A Lucky Start: The Tradition of Italy's Baby Shirt
- Valeria V.
- Aug 21, 2024
- 3 min read
Let me take you on a little journey back in time, not too long ago, when I was almost due with my first baby. My husband’s best friend was getting married in Tuscany, and as much as I wanted to go, I couldn’t fly so close to my due date. So, my husband had to go solo, leaving me back in good old Texas, baby bump and all. But little did I know, this trip would bring home a treasure that would become one of our most cherished family traditions.
A Stroll Through Florence Leads to a Hidden Gem
You see, my husband wanted to bring back something truly special for both me and our soon-to-arrive baby. He found himself wandering through the cobblestone streets of Florence, popping into every baby clothing and toy store that crossed his path. He was on a mission to find the perfect gift—something with meaning, something that would last. And that’s when he stumbled upon a hidden gem: a 100-year-old store with a piece of history nestled inside.
The Camicia della Fortuna: A Shirt with a Story
This store didn’t just sell baby clothes; it offered something far more unique—a delicate, handmade silk shirt known as the Camicia della Fortuna, or the Lucky Shirt. Traditionally, this shirt was made by the baby’s grandmother or aunt and was the very first piece of clothing a newborn would wear. The idea was simple but beautiful: this shirt, often white or red, was meant to bring good luck to the baby and be kept as a lifelong keepsake.
Bringing Tradition Home
My husband fell in love with the concept right away. Historically, mothers would keep the shirt unwashed, preserving the essence of that first magical moment when their baby wore it, and then pass it down through generations. Whether or not the Camicino was ever washed or handed down, the key was that every baby had one, a piece of history to mark their arrival in the world.
He brought that little shirt back to Texas, beautifully wrapped in a special box with a ribbon, like it was carrying a secret from another time. When I opened it, I was just as enchanted as he was. We knew we had to honor this tradition, so when our sweet baby was born, she wore that silk shirt after the vernix had been wiped down. And YES, in case you’re wondering—we did save it, unwashed, just as the tradition goes.
It was a moment that felt so special. My husband created this new tradition for our family, a sentimental gesture that tied us to something greater. The Camicia della Fortuna isn’t just a shirt; it’s a story, a memory, a connection to the past, and a hope for the future.
Bringing the Camicia della Fortuna to You
That’s why, here at Haute Bambino, we’ve curated a selection of brands from around the world that deliver this beautiful handmade item, making it accessible to families everywhere. The Camicino is more than just a shirt; it’s a gift for baby, parents, and maybe even future grandkids. Usually crafted in silk, it’s a perfect choice for a newborn’s sensitive skin, offering comfort and a touch of tradition wrapped in love.
So whether you’re looking for a unique gift or starting a new family tradition, consider the Camicia della Fortuna. It’s a small piece of clothing with a big heart, carrying the warmth of generations past into the future.
And remember, every Camicino comes with a wish for good luck—because when it comes to welcoming a new baby into the world, a little extra luck never hurts.
Until next time, friends!
Valeria V. from Haute Bambino Team
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