THE BRAZIER

Today our homes are heated by radiators, stoves, convectors, fireplaces, thermo-fireplaces, but in the past the houses were equipped with braziers (generally brass container and wrought copper bottom) which gave warmth and comfort to all members of the family.

It was born from the habit of collecting the still burning coal in a terracotta or metal vessel; it is a completely unhygienic system because it leaves carbon dioxide in the environment, often also carbon monoxide and this caused headaches and even illness to those at home.

We all got around, a simple tool that had the power to keep the family together, we talked, we intertwined speeches, we recited the Rosary and then with the brazier we could also cook, we put 'u palettìne' sideways and we they made "le fèdde ross" (toasted slices of bread), the sausage was roasted, the olives were cooked which, starting to roast, gave off an irresistible scent, the beans, chickpeas, orange peel, potatoes and much more, were also used to dry clothes with the support of a kind of wooden cage! From the brazier you had to stay away otherwise 'salzizze' came on the legs, which were nothing more than inflammations of the skin. In short, a very simple metal tool, a symbol of many families.