It is these features that are inherent in Italian. The character and characteristics of Italians: everything you need to know! Italians and greetings

Not all travelers manage to see and understand Italy as it is here and now. A country not of history, not of sights, but one in which people live. It’s so simple and prosaic - not everyone understands the special culture and special mentality of the inhabitants of this country. What are they, these Italians?

• Visitors to Italy are immediately struck by the relaxed attitude of the Italians. The two-hour siesta, when even the shops go to rest, is both delightful and annoying at the same time. They say, we work here for days, while Italians sit in cafes and restaurants, pamper themselves with wine and coffee, eat, relax and generally parasitize. But this is a feature of Italian culture - life is a pleasure. The pleasure of good food, the pleasure of good clothes, of a good rest.

• Europeans from other countries, such as Germans or British, sometimes "precipitate" from the behavior of Italians. The latter talk loudly, gesticulate wildly, and, to be honest, often become impudent. Cutting off on the road, squeezing into the middle or even at the beginning of the queue, not giving way on a narrow path - this is, in general, normal. For Italians, this is an indicator of self-confidence, determination, and strength of character. Although in England this would be considered almost a crime against the public.
• In my quest "keep up the brand" Italians are similar to Slavs. In Germany, women dress in a way that is practical: low-rise shoes, pants, a sports top, a minimum of cosmetics and accessories. The same applies, for example, to English women. But in Italy everything is different. Here ladies wear skirts even when they go out to the grocery store. And men are not far behind them in their pursuit of beauty.

• What surprises many visitors from other countries about Italians is the cult of family. Its presence in itself is very good, even commendable. The Italian phenomenon is that about 70% of men aged 30 live at home with their mothers... We, residents of the CIS, are accustomed to the fact that marriage at 22 and even earlier is completely normal. And in Italy there are practically no early marriages. Until the age of 35, a man lives in his parents’ house. How women cope with such “mama’s boys” remains a question. Italian women have to be strong, domineering and persistent. Even though in Italians who left their mothers closer to 40, this same “I’m a man!” I am strong!" regarding the same everyday life.
• By the way, about the attitude towards women. In Italy, compliments will be given to a lady of any age, with almost any figure and appearance. Psychologists even advise women experiencing a difficult breakup to go to Italy. This is a country where love in its best manifestations is in the air: love for women, for relaxation, delicious food and... for football.

• By the way, football can safely be called a national religion. Absolutely everyone is a fan there - both old and young.

That's how they are, Italians. It is hardly possible to fully understand them without being born in Italy. However, it is all the more interesting to communicate with Italians, so strange and different from us.

The cultural heritage of Rome, magnificent landscapes and the gentle sea, not to mention the cuisine and music - all this has won the hearts of more than one tourist. But it is not only Italy that wins hearts, but also the Italians themselves, and today many Russian girls dream of marrying a resident of this country. Therefore, let's leave the sights and nature aside and talk about gentlemen. What are they like, Italians? What should a Russian bride expect from a foreign groom?

The mentality of Italian men

Italians are impetuous people, subject to passions. Their expansive temperament is completely different from the calmer Russian and is in many ways reminiscent of the Caucasian. On your first visit, Italy and its people captivate with their openness and color, but upon closer acquaintance you will encounter many surprises, and not all of them will be pleasant.

First of all, it is necessary to note the musicality of Italians - almost everyone loves to sing and have a beautiful voice, so they are happy to pamper their chosen ones with love confessions in the form of serenades, opera arias and simply beautiful songs.

Italian men are some of the best lovers in the world; they are passionate, hot and irrepressible, not only in bed, but also in courtship in general. Endless compliments, gifts, confessions, readiness to throw the world at the feet of your beloved is a common thing for every Italian. Italians are masters of beautiful words, they love to make promises and build castles in the air, but they do not always fulfill them, depending on the situation and opportunities.

Because of their generosity, they cannot be called economical and rational in financial matters; Unlike men in many other European countries, they willingly spend money on a lover and dates. They are happy to pay small bills, pay for two in a restaurant, give flowers, and can even give money just like that, for personal expenses.

But Italians are not particularly generous either. Despite their willingness to spend, they clearly control the expenses caused by the affair and will never spend more than they consider necessary. Therefore, despite first impressions, it will not be possible to “live beautifully” at the expense of an Italian during the period of romance and courtship, even if he is wealthy.

