favorite mountains… Saslonch, y Pic y Cuca, da Bula nfin Masté. Leo Runggaldier da Furdenan (1888-1961) composed both the lyrics and the music while Hans Demetz arranged the song. The lyrics to the left below is the original ladin.
Gherdëina Gherdëina!!! Gardena! Gardena! Gherdëina Gherdëina d`or stiza di monc y luna y luna da un al`auter dalonc.
Val Gardena, Val Gardena Your mountains shine golden They shine and shine from afar one to other
Saslonch y Pic y Cuca, da Bula nfin Masté, da Plan nchin a Pruca cialé se n po`n assé.
Sasso lungo and Pic and Cuca From Bulla to Maste` From Plan to Pontegardena There are so many to see
Gherdëina Gherdëina gra de dut l bën, ududa, uluda da nëus drë nsci gën.
Val Gardena, Val Gardena Thank you for your goodness Seen and desired So much by all of us.
Saslonch y Pic y Cuca...
Sassolungo e Pic e Cuca...
Gherdëina Gherdëina dl`oma si ruj’né rejona, rejona y no tl desmincé.
Val Gardena, Val Gardena Speaking, Speaking Our mother tongue May we never forget it!
Saslonch y Pic y Cuca...
CHOIR Il “Cor di Jëuni Gherdëina” (The Young People’s Choir of the Val Gardena) was founded in 2009 with the idea and purpose to combine three Young People’s Choir (Coro Giovanile di Ortisei, S. Cristina e Hosianna di Selvadi Val Gardena) into one grand choir. Cor di Jëuni Gherdëinais is a mixed choir with 54 singers from the Val Gardena who are enjoy spending their spare time singing together. Their repertoire of a capella singing is quite extensive. Its music spans Renaissance music to contempory songs, American spirituals to the traditional music specific to the Ladino traditions. After a long period of preparation and rehearsal, it performed to sell out audience at the Ortisei Cultural Center resulting into a CD and an affirmation to continue their performing. In April, 2012, its current conductor, Samuel runggaldier, engaged the choir at Riva del Garda for "12 Concorso Corale Internazionale" (12th International Choir Competition) earning the Silver medal and qualifying them for the 2014 World Choir Games, the “Olympics of Choirs”. At these prestigious games competing with 450 choirs, the choir was awarded gold and silver medals. In 2014, at another international choir competition, they earned yet another silver and gold medals. In May 2018 at the "Laurea Mundi Budapest" in Hungary, the choir was singled out for top awards, while their conductor Samuel Runggaldier was designated as the top conductor. 7
The Stuflessers: Primi inter Pares!
F
irst among equals! Val Gardena has 38 wood are able to carve each desired item in each style and with carving workshops and firms whose wood all requested characteristics. carving products and creativity is unquestion- The wood carving industry of the Val Gardena has three able and worthy of praise and recognition. specialties. There are the carvers of small statuettes, While comparisons are odious, the Stuflesser firm seems crèche’s….. Then there are the carvers of toys and finally to have a primacy and a reputation confirmed and cele- the “sacra ars”, the holy art of religious statuary, altar brated by the Vatican. Pope Pius X recognized them as pieces and appointment of the sanctuary. The Stuflesser “furnishers to the Holy See" while Leo XIII awarded family has done and still does the latter…and have done them the title “Pro Ecclesia et Pontefice for their work this since 1875. Since who we are and is indeed who we ..”for the Church and the Pontiff). Their greatest were, let’s review this family’s history… endorsement is the presence of their work in the many The wood carving industry of the Val Gardena has three churches through out the world, Europe and the USA specialties. There are the carvers of small statuettes, including St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City In fact, crèche’s….. Then there are the carvers of toys and finally the Stuflesser firm the “sacra ars”, the holy art of religious statuary, altar is privileged to be pieces and appointment of the sanctuary. The Stuflesser the singular firm family has done and still does the latter…and have done with the most years this since 1875. Since who we are and is indeed who we of experience in the were, let’s review this family’s history… Gardena Valley. It has been carried out The Stuflesser’s are Ladini and the Ladini have a special by the same family experience of the sacra ars for centuries. Unlike the for over 130 years majority of the ancestors of our readership who were and five generations emigrants fleeing poverty to the USA and became coal of the families.The miners, the Ladini did not emigrate. Instead they stayed carving in the Val in Europe and tended to the lands of the Hapsburg, Ferdinand Stuflesser & wife: Gardena has a great Switzerland and Germany’s Bavaria. They could speak Annamaria Senoneer history. Around 400 the languages and had developed a commodity that years ago people started with the realization of wooden appealed to those Catholic populations. The Ladini of toys during the long winter season which didn’t allow the Val di Fassa pursued those pathways and became them to work on their fields. In a second period thy rec- house painters…painting religious images and themes on ognized the demand for church figures. Actually the the faces of houses. I have seen this in the village of wood carving industry of the Val Gardena hast two spe- Matrei situated on the old roadway between Innsbruck cialities: the hand carving and the machine carving. The and the Brenner Pass. One sees a row of houses adorned with these beautiful artistic embellishments. They were first one is realized entirely by hand, propeddlers and sold these special products. ducing high quality unique art pieces. The The Ladini of the Val Gardena followed second one is a series production, a model the same ways…as did the Stuflessers is reproduced by machine, there is an since 1875 who have now have a global “infinite” number of identical statues market place. which usually are small. With both techniques a lot of different items are carved, At the beginning of the 17th century the most important branch is surely the Christian Trebinger, his brother Bartlmä, Ars Sacra, the holy art of religious statuand Melchior Vinazer established a craft ary, altar pieces and appointment of the that is today inseparable from the name sanctuary. The Stuflesser family has done Val Gardena – wood carving. The nomenand still does the latter…and have done clature of the Stuflesser firm is both a histhis since 1875 ALL BY HAND. This torical and a family reference: Ferdinand means that the Stuflesser workshops carve Stuflesser 1875.. Studlesser Factory all by hand, no machine carvings. So they 8
While wood carving activity was alive and well in the 1700’s, the precursor and the stimulus of the carving industry begins with the Emperor Franz Josef establishing a School Design in Ortisei in 1820. The first master of art at this structure was Sotriffer Jakob, a native from Val Gardena. Since 1850 some young students of Val Gardena including Ferdinand Stuflesser continued their studies at the renowned Academy of Art in Munich, Bavaria. The Bavarian capital was the centre of the Nazarene painting. With some exceptions, so far there were no Nazarene sculptors. The transmission of Nazarene aesthetic from the bi-dimensional drawing into three-dimensional sculpture became the domain of the sculptors. During the 19th century the demand for ecclesiastical art grew increasingly and the dispersal throughout Europe boosted exponentially. The result was a wave of enterprising young people who learned the art of sculpture and acquired some good business skills.
The Managers: Robert Stuflesser, Marco Wanker, Dr. Daniel Quitta, Filip Sttuflesser
be coordinated with each other. The coordination of the often complex work processes is assumed by project managers, who are in direct contact with the customers, thus building the bridge between the customers and the various artists. The project managers are also in charge of the consultation on and planning of the various projects, which range from a 20 cm statue to large altars and entire church interiors. The project managers are responsible for the work and try, in conjunction with the respective artists, to implement all the customers’ wishes and requests. Nowadays, sculptures which are entirely and exclusively hand-carved are classified, get the trademark for wooden sculptures produced exclusively and entirely by hand by the experts of the Chamber of Commerce of Bolzano (Italy), which guarantees the authenticity of the creations. This trademark also informs customers about the authenticity of the work and about the difference between unique creations and industrial wooden figures, which are mass-produced on a pantograph milling machine. Turn the page to view a sampling of the firm’s work.
Ferdinand Stuflesser was the son of a sculptor... His father, grandfather and uncle were sculptors and led a company for wooden toys. He learned sculpture in the family and 1875 opened a sculptor’s workshop in Ortesei. He created this unique workshop because of his passion for the art. He was a pioneer in the field of ecclesiastical craft which later expanded into an altar workshop as well. He employed as many as 16 sculptors and eight master carpenters and 100 additional 100 affiliated sculptors who worked for the firm in their homes. His Master painter, Luis Kosner, employed 24 craftsmen who were painters and gilders. At the turn of the century, the firm was able to produce 70 altars in just one year. The new company “Ars Sacra 1875 Ferdinand Stuflesser received orders not just from the Empire but throughout the world. The management team includes Filip Stuflesser, Robert Stuflesser, Daniel Quitta and Marco Wanker. They manage a team of several different professional fields, ranging from sculptor to painter and from gilder to carpenter and wrought-iron blacksmith. All these artisans and artists play a very important role in the design and production of various works. Particularly in the case of altars, the deployment of almost every employee is demanded. Depending on the field of work (whether an altar, a statue or a restoration has been ordered), various artisans are deployed whose work has to
The Sculptors intermingled with their statues
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The Sculptur es of the Stuflesse rs
Contact Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875 SNC Artisan area of Pontives 20, 39040 Laion Ortisei, South Tyrol, Italy Tel.: from Usa 011 39 0471 796163 from Europe +39 0471 796163 from Usa 011 39 320 2338633
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The Tyrolean Saint of China...
