The “religion” of work
Dedication to hard work
In the Ligurian lands, where male and female farmers worked incessantly, a sort of “religion of work” was born. This dedication to hard work, which survived even with the changing times, became an integral part of the life of peasant-emigrants and peasant-workers.
Agricultural work
The favorable climate allowed an extraordinary variety of crops, typical of self-consumption agriculture: wheat, corn, potatoes, legumes, vineyards, olive trees, fruit, vegetables, mulberry and chestnut. Added to these were the collection of firewood, haymaking, looking after the livestock and, when young hands abounded, also deforestation and clearing. There was no rest in the agricultural year; every season and every day were filled with work. Every family member had a role, every minute was precious.
Craft activities
When bad weather prevented outdoor work, the men dedicated themselves to artisanal activities: they built ladders, wooden tools, repaired shoes, fixtures, tables and benches. They did everything to avoid unnecessary expenses, earn a few cents and, above all, not remain idle. Work thus became a moral value; idleness, however, was considered the worst of vices, and the idler the worst of men.
The value of work
In this work culture, rigor was inflexible, almost fanatical, comparable to religious faith. No exceptions were allowed; work was a transcendent value and every member of the family had to feel mobilized. Those who were not hardworking were judged severely, especially the young: those who sat on their hands, according to common judgement, inevitably inclined towards vice. Local dialects had dozens of synonyms for slackers. The more an individual worked, the more esteemed he was. The other qualities were secondary.
Social recognition
The most honorable epitaph one could receive was “sciancòu da u lòu”, literally “torn from work”, that is, worn to the breaking point. This was the highest recognition for a life of hard work, the seal of a life lived with dedication and sacrifice, in a land where work was everything, where daily toil forged character and defined the value of a person.
Sources
Bruschi R., Lebboroni S., “Ritratto di Cogorno. L’antico feudo dei Conti Fieschi attraverso le sue memorie storiche”, Genova, De Ferrari Editore, 2000
Porcella M., “La fatica e la Merica”, Genova, Sagep, 1986
Trekking and cycling routes that may interest you
Itineraries of different durations and suitable for every taste and level of preparation, to discover the most beautiful and evocative places and panoramas of the Ligurian Tigullio.
Trekking and cycling routes that may interest you
Itineraries of different durations and suitable for every taste and level of preparation, to discover the most beautiful and evocative places and panoramas of the Ligurian Tigullio.
Local experiences that might interest you
Let yourself be guided and be surprised by the hidden treasures that the Ligurian Tigullio area is capable of offering you in every season.
Sport
Hiking routes, climbing, mountain biking and much more… Choose the sport in contact with nature that’s right for you!
Culture
Shows, Theatre, Music, Food and Wine, Reading… Experience the cultural and artistic proposals, immersed in the Ligurian landscape.
Nature
Geology, bird watching, nature engineering and other initiatives, to cultivate awareness and responsibility for environmental issues.
More heritage that may interest you
Catalog of the tangible and intangible heritage, a precious resource of the Tigullio for community building and local development.
Join us!
Contribute to preserve the history and traditions of the Ligurian Tigullio area, and keep them alive for future generations.