i will be in siena for the ephiphany and was wondering what the dress code is, and any other rules i should know to follow. i want to attend mass on this holy day of obligation, but don't want to offend any italians by accidentally disrespecting their customs. thanks!

We went to Sienna during a tour throughout Italy in February. It was the coldest location we visited during the tour. There was snow on the ground. I do not think that you could wear anything in this type of weather that the Catholic church would find disrespectful unless you made an effort. <BR><BR>The inside of the church was also could and we left our coats on during the entire Mass. I really don't think you have to worry about this.<BR><BR>If you arrive prior to Epiphany notice the nativity scene. It may not have the three kings in it. The kings will be there on January 6th. This is how Epiphany was in France and I suppose that it might be that way in Italy also.

I intended on saying that the inside of the church was &quot;cold&quot; not &quot;could&quot;.<BR><BR>Also, I read someplace else that you asked about skirts or scarfs on your head. In my opinion, neither of these would be necessary in a Catholic Church. FYI, I am a Catholic from the US. Catholics from other countries may have other views.

A veil (or scarf) over the head was a must in Italian churches in the 1950s, now only some of the older women wear one. The dress code in Italian catholic churches is simple: as long as your skirt (or your pants) isn't to short (it must cover at lest the tight, you can show the knees, but you should not show the tight), the shoulders are covered (even very short sleeves will do, but no tank tops!) and the neckline in't too low (the breasts must be INSIDE, they can be close to the border but INSIDE!) your clothing is it for an Italian catholic church. In winter you can hardly exceed these rules, like kjulie said.

oh, thank you both for your advice. i was just worried because my old italian grandaunts don't go into a church without a scarf on their head, (true devotees of st. paul!) so i wanted to make sure it was their age (ie, from their era) rather than homeland. thanks!