Femminiello

Femminiello flag

Femminielli or femmenielli (singular femminiello) is a third gender term in the Naples, traditionally used to describe AMAB people with feminine gender expressions. In modern times, it is used to describe gay men, transgender women, and some non-binary people. This term is not derogatory and does not carry stigma, instead, those that are femminielli are traditionally believed to bring luck.

History

There is constant references in many sources to the ancient rituals behind the presence of the femminiello in Naples. Much of this came from Greek mythology- examples include Hermaphroditus, who's said to possess the beauty of the mother and Tiresias, the blind prophet of Thebes, who was transformed into a woman for seven years.

Tradition

There is a ceremony called the matrimonio dei femminielli that takes place in Torre Annunziata, during Easter Monday. It is a parade of femminielli dressed in wedding gowns and accompanied by a "husband." They travel through the streets in horse-drawn carriages.

The femminiello in Campania have a relatively privileged position due to participation in traditional events, such as Candelora al Santuario di Montevergine (Candlemas at the Sanctuary of Montevergine) in Avellino or the Tammurriata, a traditional dance performed at the feast of Madonna dell'Arco in Sant'Anastasia.

Because they are seen as good luck, it is common in the neighborhoods for a femminiello person to hold a newborn baby, or participate in games such as the Tombola(Raffle) or Tombolata dei femminielli- a popular game performed on February 2nd every year, as the concluding piece of the Candlemas at the Sanctuary of Montevergine.

Etymology

The name of this role means 'little women-men'. This is derived from Neapolitan femmena 'woman' with the suffix -iello,

Flag

The Femminiello flag was made by Tumblr user pride-color-schemes on Januay 29th, 2020. It is the italian flag, with the top half being made more pastel to represent femininity.