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old Christian was his faithful companion. n the Ladin language of the people He carried with him his bare neccesities: of the Dolomities, Frainadamez or the vestments for the Mass, the sheets, Freinademetz signifies “middle the clothes. Freinademetz was very active landslide”. Giuseppe Freinademetz, in the education of Chinese laymen and fourth of thirteen children, was born on priests. He wrote a catechism in Chinese, April 15, 1852 in Oies, a village in Val which he considered a crucial part of Badia. The area is mountainous and bortheir missionary effort. There was an outders on Austria. In the winter, the area is break of typhus in that time, and he exposed to avanlaches and landslides. After helped wherever he could, until he himattending elementary schools in Badia and self became infected. He returned to Brixen (Bressanone), from 1864 to 1872 Taikia where he died from typhus. He was ,young Giuseppe began his studies at the buried in Daijiazhuang, at the twelfth of gymnasium (high school) with the Canons Fr. Giuseppe Freinademetz the Cross...He died without ever of the Augustinian Abbey of Novacella on January 28, 1908, in Taikia in Tsining. home, returning theological just outside of Brixen. He then pursued his studies in the seminary of Brixen where he was ordained Freinademetz learned how to discover the greatness and a priest on July 25, 1875. He said his first mass in the beauty of Chinese culture and to love deeply the people parish of San Leonardo in the Val Badia. to whom he had been sent. He dedicated his life to proAppointed cooperator in his valley, between 1876 and claiming the gospel message of God's love for all peo1878 he was also a primary school teacher. During his ples, and to embodying this love in the formation of studies, Freinademetz always felt a calling to be a mis- Chinese Christian communities. He animated these comsionary. With the permission of his parents and his bish- munities to open themselves in solidarity with the surop, he moved to Steyl in the Netherlands on August rounding inhabitants. And he encouraged many of the Chinese Christians to be missionaries to their own peo1878, where he received training as a missionary. ple as catechists, religious, nuns and priests. His life was The following year he took the vow of obedience in the an expression of his motto: “The language that all peoCongregation of the Divine Word (the Verbites). ple understand is that of love.” Returning to the Val Badia, Father Giuseppe said farewell to his parents and other family members and Highly regarded in life by his Chinese confreres and then left for Rome. Here, having received the blessing members of the Christian community, he was revered as and the crucifix, the missionary’s designation, from a saint immediately after his death not only in China but Pope Leo XIII, he embarked for Hong Kong. Arriving in also in its homeland, South Tyrol. Thirty years later the the city at the gates of China between 1889 and 1881 he Diocesan Tribunal began the information and discovery was a missionary in the Chinese province of Kwantung process for the beatification. In 1974, the heroic virtues under the guidance of the Missionaries of the PIME of Fr. Giuseppe Freinademetz, Pope Paul VI proclaimed (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) in Milan. him blessed of the Catholic Church. In 2003 Pope John Assigned to a French mission, Father Freinademetz was His figure is revered in all the churches of the Badia soon appointed administrator of the Apostolic Vicariate valley and South Tyrol, but also in Austria, Germany, of Southern Schantung, attached to the German Asia and Africa. His feast day is celebrated January 28, mission. There were only a few Christian communities in the anniversary of his death or, as Christians say, of South Shantung that were not founded or supported by "birth to heaven". . Written by Alberto Folgheraiter, Father Giuseppe Freinademetz. He visited them Author & Journalist continuously. In his the early years, he didn't reside at his Editor’s Note: Yet another Tyrolean made an impact in China in residence. His home was where Christians lived. To reach the 1600’s. Fr, Martino Martini from Mori, Valargarina, cousin distant communities, he had to travel hundreds of miles. of Fr. Eusebio Chini, Jesuit, became the Father of Chinese For these trips he used a horse or a donkey. A half-blind geography opening the West to China. 11
Ladinia...the Lands of the Ladini
T
he "Ladin Dolomitan" language, in English Ladin of the Dolomites is made of several dialects, all part of the ladin linguistic group typical of the Dolomites, but also of the region Friuli and of the canton "Grigioni" in Switzerland. In Ladinia it's definitely the most spoken language, and together with other cultural characteristics (even if it is not the only one), is the common denominator between this region and the rest of the mountainous territory. The five valleys composing Ladinia are: Val Badia, where the "Badiot" is spoken, the Gardena valley with its "GherdĂŤina", the Fassa Valley (Fascian), Livinallongo (Fodom) and Ampezzo (Ampezan); with their around 30.000 inhabitants, they represent what is left of this territory, where ladin is spoken and also written, even if it was much more popular during the past. The various dialects do not differ much the one from the other and are reciprocally influenced by neighbouring languages. For example the GherdĂŤina is influenced by German and the Ampezan and the Fodom by Venetian dialect. The ladin language was born on our territory during the first century A.C.. This happened after the conquest of the Alpine region, Ladinia included, by the Romans under command of the roman chieftain Druso. Before the invasion, the inhabitants of the Dolomites were part of a very complex population, made of several different languages and cultures, among which there were Norics and Celts. Very soon the Romans attributed to the Dolomites populations the collective name of "Rhaetia". A consistent part of the Rhaethians or Rhaethian-speaking population probably descends from the Etruscans, that were forced to pull back on the mountainous Alpine arc, specifically on the eastern-central Alps, following the cruel Celtic invasions in northern Italy; while on the other side, the
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Norics, descending from the Noric region (now central Austria) also fled because of the invasions by the Ruges, the Avars and the Slavics, this time. The Romans, represented by soldiers and employed, brought with them "vulgar" latin (everyday-spoken Ladin), that, combined with the Rhaetian and Noric languages of the Dolomites gave birth to Ladin. Afterwards, German and then Italian influenced ladin too, putting the basis of the language we nowadays know. The ladin language is then composed of Rhaeto-Romanic idioms; in fact it is also called as Rhaeto-Roman language. It represents a language at all effects, independent from Italian dialects for structural and also historical reasons, and it is also known as such by many linguists, together with a European Union directive which confirmed that. Ladin is very ancient language, that anticipates the birth of many Italian dialects and that resisted to the external pressures thanks to the natural morphology which hosted it. With the migration of German peoples, the ladin language was isolated in the secondary valleys that at the time were barely reachable. Nowadays, despite the pressures coming from the Italian language, on one hand, and German on the other, the ladin language remains alive in all the five valleys and represents for many a reason of big pride, contrasting the typical difficulties the minority groups have to face very often. The ladin language survived until nowadays, also thanks to the work of linguists and ladin people, who fought for the conservation of their mother tongue ("lingaz dla uma"), and not to forget the important factor of the isolation of the ladin valleys. Today ladin language and culture identify themselves also with their regional flag.This was born on 5th May 1920 during a protest of the representatives of the ladin valleys on the Gardenia Pass. to Italy.The protest concerned the decisions of the Saint-Germain Treaty, that did not recognize the existence of the ladin people,
thousands ladins, who claimed their identity.
They claimed, of course, the rights to self-determination of the peoples, one of the fourteen points affirmed by Woodrow Wilson, together with the recognition as a separate distinct ethnic group. The ladin flag was born with horizontal stripes, starting from the top: light blue – white – green. The choice of colours fell again on these three, thinking to the Dolomites nature. Green as fields and woods, white like the snow that covers the Dolomites territory and blue like the sky that frames the massive mountain peaks of Ladinia. The flag was declared "national flag" of the ladin people and afterwards declared illegal by the fascist government. By the end of the war it showed up again on the Sella Pass together with three
The ladin language has, in the last few years, taken many important steps forward. In Val Badia, Val Gardena and Fascia Valley schools are equal with both the Italian and German language and also provide the teaching of ladin, both spoken and written, together with English. After many years the Church has taken a step in this direction as well, celebrating liturgies in ladin very often. In order to carry out a career in the public sector a language certificate, released by the Province, is necessary, to proof the knowledge of ladin, after taking a specific exam. All the official acts by public institutions, documents and toponymy are written in ladin as well. Ladinia is also provided with a newspaper "La Usc di Ladins" and with some tv and radio broadcasts in its language. Many are the publications in ladin, which, in the last few years, are supervised by the Union of Ladin people ("Uniun di Ladins"), present in each valley, together with the Institute Ladin Micurà de Rù. The latter plays a vital role in the conservation and the linguistic study of our mother tongue. Ladinia-info@ladinia.it
The Nightingale of Sassolungo
O
nce upon a time, at the foot of the He just couldn't find peace. So he finally decided Sassolungo, there was a magnifito go to the forest to find a helpful friend and cent castle inhabited by a princess confide his pains. The friend revealed to him that, of rare beauty. In addition to being in reality, that nightingale was a princess and that very pretty, the girl had the extraordinary ability he had deeply fallen in love with it. The knight, to transform, at will, into a nightingale. This privvery confused, returned to the castle and heard the sweet ilege, however, would have vanished with chirping again. Struck with girl, but she, driven by fear, the death of a mysterious person. Often took flight and ran away. the princess had wondered who this Many days passed before stranger could be, but never found an the girl found the answer. One day, while the noble damsel courage to return to the circled in the air above the Vallenosa for- fortress of Vallenosa and est, she noticed an old castle that seemed uninhabited. when she did it was too Caught by curiosity, she approached it cautiously and set- late. In fact, the brave tled on a birch branch and began to sing. A little later, a lord had died of a bromighty knight appeared at the tower window attracted by ken heart and lay the enchanting melody and remained to admire it until motionless in the center sunset. Pleased with the castle's knight’s of the courtyard. From Sassolungo interest, the nightingale princess began that day on, the princess to pay frequent visits.But however sad kept the nightingale's remains, and even today you can and melancholy the days were for the hear her enchanting melody near the Sassolungo.Written brave knight when the graceful little by Verena di Paolo, historian, author - Terlago-Val dei bird did not delight her with her song. Laghi 13
