Itinerario, overo Nova descrittione de’ viaggi principali d'Italia, nellaquale si ha piena notitia di tutte le cose piu notabili, & degne d’esser vedute

1638

de Beer Itb 1638 S

Vicenza: Francesco Bolzetta libraro in Padoua

One way of courting women in the carnival was to throw eggs that contained different perfumes such as rose water (Ovi Odoriferi; scented eggs). Masked men would see women they liked and by way of appreciation they threw eggs at the front of the house. However, at carnival time, things always get out of hand with the eggs being ‘slung’ at all and sundry. The egg throwing masks were known as Mattaccino or Frombolatore (from frombola, the sling). For those boisterous sorts this activity was no doubt a winner.