Welcome to our guide to Italy. Italy, one of the most romantic and the most visited countries of the world. Every corner of this country is unique and outstanding. Italy is an inspiration for artists and poets, because its air is saturated with the atmosphere of creativity and freedom. Italy carefully preserves the traces of the powerful Roman Empire and numerous cultural traditions. Having been in this country once, there is an impression that time unexpectedly stopped and this atmosphere allows you to forget about the existence of modern civilization.
Contemplating the ruined but still majestic Coliseum, which was stained with the blood of gladiators, looking at the magnificent buildings of Vatican, traveling through the canals of Venice or viewing any other attractions of Italy, you don’t feel the necessity to return in your temporal world with its faceless buildings and the crazy rhythm of life (Van Allen, 2009). Undoubtedly, to visit Italy with success you should know some things about its culture and traditions.
Nationalism and Identity. The Italians are not a race but a collection of peoples. First and foremost, they think themselves and each other as Romans, Sicilians, Florentines or Milanese and secondly as Italians. It is explained by the fact that Italy has only existed as a nation since 1861. Before, this country consisted of several independent states. Of course, the Italians try to show their unity, for example, when their football team wins the World Cup or at soccer match in the United States. Nevertheless, the citizens from various Italian districts differ in their way of life, habits and the level of welfare (Solly, 1999).
- The Italians are seen as happy and fun-loving people with a genius for design, fashion and food.
- The Italian people are incredible visionaries. To tell about itself in the manner of the famous Baron Munchausen is a favorite pastime of many Italians.
- A great importance they attach to the greetings that are always accompanied by handshakes and kisses. Thus, they express the delight when meeting friends.
- The Italians easily make promises, which can be forgotten in 15 minutes.
- Punctuality is not their hallmark. It does not mean that delays are welcomed, but the attitude to them are not very serious, but if only not more than 20 minutes.
- The Italians, unlike the British, not too often say «sorry»: if they do not feel guilty about something, so there is nothing to say. A repentance is better to leave for a confession.
- The Italians are very reckless: various lotteries, playing machines, casino are popular among them.
- These people are ardent smokers, especially those who live in the South.
- It is typical for the Italians to touch interlocutors during a conversation, clapping them on shoulders and back.
- Italians pay great attention to their appearance. Most of them choose the expensive and high-quality clothing to look properly (Barzini, 1996).
The role of family. Family is the main social, economic, organizational and political unit in the country. A typical family consists of a father, who is convinced that he is responsible for making all decisions, a mother, who really keeps the order in a house, sons and daughters. It means that the stability and good name of the family notoriously depend more on the wife's faithfulness than on her husband's (Barzini, 1996).
Food and drinks. The Italians are crazy about tasty food of high quality. In fact, their whole life centers on the production, product purchase, cooking and, mainly, eating different dishes. The Italians are gourmets; they choose only the best food. Many residents have relatives in villages, who supply them with homemade food. Salad and wine that are tabled in honor of the guest is something special and remain in the memory for a long time (Fili, 2008). The secret of Italian cuisine is not only that the ingredients are fresh and qualitative, but also that all Italians, both women and men are excellent cooks. Pasta is irreplaceable for the Italians; many of them even take a couple of pounds, if they are going to travel outside of Italy. Moreover, the Italians drink a lot of wine, but practically it is impossible to meet a drunken man in the street.
Customs and traditions. The most important holidays are Christmas and Easter. The Italians celebrate Christmas at home, and Easter with friends. Moreover, every town and village hallows the day of its patron Saint. In many places, people celebrate the week of any composer, week of grape harvest or sport events (Solly, 1999).
Italy is a Catholic country. The Pope is the only crowned Lord of the state, and because of such status, his visits to the Italian cities are much interested than the visits of the President and the Prime Minister. He is the only power in Italy, which fills the stadiums with people and makes local authorities to whitewash the walls of the houses to remove indecent words that confused his Holy eyes.
Italians are very superstitious: they avoid things, events, and especially people who, in their opinion, can bring misfortune. Many people protect themselves from the evil with prayers and amulets, which they carry everywhere. In addition, Italians spend lots of money on the astrologers, fortunetellers and other charlatans in order to protect themselves from the evil eye (Solly, 1999).
Language. Until the end of the World War II, the Italian language was not so popular. He remained mainly as the language of writing, the administrative-bureaucratic institutions, academics and the ruling classes. The main force that helps to disseminate the Italian language was the television. Now almost all the Italians understand their native language, and nearly all the young people speak it well.
Interesting places. It is worth seeing Italian sights. High art and monuments are to be found everywhere around the country. Its great cities of art, like Rome, Venice and Florence are world famous and have been attracting visitors for centuries. The most popular and outstanding places are the Canals of Venice, The Coliseum, Santa Maria Del Fiore, Piazza Del Campo and many others (“10 top tourist”, 2013).
Visit this country once you will come back again. As Bertrand Russell said, “Italy, and the spring and first love all together should suffice to make the gloomiest person happy” (Bertrand Russell).
References
10 top tourist attractions in italy. (2013, November 15). Retrieved from http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-italy/
Barzini, L. (1996). The italians. (1st ed.). New York: Penguin Books.
Fili, L. (2008). Italianissimo: The quintessential guide to what italians do best. (2nd ed., p. 56). New York: Little Bookroom.
Solly, M. (1999). The xenophobe's guide to the italians. (1st ed.). Oval Books.
Van Allen, S. (2009). 100 places in italy every woman should go. (Second ed., pp. 22-23). California 94301: Travelers' Tales and Solars House.
