Italians really prefer blondes. True, they interpret this concept broadly: any girl with a suit slightly lighter than a raven's wing has a chance to become an object of attack, and the further south, the greater the likelihood. Italians also love tall (Mediterranean girls are short). But the maxim about the way to the heart through the stomach does not work in the Apennines: a self-respecting Italian firmly believes that it is safe to let exactly one woman go to the stove - his own mother.
2
By the way, blondes (and blondes!) in Italy are not so rare: the Norman conquerors left a legacy not only on the coasts (where they built a bunch of castles), but also in the gene pool. The descendants of the Vikings in Sicily look especially impressive.
3
People who do not drink in Italy are found, although rarely (there are almost no reasons not to drink: in principle, a bottle emptied at dinner has not prevented anyone from getting behind the wheel and doing some tens of kilometers in fog or along serpentine). People who do not drink coffee are not found among Italians at all. Victims of medical restrictions, in order not to feel like outcasts, start the day with a decaffeinated cappuccino. Only a tourist can demand tea for breakfast; Cappuccino after dinner is also drunk only by those who come in large numbers.
4
The Italian does not know the word "espresso". What the ignorant northerners call so is to him just coffee, un caffè, a sip and a half of pure caffeine. An ordinary bartender, even if he is a Negro of advanced years, makes three of these per minute (and, of course, there are no “barista diplomas” for this). The same amount of a substance, but in an even greater concentration, is called "ristretto", and in a diluted form - "lungo". A tourist whose heart begins to pound even from lungo is doomed to americano (in good bars, boiling water is served to him - you can dilute even until you turn blue). In case of a hot summer, they came up with a cold cappuccino (cappuccino freddo), as well as milk with a drop of coffee (latte macchiato - a diet option) and coffee ice (granita al caffè). And for a dank winter, there is coffee seasoned with grappa, whiskey, cognac or liqueur - caffè corretto.
5
The tradition of saying goodbye to the old year, throwing excess furniture out of the house through the window, has safely died out even in the most remote villages. But some rituals have been preserved: any self-respecting Italian meets the night of January 1 in red linen (for good luck) and with a plate of lentil stew (for money).
6
More than 260 types of wine are made in Italy, but it is customary to order beer instead of wine for pizza. There are two main beer brands in the country: one is northern (Moretti), the other is southern (Peroni).
7
Italians do not dry umbrellas unfolded: an open umbrella indoors is an unkind sign. Entering a store, restaurant or office, it is customary to leave wet umbrellas at the entrance - in a special basket, which in dry weather can easily be confused with an urn. Whistling in the apartment is allowed easily, but leaving the bag lying on the bed - God forbid. But, having landed in a bunch of dogs, you should immediately rejoice - this is for the money.
8
Combing your hair in public for an Italian is the height of indecency, but scratching your balls in front of the whole world in plain sight is a completely normal thing. Moreover, it should protect against the evil eye (in Russia, in similar circumstances, it is customary to knock on wood).
9
The weather forecast on TV is not voiced by girls, but by Italian BBC officers in full dress.
10
The above does not mean that the girl has nothing to do on television. Not at all: she is supposed to shine in the satirical evening program Striscia la Notizia (translated as "Crawling News"). It is assumed that the host pours jokes on the topic of the day, and half-naked beauties bring him "lightning bolts" of news agencies. Walking back and forth across the screen in a bathing suit, you can make an incredible career: get into the leading song contest in San Remo, become a companion of George Clooney, a minister or, at worst, a simple MEP. They get into the statistics for "Crawling News" through a monstrous competition of several thousand candidates for a place - but then everything goes like clockwork: the program airs on Channel Five, the channel belongs to Berlusconi, and the premier's penchant for long-legged beauties is known to the whole world, including his ex-wife : Veronica Lario at the time of her acquaintance with the owner of factories, newspapers, ships appeared on stage in skimpy outfits. It is strange that after 20 years, the candidates for the European Parliament recommended by her husband began to surprise her.
11
Deputies, councillors, ministers, mayors, police chiefs and heads of government in Italy ride metallic blue "lunches". There are no flashing lights on them, but the scandals in the press are still hefty: according to official statistics, Italian taxpayers maintain more than 600 government limousines - eight times more than in the States, and ten times more than in France.
12
The social package of the Catholic hierarch looks very tempting: among other things, cardinals and others like them rely on coupons for special Vatican gas stations (which are found not only in the Vatican itself, but also within Rome).
13
The boundaries of the Vatican are by no means limited to the Vatican wall. The papal state also includes a country residence in Castel Gandolfo and buildings of various departments, for example, the ministry of Catholic propaganda (Propaganda Fide) in the very tourist quarter of Rome - side by side with the boutiques of Via Condotti.