Mountains of Val Gardena
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n the Val Gardena three languages are spoken: Italian, German and Ladin, for this reason the valley is known by three different names, in addition to the Italian one: Gherdëina (ladino) and Grödental (German). The characteristic mountains of Val Gardena are the Dolomites: Sassolungo (Langkofel in German and Saslonch in Ladin), Cinque Dita (Fünffingerspitze in German, Pizes di Cin Dëic in Ladin), Sassopiatto (Plattkofel in German, Saspiat in Ladin), Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm in German, Mont Sëuc in Ladin), Odle-Puez natural park and Sciliar-Catinaccio natural park, are among the most beautiful Dolomite places and included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In particular, great mountaineering achievements have been made on the Sassolungo. The
first ascent dates back to 1869 and was completed by Paul Grohmann from Vienna, a pioneer of Dolomite mountaineering, with alpine guides Franz Innerkofler and Peter Salcher. Also in the Sassolungo group there is a characteristic mountain called Punta delle Cinque Dita, because it seems to have the shape of a hand. The first ascent was made in 1890 by Johann Santner and Robert Hans Schmitt. Santner is also famous for having climbed the
Punta dello Sciliar in 1880. All these mountains are passable thanks to numerous paths and alpine refuges: Vicenza refuge, Comici refuge, Toni-Demetz-Hütte, Friedrich-August-Hütte, Sandro Pertini refuge, Plattkofelhütte etc. There are itineraries for everyone: simple walks, long treks, demanding climbs, mountain bike excursions, via ferrata (for example: Ferrata Tridentina, Ferrata Schuster, Ferrata Pertini, Ferrata Sass Rigais, Ferrata Meisules) etc. The long tourist tradition of the valley ensures comfortable stays for everyone and easy access to the mountains. In Val Gardena there are some Alpine skiing World Cup races; famous is the Saslong slope, where downhill competitions are held and the Super G. Val Gardena has a remarkable tradition linked to winter sports and winter tourism is highly developed. Great champions such as Karolina Kostner, winner of a figure skating world championship (2012) and a bronze at the Sochi Olympics (2014) were born in this valley; Isolde Kostner, winner of two downhill World Cups and three medals at the Olympics; other athletes have excelled in other winter disciplines and the strong mountaineers and alpine guides born in Val Gardena should not be forgotten. Among the famous local personalities is the director and mountaineer Luis Trenker, born in Ortisei in 1892 and disappeared in Bolzano in 1990. Among his films, many of which have an alpine setting, but some have also been shot in the USA, they should be remembered : The Knights of the Mountain (1930), Mountains on Fire (1931), The Prodigal Son (1934), The California Emperor (1946), Leaders (1937), The Great Conquest (1938), Love Letters from Engadin (1938), The mountain rebel (1940), The mountain prisoner (1955) and many others. During his cinematographic activity he collaborated with directors such as Arnold Fanck and Fritz Lang. Written by Ricardo DiCarli, Museo della Montagna, Trento
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15
Coal Miner’s Daughter
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ho was Alice Angelina Riccadonna Dunkle? She was a coal miner’s daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a scholar, and a gourmet cook. Although she was not large in stature at only five feet tall, (5’ 2” with her ever present high heeled shoes), she was a huge presence in the lives of her family.
home built on a couple of acres in Great Falls, Virginia with a garden and horses. She taught at Flint Hill High School and George Mason University, and then worked for Editorial Experts Inc., editing papers for scientific journals focused on biology. Alice retired in 1989 when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 49.
The coal miner’s daughter was born on August 22, 1940 to Carlo Leno Riccadonna and Mabel Scolastica Serafini While Alice battled Parkinson’s in Penfield, Pennsylvania. Her father was Disease, she gracefully continued to Alice Riccadona Dunkle from the Trentino-Alto Adige region of raise her family, cook spectacular 1940-2019 Italy and was a bituminous coal miner meals, uphold family traditions and for the Shawmut Mining Company. He came home every decorate for the holidays in a unique and natural style. day from the mines with his coal miner’s hat, lunch pail She belonged to several Ballroom Dance Clubs and also and a body covered from head to toe with coal dust. took ballroom dance lessons and Italian language classes. From a very early age, Alice decided that she was going She was a proud member of the National Italian to leave that coal dust behind her, but would she? American Foundation, the Casa Italiana/Holy Rosary As a child, Alice enjoyed school, swimming at Parker Church in Washington D.C., the Audubon Society, the Dam and exploring in the “crick” behind her house. She Nature Conservancy, loved to swing on the grape vines, pick huckleberries up on Boones Mountain, smear lightening bugs on her shirt and Slow Food USA. But what truly made the coal so that it would glow and ride her bike up and down the miner’s daughter special was her love and dedication to all of her family here in America and in Italy. She steep Pennsylvania mountains. maintained strong bonds with her family in Italy, and she While life in Penfield was good, Alice recognized the always went back to the Penfield area to visit relatives, importance of education, and in June of 1958, Alice never missing a wedding, a christening, a funeral, a graduated from Huston Township High School as the holiday or a retirement party. There were many times valedictorian of her class. That fall, she started at Penn that after driving for 5-6 hours, Alice and her family State University, becoming the first woman/family would arrive at the church two minutes before the bride member to attend college. Alice earned a Bachelor of walked up the aisle - but she was there! Science degree in Biology in Dec. 1961 and a Master of Science in Botany in 1962. While a student eating in the Alice’s 30-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease ended on dining hall at Penn State, Alice met her true love John January 14, 2019. Although she is gone, and her family Edwin Dunkle. They were married on February 23, 1963 misses her immensely, she did her job. She left her special mark on each and every one of her family members. The at St. Stanislaw Church in Tyler, Pennsylvania. coal miner’s daughter arose from the coal dust of the Alice and John’s life together began in Sacramento, mines in western Pennsylvania, and it gave her a unique California, as it was the first of many assignments for strength and character that made her special. In the end, John in his 20-year career as an officer in the U.S. Air she never really left that coal dust behind her, since it Force. During the time that they were moving around on helped to shape her character and to instill a passion for assignments, Alice and John had two children – Wendy hard work, learning, and family that inspired those Dunkle Dziurzynski and Stephanie Dunkle Shapiro. whom she loved. Written by Wendy Dziurzynski. Alice also completed a PhD in Curriculum and Greenwich, Connecticut Instruction from Cornell University. John took a final assignment at the Pentagon and Alice had a beautiful
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Apfel Risotto con Timo
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ince I had never made this recipe, I called the Antica Locanda del Cervo in Jenesien (San Ginesio) in the Bozen area and was greeted in German by Maria Oberkofler. I responded in Italian (was not sure to use dialect) and after several minutes in Italian, Maria reverted to English. Well, our Italian/English dialogue resembles the Apfel Risotto recipe (Apfel is German for Apple)that is also a combination of German and Italian basics and procedures along with Sudtirol ingredients. Sudtirol is noted for its production of apples as well as apple juice and exquiste white wines. It specifies a Sudtirol apple and Sudtirol apple juice. Since none of us can find these specific ingredients in the USA, I will substitute a hearty Yellow Delicious apple and Mott’s apple juice. I had Oberkofler Family-Mother Maria Luisa and daughters Petra and Maria theyme in my garden What is really wanting would be their exquisite restaurant situated in the Sudtirol magnificent mountains. Well, here is a hint of all of that! Cook’s tip: Italy does not seem to have measuring cups or spoons while our none would teach us recipes in terms of a micolin (little) and en pugn (handful) of this or that. Grams, liters, milliliters challenge my math. Excuse my imprecision as I present a recipe with mamma’s micolin of Ingredients Apfel Risotto with Thyme Medium onion chopped Preparing . 2 tablespoons of olive oil Saute the onion in oil until colorless; add the rice 3/4 cups of white wine until transparent. Douse with white wine and 1/2 cups of arborio rice allow it to evaporate. Gradually add the vegetable 4 cups of chicken stock stock, making sure that the amount that the 1/2 cup of sugar amount you add each time is no more than the amount which has already evapo100 ml of apple juice rated. Caramelize the sugar in a pan, douse with apple juice and bring to a boil One large Yellow Delicious briefly. Cut the apples into cubes, add to the pan and bring to a boil. When the Apple risotto, is almost finished, add the apple cubes and season with parmesan, thyme 40 g of grated parmigiano A couple springs of chopped and cold butter. Garnish with apple chunks and sprigs of thyme. It serves four. thyme 50 grams of cold butter
Ingredients
Saute chopped onion in butter & oil
Add rice, white wine & broth
Douse with apple juice. Bring to a boil
Add apple cubes and bring to a boil
Add apple and thyme spring as garnish
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Carmelize the sugar
Dining room at Antica Locanda del Cervo-San Ginesio-Sudtirol
Puzzone di Moena, Cheese King!
Editor’s Note” The Filo is delighted to present a series of articles introducing and explaining the cheeses of our people. Cheese was their principle product and so vital to their survival.
