As Italy’s third summer heatwave peaks, many residents are retreating to the cool dimness of shuttered rooms. This week, we explore ‘penombra’, the poetic Italian term for the half-light of a shuttered space. Derived from Latin ‘paene umbra’ (almost shadow), it is a word that perfectly captures the surreal experience of living indoors with closed shutters while the sun blazes outside. Whether you have roller-style tapparelle or heavy wooden persiane, keeping them closed is a time-tested way to keep apartments bearable. But for those not used to it, shuffling around in the half-light can feel strange. ‘Con questo caldo, meglio tenere le persiane chiuse e vivere nella penombra,’ say locals. Beyond heatwaves, ‘penombra’ also describes the soft light inside churches or dimly lit bars. It is a linguistic gem that reflects Italian common sense and culture.
Article and image source: thelocal.it