In addition, seven major Roman basilicas (including St. Peter's) are considered papal fiefdoms. Theoretically, in these churches it is still possible to hide from the law no worse than in the time of Caravaggio: the Italian police have no access even to the steps leading to them. Pickpockets use this circumstance with might and main, cutting wallets with cameras from tourists who have grown mad in the queue and providing the Vatican with an incredibly high (worse than the port of Naples) crime rate.
14
In Rome, on the embankment, a museum of souls in purgatory has been operating for a hundred years.
15
Italian churches are a treasure for the ethnographer. Everyone knows about the dilution of the blood of St. Januarius in Naples - but the blood of St. Panteleimon in Ravello does the same (just with a smaller gathering of people). The wooden baby Jesus in the Roman church of Araceli receives letters every year at Christmas; in Sant Eusebio, near the central metropolitan market, animals are blessed on January 17 (they used to bring cows, now they drag terriers and turtles), and in Santa Francesca Romana, at the Forum, vehicles (mostly taxis and motorcycles) are sprinkled with holy water every year on March 9 .
16
Prayer places in churches are identified by their golden sheen: in gratitude for the healing (salvation from bankruptcy, finding a groom, resolution from a burden, fulfillment of a wish), the devout public hangs entire chapels with medallions, images of cured limbs made of precious metals, figurines and ribbons. They are especially zealous in the south, in the vicinity of Naples, where any taxi driver, cutting off trucks through a double continuous line, hopes for divine intercession much more than for the police, the courtesy of others and traffic rules.
17
Taxi drivers in Italy are a separate caste. Not all of them are swindlers, but none of them will miss the opportunity to turn on a meter for a simple visitor at a suburban rate, and then justify their actions with a hard life: licenses are now rare and expensive (in Rome, for example, only 1800 people can drive a taxi, pay for such a right needs 15 thousand, or even 20 thousand, and sometimes father-in-law and son-in-law have to buy a car together), trade union rules do not allow cheating (they will spot a passenger after the end of the shift - they will deprive them of the right to transport), tariffs have not changed almost since the last century , and even the evil mayor's office introduced a flat fare to the airport. How here, pray tell, do not twist the counter?
18
The main Italian trouble, comparable in scale to fools and roads, is trade unions. Or rather, strikes. Everyone is on strike: pharmacists protest against the sale of aspirin in supermarkets, lawyers against increased competition, students against exams, professors against students, airport ground services against life in general. Each workshop seeks to complicate the existence of as many people as possible. When the heads of the stations are dissatisfied, the trains do not run; when the rights of gas stations are infringed upon, stores quickly run out of groceries, pharmacies run out of medicines, and ATMs run out of money. It is difficult to calm down all these people, especially since even deputy ministers from time to time arrange actions, march through the streets with briefcases and refuse to work on laws all day long. Theoretically, this whole orgy should be regulated by a special commission, and any action should be announced two weeks in advance. In practice, air traffic controllers, machinists and assistant pilots wanted to sneeze at the commission: aviation in Italy protests more often than it flies, on average more than 400 times a year. It's even surprising that with all this garbage, at least someone at least sometimes tries to take off.
19
Until the fifties of the twentieth century, cave people lived in Italy: the whole area of the city of Matera in Basilicata consists of caves. Now boutique hotels and museums are gradually being made from cave apartments.
20
There are no walk-through courtyards in Italy: the courtyard is everyone's internal affair, from strangers it must be closed with a wall or at least a fence. Exactly one exception - the Roman district of Garbatella, urban planning experiment, started in the twenties. While the constructivists in Russia were inventing communal houses, Mussolini, in a more fertile climate, was turning an entire working-class quarter into a commune.
21
Italians are sure that the main thing in a foreign language is pronunciation (because they themselves have an almost indestructible accent - having lived in Russia for a couple of decades, a Roman or Milanese will still say “zlovar”). On the other hand, a tourist who has learned to print “non parlo litaliano” without losing a single vowel will, in most cases, pass for a local - after this phrase, he will be addressed in rapid-fire Italian without any concessions.
22
There are three hundred dialects in Italy (not to mention some Sardinian language). Most of them almost died out, leaving a memory in the form of a couple of dishes on the menu, several names on the map and the manner of pronouncing “r” (in Rome they roll it out), “z” (in Milan this sound is replaced, where possible, with “s”) or "k" (in Tuscany they say "hoha-hola"). But in some places the dialect turns into a way to oppose itself to the world. The clearest example is Venice, where the same square can be called in three ways - from "San Giovanni" to "San Zan" and "San Zanipolo".