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he Valleys of Fiemme, Fassa and Primiero are located in the north-eastern part of the Trentino at the foot of the Dolomites. Since the year 1000., these areas were gradually cultivated by man embracing the available fertile land from the mountain for his own survival. Over the centuries, the rural landscape of these Alpine valleys offered three Cows pasturing at a Malga levels of production corresponding to the different altihis cattle to the malga. The malga community thereby tudinal planes of their habitat: the valley floor with its created a unique herd that spent the summer on the large inhabited centers and arable land where potatoes, corn, portions of undivided high pastures on the mountain. cereals and other crops were grown; the slope of their There the cows produced milk in quantity, which was transformed into the "local" (nostrano) type cheeses produced in cheese rounds from the actual raw milk as well as whole or partially skimmed milk. At the end of the season, the cheese was then divided among the owners of the animals in proportion to the milk produced by their cows, and stored for the long months of winter. Unlike the other territories of the Trentino, the homeland of the Valleys of Fiemme, Fassa and Primiero, however, had its own peculiar characteristic. During the seamountains , dotted with meadows for hay production; soning of the cheese product, it was periodically dampthe malga which included an alpine dairy hut or structure ened with water and a small addition of salt. This housing its shepherds that accompanied the cattle, the method is referred to as the crosta lavata "washed rind” cheese maker (casaro) who converted the milk to butter that matures the cheese faster creating in a short time and cheese with his cheese making utensils and finally the very intense flavors and aromas. This flavorful cheese high pastures grazed by the livestock in the short sumenhanced the peasant fare that included the simple mer period. foods such as polenta and potatoes. It is no coincidence The dairy culture of these valleys was born on the mounthat the Ladin name attributed to this washed rind "nostrano" (ours) the expression "Spretz Tzaorì", translated “tasty cheese”.
Malga Stabio-Val delle Guidcarie tain pastures towards the end of the Middle Ages. It was the livelihood of the peoples of the Alpine Arc which includes Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, and Switzerland. At the beginning of summer, each small farmer in the valley towns assigned
The Casaro-Cheese Maker 18
It is not clear how the washed rind technique arrived in these remote valleys of the Trentino. A historical hypothesis is proposed by the writer, Wolftraud de Concini, in his publication "Non solo luganeghe (Not only Sausages) - Stories of typical Trentino products" (2002). He writes that, the Fassani, people of the Val di Fassa, before the advent of tourism worked as seasonal migrants as decorators, plasterers, painters and street musicians in Switzerland and France, where they might have found and learned the technique of washing the crust .Possibly some experimental cheesemakers had noticed by chance that by repeatedly wetting the rind with water and salt, the cheese had less waste and was tastier. This local product with its strong aromatic flavors remained for centuries an essential subsistence food source intimately linked to the survival of the peasant population. It was mainly produced in the malga and more rarely in the valley floor, where the milk of the individual farmers was not enough to produce the usual 18 pound cheese rounds. In 1873 the casello (“Dairy Cooperative”) was founded in Moena of the Val di Fassa. During the period when the cows were not in the malga pasture, they began to produce their own (nostrano) washed rind cheese for its members and stakeholders. Decades later, this locally produced (nostrano) cheese became commercialized and sold in various outlets. In 1955, the Moena Cheese Cooperative inaugurated the first cheese store selling the milk and dairy products to the public. With the increasing appreciation and desirability of the flavored local cheese, there was a need to provide a nomenclature other than “nostrano”, our local cheese. The cheese itself found a way to name itself. The dairy cellars were full of this “nostrano” stored on shelves and these cellars were suffused with its particular pungent fragrance. A trader, who had purchased a batch of the cheese rounds, asked the cheesemaker (casaro): “Everyone asks me what this Val di Fassa cheese is called. How do you want me to call it? " The cheesemaker, jokingly replied: "Since it stinks so much, call it Puzzone di Moena!". This name, which at first seemed deprecating succeeded with the consumer since the cheese itself seemed to be self-promoting immediately transmitting the characteristic peculiarity of the product. Thus was born the name "Puzzone di Moena…loosely translated..the “Stinker of Moena”. Since the 1980s, Puzzone di Moena grew in quantity, quality and consumer approval securing a strong market share. At the same time, other local (nostrano) washed rind products produced in the Cheese Cooperative or 19
dairies of the valleys of Fiemme, Fassa and Primiero became popular. In 2003, at Predazzo, there was established the Association for the designation of Denominazione di Origine Protetta (D.O.P.), the Designation of Protected Origins, the hall mark of authenticity. Puzzone of Moena was thus designated in 2015. . To date, 7 dairies producing Puzzone di Moena PDO are distributed throughout the areas of the three valleys. The production technique has been refined and the quality level has increased to meet the changing needs of the modern consumer. Puzzone di Moena DOP maintains its intimate link with its traditional areas throughout the supply chain, from feeding animals to processing raw milk and washing the rind, giving those who taste it the aromas and flavors of the mountain from which it comes from. So much that it can boast in all respects the title of "Cheese King of the Dolomites"! Written by Francesco Gubert of the Val di Ledro, Agronomist, Agricultual Consultant, Author
The Splendid Ladini...#1
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undreds of years ago the inhabitants of the Alpine valleys wore the typical attire of their valley.During the week the "work clothes" and for holidays or Sundays their festive wardrobe. In the markets or in the city valley people were recognized by the clothing of the valley they came from whether from the Sarentino Valley, from the Pusteria Valley, from Val Gardena or from some other valley. Over time, the clothes of the past have become the typical attire of each valley. Once upon a time, festive clothes were simpler. In 1800 the Gardena merchants visited the major European cities to sell the wooden sculptures and altars made in Val Gardena. From their travels, they brought some jewlery as a gift to one’s wife, bride or daughter, or precious fabrics or precious laces, which were used to embellish the festive clothing. The Val Gardena wardrobe is different from those of the neighboring valleys be it the fabrics used or their colors, or for the way they were tailored.
In the past, the people of Val Gardena wore their traditional attire for all festive occasions such as for weddings, baptisms and family celebrations. Today the festivals of the villages of Val Gardena (Ortisei, Santa Cristina, Selva, Roncadizza and Bulla) are worn on special occasions for religious processions, at inaugurations, folk parades and at some funerals (to see more photos visit the site website of the Association of Val Gardena Attire- Ortisei.www.trachtenveein.it). The Val Gardena wardrobe is very similar throughout Val Gardena, with some small differences for the children's outfits and for a male outfit called ciampac. It is worn by men in Santa Cristina and Selva. The order and intructions of how to wear the wardrobe have been handed down orally from generation to generation. The outfits require time, patience and precision, especially for women's outfit requiring an hour. 20
For the special occasion such as the "Wedding Procession", there is a reflection of how one was married once in the Val Gardena. From the church to the restaurant, the guests formed a procession with a specific sequence, which mirrored the relationship of each guest with the spouses. The procession is preceded by the "inviter" (pictured below), a character once widespread in various states of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, who had the task of inviting friends and relatives to the wedding. He would carry a long carved stick and adorned with flowers and ribbons.
The host of the wedding cortege leading the way.
Like the Val Gardena men, the godson and the younger brothers of the couple (in the photo below) wear a white linen or cotton shirt, a pair of black leather trousers with embroideries that differs from valley to valley, a pair of black leather shoes, a pair of white socks and a leather belt embroidered with peacock feathers. designs. The children in Ortisei wear a red waistcoat and green suspenders with a pleated white collar. In Selva the children additionally wear a green hat and on cold days a green or The younger sisters of the spouses and the god daughters are particularly graceful and wear the outfit, which in Ladin is called gherlanda spiza (pictured below). This name derives from the golden crown, which the girls wear on their heads. The girls also wear a white shirt with long sleeves, a lace collar and a lace apron. Above the shirt they wear a bodice, fastened in front by golden strings. In the of the corset, there rests a rigid finely embroidered bib. Like all Gardena women, the girls also wear a black wool skirt, white cotton socks and black leather shoes. The girls' attire is embellished with a horn comb (which has Spanish origins), silk ribbons and various jewels: a garnet brown jacket. In Santa Cristina, the children wear a necklace, a coral necklace, a gold necklace, and dangling brown jacket and a small hat black. TO BE CONTINearrings and a neck brooch. The silver belt is crafted and UED.Written by Patrizia Ciechi Crepaz. adorned with colored semi-precious stones that are worn by girls and other female outfits, is very particular. A cone-shaped case is hung on this belt, which in Ladin is called poscia, in which in the past women carried their utensils. On the other side of the belt hangs a horse or a lamb which is symbol of belonging to the Diocese of Bressanone.
The Crepaz Family-Parents- Walter & Patrizia (author of article) Children: Luca, Ivan & Cinzia
Editor’s Note: The festive wardrobe of the Ladini are truly splendid but also quite significant displaying their Alpine origins, the individuality of their communities and villages, the creativity of their celebrations and the assertions of their roles and functions within their orderly communities. The appointments of their wardrobes are reminiscent of their merchant travels peddling their their art and sculptures so infused with their religiosity.
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The Tyrol’s Christmas Gift to All
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t bears repeating, I truly believe in Tyrolean Exceptionalism. It was evident throughout our history and even in our emigration experiences. I have listed and delineated the evidence of this Exceptionalism many times in the Filo`. Providence had also underscored this as it skipped over Rome, London and Paris and chose our very own lands to situate the Council of Trent among us. Well, I found yet more evidence. Let me explain… I have been a “student” of Christmas for many years and
The first creche-St. Francis-painted by Giotto have done presentations about the holidays throughout the Trentino and in the NY metropolitan to a variety of audiences while displaying a uniquely different creche at my home that has often been featured in area newspapers. Unwittingly the Val Gardena made a very special historical contribution to Catholicism throughout Europe and the Americas. Let me explain…
Council of Trent- Reforming the Church the classic Gregorian chant and began the very first Christmas carols, the Laudes. Subsequently his disciples like Cimbue and Giotto ushered in the humanistic portrayal of God, his mother that was the precursor of the Italian Rennaisance. Several centuries after the Greccio episode, the presepio took form and took off in Naples, Italy which became the “Capitol of the Presepios” or creches. It had no resemblance to the poor and humble portrayal of Francis of Assisi. It was grandiose, opulent, and theatric. The figures were life like and even mechanized. The figures were clothed in lush gowns and silks. The patrons of these presepios were the King and Queen and their nobility. The poor were left out or possibly permitted to enter the palace to see the representations. Then Providence struck in the form of the Council of Trent, the new Jesuit Order and the Val Gardena. The Council of Trent which closed in 1563 was the Counter Reformation eliminating abuses and distortions in popular piety, reforming the liturgy, establishing the catechism and refreshing and updating various aspects of theology and liturgy thereby “counter-reforming”…… going head to head with Protestantism and expressing it in the art of the Baroque…
The Jesuits-Company of Jesus Francis created the very first presepio or creche in Greccio, Umbria in 1223. His humanism prompted him on a very cold Christmas Eve to gather the poor of Greccio, climb a hill to a tiny chapel and create a tableau featuring the usual players: a cow, a donkey, shepherd, a child…and warm fresh hay. He also moved away from 22
Elaborate, ornate Neopolitan creche
angels. Its productions can be found throughout Europe, the Vatican and hundreds of churches throughout the USA. Permit me a speculation…that if and when you find yourself in front one of these sculptures, you are not only prayerfully and mindfully in the presence of God but you are also in the presence of a “en toc del Tirol”… a piece of the Tyrol.
