THEn a world that keeps one strongly attached to everything that is most earthly, at least for one day one can also allow oneself to escape, imagining being part of a completely different world. June 24th, in fact, is theInternational Fairy Daythe International Fairy Daya celebration that takes place every year and which would like to introduce, even just for 24 hours, into the fantastic universe of these magical and timeless creatures.
Fairy Day
Among the many creatures that enter the imagination of children, certainly fairies are among those that remain most memorable. But how and when were these captivating figures born? These tiny supernatural creatures have been the protagonists of tales, myths and legends since ancient times.
When they are born
Since the Middle Ages, their existence was believed, just as that of gnomes and goblins was also believed. These beliefs, in fact, provided a way to face an extremely harsh world like the one at the time. Fairies and all other creatures, such as gnomes and elves, then passed into fairy tale books and later into cartoons. But that enchanted world has never lost its great charm. For children and adults.
The world of fairies has always been a very fascinating world and for this reason a World Day is even celebrated (Getty Images)
Who I am
The word “fairy” comes from the Latin “fatum”, which means “destiny”. For humans, they were originally unpredictable and even feared divine figures given their supernatural powers. They are usually described as good creatures, but in legends there are also evil ones capable of changing the destiny of men for the worse.
As the eras passed, this legendary figure took on an increasingly positive meaning, especially thanks to films and cartoons: the fairy is unforgettable Morganapupil of the famous wizard Merlin and friend of King Arthur himself, Tinkerbell, Peter Pan’s best friend, the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio and the Christmas Fairy: she is one of Santa Claus’ assistants, who helps him prepare the list of gifts requested by children.
Fairies in the world
The presence of fairies is a constant in almost all popular traditions around the world, with different names and powers depending on the culture. In India, for example, the Naginis they have the power to give humans special abilities such as intelligence. In Ireland they are organized into large families which are defined Good Peoplewhile in Germany, the White Ladies they are not typically loving creatures.
And in Italy?
But they also exist in Italy, a magical land definitely appreciated by the spirits of nature and in particular by the Ladies of the Sky. There are numerous places dedicated to the Fairies: according to a legend in Catenaia di Casentino, in the province of Arezzo, at a high point of the mountain called the Cardetto, there is a cave in which the Fairies are believed to live. It is also said that also the lake of Ponte Subiolobetween the hamlets of Valstagna and San Gaetano, in the province of Vicenza, is a place inhabited by Fate and other spirits who manifest themselves at night.
And also in Val d’Aosta has a White Lady, a beneficial Fairy who protects the inhabitants of Issime in the Lys valley, and appears in the meadows, on the hills and at the edges of the woods. Other white ladies are reported on Mont Blanc, on Monte Rosa and in various other locations in the Alps. In the province of Teramo, between the mountains of Campli and Civitella, there is an enormous boulder that bars the entrance to a cave inside which, it is said, a Fairy sits, intent on weaving continuouslyand a standing monk silently watching over a great treasure.
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