23
In the same Venice, houses are numbered not by streets, but by quarters, of which there are only six in the whole city. As a result, postmen have to deal with "San Marco 3467" and "Santa Croce 4853", and hotels have to send instructions to future guests with the interpretation of the address (even Google could not defeat the Venetians - it seems that they managed to confuse the satellite in the same way, like any American tourist). However, in peaceful land Florence you have to get lost: legal entities are supposed to have a separate number there, red, so after the 16th house it may well be followed by the 4th or even the 7th (there is often no division into even and odd sides of the street) . To come to terms with the fact that the second Italian floor is our third, and the universal first is considered zero, that is, "earthly" (pian terreno), after this it is already easier than ever.
24
An Italian elevator (inscribed in a 600-year-old staircase) can have five corners or no roof, and it will never close itself: after leaving, you need to close the doors carefully.
25
Each Italian city has its own schedule. In Florence, restaurants rest on Sundays and ice cream parlors on Mondays. In Bologna on a Wednesday evening you will not find an open grocery store. Residents of Ferrara dine at home on Thursday - restaurants are closed on this day (you can, however, rush to Modena - where the chefs take a break on Mondays). There is only one common problem: on Monday morning - no shopping. Until 15:30, the money can only be spent on food.
26
The first Monday after Easter is a national holiday, when it is supposed to take a basket and go on a picnic. You can’t buy train tickets on this day, you won’t find a free place in the park, and you won’t pass along the road. Worse than this - only the 15th of August (Assumption), which in the cities is carried out only by tourists and completely finished losers.
27
A communist count in Italy is a common thing. The millionaire communist - by the way, too. In Emilia-Romagna, where the Communist Party has almost as many votes as in Moscow under the Soviet Union, and the Unita newspaper holidays attract more people than a visiting rock star concert, voters arrive at the polls in collectible Lamborghinis.
28
The concept of conscience is absent in the Italian language.
29
The director of the museum, if he is from other cities, is entitled to official housing (on the principle of “what you protect, you have”). A few years ago there was a big scandal: the headmistress of the Castel Sant'Angelo arranged for herself an excellent two-room apartment exactly where the popes once lived. With an incredible view of the river. Actually, this signora was punished not for abusing the view, but for unauthorized redevelopment of a historical monument (without moving the walls, it was impossible to properly organize the kitchen). The director of the Palatine Archaeological Assembly behaves more modestly - and that is why for many years now he has been alone in the evenings with the spirits of emperors. Other museum workers, apparently, are afraid of ghosts - this person cannot find a replacement for himself.
30
The Italians sleep in tightly sealed rooms - not a single ray should seep outside, not to mention the breeze.
31
The wedding dinner consists of twenty-odd courses - less indecent. Lemon sorbet is served in the middle, believed to aid digestion. But the cake is still far away - after the sorbet they will bring more likely a rabbit or a guinea fowl.
32
Not every relationship will survive an Italian wedding - that's why everyone tries to get married as late as possible. Every schoolgirl from the age of 12 begins to choose a temple for her wedding in case of meeting with the prince. Popular places need to be booked a year in advance (and for May - even two). The guest list should certainly include second cousins, grandfather's hunting comrades and the groom's colleagues from the first job. Given all the fads, allergies, schedules, and contingencies, finding a restaurant, providing photographers, and completing the required course of conversations with the priest, you still need to reschedule the ceremony itself and live to the moment when you can close the door of the honeymoon suite behind you and fall asleep.
33
Italian cuisine is by no means limited to noble ingredients like truffles, buffalo mozzarella or balsamic vinegar: in some Puglia, the main dish is the greens of the local swede variety (cime di rapa), and stewed chicory is served as a side dish in general throughout the south.
34
Italian fat is included in the European Union register of regional products, the production of which violates sanitary standards. They make lard in about the same place as marble - in the neighborhood of Carrara (and, by the way, they keep it for several months in marble tubs).
35
In Italy, they eat mulli eggs (coglioni di mulo) and cat sausage (felino). In fact, of course, both are made from pork, just in the first case, the intestine, into which the minced meat with spices is placed, is tied in half, and in the second, the name is given not by the original ingredient, but by the place - the town of Felino near Parma.
36
Jewish surnames in Italy are the names of cities. There is no doubt about the nationality of a person whose name is Mario Ancona or Alessio Bergamo.
37
In Rome, you can and should drink water from a tap, as well as from fountains: it comes from mountain springs through the aqueducts of imperial times. The history of Roman prosperity is the history of sewage: the first drains were dug in the 7th century BC, the first pipes were laid in the second, and the barbarians managed to finally finish off the capital of the world only by cutting the water pipes. After returning the chimneys and fountains to the city, the popes proclaimed the restoration of the empire; in other parts of Europe in those days, water was almost worth its weight in gold.
