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Superstitions surrounding the choice of wedding date in Italy: What has changed since the beginning of the economic development process to the present?

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriele Ruiu

    (University of Sassari)

  • Marco Breschi

    (University of Sassari)

Abstract

In Italy, it is believed that Tuesdays and Fridays are particularly unlucky days for weddings as well as the 17th day of each month. Previous studies realized in the aftermath of the Second World War have shown the strong influence that these superstitions had in determining the wedding dates in the entire country. We have used exhaustive data collection of all marriages celebrated in Italy in the years 2007–2009 to investigate whether superstitions are still able to influence the choices of spouses. We find that this influence is still present after the great economic, social and demographic transformation of Italian society. We also show that a wife’s education reduces the influence of superstition on the choice of the date of marriage while those who opt for a religious rite are also those who are more careful in avoiding inauspicious days.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriele Ruiu & Marco Breschi, 2017. "Superstitions surrounding the choice of wedding date in Italy: What has changed since the beginning of the economic development process to the present?," Journal of Population Research, Springer, vol. 34(1), pages 45-78, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joprea:v:34:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1007_s12546-016-9179-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s12546-016-9179-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gabriele Ruiu & Marco Breschi, 2015. "For the times they are a changin'," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 33(7), pages 179-210.
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    9. Marco Breschi & Massimo Esposito & Stanislao Mazzoni & Lucia Pozzi, 2014. "Fertility transition and social stratification in the town of Alghero, Sardinia (1866-1935)," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 30(28), pages 823-852.
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