S is for Savoia
The poem for the letter “S” is centered around “Savoia.” "Savoia" from the Fascist Italian children's book during Mussolini's era reflects the themes of nationalism, sacrifice, and the glorification of historical and regional symbols. The poem is a call to action, urging continuous progress and dedication to the ideals of the regime. This nationalist rhetoric set the tone for works like "Savoia" that promoted devotion to the Fascist cause. In the poem, the repetition of the phrase "always forward" emphasizes a sense of relentless movement and progress, aligning with the Fascist ideology that aimed to project an image of a powerful, forward-thinking Italy. The reference to the "Savoy peaks" and the circle of Piedmont connects the poem to the historical and regional symbolism associated with the House of Savoy, the ruling house of the Kingdom of Italy. The inclusion of references to saints, brave men, knights, and warrior kings, along with descriptions of processions and tournaments, serves to romanticize and idealize Italy's historical heritage. This aligns with the Fascist regime's emphasis on reviving a glorified past to instill a sense of pride and duty in the younger generation. The geographical references, from the Simplon Pass on the Alps to the sea of Scilla, emphasize the territorial unity and naval strength of Italy. The poem's portrayal of the “Italian cry of war for the supreme hour of risk and glory” further highlights the militaristic and nationalistic themes that were central to Fascist propaganda. The use of language like "Italian act of faith," "serene pride," and "sublime certainty" creates a sense of commitment and loyalty among young readers. The poem aims to shape their attitudes, fostering a deep emotional connection to the ideals of the regime and encouraging a willingness to sacrifice for the greater cause.
|
Transcription |
Translation |
|
Sempre avanti: splende il molto sopra i picchi savoiardi sale ai vertici gagliardi nella cerchia del Piemonte: non v’è ostacolo o barriera: sempre avanti, Savoia: si vinca o si muoia! Santi, prodi, cavalieri re guerrieri s’avvicendan tra cortei tra splendore di tornei: dov’è un campo, un vessillo, una gloria, uno squillo, avanti, a cavallo, si marcia oltre valle e oltre monte chè augusto è il Piemonte e vasto, divino è il destino che splende nel nome Savoia: Avanti, si viva o si muoia! Savoia: avanti! E il molto squilla dal Sempione al mar di Scilla nel cuore del popolo, in ogni stilla di sangue italico: italico grido di guerra per l’ora suprema di rischio e di gloria di audacia e di gioia: Avanti, Savoia! italico atto di fede, di serena fierezza, di sublime certezza: canzone di amore e di gioia: Avanti, Savoia! |
Always forward: shines the much above the Savoy peaks rises to the bold summits within the circle of Piedmont: there is no obstacle or barrier: always forward, Savoy: whether victory or death! Saints, brave men, knights, warrior kings alternate in processions in the splendor of tournaments: where there's a field, a banner, glory, a trumpet, forward, on horseback, we march beyond valley and beyond mountain for august is Piedmont and vast, divine is the destiny that shines in the name Savoy: Forward, whether we live or die! Savoy: forward! And the much rings from the Simplon to the sea of Scilla in the heart of the people, in every drop of Italian blood: Italian cry of war for the supreme hour of risk and glory of audacity and joy: Forward, Savoy! Italian act of faith, of serene pride, of sublime certainty: song of love and joy: Forward, Savoy! |
Works cited and further readings:
Foss, Clive. "Teaching Fascism: Schoolbooks of Mussolini's Italy." Harvard Library Bulletin, vol. 8, no. 1, Spring 1997, pp. 3-30.
Fraschetti, Vincenzo, and Carlo Testi. Italia Dall’ A Alla Z. Officine Dell’ Instututo Geografico De Agostini, 1936
"House of Savoy." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 15 Feb. 2024, www.britannica.com/topic/House-of-Savoy. Accessed 2 Mar. 2024.
Laurino, Maria. The Italian Americans: A History. First ed., W.W. Norton & Company, 2015.
"What Is Fascism?" Council on Foreign Relations, Council on Foreign Relations, world101.cfr.org/contemporary-history/world-war/what-fascism. Accessed 6 Mar. 2024.
Zahrasherman. “Educational Reform in Fascist Italy.” Italian Culture, 20 Apr. 2023, nuitalian.org/2023/04/20/2510/. Accessed 2 Mar. 2024.
Page contributor:
Margot Milton