Bonella, an old time name for a modern woman

Bonella, an old time name for a modern woman

My name – Bonella – is tightly bound to the medieval history of Trequanda, where Fattoria del Colle is found, I work here welcoming guests in the country inn. Bonella or Bonizzella dei Cacciaconti della Scialenga was part of the feudal family o fan immense territory in southern Siena. My parents named me Bonella after one of my mothers Aunts, to whom she was particularly close

read for youBy Bonella Ciacci

I have carried this name for years practically unknowingly; on the contrary, I bore the name basically suffering it. It was unusual being the suffix of the proper name “ella” easily added at the end of any word, school was a nightmare.

Leg polling songs, rhymes of any sort, and a list of 72 nicknames laid down by my class mates when in college, among which were even some Italian literary quotations (Bonella Pirandella) or Italian football ones too (Bonella Montella).

Only in time was I able to appreciate the uniqueness of this name, enjoying it as one of my strong points, a characteristic which helps me stand out from the rest, and which at the same time is binding to my territory and my traditions. It’s funny how I’ve ended up working at Fattoria del Colle, near to Trequanda. At the bottom of the stairs which lead to the reception where I work one finds the Bonizella bell. Because it wash ere, of all the coincidences, that my great grandmother Maria Marchi, my mothers grandmother, was born. Who knows maybe one cycle has finished …so that another may begin.

The Beata Bonizzella Cacciaconti lived in Trequanda half way through the 13th century. She was so charitable during when alive, as protector of the poor and oppressed after passing away. Many prodigious events, or miracles, of which we here tell still today in this area. The elderly tell their grandchildren these stories and traditions.

It is said that the Beata’s body was found tank to the bees that were going in and out of the place where she was buried and that they had formed a goblet in her hands with their wax. The body was till intact as if she were only sleeping. The Beata has protected mostly the young women of the area. When the young women were threatened by shady characters and implored her for help, the bad guys temporarily lost theirs sights.

The Beata Bonizzella is celebrated in Trequanda on the second Sunday in May, even thug the date written on her tomb is May 6th. For her feast it generally pours with rain. Other than a procession along the village streets there is also a pilgrimage from Trequanda to Fattoria di Belsedere where the Beata lived. Along this itinerary there is also a stop at “petronte” a rocky protuberance, which according to tradition contains her hand print, and where a small tabernacle has been built.