IT 
History - Topography and general condition of the country
Gizzeria is a small town located on the "Micatundo" hill, 630 meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea, an ancient fiefdom of the Knights of Malta. Over the centuries it has undergone a gradual transformation, if we look at its position we can see houses leaning against each other like a picturesque nativity scene. An extraordinary panorama is the backdrop on the Gulf of S. Eufemia, which extends from Pizzo Calabro to Capo Suvero.
And here is the historic center, bordered by very narrow streets, by old houses with many characteristic external stairways, with the two parish churches such as the Church of San Giovanni Battista and that of SS. Annunziata firm evidence of a past rich in "history".
The surrounding area has a very flourishing vegetation, with hills, valleys, olive groves, vineyards and trees, which extend over a soil suitable for almost all crops, from chestnuts to olive trees, to orange trees. The nature of the soils is clayey, calcareous and mixed, thanks to which tiles, bricks and lime can be obtained.
This is not all, a few kilometers from the center three streams flow such as the "Casale", the "Tridattoli" and the "Zinnavo"; the first flows from the right side of the inhabited center, the second arises from the Mancuso Forest entering the Tyrrhenian Sea; the last with the Casale enters the waters of the "Maricello".
The territory is bordered to the east and south by the countryside of S. Eufemia, Lamezia and Sambiase; to the west with the feuds of Falerna and with the countryside of Castiglione Marittimo, to the north with the mountains of Nocera Tirinese, Conflenti and Martirano.
From the outset, the lack of industries in the neighboring area made Gizzeria a purely agricultural town, which is why the inhabitants of the area profited only from what the land could offer, obtaining a fair amount of wine, potatoes, barley, citrus fruits and legumes .
After some time, the agricultural sector also began to be scarce, causing quite a few problems for its inhabitants, due to a massive lack of workers and women, who in the past had mainly been involved in the collection of olives and figs.
With the explosion of the emigration phenomenon, the inhabitants were induced to reach other more profitable destinations such as northern Italy and abroad, leaving the lands to the most terrible degradation and abandonment.
Not negligible fact, since within a few years, what represented the main economic source of a country, was now slowly drifting. These people would never have left their beloved land if taxes, linked to a meager income, as well as the lack of industries, would not have forced them to take this important step.
Today many of these live with their children in northern Italy, Canada, Australia and the United States, but they continue to be tied to their origins, often returning to their native land, even to spend short holidays.
History - Etymology of the name of Gizzeria
Going back to the etymology of the name, we can say that initially Gizzeria was called "Izzaria". An extremely ancient center of the Byzantine age, it was destroyed by Saracen raids, later it was called "Yussaria" thanks to a single document which certifies it, the diploma which dates back to 1062 concerning the foundation of the Benedictine Abbey in S. Eufemia.
The origin of the word is uncertain, it probably comes from the Greek "Izwsios" which means "I sit, I am placed, I am near the river".
The first name in the Byzantine period derived from "Izzaria", changed by the Normans into "Yussaria", then in 1510 by the Albanians, into "Jzaria", changed for phonetic reasons into "Jazzaria" or "Jizzeria", and finally in 1753 into Gizzeria. One thing is certain, the word is not Albanian since there is no confirmation in that country.
Toponymy scholars such as Prof. Alessio Giovanni in his Calabrian toponymy essay derives Gizzeria from "gipsum" (gypsum) that is to say chalk quarry. From "Gipseria" there was the passage by assimilation of the "p" with the "s" Gisseria, Gizzeria, if the name had been given by the Albanians.
In reality, at the time there were no quarries in the town, but only after 1638 with the aggregation of Gizzeria di S. Eufemia do we find the "Granato" district which bears the name of the owner. In this district there were gypsum quarries but they are currently closed.
History - Gizzeria, an Albanian colony and its events
In 981 "Izzaria" was destroyed by the Saracens, only the Monastery of San Nicola survived and the few local inhabitants continued to live in small agricultural houses on the land of the Knights of Malta. This territory was called "Casale" as it was inhabited by a few people and depended on the University of S. Eufemia.