Neopolitan creche figures dressed in regal attire
Meanwhile, up in the Val Gardena, their creative sculptors broke norms and miniaturized the presepio in wood, returning them to the simplicity of Francis, making them affordable and adaptable to the houses and homes of the poor. It was new! It was novel!...and it was Tyrolean. Hofburg Diocesan Palace, Creche Museum At the time of the Council, the newly established order of the Jesuits, the Company of Jesus, organized as a If you ever are in Brixen (Bressanone), 24 miles south othe Brenner Pass, do visit the Hofburg, the Diocesan Museum. It had been the Prince Bishop’s palace. It houses the Museo dei Presepi, the Museum of the Creches. It has a collection of creches, atotal of 5000 figurines. They had been assembled by the Prince Bishop Karl Franz Lodron I day dream and wonder whether the young Ladino sculptor in the image of his work shop fragrant with aromas of the trees of the forested slopes of the Gardena mountains ….as he chiseled away at his figures Wooden creche from the Val Gardena had ever a thought that his hands were to become the military company left the confines of monasteries and instruments of Providence to edify and inspire friaries and the obligations of chanting the Divine Christians throughout the world. Cheers and blessings Office. They were streamlined, pledged as troops of the for our people. Church, ready to go. They were called God’s Marines. As the self-reforming Church with renewed norms for popular piety consigned the presepio to the Jesuits who monopolized it and used it as a didactic to win back reformed Christians and to evangelize the recently discovered lands, the Americas, the New World. The presepio, Catholic and Tyrolean, counteracted the Christmas tree, Tannenbaum, Protestant and Nordic, and started by Martin Luther. In addition, the Jesuits imposed their taste for ornamental profusion and had their hand in the development of the Baroque art…the florid, decorative, vivacious art that adorns the churches throughout the Tyrol and served as a in your face affirmation of their Catholicity in those times of Counter-Reforming. To this day and as we write, the Val Gardena embraces the Ars Sacra, Sacred Art and continues its historical craft creating images reminiscent of God, Mary, Saints and 23
Family Stories: Zia Della Bellotti
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he year was 1956 and a trip Yatesboro, a founding member of the to Italy to visit the relatives Catholic Daughters of America. She was scheduled by Mario loved the rosary and had one for each of Bellotti and his daughter, us that she used like a secret weapon when Della (Adelaide). Thankfully, they were we were in need! Written by Mary Lou not scheduled to sail on the ill-fated DeRosa, Fairfield, CT. Andrea Doria but visited the cousins Our Zia’s given name was Adelaide and returned home safely. The birth of Bellotti. We never heard anyone call her our sister, Nancy was in June of 1956 that. Her friends called her Della. All of and of course our Zia (Della) was needher nieces and nephews simply called her ed to watch my brother Bob and me. Adelaide Della Bellotti Zia as did all of our friends. There may From my earliest memories Zia was fun, 1926-2019 have been many aunts in Yatesboro, but treats, and “summer vacations” at her there was only one Zia. She was a very house with our Nono Mario. Zia made homemade pasta, special person who was always there for each of us and yummy sesame cookies, gave us love and support throughout our lives. Each of bags of pizzelles, home- us had a unique and made wine, and always wonderful relationhad a basket on top of the ship with her. If you fridge with candy and asked any one of us, gum. She loved Yatesboro each would swear that and lived in her home for we were Zia’s favorite. more than 75 years. She Although, everyone was the ultimate environ- really knew it was mentalist. Growing up John. (Or Mary Lou, Leviana, Della & Alex Bellotti during the depression, she or Bob, or Nancy, or saved jars, egg cartons and recycled everything. She had Dan, or David, or a cedar chest full of treasures, and of course when John Paul!) I was very Francesca was born, she was able to open it and unwrap fortunate to spend Zia Della-1956-on the Vulcania on her way to the christening gown she had purchased for me her god- weeks at a time with Italy child, so that Francesca, my daughter could wear the my Zia before I started school. She was home taking gown that all of my siblings and most of my nieces and care of my Nono. You can imagine how much I enjoyed nephews were to wear. We are carefully still passing it to receiving the royal treatment at Zia’s, where I was the the next generation. In later years her passion for flowers only child in the house, compared to being 1 of 5 chilwas expressed in a home full of healthy house plants and dren at home. At my house the rule was Dad had steak her yard lush with perennials that she shared with all of and the kids ate hot dogs. At my Zia’s house, my Nono us. I often went home to CT with a car filled with flow- ate steak and so did I! It was always quite a shock to go ers and seeds to back to eating hot dogs. Zia also taught me how to be plant. She would responsible. I was her errand boy. She would drive to get the shovel and the bank and I would jump out of the car to do her walk me up and banking while she waited for me. I would also go into down her yard, Palilla’s Market and pick up our groceries, as well as walk teaching, sharing into the post office to get her mail. I still remember how and digging. proud I felt knowing she trusted me doing those grown Zia had a faith that up things. Written byJohn Pagliarini, Denver, CO. NB: never wavered. She Mary Lou and John are siblings. Two of five. was often in church, Della In Yatesboro, 1942 St. Mary, Mother of God Parish in 24
Family Story: Rollandini
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y father Enrico Augusto Enrico decide his family would leave Italy Rollandini was born in to live in America. With the impending 1882. His parents were war, Emelia, now pregnant feared losing Battista Rollandini and their child. So Enrico left quickly in May Anna Prontil. They lived in Mollaro, 1913 with his wife to join him later in the Val de Non in the Tyrol. The family of United States. Soon after Enrico sailed to 13 children was starving due to America, World War I broke out. Their European scarcity. But, jobs were plendaughter, Anna Marie was born February tiful in the United States. The eldest 1914. Anna Marie’s earliest memories Rudy first immigrated to America in were of bombs dropping on her village. 1900 but returned shortly to Italy. In The bombs fell on her grandparent’s 1902, Enrico and brothers Sabino and home and tavern as she was grabbed from Carlo with friends Ralph Lucki and her bed and taken to the basement. Herman Carl Rolandini Richard Tartar sailed to USA. They Anna Marie states: After the bombings ventured to the coal industry in Bridgeport, Ohio for 7 Borgo was a disaster. Our four story house was but a shell open years until Enrico due a missing citizenship paper was to the sky. We had to sleep on straw and had little to eat. We fled conscripted for military duty as an Austrian citizen to Biella, a town near Trento. Then my mother took me to live returning to his Tyrol home in 1909 to fulfill his military with my paternal grandparents whose village was sparred. I stayed duty at the rumblings of World War I. During his time with them for six months while my mother stayed with her family in the Austrian Army Enrico stopped for a beer meeting rebuilding their home and the city. his future During WWI most travel was curtailed due to the Uwife, Emelia boats in the Mediterranean. Emelia and Anna Marie left Dietre, who for Genoa to sail to America January 31, 1920 to voyage at 22 years to America, where she remembers people crowded on worked as a the boat in the cold harsh conditions of winter including waitress in a small infant dying with a burial at sea. Anna Marie carher family ried only a small bag and her 10-inch celluloid baby doll. tavern. She Arriving at Ellis Island, New York, on February 20, gave a gift of 1920, Anna Marie was six years old with only a slip of Emelia Dietre & Enrico c.1912 chocolate to paper with their Ohio address. They boarded a train Enrico and cinched their romance. They married traveling from New York to Pittsburgh, then a train from January 29, 1913.Emelia’s parents were Carlo Dietre and Pittsburgh to Wheeling. Finally a street car to the post Maria Bonecher. They had seven children and lived in office in Bridgeport, Ohio where the Postmaster gave the town of Borgo, Valsugana in a former Carmelite Anna Marie an orange, sending for Enrico to meet his convent with a tunnel running under the street to the family after seven years!By now Enrico had obtained a church and monastery at the top of the hill. The convent small plot of land in Wolfhurst against the red creek converted by the Dietre family was their home, inn, tav- flowing from the mines. While his home was being built, ern and confectionary. The Dietre daughters all worked materials on the property were stolen, so the Rollandini as waitresses in the tavern. They danced with their family moved to the brick house next door to watch their guests for good business but dancing created tensions property. Again thievery strikes for Enrico building his with the Daughters of Mary which they belonged. family nest. His home now stands on National Road or Enrico was a member of the Knights of St George. RT#40 surveyed by a young George Washington. After marriage Enrico and Emelia worked together at Written by Herman Rollandini, Lorton, Virginia the family inn. The business was busy yet it did not make a profit. Enrico discovered someone was stealing wine from the cellar and he put ashes on the floor to identify the thief, finding it was the footprints of the landlady. These incidents with no profit incentive made 25
SURNAME SPOTLIGHT: CROSINA
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or most of the ‘common’ folk in Europe, the use of formal surnames did not become common practice until around the 1400s. But for more powerful or noble families, we often see surnames appearing a few centuries earlier. Such was the case with the Crosina family, the subject of our Surname Spotlight this month. The surname ‘Crosina’ comes from the word for ‘cross’. The earliest spellings of the surname include ‘Crosna’, ‘Crosni’, ‘Crosvi’ and ‘Crosmi’. Originally from Padova (Padua) in Veneto, the Crosina are said to have been descended from the most noble family of the Dauli (or Dotti) of Veneto. They were already socially prominent by the 12th century, when a ‘Jochelius de Crosinis’ served as consul of that city in the year 1113. A family tree commissioned by the family in the 18th century says the Crosina were consuls under the Emperor Enrico, which historian Livio Caldera believes refers to Henry III, who died in 1056, which would mean they may have been councillors in Padova in the 11th century.
