Know what these are? If you guessed that these are cannoli forms, you are right! Cannoli are a traditional food of Carnevale, which is celebrated with gusto over the next few days throughout Italy. Children of all ages participate in the modern festival, which is based on ancient customs of “letting it all hang loose” before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, and in agricultural communities the arduous Spring planting season. 

The shape of Cannoli, eaten as a sweet street-food for centuries before ice cream existed, is symbolic of the “freedom of the flesh” and fertility rites that were practiced since pre-Christian times. (It is the “planting season” after all! (wink))