The
people of Florence believe that song of
the cricket to bring luck. In late April
or Early May the Festa del Grillo or the
cricket festival is held. A market is
held at the Cascine Park where crickets
are sold in colorful, hand woven cages.
According to tradition if a man decorates
his beloved's doors or windows with flowers
and gives her a cricket, luck would favour
him in love. Days leading on to the festival
children hunt for crickets to cage them.
The male crickets have a yellow stripe
to make them discernible. Crickets that
sing are believed to bring the household
luck. The children would capture them
in wicker baskets and take them the park
on the day of the feats and release the
crickets. The festival is held on Sunday
after Ascension Day. |