La Chiesa di Santa Giustina, Balbido, Bleggio (Val Giudicarie)
Sometime in the middle of 13th century, two brothers named Ziraldo (Girardo) and Giovanni Crosina (written ‘Crosna’ in this era) fled the city to escape the tyranny of Emperor Ezzelino III da Romano, who had seized Padova in 1237, and would continue to terrorise its citizens for the next twenty years. After staying in Vicenza for a short time, the brothers then took refuge in Balbido in Bleggio (Val Giudicarie) in Trentino, where they were finally able to settle and flourish. Many of their descendants still live there to this day. In 1360, a Pietro Crosina became the first benefactor of the church in Balbido (then called Santissima Trinità, i.e. Most Holy Trinity), through a gift in his Last Will and Testament. This church would later be renamed Santa Giustina, most likely as an homage to the Crosina family, as she is one of the patron saints of their ancestral city of Padova. On the wall to the left of the main altar in the church of Santa Giustina in Balbido, there is large marble tablet dated 1664, adorned with the Crosina crest, explaining how the family came to live in there, and how grateful they are to the community. An Alberto Crosina of Balbido and his wife Margherita of the noble Castel Campo family were buried near the altar dedicated to San Vigilio in the main parish church (present-day Santa Croce del Bleggio) in 1415. In my own research, the earliest Crosina I have found mentioned in the Santa Croce parish records are a Domenico, Martino and Melchiore, all born roughly around 1500.
Plaque of the Crosina family, dated 1664, in the church of Santa Giustina in Balbido. Note the ancient family crest (stemma).
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Some of those early Balbido Crosina families adopted soprannomi, such as Bertagnini and Tosi, to distinguish themselves from one another. While ‘Bertagnini’ disappears from the records in the early 1600s, ‘Tosi’ evolved into that branch’s surname sometime around 1730, meaning present-day Tosi in Bleggio are descendants of the original Crosina.
how they arrived in Balbido. While full of gaps, scant on details, and focusing primarily on the branch of the family descended from Tommaso in Trento, it is still a fascinating glimpse into the family history.
Already part of the noble gentry well before the year 1500, the Crosina were elevated to the grade of Knights of the Holy Roman Empire by Carlo V on 26 July 1521. A branch of the family, headed by medical doctor Tommaso Crosina (born 15 July 1543), transferred to the city of Trento, where Tommaso would marry the noble Lucia Bomporto, and inherit her title of Tirolean nobility, which was elevated to the rank of Barons of the Holy Roman Empire in 1675. I have found the baptismal and confirmation records of many of the children of Tommaso and Lucia in the parish records for the Duomo of San Vigilio in the city of Trento. Tommaso and Lucia’s son Antonio Crosina (1581-1663) would become Bishop of Bressanone. This branch who were Barons of Trento eventually became extinct with the death of Simone Felice royal councillor, who, in his will in 1775, named ‘male heirs of the city of Trento’ as universal heirs of his heritage, ordering that his palace be converted into a home for orphans. This marked the beginning of the Crosina Institute, now known as Fondazione Crosina Sartori Cloch, which offers aid and housing to orphans and other children in difficulty.
18th century oil painting of the Crosina family tree, in the archives of the Museo del Castello di Buonconsiglio.
Personally, I find it interesting to reflect on the fact that, as the Crosina were not originally from Trentino, we know that anyone in the province with this surname (and the Tosi surname in Bleggio) are all descended from the two original brothers who migrated from Padova some 800 years ago. I myself have many Crosina ancestors, too. Thus, any of us who come from these lines are cousins through this historic and enduring family.
Sometime before 1687, a branch of the family migrated from Balbido to settle in Tiarno di Sotto, Valle di Ledro, in the western part of Trentino. Local historian Maria Luisa Crosina writes that many members of the Crosina family there distinguished themselves in the art of stonecutting and granite monuments, working even in the courts of Austria. She goes on to say that some of the Crosina from Tiarno moved to Arco, where there were many quarries.
Adapted from the upcoming book Guide to Trentino Surnames for Genealogists and Family Historians, by Lynn Serafinn, Trentinogenealogy.com
Reflecting the literal meaning of the surname, the original family crest was a simple red cross on a white background. Later, this evolved into a red cross on top of the stump of a tree, from which a leafy branch has sprouted, possibly representing how the family had been cut down in the 13th century and had found new life in their adopted homes in Trentino.
Editor’s Note: It was none other than the Crosina family that gave
birth to the Filo' magazine and kept it alive since 2012. Faced with the indifference of the political class of the Trentino, Giorgio Crosina of Balbido, my dear friend - and the Filo's best friend and supporter - who was then the CEO of Phoenix Information Bancaria, simply told me in dialect "Pago mi" (" I will pay."). Far more than just funding, Giorgio embraced our people and our lands as did his ancestors. He provided technical support and continual encouragement. With a daughter in the USA, he identified with the emigration experience of his relatives, his paesani... and his daughter. We are indeed grateful!
The museum of the Castello del Buonconsiglio in Trento owns an interesting 18th century oil painting illustrating the Crosina family tree in their archives depicting the family’s Padova origins and
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G ENEALOGY C ORNER #10
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hese days, the topic of DNA tests and genealogy seem to be almost synonymous in many people’s minds. But these two sciences are hugely different. A few of issues ago, I described the purpose of different kinds of DNA tests. Today I would like to discuss the common misconceptions about DNA tests, and why they cannot replace traditional genealogy.
from their shared ancestors to their children. This is called a “pedigree collapse”. As people in the past typically married within their own locality, collapses occur throughout all of your ancestry, no matter where your ancestors came from.
But DNA tests cannot know if (or where) such pedigree collapses occur in your tree. They can only look at your raw data and compare it with someone else’s. Collapses (especially multiple ones) can often cause your What Many People Imagine About DNA Tests predicted DNA relationships to be closer than they actuMany people I meet believe a DNA test can tell them ally are (e.g. it might say 4th cousins, but you are really about their ethnicity, find living relatives, or provide 6th cousins). Only genealogy can identify the true relagenealogical information, i.e. names and details about tionship. specific ancestors. But while DNA tests can occasionally provide answers (at least partially) to some of these ques- Discovering Your Common Ancestors tions, I feel many of these hopes are based on misleading If someone is your 6th cousin, it means you share 5X suggestions in advertising and television programmes. great-grandparents. Most of my 5X GGPs were born around 1680-1710. While my own family tree goes back much further than that, if my DNA “cousin” hasn’t The greatest success in DNA testing is in reconnecting done the same level of research, it is unlikely we will figadoptees with their biological parents or siblings. For ure out how we are related. Again, DNA cannot fill in such close biological relationships, DNA testing can the blanks of our family trees; only genealogy can do be extremely effective. Genetic relationships up to 2nd this. cousins or so are fairly easy to identify using DNA tests. DNA Tests Can Also MISS Blood Relations Of course, there is one important condition: BOTH DNA transmission is quite random. Two people might parties need to have done a DNA test through the indeed share common ancestors, but they may not have SAME testing provider. There are some databases inherited the same genetic material from them. For that (such as GEDMatch) that enable people who tested reason, testing sites can often fail to identify people who through different companies to upload their raw DNA are actually related to you, especially if the connection is and compare it with other members, but again you canmore distant. Again, the only way to identify these not find a connection to someone who hasn’t also been cousins is through genealogical research. tested and uploaded their DNA to that specific site.
Finding Close Relations Through DNA Tests
Distant Cousin Relationships Most testing companies will provide you a list of “DNA Matches” or “DNA Relatives”, with a predicted relationship between you, based on the amount of genetic material you share. But once you get past 2nd cousins, these numbers are widely variable, meaning your predicted relationships will not be mathematically straightforward. This is why you will see wording like “predicted relationship of 4th to distant cousins”.
Closing Thoughts DNA testing companies know we are an impatient, “want-it-now” society. But genealogy requires patience, attention to detail, and a passion for solving puzzles. I hope I have shown how DNA testing is no quick and easy substitute for traditional research. Next time, we’ll look at the subject of DNA ethnicity reports. Until then, I invite you to read more about this subject at TrentinoGenealogy.com, and to join our thriving Trentino Genealogy group on Facebook.