38
The fashion for drinking vermouth before dinner was brought up in Turin; the fashion to make cocktails out of it was launched in Florence, specifically in the Casoni establishment on Via Tornabuoni. And the fashion to arrange microfeasts with snacks around this came from Milan. The genre is called "aperitif" and is now distributed throughout Italy, with the exception of perhaps the south itself.
39
Anyone who has a diploma is called a doctor in Italy: in order to become a doctor, even graduating from graduate school is not necessary. Parliamentarians, even former ones, are addressed until the end of their lives as “most respectable” (onorevole), teachers (starting from high school) are called professors (or professoresses), and a respectful avvocato is added to the name of a lawyer. Southern pompous Italian politeness is all in the details.
40
Seniors, who think a lot about their appearance, buy ties in exactly one place - in the Neapolitan atelier E.Marinella on the Chiaia embankment. Or at least in the Milan branch on Via Santa Maria alla Porta. Pre-election televised debates are simply impossible without Marinella; state visits, it seems, too (Berlusconi managed to give a tie to three American presidents).
41
The Caraceni label is considered the highest chic of a suit. There is confusion about this family of tailors. In the 1920s there were two brothers: Domenico took orders in Rome, Augusto tried to live in Paris, and after the war fled to Milan. Augusto's son, Mario, still works at A. Caraceni. Signor Mario does not recognize progress - he reluctantly spent the phone, but he considers the Internet a vanity of vanities, so the studio does not have a website. The sons of Domenico, Tommy and Giulio are also against online advertising - they work in the embassy quarter of the capital, and they tell clients personally about how their father dressed Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart. The Domenico Caraceni brand was bought from them by a former father's apprentice and dragged to Milan. But only Mario still remembers the times when brown shoes were considered the height of outrageousness, and for smoking it was necessary to put on a special velvet jacket. But the main thing is that he knows how to tailor his jacket so that when the arms move, the tails do not move (this, Signor Caracheni is convinced, should be considered the height of skill).
42
Church vestments must be cut skillfully. Under Pope Wojtyla, cassocks were ordered from Gammarelli, behind the Pantheon. short and broad Benedict XVI, they say, did not fit into his vestments. Now he dresses in a place with an unimaginative Euroclear sign and wears Prada glasses (giving rise to jokes about the brand's association with the devil).
43
Not all mafia is called a mafia: the Calabrian variety (the most vindictive) is called the 'ndrangheta, and the Neapolitan (the one that rules the garbage collection) is called the Camorra. Actually, the mafia is found in Sicily, where it makes sure that every businessman, from a wealthy winemaker to the last owner of a tobacco kiosk, regularly pays tribute to the "roof" for patronage (pizzo). The mafiosi do not allow themselves a brilliant life: the last great capo Bernardo Provenzano spent thirty years of his life hiding in a barn an hour's walk from his native village of Corleone, cultivating a garden, rereading the Bible and sending encrypted notes - pizzini with trusted persons. They caught him only in extreme old age.
44
Judging by the speed of maturation, Italians are a separate biological species. Until the age of four, children drive around the streets in strollers, and even smack their nipples. Up to thirty-four, they live quietly with their parents - partly because it is more convenient, partly because they study painfully at first (until recently, the Italian university course was not limited in time and it could take seven years from admission to a diploma), and then even more painfully looking for a job. Getting a permanent salary in Italy is not easy; The problem is not solved by simple blasphemy. As a result, the population constantly flits back and forth: refined Romans twice a week go to lecture in godforsaken holes, native Milanese, gritting their teeth, endure service in Naples, and especially lucky applicants rush between Padua, Florence and Calabria, waiting until at least some space will be freed up. By the age of forty-five, they finally conclude a sane contract and move into the category of “promising young professionals,” and if luck does not end there, then by sixty, you see, it will even be possible to talk about some kind of career. Of course, having finally achieved money and influence, the gray-haired worker will not rush to retire - and already new generations of graduates will sit on their parents' necks, cursing gerontocracy.
In Sicily, they found their own Susan Boyle - her name is Angela Troina, sixty-six years old. She, however, does not sing, but dances - mainly progressive house (“After the divorce from my second husband, I started going to discos with my grandson. At first they played techno, and then house started. And I liked this house so much - I I'm just going crazy." For some time, Angela had fun, and then she recorded a video, sent it to the Italia's Got Talent program and created a community on Facebook, where she gathered 400 thousand fans.
On the network, Angela posts photos from parties (up to leather bikinis), and in a television interview she admonishes dance mates: “It’s easy to have a positive attitude towards life - neither alcohol nor drugs are needed for this!”
48
Italians are terribly serious about all sorts of costume games. In Florence, in Piazza Santa Croce, they play Renaissance football; in Siena they divide the city into contrades and stake on bare horses; in Viareggio, carts with mummers roll along the embankment, and every time monstrous passions boil around this - Shakespeare never dreamed of.
