Once upon a time

The Hedgehog and the origins of the Ricci Family

Deep in the Middle Ages, there lived a much-loved little chap, who was also handsomely paid, as he gave out a kind of weather bulletin of the times. At that time agriculture was one of the main sources of income, so when it was the season to sow or to reap, or to perform any other task, people simply went to him and asked, "What will the weather do tomorrow?" and each time he gave his reply he was right!

That was how he became rich. And because those who grow rich often make others envious, he was said to be a wizard and a magician, against the religion, and so on and so forth. Thus they decided to try him for his wizardry.

On being interrogated by the Magistrate, he said he was merely in the habit of leaving the city, to go a place where there was a rock with a spring beneath it, and close by a hedgehog's little den. If the hedgehog came out of his den, climbed the rock and looked towards the sun, the following day the weather would be fine. If he did not come out, then it would not.

A deputation of the municipal area of Montepulciano, followed by the townsfolk, departed for this place with the accused in order to put his story to the test. And thus it was found that things happened just as he said. The little man got richer and richer and he came to be known as Mr. So and So de' Ricci (meaning of the hedgehog). And of course everyone lived happily ever after...

Though of course it is true that a real wizard can make a hedgehog do just what he likes!

But from then on, the Ricci family coat of arms features not eagles, crests or swords, but a hedgehog on a rock with a spring beneath it, looking out towards the sun...and laughing.

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