I'm sure you're reading the title of this article and are puzzled when you read my name aloud. To clarify, no, my last name isn't Italian, as my father is Russian and Ukrainian. However, my mom is 100% Sicilian, therefore making me 50% Sicilian. My brothers and I were raised with the Italian ways so as someone with Italian background, I can relate to others on similar customs.
1. You talk with your hands
This one is 100% accurate. Even my dad who isn't a speck of Italian talks with his hands since we were always around our Italian family members.
2. You talk loudly
No, we aren't yelling at each other, we just talk very very loud, and the older everyone gets, the louder they speak.
3. You had the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve
If you really grew up Italian, you know the ritual of having seven fishes for dinner on Christmas Eve. My family feasted on calamari, shrimps, clams, salmon, scungilli, just to name a few. My personal favorite, fried calamari with marinara sauce.
4. You love your coffee
If you've been over to an Italian household, then you know that dinner is followed by espresso. Along with espresso comes an abundance of desserts.
5. You have a plethora of desserts
After a nice hearty meal, there's a slight intermission.This is when we relax and play cards, before the feast of various desserts. True Italians indulge on cannolis, cream puffs, sfogliatella, platters of Italian cookies from biscotti, anisette, pizzelles, Italian seven layer cookies, not to mention a family favorite around Christmas time, struffoli!
6. No meal is complete without crusty Italian bread
Well, yes this is without a doubt true. There are many varieties of Italian bread: semolina, twist, seeds, no seeds, the list goes on and on. We also love dipping our bread in various oils and sauces.
7. Before having a delicious meal, you start out with antipasto
Cold or hot, before any large meal, Italians pick on several appetizers, better known as antipasto. Salami, proscuitto, sopressata (my grandfather's favorite), mozzarella balls, provolone, green olives, hot peppers, you name it, Italians love their antipasto.
8. You love your pasta and pizza
Yes, we LOVE our abundance of pasta and pizza. My mom explained to me that years ago Italians referred to pasta as macaroni, and sauce was gravy. Somehow these terms evolved into pasta and sauce.
9. You know how to soak up a nice tan
Italians have what my mom calls "olive complexion" where they tan easily and maintain a luscious color. Me, well, here's me attempting to tan even though I have the total opposite complexion
10. It's assumed that you have a family member that was in the mob
No, no, no. Not every Italian family has or had members in the mob.
11. Sunday was always a big family dinner (featuring my family's feast)
While my mom cooks every day, Sunday is like a feast in our home. It's the day we sit at the table and have lengthy discussions while enjoying our antipasto, then moving on to our main course while we discuss plans, school, work and everything in between.
12. Affectionate and Emotional
Everyone knows Italians are affectionate, greeting each other with a warm hug and kiss. Italians are also sensitive people who aren't afraid to show their emotions and soft side. (My maternal grandfather, Poppy, loved his grandchildren unconditionally)
