Dowry and support

Since the first of the twentieth families of the two promised spouses before they unite in marriage, concluded in written form the "chapters marriage", for "security of dowry, the dotante, the wife and children than to be born ... "
With this ancient instrument, dating back to the right Lombard, the family of the bride agreed and quantify the future husband the dowry, which was the "stuff" (houses, land, property, silver etc.) Or cash.
In fact, until 1975 the dowry was a baggage indispensable and mandatory for the bride and a burden necessary for fathers and brothers: not having a woman was a real tragedy, an obstacle in finding a husband. Obviously, the dowry was proportional to the possibility of the family of the bride and groom's social status which was granted. After the wedding not dowry became the property of the husband but he had only managed: his death the dowry was returned to his wife and from that moment was free to dispose of. If instead the first wife died without having made the world of children, the husband was required to return the dowry to the family of the bride. In fact, her husband was required to give his wife a "controdote" and maintaining that his wife had to serve to meet its needs.
Before the celebration of marriage, detailed descriptions and the total value of dowry and support were the subject of an act before the notary which contained:

* The promise of marriage;
* The establishment of dowry and check maritali;
* The resignation of a woman hereditary claims on assets of his family, even if this part was optional.

Often the chapters marriage was annexed a list compiled by hand by a person or family friend, capable of writing, of textiles, furniture, household items and jewelry assigned to the bride.
In 1975 the new Family Law put an end to the dowry by the future bride. But there are so many things, in what was the first dowry, which continue to be donated by both families the couple: first, according to economic opportunities, housing, then, in more fortunate cases, land, business , Villas, other important and welcome gift is the machine and then get to the family jewels, silver, diamonds. In short, even if the dowry is no longer a necessary thing, remained by the willingness of households to give continuity to their values and traditions, including the passing of material goods.
As for the outfit in the past for each daughter is the beginning of embroidery fabrics since they were girls: what happened in all families, regardless from social, that influence only on the size and wealth of tissues. The pieces were 12 or multiples of 12, stored in wooden chests and detailed written on a list. One outfit consisted of one part per household and personal. In a middle class family, for example, support for the home was generally made up 24 sheets of pure double hand-embroidered linen, 24 simple, 36 pairs of pillow, 12 linen canvas of Holland 6 for most guests, 12 tablecloths most of organza 6 for every day and so forth. The party leaders included staff instead of linen, nightdresses silk, canvas jackets, capes, handkerchiefs and so on.
Today remains in the traditions of the family wanting to make a gift to future spouses with sheets, towels and tablecloths, both new and being part of an old outfit passed from generation to help in expense to be addressed for the new house. Unlike the past, where an abundant support was justified by the fact that it can not do often bucati, so we needed so many parts, and spaces of the house very large, today before choosing linens will be necessary to take into account not only the style furniture, but also the capacity of the house and cabinets.
Therefore, we recommend that you choose four or five pairs of sheets, two more valuable, three or four tablecloths "important" but at least the same number to be used every day, towels preferably sponge, because most practical, coordinated with the colors the bathroom.