Later it was populated by Albanians and mercenaries who came to southern Italy to put down the revolt of the Calabrian barons, who had lined up against the king of Naples, Alfonso I of Aragon, lord of Sicily and Sardinia. The first Albanians who occupied the Casale belonged to the first transmigration, called "Ondata Reres". These settlers, poor, rough, little inclined to respect, invaded everything they encountered in their raids, devastating the countryside, all this to get the food necessary for survival, so they were always ready to commit robberies, thefts, damage. Their life took place in miserable thatched huts, before obtaining a permanent home. Their behavior was increasingly disrespectful, even though they lived in the fief, they refused to respect the entire feudal power. Exasperated, the members of the Commandery of Malta turned, through harsh protests, to the Government held responsible, as the advocate of their arrival in their jurisdiction.
The dispute ended in favor of the Commandery of Malta, before the Roman Curia, in those days Pope Julius II was Pope. Around 1510, the Albanian refugees were prevented from returning to their land, so they were forced to accept vassalage, and the colony was called "Casale d'Izzaria".
From that moment the Albanians began to have privileges, such as the possession of free land, they began to build poor houses in the lower part of the town called "Ruga Suttana" up to the upper part, without giving importance to order and taste aesthetic, so many hovels sprang up scattered around the feud.
Even inside, these houses were not very beautiful and not very hospitable, since they were simple, small and rough, square in shape on the ground floor, and were built with rudimentary means such as stones, clay and lime, without floors and plaster. Unfortunately, sometimes they also served as an asylum for the animals. They were a people mainly dedicated to hunting and sheep farming, and little predisposed to work in the fields, in fact, the attempts of the Commandery of Malta were in vain, despite the fact that many lands had been made available to them to clear them and then cultivate them.
History - University of Gizzeria and its Administration, also judicial
Only between 1558 and 1573 did Gizzeria da Casale become a "University", finally now it could boast its own administration, as a veteran of a past lived under the jurisdiction of S. Eufemia from the point of view of spiritual and temporal power. With the establishment of an internal organization, Parliament was formed, headed by those who were regularly registered in the annual "fiscal coupon", this met in the town square whenever it was necessary to discuss in the interests of all citizens, and was presided over by Local government, representing the King's Government.
The University was made up of many important figures, each with their own competence and responsibility, the people publicly appointed two auditors, who examined the accounts of the Treasury and of the ceased administrators; then there was the chancellor of the University and two Portolani, who took care of the cleaning of the internal and external roads of the inhabited center, and finally a scribe in charge of the general register of taxes.
The Parliament every year in May elected two Mayors, one of the Nobles, the other of the people. All these formed the municipal administration called "Officiales Universitatum", which governed the country freely for about a year. Decisions were taken by secret ballot, but the decision of the Mayor, who was assisted by the Governor, increasingly prevailed.
Instead, as far as Justice was concerned, there were the Administrative Officers, called "Mastridatti" whose competence was to write acts of Justice, denounce oaths and exercise those rights reserved to the Sovereign.
And finally the Justice of the Peace, the current Praetor, the Judex annalis administered civil justice but was abolished in 1701.
History - Gizzeria Lido
Once S. Eufemia Marina, it became Gizzeria Lido only in 1961 at the request of the municipal administration. This locality is a large flat area, enhanced by the introduction of industrial crops such as sugar beet which has created prosperity in the surrounding area, inhabited since the Neolithic era. Over the years this area has become an important tourist resort, starting with a substantial building development. Furthermore, the beach that stretches for over ten kilometers pays homage to it, in a beautiful setting where the surrounding mountains enhance these beauties.
Tourists are struck by this show, which has nothing special, but which with its simplicity and incomparable charm offers a heavenly vision, making you feel pleasant sensations, thanks to a clear and pure atmosphere.
History - Maricello
Gizzeria was hit by a bad earthquake in 1638 causing a sinking of the ground in the "Maricello" district of Gizzeria Lido, this in turn formed a lake called Maricello, which communicated with the sea through a narrow channel.
For the same reason, other lakes commonly called the "Vote" were formed in the locality, one of which, having a larger surface than the others, took the name of "Vota Grande", where vessels docked until 1860.
In Feudalism the "Maricello" with the surrounding lands belonged to the Gerosolimitano order and for it to the Knights of Malta, residing in S. Eufemia, these claimed their rights in kind, or rolls of eels.