49
Venice's main problem is not flooding, but garbage. There is not enough space for garbage dumps, and if you scatter scraps anywhere, the rats can become completely insolent. For garbage thrown in the wrong place or at an inopportune time, they charge a fine of up to 500 euros. In general, the organization of life on the water costs indecent amounts, and the city's population is annually reduced by several thousand who want to save on services.
50
In case of victory of the national team in the World Cup, up to eight passengers are placed on one scooter.
In a country where a siesta (afternoon nap) is almost approved at the legislative level, they like to relax more than work. What traditions and customs of Italy have survived to this day? Which have become obsolete and forgotten? What is remarkable about the people of this beautiful country? You can learn about the most interesting traditions and customs of Italy from the publication.
Population
On the territory of this Mediterranean state, which on the map of Southern Europe resembles the shape of boots, about 60 million people live. In the famous capital - Rome - about 3 million. The official language of the parliamentary republic is Italian. For many years, a fairly homogeneous national composition (Italian majority) remained in the country. However, due to the current global geopolitical situation and large migration flows, Albanians, French, Germans, Greeks and representatives of other nationalities (numbering about 10%) live in Italy today.
Not surprisingly, the religious composition is dominated by Catholics (92%). Italians adore their dad, almost every resident of the country at least once in his life visited the Vatican enclave state, which is located on the territory of Rome.
In Italy, you can also meet Protestants, Muslims, Orthodox and Jews.
Traditional dwelling and costume
A typical building in small settlements remains a Mediterranean-type house. According to traditions and customs, in Italy they have long been built in two floors of stone. The tiled gable roof of the dwelling looks cozy among green trees and shrubs. The building was divided horizontally into two levels. The first was assigned to utility rooms, a kitchen, and on the second floor there was a residential part. The interior decoration was distinguished by massive wooden furniture, which is rarely seen in modern houses today.
Cheerful and energetic representatives of the nation, following the traditions and customs of Italy, wore very bright and diverse outfits. Women's clothing was based on a long and wide skirt, which was decorated with a white or green apron, a shirt with wide sleeves, and a bodice emphasized the dignity of the figure. The male population dressed in short pants, white shirts, jackets or sleeveless jackets, hats or berets.
A real Italian is always distinguished by a neat appearance, accuracy even in small things. Here, men pay a lot of attention to their appearance.
Features of national cuisine
According to traditions and customs, in Italy there was always a lot of fresh seafood and a variety of pastry products (spaghetti, cannelloni) on the table. Today, the culinary habits of the population of this country have changed slightly. Favorite foods are ravioli and tortellini, lasagna, risotto, pizza.
A popular drink in Italy is coffee, often served with lemon (espresso romano). From alcoholic preferences, amaretto, grappa, campari, sambuca, limoncello can be distinguished. For dessert, tiramisu is often served (by the way, in Italian, the name of the delicacy means "makes me happy").
Holidays
This is a special line - the more holidays for the Italian, the better. Festivities are arranged, of course, on a grand scale, with songs and dances. The Italians cherish Christmas (December 25), considering it exclusively a family celebration. As in our country, March 8 and May 1 are celebrated here. Father's Day (in honor of St. Giuseppe) is held on March 19, two days later (March 21) comes Tree Day, April 1 is April Fool's Day, and the Founding of Rome (April 21) smoothly turns into Italy's Liberation Day (April 25), then Mother's Day is coming (May 10), etc. Italians not only clearly know, but also honor the days of all their patron saints. These dates are not official, but banks, shops and other establishments are de facto closed.
national character
The inner world of Italians is full of paradoxes and contradictions. The center of the universe for the inhabitants of this country is the family, and in the broadest sense of the word. People are very kind to mothers and children, they value and sacredly cherish friendship. This is one of the few countries in which there are no orphanages.
Italians are born actors, they love to flaunt themselves in the company. These people are distinguished by an easy attitude to life, optimism, love of fun and laughter. They are very sociable, talking loudly and emotionally, clearly pronouncing sounds. They are intolerant of incorrect pronunciation, very often they correct the speech of foreigners. People in this country actively gesticulate during communication. At the same time, this trait is considered acceptable only for men; it is indecent for a woman to behave like this. However, sociability does not mean openness; they behave very carefully with strangers, do not chat too much.
Types of tourism and attractions
Usually Italy is visited by travelers who love skiing, beach holidays, sightseeing, medical and health and business tourism. Over the past 10-20 years, shop tours to the country of famous couturiers and designers have been rapidly gaining momentum.
