cummari
/kumˈma.ɾi/feminine, plural, singular
The English phrase godmother is translated into Sicilian as cummari. Wiktionary also lists parrina.
Meaning: woman present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner (noun)
Ways to say it
| Sicilian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cummari | /kumˈma.ɾi/ | feminine, plural, singular |
| parrina | /paʐˈʐi.na/ | feminine |
A godmother is a woman present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner. In Sicilian culture, the term cummari is used not only for a religious godmother but also as a respectful term of address for a woman of a certain age or social standing.
Which one should you use?
The word cummari is used for a godmother, whereas parrina is a more specific term often used for a godmother in certain Sicilian contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cummari is used for both the singular godmother and the plural godmothers.
How do you pronounce it?
The word cummari is pronounced /kumˈma.ɾi/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on 2 of 3.
Did you know?
- In traditional Sicilian society, the bond of comparaggio creates a kinship that is often viewed as stronger and more binding than blood relations.
- While cummari means 'co-mother' in its Latin roots, the word parrina is derived from the Latin root for 'father'.
- Calling someone cummari can function as a social lubricant to soften a request or a criticism when speaking to a woman.
Examples in context
- A mia cummari è na bona fummica.My godmother is a good woman.
Example conversation
Salvatore and Agata are discussing the christening of a baby.
- SalvatoreChi facemu pi a cummari?What are we doing for the godmother?
- AgataHaju a cuminciari u regalu.I have to start the gift.
- SalvatoreA cummari s'arridivi.The godmother was happy.
- AgataSì, è na bona persona.Yes, she is a good person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “godmother” translations and entries cummari, parrina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cummari, parrina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