Abolished this order, the lake and the neighboring lands became the property of the State in 1806, which in turn was sold in 1824 to the lawyer Pasquale Giuliani, and from these in 1852, it passed to Mr. Francica Pasquale di Monteleone. The heirs in turn in 1913 passed the property to the naturals of Gizzeria.
History - Prejudices and superstitions
These people were a superstitious people, their life took place in an environment where some strange beliefs were ever-present yardsticks. The pregnant woman had to avoid touching her body, otherwise the future baby would be born with a "desire" for something, in the form of a spot or mole of the color or shape of the desired thing. The sex of the child was determined by the phases of the moon, in the presence of a waxing moon a "boy" would be born, a "girl" would be waning. Unfortunately in this, an overly closed mentality meant that the birth of a boy was welcomed with joy by the whole family, since the baby would bear his own surname and the name of his paternal grandfather.
So beliefs, superstitions, and the evil eye, went to influence their existence. The latter was considered a danger from which to defend themselves, it is no coincidence that the mothers gave the little ones a gold or silver necklace with a medal of a saint, or a coral or bone horn with a always wear around the neck. Instead, to free themselves from negativity, they resorted to elderly women who knew beneficial words by heart, and recited prayers with them.
The evil eye was an "evil omen", the personification of envy, which in turn manifested itself with setbacks in the family and also with the absence of crops. In everyday life, signs considered bad luck were feared such as the song of the owl, the spilling of oil, the prolonged barking of dogs during the night and the breaking of a mirror.
Instead, the pouring of wine, a sign of happiness, the breaking of dishes, the crowing of the early rooster, the flight of the white butterfly and others were considered auspicious.
History - Uses and customs
The habits and customs have obviously changed over the years. The characteristic costume of the women consisted of a red satin skirt, called "zogha" and a red or blue silk bodice with gold embroidered sleeves. The shirt was adorned with beautiful lace.
The custom was that Albanian women as husbands wore the "Chesa" a kind of damask cloth which was used to support the braids gathered at the nape of the neck.
This costume was very beautiful as it boasted beautiful and radiant colors, and was very elegant.
Later the women replaced this dress with a more sober clothing, consisting of a white petticoat up to the heel, covered by a red cloth, and a bodice of beaver and brightly colored velvet tied at the back, open at the front.
The dress was full circle, with a large apron. On their heads they wore a black cloth called "mandile" and when they went out of the house they covered their heads with a black handkerchief. Until 1912 the peasants wore a woolen suit called "frandina" with a jacket and short trousers, which tied below the knee, while on their feet they wore sandals, tied with goatskin cords. Finally, the head was covered by a cone-shaped hard felt hat.
History - Dialect
The dialect is a mixture of the different peoples who came to Gizzeria over the centuries, it is no coincidence that you can find Greek and Latin words, French, Arab and Spanish elements.
In speech, the final o is replaced with the "u", and in the use of tenses the remote past is used.
In this regard, it is appropriate to report below some examples to better understand:
From the Greek trappitu (crusher), cona (contrada), mustazzu (moustache);
from the Spanish scampare (it's finished raining), cannata (bocale);
from French to pile up (to hide), to arrange (to arrange);
Here are some typical phrases: "volia mu sacciu" (I wanted to know), "qundu venisti" (when did you come);
Some phrases or words have disappeared such as tata, shipwright etc...
Story - Engagement
Around 1800, love could not express itself completely and freely, such a deep and old feeling was hindered by parents who gave themselves the right to decide for their children's lives.
The aim was to strengthen friendship and kinship ties, so even before birth the parents knew who their children were going to marry, whom they were subjected to a serious and rigid education they absolutely had to obey.
Furthermore, this link, if it can be defined as such, was strengthened by some customs and among these the use of
in fact, the peasant woman embroidered the handkerchief with symbolic designs to give it to the young man, as a sign of her word and affection. Among the various customs there was also that of the strain, a symbol of request for the wedding rite, the suitor put it in front of the door of the beloved woman during the night. The next day if the family picked it up it was a good omen otherwise they would let it roll into the street.
