veglia

Veglia is an Italian noun that denotes a vigil or wakefulness, the act of keeping watch, or a period of remaining awake to observe, honor, or remember something or someone. It can refer to a religious or secular occasion in which people stay awake through the night, often for prayer, reflection, or commemoration. In religious contexts, a veglia is commonly practiced as a vigil before a holy day or event, such as the Easter Vigil (veglia pasquale) and various Christmas vigils (veglia di Natale). The term also appears in expressions describing mourning or remembrance, for example in reference to vigils held for the deceased.

The word derives from Latin vigilia, meaning a watch or wakefulness, and is connected to the verb vegliare, to stay awake or to keep watch. The plural form is typically veglie, used in phrases like le veglie di Natale or altre veglie, depending on context. In everyday Italian, veglia can also describe social or informal gatherings that extend late into the night, especially those held in a ceremonial or commemorative frame.

Culturally, veglie play a role in family and community life, marking significant occasions through shared time, conversation, music, or prayer. While its strongest associations are with religious observance, the term also appears in literary and artistic contexts to evoke night-time contemplation, memory, or togetherness.

See also: vigilia, vigil, Holy Saturday, Christmas Eve.