Guide to Italian Traditions
The Guide to Italian Traditions are a multifaceted cultural tapestry reflecting the country’s rich heritage. They’ve influenced cuisine, art, and social life for centuries.
Italian values prioritize family, religion, and community. Whether at home or in the office, Italians abide by the principle of la bella figura (the beautiful figure). This encompasses dressing well, exuding confidence and elegance, and displaying grace under pressure.
Italian News and Trends
Throughout the year, Italians celebrate their patron saints. Each day has at least one saint associated with it, children are named for a saint, and each trade or profession has a patron saint. These beliefs promote a sense of hierarchy which can be seen in the way that Italians interact with each other. They respect and defer to those who are older and those who have achieved a certain level of success. Greetings are enthusiastic yet rather formal with a firm handshake and direct eye contact being the standard.
During the Christmas season, Italians put up nativity scenes in their homes or churches called a Presepi. In Naples, they are renowned for their intricate displays showcasing the craftsmanship of Neapolitan artisans. Epiphany, or Epifania, is celebrated on the 6th of January with a celebration in honor of the Magi who visited baby Jesus and brought gifts to all the children of the world. Children leave their stockings by the fireplace to be filled with sweets and toys if they’ve been good or coal if they’ve been naughty.…
