ItalyMonica Woodward, Safia Amir, Rachel Abess, Daniel Gonzalez, Jordan Watson.

Founded: June 2, 1946

● Is considered the most historical country in Central Europe.● Famous for architectural and art work.● Has more masterpieces per square mile than any other country in the

world.

Colosseum

Leaning Tower of Pisa Mona Lisa

● Italy is made up of over 70 islands.● About 46 million people visit Italy every year.● Has the most famous fashion designers in the world. Armani, Dolce &

Gabbana, and Prada are just to name a few.● Love sports. Cycling and basketball are very common.

Meal Practices & Common Dishes● Breakfast

○ Coffee and bread, biscotti● Lunch

○ Most important meal○ Shops close, children go

home○ 2 or 3 courses with side dish

and fruit● Supper

Pizza

Pasta

Common Dishes

● Lasagne● Spaghetti● Risotto● Polenta● Ossobuco

○ Veal ● Dessert

○ Tiramisu, Truffles, Gelato

● Wine

Ingredients● Seasonal, fresh vegetables

○ Tomatoes, Bell Peppers● Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

○ Different varieties● Cheeses

○ Mozzarella, Parmigiano● Pasta● Prosciutto● Meats and Fish● Herbs and Spices

○ Basil, Garlic, Oregano, Rosemary, sage, thyme

Health Beliefs In Italy

● Pain is feared, viewed as evil and unnatural

● Stomach poorly absorbs medicine● Stomach is sacred for food● Medicine should be injected, if used● Death is not feared, rather viewed as a

right of passage

Health practices in Italy

● Homeopathic medicine○ Lemon for colds/flu, garlic

for high blood pressure, canarino for stomach aches

● Acupuncture● Massage

Common Religions in Italy

● 80% population is Roman Catholic Christians

● Only ⅓ are actually practicing● Other 20% is made of Muslim,

Agonistic and Atheist religions

Food at Religious Events

● Each Italian village/ region can differ greatly from the other● Each have their own saint’s day that includes celebrations such as

fireworks, food and dancing ● Main however is commonly roast suckling pig ● Agnelio is commonly eaten on Easter which is

roasted baby lamb served with roasted artichoke

Religious Influences on Food

● Italy is considered “spiritual and administrative headquarters” of Roman Catholic Christian religion

● Religious practices, however, have become less intense over the decades and with it so have food practices○ Lent is considered a time of abstinence and sacrifice of worldly treasures,

begins Ash Wednesday before Easter and lasts for 40 days○ Some people nowadays simply give up meat on Fridays and that is it

instead of sacrificing another worldly treasure or action of some sort● Lamb is commonly eaten on Easter● Seafood like Ciappio is commonly eaten on Christmas Eve

Cultural Etiquette: Greetings

● Warm handshakes and “Ciao” (hello and goodbye)

● Male friends embrace and pat back

● Same gender walk arm in arm in public.

● Use professional and academic titles when addressing business associates

Cultural Etiquette: Communication

VERBAL● Directness

○ Blunt, to the point

○ Expect honesty○ Confused with

ambiguity or indirectness

● Open and bold ○ Ask personal

questions about life

● Don’t like silence● Raised voices● Humor common

NON-VERBAL● Personal Space

○ Close (<1 meter)● Lots of touching and

affection ○ Hugging, kissing,

back slapping, hand holding

● Eye contact held during conversation

● Lots of hand gestures○ Closed hands to lips=

perfect○ Rubbing thumbs

against fingers= money

Cultural Etiquette: Gift Giving Weddings Business

TaboosHospitality

● Customary to bring gift ○ Flowers, chocolates, cake, wine,

coffee book● Bring kids gift too (candy, toy,etc.)● Gift wrapped (no black & gold, and

purple)● Odd number of flowers

“buste” “confetti”

Things everyone should know...● Don’t need to tip at

restaurants.○ Servers typically paid well

● Cover up when visiting the Vatican

○ strict dress code○ No selfie sticks

● No cappuccino after breakfast● Public Restrooms everywhere

○ Staffed and cleaned regularly ○ Stocked with toilet paper and sinks

Mini-Quiz

1. What type of context would

be characterized in Italy?

a. Low context

b. Medium context

c. High context

d. Super high context

2. True or False: In Italy, pain is

seen as a normal/natural part

of life and should be accepted.

Mini-Quiz

1. What type of context would

be characterized in Italy?

a. Low context

b. Medium context

c. High context

d. Super high context

2. True or False: In Italy, pain is

seen as a normal/natural part

of life and should be accepted.