Nozze

Nozze is the Italian term for “wedding” or “marriage ceremony,” and it is also used to denote the union of a couple in a broader cultural sense. In Italian literature and legal texts the word appears in the plural form, as in le nozze, referring to the event itself, the rituals associated with it, or the married couple. The noun derives from the Latin nuptiae, which has the same meaning, and it is cognate with similar terms in Romance languages such as Spanish bodas and French noces.

In Italian tradition, nozze involve a series of customs that vary by region but generally include a religious ceremony, a civil contract, and a celebratory banquet. Typical elements include the exchange of wedding rings, the signing of the marriage register, and the “torta nuziale,” a multi‑tiered cake shared by the guests. Traditional attire for the bride often features a white dress, while the groom wears a formal suit or tuxedo; however, regional variations may present folk costumes, especially in rural celebrations.

The concept of nozze extends to symbolic milestones, such as “nozze di carta” (paper wedding) for the first anniversary and “nozze d’oro” (golden wedding) for the fiftieth anniversary. These terms are used to mark the duration of the marital bond and are celebrated with specific gifts and customs.

In legal contexts, nozze denote the contractual agreement that creates marital rights and obligations under Italian family law. The civil ceremony, performed by a magistrate or authorized official, is required for the marriage to be recognized by the state, while a religious (usually Catholic) ceremony may accompany the civil rite but does not replace it.

The word also appears in artistic works, such as operas, poetry, and cinema, where nozze often serve as a narrative focal point symbolizing love, social alliance, or societal expectations.