La Trinacria

Sicily (Sicilia) is the biggest island in the Mediterranean, separated from the mainland by the strait of Messina. Sicily was known by the Romans as Trinacrium, meaning “star with three points.” La "Trinacria" is a 3 legged woman referenced as the symbol of Sicily.

The symbol is the head of Medusa (a head of snakes) surrounded by three bent running legs and three stalks of wheat. The three bent running legs represent the three capes of Sicily: Peloro (Punta del Faro,

Messina – northeast), Passero (Syracuse – south) and Lilibeo (Marsala – west). The three stalks of wheat represent the fertility of the land (the breadbasket of Italy).

The Medusa head in the middle of the Trinacria implies protection by Athena, the patron goddess of Sicily.  It is composed of the head of the Gorgon, whose hair is entwined serpents with ears of corn, from which radiate the three legs bent at the knee. The Gorgon is a mythological figure who was each of the three daughters of two Gods of the sea. The Three daughters were Medusa, Stheno (“strong”), and Euryale (“the large”). Medusa was mainly known for her ability to turn mortal men to stone with one gaze. But the goddess was also known for her help to fight the forces of evil.

The triangular shape came to be in the center of the Sicilian flag in 1943 during WWII and symbolized a plan to help Sicily become independent and a free republic. The symbol made its debut on syracusan coins in the fourth century B.C.

Nowadays, the Trinacria is found on everything from ceramics to fashion houses and represents a unique passion and ties to our Sicilian culture.

Shop my Trinacria Necklace here

La Ruota Del Caretto Siciliano

One of the most recognizable symbols of Sicilian folklore, the Sicilian cart (carretto siciliano) is an ornate, colorful horse- or donkey-drawn cart that originated in the early 19th century in Sicily to transport goods. Carts were used for hauling miscellaneous light loads, such as produce, wood, wine, and people, called “Carretto del Lavoro” (cart for work) and also carts for festive occasions such as weddings and parades called “Carretto de Gara’. The wheels were very light and very high in order to overcome the trecherous terrain of the mountainside. The colors of Sicily's flag, yellow and red, feature prominently on the carts. Nowadays, the wheel has become an iconic symbol in the world of jewelry. Shop my necklace here!

The Traditional Sicilian Cart

One of the most recognizable symbols of Sicilian folklore, the Sicilian cart (or carretto siciliano in Italian and carrettu sicilianu in Sicilian). It is an ornate, colorful horse- or donkey-drawn cart that originated in the early 19th century in Sicily to transport goods.

The Sicilian cart, just like every working tool, is closely related to the historical and economic history of the island.

The history of the Sicilian cart goes back to the early nineteenth century. The bourbon government in 1830 opened big roads for communication for military reasons. Those were enlarged natural tracks with very steep hills and road elbows, with holes and subjected to landslides. That is why the Sicilian cart was created: with very high wheels it was able to overcome the obstacles on those roads. Horses were mostly used in the city and flat plains, while donkeys or mules were more often used in rough terrain for hauling heavy loads. Carts were used for hauling miscellaneous light loads, such as produce, wood, wine, and people, called “Carretto del Lavoro” (cart for work) and also carts for festive occasions such as weddings and parades called “Carretto de Gara’. The Carretto is like the ‘taxi’ or ‘truck’ of today.

Different craftsmen are involved in the construction of a carretto, each with his own task. The first stage is the work of the ‘carradore’, the person who builds the cart, carves the decorations and prepares the wheels. Then there is the blacksmith, who forges the metal parts. Finally, the painter adds color and liveliness to the cart, through intricate geometric designs and scenes depicting chivalrous, mythological, historical or novel-esque gestures.

The colorful decorations cover various subjects , from the sacred images of the Virgin Mary or the Saints , to episodes of romances, from folk epic, scenes of everyday life to historical events. These wonderful examples of popular culture of the Island can be admired especially during folk festivals. The feast of S. Alfio, in Trecastagni (Catania) is one of the best known.

These scenes also served the purpose of conveying historical information to those who were illiterate. The colors of Sicily's flag, yellow and red, feature prominently on the carts. The animals pulling the carts are often elaborately adorned as well.

With the advent of motorization in the Sicilian countryside in the mid-20th century, the use of the carretto became obsolete; today, it is considered an art object, carefully crafted and often used to decorate interior spaces and as artistic jewelry .

- Italy Magazine