what does bella ciao mean

"Bella Ciao" literally means "Goodbye Beautiful" in Italian. It is the title and recurring phrase of an Italian folk song that originally described the harsh working conditions of female rice field workers (mondine) in Northern Italy in the early 20th century. Later, the song was adapted as an anthem of the Italian anti-fascist resistance (partisans) during World War II, where it became a symbol of struggle, resistance, and freedom against oppression. The lyrics tell a story of a partisan bidding farewell, knowing he may die fighting invaders, asking to be buried on a mountain under a beautiful flower as a symbol of sacrifice for liberty. The emotional tone mixes sorrow with hope for a better future. Across decades and cultures, "Bella Ciao" has been embraced worldwide as a hymn of rebellion and freedom. In short, "Bella Ciao" means a bittersweet farewell to a loved one or to life itself in the context of fighting for freedom and justice.