How Pedigree Collapses Can Blur Predictions LYNN SERAFINN is an author and genealogist specializing in rd If your 4X great-grandparents were 3 cousins, it the families of Trentino. Her father was born in Val Giudicarie in means they BOTH would have passed on bits of DNA 1919. 28
Tales of a Puppeteer...Burattini
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have been a puppeteer and story teller for almost thirty years presenting my first performances as a young boy. Upon finishing my education, puppeteering became my work and livelihood. During my career I have orchestrated many performances with glove puppets, stick puppets and marionettes. My literary pattern and concentration is the fairy tale. In my work, I sometimes focused on the fairy tales of various authors such as Carlo Gozzi's "The Love of the Three Melarances" (Tolerances) or Wilhelm Hauff's "The Cold Heart". At times I have written some my own sketches (based on the structure and style of the classic fairy tale). Often the inspiration came from traditional fairy tales ("I Capelli dell'Orco"(Orc-an Under World god or demon) or "Hansel and Gretel"). 15 years ago, Dr. Giovanni Kezich, the Director of the Museum, invited me to stage one of my performances at the museum. In the planning of my show I immediately realized that the Museum’s rooms, courtyards and cloister were not suitable to assemble my theater staging and present my stories as I had done in the many other venues where I had previously performed. Performing at the museum would oblige me to adapt to the appointments of the museum`s environment. Working there meant being guided by the suggestions of the various places, by the presence of the objects on display, by the beauty of the hydraulic machines that were brought and rebuilt there. It was the museum that lent itself to becoming a great stage. And the stories could not have been the fairy tales of a generic European tradition. They must necessarily have been part of that specific alpine tradition that permeated all the objects collected in the Museum. I then resumed the task that I had pursued many years earlier of re-reading and studying the tales and legends which I read in the books written by such authors as Šebesta, de Rossi, Schneller. These stories had been told verbally for centuries by the grandmothers to the grandchildren in their filò evening gatherings in their villages. Of this heritage of oral stories, however, there remained now only a few faint among the elderly, while the youngest had never heard of them. A show at the museum could and should therefore become an opportunity to bring fairy tales out of books and give them back the original strength of the oral tradition. I chose such stories that more than others lent themselves to an animated staging with puppets. These were stories where fantastic and disturbing figures
appeared alongside reassuring figures of peasants, shepherds and millers. These figures include “Om Selvadech” (the Wildman) who while seemingly horrible and frightening was kindly disposed as well. Then there was the mischievous and spiteful Salvanèl capable of appearing and disappearing quickly in the woods. There was Anguane, the water women who could sometimes marry and bond with "humans", always capable of reverting to being single and return to her previous environment. Finally, there was Bregostana, another wild woman and witch morphing and switching between being kind and/or being terrible and fierce. The experiment was successful. The stories, which remained untold for decades in books, were revived and became popular and appreciated finding a new audience ready to listen as they were told aloud to them. Since then the show has become a permanent part of the museum's educational curriculum and every year a thousand children of kindergarten and primary schools come to the museum and visit its rooms replete with the narration of fairy tales and the legends of the Dolomites.Over the years, the collaboration with the Museum has also led to the development of other educational and entertainment curricula which includes a journey to discover the tales of Šebesta, founder of the Museum and writer of children stories, and the staging of the myth of Faust written by Tullio Kezich (a famous italian writer and film critic). In the days when I am writing, we are isolated at home due to the quarantine caused by Covid-19, but we have still managed to keep this storytelling alive, offering a show, live from the Venetian sawmill, which can still be found on the Facebook page of the Museum and on the YouTube channel of Luciano Gottardi. Written by Luciano Gottardi, Gardolo, Trentino
Luciano Gottardi performing with one of his burratini (puppets)
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Our Wines...Schiava
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ing! Ding! Wine Class begins! Filo` will begin a series of “lessons”, “introductions” of our historic wines. While our busy Americanlives do not allow us to make wine, so many of our emigrants to the USA did indeed made their own wines and then from the grape remnants made our special elixir: Grappa.
The term “Vernaccia”, and consequently also “Vernatsch”, comes from the Latin root verna which stands for a slave that was born in the house of the master. This developed into vernacula (for a local variety) and subsequently vernaccia. It may therefore be the case that the term “slave” represents the connective element for the various names of the same variety in both German and Italian. Dessert wines that could not be stored for a long time were also called Vernatsch in Tyrol. As a result of the way it was produced, it also carried the name of Sacklwein (bag wine). The fact that a white must is used for this pretty much says everything. In conjunction with Alto Adige, the name Vernatsch appears in 1490 in a wine bill from the Bavarian monastery of Tegernsee, which at the time possessed extensive wine cellars in Bolzano and also later in Oltradige. From the same monastery, there was an evaluation of varieties from 1492 in which Muscat, Lagrein, and “Vernetzer” are described as the best grape varieties inTyrol. What is not known is whether the Lagrein and Vernatsch varieties of that time were red or white grapes, since it has been show that during that period, the name was used for both kinds of wine. The independent variety of White Vernatsch (in German, Weißvernatsch; in Italian, Vernaccia bianca) was very widespread up to the nineteenth century in the Adige Valley to the south of Bolzano. Reports from the nineteenth century confirm earlier indications according to which a radical change took place in wine production between the sixteenth and seventeenth century. The fermentation of the pressed juice that was customary in the Middle Ages was superseded by fermentations with the skins and seeds, the classic method for producing red wine. The consequence of this was that the red, large-berry varieties such as Schiava and Gschlafene were increasingly cultivated. A list of varieties from Origin The origin of the Schiava (Vernatsch) varieties in Alto
Adige continues to be uncertain. The search for its beginnings is made more difficult because of the different names in German and Italian. The Italian name “Schiava” is derived from the former growing method that was closer to the ground, which at the time of the Langobard rule in what is now Northern Italy was referred to as vineis sclavis [slave vine]. This was in contrast to the high majores growing method on trees. As a result of this, the thesis is false that “schiava” (“slave” in English) could refer to a Slavic origin. Different grape varieties throughout all of what is now Northern Italy bore this name, also including white varieties. With the exception of some scattered cases in Lombardy, these have all disappeared. As a varietal name, the designation Schiava appeared for the first time in the year 1195 in Brescia. During the time of the Langobards, the main production areas were presumably to the west of Lake Garda. Why it is that the variety took on the name Vernatsch in German, which stems from the broadly diffuse varietal indication Vernaccia in Italy, is not clear. Vernaccia was already a sought-after white wine as early as the Middle Ages and was originally produced in Liguria. It may be that the name was provided by the village of Vernazze in CinqueTerre. Today, the white varieties of Vernaccia di San Gimignano (in Tuscany) and Vernaccia di Oristano (in Sardinia) still exist, as does the red Vernaccia from Serrapetrona (in Le Marche). Also adding to the confusion surrounding the name “Vernatsch” is the so-called “Gschlafenen”. This consists of an ancient grape variety in Tyrol that was very widespread, including in Alto Adige, up to the twentieth century and yielded wines that are similar to The name “Gschlafenen” unambiguously originates from the German word for “slave”, Sklave. In Trentino, though, this same variety was called Rossara, another name that is repeatedly found in the wine literature of Northern Italy.2/2 Schiava a considerable winegrowing estate Schiava. in Bolzano from 1643 listed not only the “black (dark-colored) Vernatsch”, but also an edlen Vernatsch (“noble Vernatsch”). Whether this consists of a white Vernatsch or a predecessor of today’s Großvernatsch, which also carries the synonym of Edelvernatsch, is not known. he Trollinger variety in Württemberg corresponds to the Großvernatsch. The name is probably a derivation from “Tirolinger” (“coming from Tyrol”).
