Crossing the tiber?

[MIZER]

Ok, I’m going to display my ignorance with this one but this is the fastest way I know of to get answers.

What does “crossing the tiber” mean?

I know that’s what you converts call coming into the catholic church but what is it literally referring to?

Why do you use this expression?

Where did it come from?

 

[FightingFat]

It’s the river that flows through Rome right passed the Vatican

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiber

Swimming it is like crossing over to Rome. Hope that helps!

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

The Tiber is a river in Rome so “crossing the Tiber” means coming into the Church of Rome. I’ve also seen people refer to themselves as being on the Tiber Swim Team.

I have no idea where the expression started.

 

[MIZER]

Thank you. I had no idea. I should have googled the word.

 

[Contarini]

“Oh Tiber, Father Tiber,
To whom the Romans pray;
A Roman’s life, a Roman’s arms,
Take thou in charge this day.”

And no, I’m not claiming that Catholics pray to the river Tiber. I’m quoting Macaulay.

Edwin