In Italian wedding tradition, confetti are sweet treats made from sugar-coated almonds and commonly given to guests.
Italian confetti traditionally consist of an almond covered by a hard sugar shell. They are often presented in small bags or favors at weddings and other important celebrations. The almond’s bitterness and the sugar’s sweetness are commonly explained as a reminder that life includes both difficult and happy experiences.
At weddings, five confetti are sometimes grouped together to represent health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. The exact meanings and presentation can vary by region and family.
Italian confetti should not be confused with paper confetti, which is scattered at celebrations, or with the broader English use of “confetti” for any small decorative pieces. Similar sugar-coated almonds are also found in other Mediterranean traditions.