Traditions, customs, culture of Italy are inextricably intertwined with its history, which can be tracked by visiting the most famous sights of the country. The capital of the state is notable for the ancient Pantheon, the construction of this temple dates back to 27 BC. e. Also in Rome you can see the famous Colosseum, several triumphal arches, the Roman and Imperial forums, the terms (baths) of Caracalla. The basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Paul will impress religious connoisseurs. You should definitely visit Piazza Navona with its three fountains. This square has become famous since the times of Ancient Rome. Excursions to the Capitoline, the National Roman Museum and the Borghese Gallery are certainly offered to visitors to the capital.
Milan is famous for the Dominican monastery, in the refectory of which there is a fresco "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci. It is impossible not to watch a chic performance at the famous La Scala Theatre.
The miracle city of Venice stands on 122 islands, the city is crossed by 170 canals and 400 bridges. Here you can see the Cathedral of St. Mark, the Palace of the Venetian Rains. Florence is famous for the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fore, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Uffizi and Pitti galleries, the tomb of the Medici family.
The customs and traditions of Italy are still preserved. For example, in this country it is customary to have dinner strictly with the whole family, and on Sundays you should visit your beloved grandparents. If you want to win over an Italian business partner, ask him to show a family photo. Don't worry, it will definitely be in his purse.
The people of Italy are very superstitious. For example, they are afraid to talk about the success and health of their relatives, they never arrange weddings in May, and on New Year's Eve, each family member must certainly eat 12 grapes. By the way, there is a tradition to throw away (not out the window, of course) all old and unnecessary things in the past year. Perhaps someone said goodbye to the TV.
Italians are one of the most kind and merciful nations. For example, for cruelty to a cat, you can get up to 3 years in prison. Despite this, the northerners and southerners of the country are very cold and dismissive of each other. Southern Italians consider northern Italians to be boring, while northern Italians are sure that southerners are impenetrable lazybones.
We briefly reviewed the traditions and customs of Italy, now it became clear why this wonderful country ranks fourth in the world in terms of tourist attendance. There are more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites here - no other country on our planet can boast of such a figure.
When studying the customs and traditions of the peoples of Italy, it is important to remember that in this country they love their native language very much, and they study foreign languages with reluctance. Therefore, it is worth stocking up on a phrasebook in order to properly imbue the local flavor.
Italy is a country with a rich history and many traditions that have evolved over the centuries. She survived the era of the Roman Empire, was under the influence of Byzantium, endured the painful years of the Renaissance (Renaissance), felt the oppression of fascism. Each of these eras left a mark on the traditions of Italy and in the lives of people.
Family in Italy is sacred!
The main traditions of Italy are connected with the family. Italians are very careful about the family and family traditions, despite the fact that they resemble frivolous people who grew up, but did not mature. Dinner is one of the main family traditions. During it, the whole family should gather at the table, full, relatives can also be invited to it. Family members can have breakfast and lunch separately, but they must all have dinner together. No one will sit at the table until the whole family is assembled. After finishing the evening meal, the family goes for an evening walk.
Italians and children
Italians pay great attention to children in the family: they are greatly pampered, parents constantly take them with them, especially to restaurants, trying to protect them from damage and the evil eye, as well as the evil influence of the street. But, despite such attention to children, they are taught to be independent from early childhood and released into adulthood very early. By this time, the child should learn to be fully responsible for his life.
Man and woman
Interesting traditions in Italy develop in the relationship between a man and a woman. As you know, Italian girls are considered the most emancipated in all of Europe. Most of the leadership positions belong to women and, admittedly, they are no worse than men. But the tradition of external subordination of a woman to a man has been preserved, which consists in the fact that she can arrange family scenes only at home, and in public places - in no case, even a small argument is categorically unacceptable. The only exceptions are disputes between son and mother or brother and sister. In the south of the country, this tradition is observed very strictly compared to the northern part of Italy. Italian men are very gallant towards women. The family is sacred for them, so every man has a photo of his wife and children with him.
Italian traditions are quite interesting. One of these is a siesta - a lunch break that lasts three hours - from one in the afternoon until four. Almost all shops, banks and institutions are closed during this lunch break. Business negotiations are not scheduled for this time, relatives and friends are not called, because this period is intended for lunchtime sleep.
The traditions of Italy can also be seen in the style of clothing. In this state, by appearance it is very difficult to determine to which social class a person belongs. All citizens dress neatly, stylishly and according to fashion. It is possible to determine a wealthy person only by the manner of speaking. These people have a good education, and their speech is well-delivered.
Let's talk!
Interesting fact. There is an opinion that Italians gesticulate heavily during a conversation, but this is not true. Gesticulation is inherent only to the inhabitants of the center of Italy, and in the rest of the country people behave more restrained. In Sicily, gesticulation is considered uncultured behavior. But Italians are very fond of talking, and it doesn’t matter whether they know their interlocutor, because the main thing here is the process of communication itself and the opportunity to express their opinion. In addition, the Italians are quite unpunctual people. In this country, everyone is late, even trains, buses, shops may not open on time, but close later. Therefore, while staying in Italy, you do not have to worry if the bus or train is late. This is normal in this country.
