THE ARTICHOKE: A TRAVELLING COMPANION IN THE SOCIAL LIFE, TRADITIONS AND CULTURE

Abstract

The artichoke, Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus (L.) Hayek, in more than five hundred years of cultivation and usage, has marked the most disparate aspects of everyday life and culture, particularly in Italy, France and Spain. The artichokes are recalled in riddles, idioms, lore, legends, anecdotes, tales, poems, films, video, records, music programmes, blogs, web site, monuments, ancient mosaic, fountains, in the art of foretelling lottery numbers and in numerous paintings dating the 16th century until today. Items of common use named Artichokes, such as pasta bowls, serving set, tea pot, spreader, table lamp, wax candle, candelabrum, curtain pole, silk table skirt, knitting patterns colour, rings, earring mint, heart necklace, hotel, bed and breakfast, restaurants, cafe, bar, florists, magazines, publishing house, art graphic design, circus, fireworks, marathon walk, motor-cycle rally, will be remembered. Moreover the artichoke policy, refers to instance, to a shrewd strategy of dealing with one opponent at a time. Kings, queen, prince, captains, wizards, gold artichokes awards, religious sect, artichokes that are not artichokes, artichoke-named villages, people whose last name is Carciofo together with its diminutives, will be reported as well. Beside the existence of nearly 300 landraces, mention has been made of the importance of local festivals, shows and fairs dedicated to the artichoke. The striking roots in the diversity of Italian territory, originate more than 270 typical regional recipes and more than 1.300 all over Italy. At the end the curiosity and the presumed aphrodisiac property, the traditional and folk medicine indication, artichoke leaf tea, liqueur, wine, cheese, very numerous typical artichoke handicraft and by-products will be cited.