Around 1908 the promise of marriage was agreed by the parents and was postponed until the children reached the age of majority, if on the other side the promise was not kept, they had every right to ask for fines.
The parents appeared before the Notary to declare the promise of marriage, if it was not kept, it would have caused damage to the family from the beginning of the contract, which is why the offended party had every right to receive compensation from the other family . Fortunately, the situation changed around the middle of the century, when young people began to have a little freedom and consideration from their parents towards their feelings, they met during religious holidays in the Church, an occasion in which the women wore very particular local costumes to get noticed.
After a short period of courtship, made up of serenades under the girl's windows, the young man's family sent the "ambassador" to his parents' house to officially ask for her hand and to deal with the question of the "dowry".
If the proposal was welcomed, it was the turn of the parents who paid homage to this new union by visiting with the aim of getting to know the family members and giving the future bride a pair of earrings or a gold ring called "ianchiu", after which the wedding followed.
Story - Marriage
Marriage was established in the Middle Ages, until 1800 it was a very elegant celebration, it took place over three days; the first was on Thursday, dedicated to celebrations at the bride's house, where cakes were prepared and dances took place.
The second was on Saturday evening, dedicated to the bride's hair done by five spinsters. The third, on Sunday morning, the woman was dressed as four young girls before going to church. The bride wore the "Zoga" a rich Albanian surcoat, and the "Vantiera" a very small sumptuously embroidered apron, on her head she wore the "Keza" a velvet diadem, from which descended two gold or silver embroidered ribbons called "Pinaki". The whole town experienced the wedding as a celebration, it was a moment of joy and happiness, while the procession crossed the streets, the men scattered confetti and coins along the streets.
Once in the church the bride took her left hand, her husband her right hand, a symbol of superiority over her. After the religious function, the spouses with their relatives went to their home where her mother-in-law offered her daughter-in-law a plate of honey, which symbolized the sweetness of the bride towards her new family. Furthermore, as a wish for abundance, she was offered a basket of grain. After this ritual she danced and had fun until late. Over the years these customs changed and changes also occurred in the bride's way of dressing, as well as in the celebration itself. Continuing step by step: the bride's clothing consisted of a white petticoat, with a black or colored satin bust and a handkerchief on her head, the bride was made even more beautiful by jewels such as earrings, a ring, a brooch and a chain golden.
Later from 1800 until 1920, the celebration of the rite took place on Saturday. From 1809 the bride and groom set off with the procession to the Town Hall after which they walked towards the Church, during the journey they were always greeted by their fellow villagers, who obviously took part in it by throwing rice, wheat, sugared almonds and coins from their homes. Before 1913 there was the custom of placing triumphal arches in the streets, adorned with flowers of all kinds. The day after the wedding, on Sunday, the spouses and relatives always went to church elegantly dressed, to listen to mass, at the end they went to the new house where they continued to celebrate.
From 1920 onwards the celebration changed, the choice of days was important, Friday or Monday was never chosen because they were considered bad luck days. The bride wore a white dress as today, accompanied by her procession she reached the Church on the arm of her father, here the priest blessed the spouses uniting them in the sacred bond of marriage.
After the celebration, it was time for celebrations, a good dose of happiness was needed, the right amount of sweets and liqueurs, a tasty banquet to ensure that everything took place in the best possible way. This was followed by singing and dancing well into the night.
History - Folk dance
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the peasants' entertainment was limited to dancing alone, it was a simple and pleasant way to brighten up their evenings but also to get to know each other better, especially for those who were looking for a wife or husband. These occasions were organized in private clubs, where the already famous "tarantella" was danced.
Differently, in the more advanced class the "quadrille" was danced, in ancient times the inhabitants of Albanian origin danced the "pasturara". These dances were initially accompanied by instruments such as bagpipes and guitar but later the accordion replaced them.
The use of dances and songs was not limited only to these types of celebrations, but was also extended to religious occasions, such as Christmas vigils and processions.
Today (1968) the country has transformed, and with it also the way of having fun, thanks to the continuous influx of tourists and the return of young people who live outside the north for study or work reasons. These and others meet in Gizzeria Lido, now a well-known seaside resort, where in addition to the beaches, many places can be found where young people can meet and thus have fun.
