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Ferragosto

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Pinball22 (talk | contribs) at 17:37, 10 April 2007 (Added to Holidays and Italian culture categories.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Ferragosto is an Italian holiday celebrated on August 15. This date was chosen because it is traditionally believed by Roman Catholics to be the day when the Blessed Virgin Mary was bodily assumed in to Heaven.

Prior to the existence of the Roman Catholic Church, however, this holiday was celebrated in the Roman Empire to honor the gods--specifically Diana--and the cycle of fertility and maturity. In fact, the present name of the holiday is taken from its original title of Feriae Augusti.

Close to the entire month of August is taken as vacation and leisure time in Italy in honor of this holiday.

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