Italians love to talk about their family and home, about their work and achievements. If you ask them to suggest the right path, they will not only indicate the correct path, but they can also guide you. The only thing you can face at this moment is the language barrier. Unfortunately, many Italians do not understand English. This is where gestures come into play.
During an acquaintance, a person pronounces not only his name, but also his profession or specialty, for example: “Vincenzo, cardiologist.” Therefore, guests of the country should do the same.
August is considered the hottest period (“ferragosto”). At this time, many restaurants, shops and museums are closed.
When entering the store, it is advisable to say hello, and when leaving, say goodbye, as this is considered a sign of good taste. At such moments, you can say buon giorno (good afternoon) or buona sera (good evening), but in no case "chao". This word can only be used between close people.
In the evening, there is traditionally an evening walk - passegiata vesperale.
Before dinner, it is customary to drink white grape wine.
Even for the smallest service, it is customary to give a tip.
Women are allowed to give compliments even at official meetings or negotiations.
Italy is a country of bright sun, clear sea and friendly people. Which sometimes surprise tourists with their unusual traditions. Which ones we will tell right now.
Food
Our mothers always say: "Breakfast should be hearty." But here's the thing! That same hearty breakfast is not for Italians. They prefer coffee with a bun or a light dessert to porridge. But dinner in Italy should be tight. Get used to it. Here it's the other way around!
There are other rules in the boot country that seem unusual to us. Here are a few of them:
- It is not customary to put a salad on the same plate with the second course.
- Fish should not be eaten with cheese.
- Whatever the length of the pasta, it is eaten only with a fork without the use of a knife and spoon.
And yet, in this country, no one says toasts. As a rule, they are replaced by the uncomplicated phrase "chin-chin".
Sorry, closed
Italians love to relax. And this is a fact. Finding a store or supermarket on a weekday that is open after eight in the evening is a rarity. On Sundays it is completely closed during the day.
The traditional lunch break in Italy starts at 13.00 and lasts until 16.00. At this time, all institutions, banks and many shops are closed. But trattorias and restaurants are filled with noisy visitors. Italians devote this time to rest and communication. None of them will make business appointments or negotiate.
Holidays
Most interesting traditions went to the New Year. His attack is celebrated on the street, where folk festivals take place with games, songs and dances. On this day, the inhabitants of Italy get rid of unnecessary things by throwing them ... out the window!
Another typical Italian tradition is the breaking of dishes. This helps to get rid of the negative energy and resentment that has accumulated over the past year.
Some Italian cities have their own customs. For example, the Romans believe that those who jump from a bridge into the Tiber River on New Year's Eve will definitely be happy next year. And the inhabitants of Naples cannot live without fireworks. They believe that the bright light of fires and the loud sound of firecrackers scare away evil spirits.
superstition
Italians are very superstitious. They are afraid of objects, events and people who, in their opinion, can bring bad luck. Many protect themselves from the evil eye with prayers and amulets. In addition, Italians spend a lot of money on astrologers, fortune-tellers and other charlatans - also in order to protect against the evil eye.
Many watch the lunar cycle vigilantly. To know when to sow, when to harvest, how to store food and drink. So, for example, wine can only be bottled on a full moon. However, it is allowed to drink it regardless of the lunar cycle.
Romance
Italy is a paradise for women's ears. Here everyone can hear a compliment about some attractive part of her body. But often it ends with a compliment. All because the Italian simply cannot pass by beauty without telling her about his emotions.
Wedding
In Italy, a wedding is once and for all. The country is Catholic, divorces are not welcome and costly. Until the mid-1970s, they were banned altogether. Therefore, families of lovers are preparing for the wedding almost from the moment the future spouses are born. And if the wedding is played, then so that there is something to tell the grandchildren about.
The dress of the bride is also overlaid with traditions. For example, a girl's dress should have red and green colors. Modern brides most often use these shades in lingerie, jewelry and accessories.
A well-known tradition: throwing a bride's bouquet into a crowd of unmarried girls, also comes from Italy. Previously, the bouquet consisted of orange tree flowers, symbolizing imminent marriage, prosperity and joy.
Family
Family for an Italian is the greatest value. Children are considered the main treasure in it. Here they are admired, proud, pampered too much and .. they are in no hurry to send them to kindergarten. Instead, the child is sent to the grandparents. They are sent to kindergarten only because there is no one to leave the baby with at home.
Almost every Italian and Italian carry photographs of all their relatives. A little advice: if you want to win over the interlocutor - ask to see his family photos.
