The Italian People

1
The Italian People
Culture and Customs

• By Christina Holcomb
• 4th Grade

2
Introduction

• Class, today we are going to learn about
  Italian customs and culture. We may have many
  misconceptions or may not know much about these
  interesting people. We are used to the
  stereotypical Italians we see on T.V., big
  haired, loud mouthed, and typically in the mafia.
  Well, sit back and lets learn about the real
  descendants of Italy.

3
The CountryQuick Facts

• Capital- Rome
• Population- 58,057,477
• Language- Italian
• Government- Republic

4
The Language

• Italian is the official language of Italy.
• It is known as the language of love.
• The Italian language stems from Latin.
• More than 70 million people speak Italian, mostly
  in Italy and parts of Switzerland.

5
Italian Family Values

• Family is very important to the Italian people.
• Family is the center of social life.
• The family provides both emotional and financial
  support.
• In the north nuclear families live together,
  while in the south, extended family may live in
  the home.

6
Italian StyleBella Figura

• Fashion and style is very important to the
  Italian people.
• It can indicate your social and economic status.
• Italians can judge someone by their appearance
  alone.
• Bella Figura is not only your appearance, but
  how you carry yourself.
• Milan, Italy is known as the fashion capital of
  the world.

7
ReligionCatholicism

• Roman Catholic is the official religion of Italy.
  
• There are more Catholic churches per capita in
  Italy than any other country.
• Children are named after Catholic Saints.
• The influence of the church is great.

8
The Arts

• Italy has a culture rich in the Arts.
• Famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and
  Michelangelo were Italian.
• Italy is well known for its opera, were it
  originated.
• Italians are very proud of their art history.

9
Etiquette Meet and Greet

• Greetings are enthusiastic, but still remain
  formal.
• Handshakes and direct eye contact are traded
  between strangers.
• Hugs and air kisses on the cheeks are traded
  among friends.
• Calling cards containing the persons name and
  number are often traded in social settings

10
Lets Eat!Italian Food

• Pasta was invented by the Italians.
• It is their national dish.
• As a dinner guest always take a small amount so
  you can compliment the cook by taking seconds.

11
MarriageItalian Style!

• The groom often proposes by musically serenading
  their bride.
• The bride wears green the evening before the
  wedding to bring good luck.
• Sunday marriages are believed to be the luckiest.
  
• A glass vase is broken at the ceremony. The
  shattered pieces represent the many years the
  couple will have together.
• The food at the reception is very important and
  tends to be elaborate.

12
Misconceptions Corrected

• Belief- Italians are all in the Mafia.
• Truth- Italians refer to mafia as a group of
  people working together for a common cause.
• Belief- Italians are loud.
• Truth- Italians do like to entertain and are
  friendly, but do not consider themselves loud.
• Belief- All Italians are Catholic.
• Truth- The majority of Italians are Catholic,
  (98) but some may be protestant or another
  religion.

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Class Activity

• Imagine you are meeting someone in Italy. List
  the proper etiquette that would be used.
• Make a list of your own misconceptions that were
  corrected after viewing this slideshow.
• Compare and contrast some differences between
  Italian and traditional American weddings.

14
Remember this.

• The Italian culture is rich with arts, foods, and
  fashion. The people value family, religion and
  their customs. They are always willing to give
  fashion advice and feed a friend. And there is
  always enough pasta to go around!

15
Works Cited

• http//www.italianlanguageguide.com/italian/facts/
  
• http//www.lifeinitaly.com/potpourri/
• http//www.virtualitalia.com/articles/wedding.shtm
  l
• http//www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-e
  tiquette/italy-country-profile.html