Superstitions, religiosity and secularization: An analysis of the periodic oscillations of weddings in Italy

Abstract

Using exhaustive data on all of the marriages celebrated in Italy 2007-2009, we investigated the influence of superstition and religious beliefs on the choice of wedding dates. We compared our results with those relative to postwar Italy, gathered together by Nora Federici. Surprisingly, we found that superstition has a constant effect in all areas of the country. At the same time, there were different levels of religious secularization. We also found that education was not a negative factor for religiosity.