Service Gift
Italians love to give gifts. But not just like that. After accepting a gift or help, you should not relax too much. Sooner or later, you will be required to repay a debt or do something to serve a generous donor.
Movie
Have you come to the cinema? Know: while watching a movie, at the very climax, the lights will turn on and there will be a mandatory five-minute pause.
Cheese and other oddities
In Italy, there is a very reverent attitude towards cheese makers and cheese in general. Therefore, the country has a law - women who behave badly are forbidden to approach cheese factories. And the workers of the cheese factory can easily end up in a prison cell if they dare in the workplace ... to fall asleep.
And here are a couple of unusual laws:
It is forbidden to build sand castles on the beaches of Eraclea. And this is not at all because there is not enough sand on the beach. On the contrary, it's just such a strange law.
Residents of Turin are required to walk their dogs at least three times a day. Otherwise, they will be fined.
In Lerici, residents and tourists are prohibited from hanging towels in windows to dry. And in Milan, the law obliges everyone who is in a public place to smile.
The Italian Republic is located in Southern Europe. Its borders pass through France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, the Vatican and San Marino. The territories of Italy are occupied by the Apennine and Balkan Peninsulas, the Padana Plain, the slopes of the Alps, the Sicilian Islands and some islands of Sardinia.
Italians belong to the Romance people. The main population of the Italian Republic are the Italians themselves. And the Italian minorities are located in the territories of the USA, Argentina, Belgium, France, Croatia, Monaco, San Marino, Slovenia, Belgium and Germany.
Peoples inhabiting Italy
The main population of Italy is Italians. The number of other nationalities living in the territory of the Italian Republic is about 2%. Italian minorities have lived in the same areas for centuries. In the north - Romansh, French, Slovenes and Croats. The Greeks live in the south. The Albanians settled on the island of Sicily, and the Catalans on the island of Sardinia.
Millionaire cities are populated by 12% of Italy's inhabitants. These cities are: Rome, Milan, Turin and Naples.
The main language is Italian. It can be attributed to the Romance group of Indo-European languages. Also in Italy there are people who speak other languages - Sardinian, Romansh, German, French, Albanian and Slovenian. The main Italian dialects are: Northern dialect, Central dialect and Southern Italian dialect.
Catholicism is the faith of the majority of the Italian population. The Vatican plays a huge role in the religious life of the people. But still in Italy there are also representatives of the atheistic trend, the Islamic faith.
Culture and life of Italy
If we talk about the houses of Italians, it is worth noting that they have certain features. For example, in the Alps, houses are two-story and three-story. The bottom of these houses is made of stone and the top is made of wood. In cities, there are ordinary Latin houses - stone two-story buildings with a tiled roof. The appearance of houses depends on the financial condition of its owner.
The national Italian costume is very bright and noticeable. Men used to wear cropped pants, a white shirt and a tank top. And women dressed up in a long skirt, a shirt with wide sleeves, a bright cropped apron and a scarf. Jewelry is an essential attribute of the national costume of the Spaniards. But today national costumes are extremely rare, Italians prefer modern clothes.
Preferences in dishes and cuisine are unchanged - pasta, rice, cheese and seafood. National dishes are pizza, pasta, buridda, buzecca, mazafegati, risi e besi, gnocchi alla romana and others. Moreover, these national dishes are popular not throughout Italy, but in certain regions.
As for the family in Italy, it must be said that it is highly valued by people. Love for children is pure and boundless. They are always close to their parents, they are pampered, praised, admired and proud.
Despite the expressiveness of the Italian people, they are very intelligent and know the rules of etiquette and etiquette. They wear clothes to match the event, they know how to stay in the company of elders, they respect the female sex.
Loud and emotional conversation, accompanied by sharp gestures, is the norm for Italians. Also, passionate public kisses are commonplace in the lives of these people.
Traditions and customs in Italy
The main traditions and customs of Italy are the celebration of Christmas, New Year and Easter. These are the main national holidays.
Italians never break traditions in holidays. For example, Christmas is a family holiday, so it is held exclusively in a narrow family circle.
But Easter is a big celebration. Therefore, Italians allow themselves to go out, meet friends and have fun from the heart. Each district has its own traditional Easter dish - lambs with giblets, green lasagna, Neapolitan flatbread. But before going to a wide city holiday, on Easter Monday, Italians gather in a family circle for a picnic. In this case, the weather does not matter.
On New Year's Eve, Italians throw everything they don't need through the window and break dishes for good luck. After carrying out this ritual, they go outside and celebrate the New Year together. The New Year's table should always include lentil dishes.
Italians are very superstitious people. Therefore, they never brag to strangers about their children and families. It is also believed that you should not get married in May, and even more so in May and on Friday. The most successful days for marriage in Italy are Monday and Tuesday.
