Our Italian Tradition Essay - 2077 Words

Our Italian Tradition It was Christmas Eve. I sat, huddled in a ball, behind the armchair in my living room. I was trying to be as still and patient as I could be. I remember moments where I held my breath thinking if she heard me breathe, she would leave and I would never get a chance to see her. I could feel myself drifting off to sleep, but I tried to resist. All I wanted was to see her just once. Usually, I would be scared at the thought of a witch, but she was different. She was a magical witch who flew on a broom from house top to house top, visiting children and filling their shoes with candy and chocolates. Sure enough, I awoke the next morning to find myself still huddled in the same ball; I had fallen asleep†¦show more content†¦In 1957, her family sailed across the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Christopher Columbus, to the United States of America. Continuing life as they did in Italy, my mother’s family carried on many Italian traditions. By growing all of their own fruits and vegetables, they prepared all of their meals from scratch. Their house contained a cold cellar where my grandfather fermented grapes to create red wine, and my grandmother hung meats such as sausage, capicola, and sopressata. They canned vegetables for the winter by preparing them in large vats called vaso di croc where they preserved the vegetables with vinegar and salt. Along with these daily customs, my mother’s family continued the traditions of Italian holidays, which my family still maintains today. Because of this, I have grown up being aware of my Italian heritage and its customs. In Italy, Christmas is not only a holiday centered on gift giving, but the appreciation of family and Jesus. Many of the Italian traditions during Christmas are focused on religious beliefs, as our mine. Throughout the month of December, my family prepares for Christmas both in the American and Italian ways. Not only do we buy a Christmas tree and decorate the house, but we set up our presepio or nativity scene. This is a special event in Italy that occurs on the first day of Novena, which is the first day of the nine day of prayers devoted to baby Jesus. This is onlyShow MoreRelatedCulture Of Italy : Italy1028 Words   |  5 Pages Culture of Italy INTRODUCTION: Some of you may think about the people of Italy as typical Italians running around town eating pasta and drinking wine. Surprise, surprise, you’re right. Wouldn’t you be doing the same thing if you lived in this gorgeous country? For Italians, it’s simple, eating and drinking is a part of their culture. It is what they know. All eating and drinking aside, for now, as most of you know Italy is located in Europe. 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