Traditions - Tradizioni

Family

Family is very important for Italians. The adjustments that the first generation of immigrants made sometimes had devastating results. They became neither Italian nor Canadian. The second generation combined the aspects of both cultures and lifestyles. The third and the fourth generations became more Canadian than Italian.

Visiting

Visiting friends and relatives is very popular among the Italians. Intricate networks of friendship and fellowship are developed as they share their joys and their sorrows.

To learn more about the italian culture, visit "traveletiquette" which offers essentiel etiquette advice and information for worldwide travel.



Language

The first difficulty that the Italian immigrants faced in Canada was the inability to understand or speak the English language. Of course, they did not feel the need of English when they lived inside Little Italies. Those who went outside the community needed knowledge of the English language. In order to bridge the gap between Italian and English, the new immigrants developed a language called Italiese, which gave Italian structure to the English language.

Food and Wine

Italy has 20 regions, and each region has its own traditional food and wine. Italian food does not consist of only pizza and spaghetti, and the menu is as varied as the Italian regions. Italians use a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, eggplants, onions, garlic, peas, pepper in their cuisine. Italian food and wine are well known in Canada and North America.

Music

Italians love music. Music is part of their lives. They enjoy it at holidays, family celebrations, and special occasions. Opera, an Italian tradition, is popular among Italians and they continued this musical tradition when they immigrated to Canada.

Religion

The majority of Italians are Roman Catholics. When they immigrated, they brought their religious traditions to Canada with them. They began to build churches, where they would pray to God, but the churches also served as a place where they could meet, help each other and share their traditions. They held Italian classes inside the churches' halls, where their children could learn and preserve the language. Italians set up the Catholic schools too, where the Italian children would learn their religion and their culture.

Wedding and Baptism Ceremonies

The Italians make a wonderful celebration of their weddings and baptism ceremonies. They usually rent a hall, have music, dancing, special pastries, cordials, and wines. A church ceremony is usually followed by a reception. Christening ceremonies are very special, as well, usually followed by receptions held in halls or at home.

Funerals

The Italian funerals, as the final act of love provided for those that pass away, are particularly moving. Candles remain lit throughout the wake. Relatives and friends participate in the wake, say prayers in front of the casket and offer condolences to the family. Preparation for the burial usually includes a church Mass attended by family and friends who afterwards accompany the deceased to his final resting place.