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The designation was mentioned in a document for the hectares/370 acres), and Appiano (93 hectares/230 first time in 1560 and must have been used originally in acres), along with the communities around Merano (87 the Rhineland Palatinate. hectares/214 acres). In the Bassa Atesina, Schiava is culOver the course of three centuries, up to the beginning tivated above all else in Termeno (69 hectares/171 acres) of the twentieth century, the so-called “Tyrolean wine” and Cortaccia (30 hectares/74 acres). Outside of Alto was very famous in German-speaking Europe. The Adige, Schiava is found primarily in the neighboring Schiava (Vernatsch) was only one part of this wine Trentino (241 hectares/596 acres and Lombardy (50 brand, because varieties such as Gschlafene, hectares/124 acres). Otherwise, the variety only plays a Edelschwarze, and Lagrein were also used. The predom- central role in the German cultivation zone of inance of Schiava began with the interim occupation of Württemberg (2230 hectares/5510 acres), where it is Tyrol by Bavaria in 1810. Because the demand for wine called “Blauer Trollinger”. Vines The Großvernatsch of grew quickly, the high-yielding Schiava varieties were today has very large, pyramid-shaped bunches with likeincreasingly cultivated. Distribution Schiava vines con- wise large, dark blue grapes. The color changes into graytinue to play a central role in Alto Adige winegrowing. ish blue if the natural growth layer that covers the grape Over the past thirty years, though, the cultivated area has skin is maintained. The skin of the berry is soft, which is shrunk continuously. Although in 1970, 68 percent of why that variety is also treated as a table grape in the the grape growing areas were planted with Schiava, that Burgraviate. Since the yield potential is high, the vineis currently only 12.5 percent, namely 684 hectares (1690 yards are thinned or else the grapes are reduced by half. acres) of Schiava and only 12 hectares (30 acres) of Thanks to the decrease in the area of cultivation, today Schiava Grigia (Grauvernatsch). Schiava achieved its Schiava is cultivated almost exclusively in the locations greatest distribution during the postwar period, thanks that are best suited for it, with warm microclimates and above all to the high demand from Germany, good ventilation. These are terraced slopes with deep Switzerland, and Austria. The differentiation into soil located between 400 and 500 meters (1,300 and Großvernatsch, Kleinvernatsch, and Grauvernatsch has 1,600 feet) above sea level that cool down well at night. only existed since the nineteenth century. They presum- This promotes the aromatic expression and prevents too ably consist of independent varieties that provide a sim- great of a reduction in the acidity levels. This variety ilar type of wine. The three varieties were originally also tends to mature late. In order for the large bunches to be indigenous in three different subregions: Großvernatsch able to hang free, the traditional growing method on the in the Burgraviate (near Merano), Kleinvernatsch in pergola trellis is maintained for Schiava. This trellising Oltradige and in Bolzano, and Grauvernatsch (Schiava system also offers protection against sunburn and mild Grigia) in the Santa Maddalena area. Today, Vernatsch hail. In addition, the pergola trellis also accommodates wines are made almost exclusively from Großvernatsch. the hanging shoot growth of the variety. What is unusual Pure plantings of rauvernatsch or Kleinvernatsch are for a red wine variety is that in the autumn, the leaves of only found on a cultivated area of around 20 hectares (49 the vines turn a bright yellow color. acres). The DOC wine legislation allows the designation Schiava grapes yield light, accessible wines with rather of origin Alto Adige along with the indication of the low tannins and acidity. Thanks to these properties, grape variety Schiava or Vernatsch. However it is more they have an elegant effect and are ready to drink when common to find on the labels of the bottles the tradi- young. The bright, ruby-red wines have their own aromas that are reminiscent of sweet cherries, red currants, tional geographical indications of Santa Maddalena, Lago di Caldaro, and Merano (Colli) without providing raspberries, and even strawberries and pomegranates. the variety, even though these are pure Schiava wines. Submitted by Thomas Auschöll, IDM Sudtirol The traditional blending partner Lagrein is only used now in the smallest amounts. Even with Santa Maddalena, it is only blended in to a maximum of between four and ten percent. Around 90 percent of the Schiava vineyards are located in the delimited zones of Santa Maddalena, the Burgraviate (Meranese), and Lago di Caldaro. The most important growing locations are Bolzano (152 hectares/376 acres), Caldaro (150 31
Nos Dialet # 22 ...
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While the teaching of our dialects is quite challenging if not impossible, understanding the origins and development of the language of our people is revealing since it provides insights into the persona of our people. Language, its words, its sounds, its references reveal how they thought and felt in the interchange with each other. While the Sudtirol valleys of Gardena, Badia and Underland, while the Trentino valleys of Fassa, Cembra, Non, Sol, Rabbi, while the Veneto area of Ampezzo are now the true “Ladinia” (see article) where the language is still spoken. Historically speaking, the “Trentini” dialects of the valleys such as Rotaliano, the Giudicarie ( Rendena, Chiese and Giudicarie Esteriori) and even Vallagarina were truly ladin in more remote times. They were progressively “Italianized” or more accurately “Venetianized” as a result of the Irredentist politics of those times. In fact, there was a continuum starting in Switzerland (Grischun / Rumantsch), continuing with Tyrol (Anaunia/Ladinia) & ending in Friuli (Furlan / Carnia.
prompts us to focus on our common heritage that can enlighten, clarify and strengthen our own identity in the understanding of the forces of Italianization vs. Germanization that created a fake ethnic divide between a population that lived together for at least 1000 years as a united nation. Our sole observer and chronicler of our original emigrant community for 22 years, Fr. Bonifacio Bolognani of the Courageous People from the Dolomites, born in 1923, schooled in “italianized” schools, moving among us for 22 years, tried to discern whether we were the Trentino Italians as he was, declared us Tyrolean since we were 1000 years under German sovereignty. He finally understood who we were and declared that we were indeed Tyroleans who had a thousand consecutive years under the theocracy of the Principato with its Prince Bishops and then the Catholic Empire of Austria Hungary.
The Filo` is constantly searching and discovering who we were. It is a challenge. Our families left as emigrants while the Tyrol was was coopted and separated from those who left by an imposition of a new culture and a These insights and comments were presented to me by a new politic. It surpressed the past and us who belonged dear friend of the Filo` and a scholar, David Tomasi who to that past expecting us to become what they became embodies our whole historical Tyrol with a mom from while forgetting who we actually were... the Trentino and a dad from the Sudtirol. His narrative LISTEN TO THE DIALECT:Consider making the effort to go the website to hear the sounds and nuances of how our people communicated. Website: http://www.museosanmichele.it/alfabeto-delle-cose/
DIALECT SHOW & TELL #1 La Cosina-the Kitchen Let’s look to the illustrations on the opposite page, observe their labels of the items. Starting from the top and going left to right…We will cite the dialectal word in the illustration and literally translate it into English. Fogolar-the fire place Parol (over the fire)/pot Banca del foch-bench flanking the fire Moi-pinchers Paleta, pala dal foch, dale brase-ash shovel Sopion-fire stoker Cadena dal frogar- dal foch-fire chain Anel-chain linkRampin-pot holder Gradela-grate Marmita -pot Manach-handle
Brusin/brustolin-coffee & orzo toasters Pugnata-pot Manecia-.handle Scandia-Credenza Cogoma-Coffee pot Ramina-Brass Pot Caza-Ladle PadelaPugnata-pot Raspet-scraper Trepe`….3 feet 32
Cavra dal foch-goat of the fire (andirons) Pala-oven peel Caset-drawer Quert,coert-Pot Cover Cazdrel,Casdel-copper pot(water) Cop-cup Cochirol-coffee spout Pegol-foot (on a pot) Lavec-Bronze pot with 3 feet Pila,Pilota-granite pestle used to grind coffee, toasted orzo & grains
The illustrations opposite this page are those of Helene Lageder; they appear in the Dizionario del Dialetto di Montagne di Trento of Corrado Grassi, produced and distributed by the Museo degli Usi e Costumi della Gente Trentina, San Michele all`Adige
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Our Partners are . . . Alberto Chini, Presidente of Father Eusebio Chini Museum, Segno Italy Alberto Folgheraiter- Author, journalist and specialist in Trentino culture, Trento Christian Brunelli. Teacher & Technical Consultant, Cornwall, NY Alexander DeBiasi, Trentino Marketing Ricardo DiCarli-Biblioteca della Montagna-Trento Verena dePaoli, author, Terlago Tomaso Iori, Museo della Scuola, Rango, Val delle Giudicarie Giorgio Crosina-Director-Phoenix Informatica Bancaria, Trento Luca Faoro- Museo degli Usi e Costumi della Gente Trentina. San Michele Daniela Finardi, Communications Dept.- Museo degli Usi e Costumi della Gente Trentina. San Michele David Tomasi, University of Vermont
Our Contributors are . . .
CONSIDER.. Possibly Walt Disney was thinking of the Val Gardena when his Pinnochio film begins showing tall snow covered mountains and alpine chalets where Gepetto is a wood carver and his Pinnochio has a Tyrolean hat and wearing leiderhosen...The Pinnochio story had been written by the Italian writer Collodi..mmmmmm
Roberta Agosti-Azienda di Soggiorno e Turismo Bolzano Thomas Auschöll-IDM Suditirol Patrizia Ciechi Crapaz-VP Associazione Costumi Gardenesi Ricardo DeCarli, Museo della Montagna, Trento, Italy Christina DeMetz- DOLOMITES Val Gardena / Gröden Verena DePaoli-author, Terlago, Val de Laghi Sandra Comploj-President- Associazione Costumi Gardenesi Mary Lou DeRosa, Fairfield. CT. Wendy Dunkle Dziurzynski-Docent, Greenwich, CT. Luciano Gottardo, Pupeteer, Gardolo, Italy Alberto Folgheraiter-Author, Journalist Francesco Gubert- Agronomist, Agricultural Consultant, Author Johanna Kostner, Music teacher, Cor di Jëuni Gherdëina Maria Oberkofler-Antica Locanda del Cervo-San Ginesio-Suditirol John Pagliarini-Denver, CO. Sandra Rafreider-Neustift Samuel Runggaldier-Director- Cor di Jëuni GherdëinaDid you know that the grandparents of Daniel Quitta-Ars Sacra 1875 Ferdinand Stuflesser Kevin Costner were emigrants from the Herman Rolandini-Lorton, VA South Tyrol!!!!! Lynn Serafinn- Author, marketing consultant, and geneiologist Martina Spinell- Azienda di Soggiorno e Turismo Bolzano Photo Credits Cover: Val Gardena Marketing; Intro to Gardena: Val Gardena Marketing; Andrea Costa. Azienda di Soggiorno e -Turismo Bolzano; pg 4-5Val Gardena Marketing pg. 6: Stuflesser Ars Sacra; pg.7 Johanna Kostner; Pgs. 8,9.10 Stuflesser Ars Sacra; pg. 12-13 Ladinia; pg. 14-15 Stefan Green; Patrick DeMetz;Whithaler; Diego Moroder; Fabrizia Postiglione pag. 18-19 Francesco Gubert pg. 20-21 Assicuazuibe Costumi Gardenesi co ; Sandra Rafreider pg. 29 Luciano Gottardi; pg 30-31 Sandra Rafreide-Neustift
Attention Readers: Be aware of our website filo.tiroles.com where you will find 23 editions of the past editions of the Filo` detailing the history, culture and customs of our valleys and people. It is our virtual library and resource for both new and old readers. Remember to recruit and prompt family members, relatives and paesani who are not yet registered to register for the Filo`. Direct them to the website to register so that they can discover who they are by learning who they were. 35
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