The spelling of the phrase "Sicilian Vespers" is relatively straightforward once one understands the pronunciation of the Italian language. The first word, Sicilian, is spelled phonetically as /sɪˈsɪliən/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The second word, Vespers, is spelled as /ˈvespərz/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. Together, the phrase refers to the 1282 uprising against the French in Sicily, which took place during the vespers, or evening prayer time. This event is an important moment in Italian history and is still recognized today.
The Sicilian Vespers refers to a significant historical event that occurred in Sicily during the 13th century. It specifically refers to the armed uprising and subsequent massacre of the French occupying forces in Sicily on the evening of Easter Monday, the 30th of March in 1282. The term "Sicilian Vespers" originates from the hour of vespers or evening prayers when the rebellion erupted.
The uprising was fueled by Sicilian resentment towards the French Angevin dynasty, who had recently conquered the island and imposed their rule. Additionally, French mistreatment, heavy taxation, and cultural differences added to the growing discontent. When a French soldier insulted a Sicilian woman in Palermo, the tensions reached their boiling point, leading to a widespread and organized revolt. The Sicilian population rose up, targeting and brutally massacring the French occupiers.
The Sicilian Vespers holds historical significance as it marked a milestone in the struggle for Sicilian independence and self-governance. It resulted in a temporary expulsion of the French from Sicily and led to the establishment of an independent government known as the Kingdom of Trinacria or Sicilian Realm. This event became a symbol of Sicilian resistance against foreign domination and is remembered as a turning point in Sicilian history.
The term "Sicilian Vespers" is also used figuratively to denote any sudden or unexpected uprising against oppressors or oppressions, regardless of the time and geographical context.
In hist., the great massacre of the French in Sicily, A.D. 1282, on the eve of Easter Tuesday, hence the name.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "Sicilian Vespers" refers to a historical event that took place in Sicily on the evening of March 30, 1282. The name "Sicilian Vespers" itself is derived from the words "Sicilian" and "Vespers", so let's look at the etymology of each word.
- Sicilian: The term "Sicilian" is derived from the Latin word "Sicilia", which was the name of the island of Sicily. The Latin word, in turn, is believed to have its origins in the language of the Sicani, an ancient indigenous people of Sicily.
- Vespers: The term "Vespers" comes from the Latin word "vespera", meaning "evening". In Christian liturgy, Vespers is the evening prayer service performed at sunset.