Men in this country prefer to communicate face-to-face, at least by telephone. The Internet is not their environment, and Italians are not inclined to carry out long correspondence. Dates, meeting friends, attending football matches and beer bars - there is nothing better than live communication, so be prepared that you will see each other often and spend a lot of time together. By the way, there are almost no alcoholics among Italians, despite their love of wine and beer.

Italian men in relationships

An Italian before and after a wedding are two different people. After you say the most important words to each other and exchange rings, he may change dramatically. A sense of ownership, jealousy, constant control - as soon as you become his legal wife, your life risks turning into a series full of passions, violent quarrels and reconciliations.

Moreover, not only men behave this way - Italian couples can hang on their phones endlessly, sorting things out. Noisy scenes of jealousy and family squabbles are the norm in Italy, so they often happen not only at home, but also in public.

But constant calls with checks, demands for reports and explanations in the spirit of “why did you look at him like that” are actually a sign not of despotism, but of love and concern for your woman. It’s just that Italians express it this way, often being good-natured and non-conflict people by nature, simply overly sensitive and emotional.

How to choose a groom?

Much in your future relationship will depend not only on your desires and goals, but also on the groom. You need to choose wisely and very carefully. Marrying a rich Italian is not just difficult, but very difficult. In Italy there are many wealthy families who have been developing their business for several generations, and all important decisions in them are made by the general council, and not by the man himself.

Therefore, parents will do their best to prevent the marriage of their beloved son with an incomprehensible foreigner who, in their opinion, does not need him, but the family fortune. Poor and not particularly handsome guys, as in many countries, are often left alone, and often it is they who try to seduce foreign women who are not particularly versed in the nuances of the local culture and mentality.

Finding a gentleman upon arrival in Italy is not difficult - the appearance of a typical Russian girl for this country is exotic and therefore very attractive. So you will find fans yourself, and quickly, especially if you are blonde. But the most attentive and decent Italian, to the untrained eye of a Russian woman, could easily turn out to be a “tourist lover,” a divorced father of many children, or simply a loser.

Therefore, do not rush to final conclusions, no matter how beautifully your novel develops.

Italian family

Family life in Italy is built on the principle “the mother is sacred,” and the cult of the mother in this country reaches incredible proportions. Because of this, almost every third man is a “mama’s boy,” and often they are not looking for a wife, but rather a “second mommy” who will look after him, endure all his whims and love him immensely on a one-sided basis.

Even quite successful and accomplished men in life listen to their mother’s opinion in one way or another, so she will also have to please you, and not just your chosen one. If you live separately, then this is not a hindrance for your parents - they will constantly strive to take part in all your affairs. There are also families in Italy with more progressive, free views, but the likelihood that you will come across a traditional one is very high.

The loveliness and temperament of Italians often pushes them into infidelity and minor affairs on the side, especially during the period of their wife’s pregnancy and the first years after childbirth. But women are strictly prohibited from even thinking about something like that. Any “wrong” look or even a hint of slight flirting with a stranger is a reason for scandal and jealousy.

For an Italian wife, the most important thing in life should be the interests of her husband and children, even if this means staying at home almost all the time. In any case, today in Europe, without many confirmed diplomas, it is impossible for a foreigner to find a good job, but to work, for example, as a dishwasher... That’s not why you traveled so far?

An Italian husband considers his main duty to be the material support of his family, but he shouldn’t expect any special luxury or money for himself. The family budget comes first, so you will receive from your husband as much as you need to maintain the family hearth. For an Italian, a wife is a helper and a mother, and not a “spinner” who spends her husband’s money and loves shopping.

Separately, it is worth mentioning about divorces - they were prohibited back in the last century, and to this day they remain complex and lengthy processes. Moreover, when choosing who the children should stay with, the court usually takes the father’s side. And this is not about infringement of women’s rights, the interests of the whole family are simply taken into account, and the husband’s parents will never give their children to their now ex-wife, especially if they are from another country.

If the wedding took place in a church, then only the Pope himself can give permission for divorce. Therefore, when deciding to marry an Italian, you should once again weigh the pros and cons, taking into account not only the romantic, but also all the everyday nuances characteristic of the culture of this country.

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Germans

In order to identify the most typical traits of national character, scientists conducted an anonymous survey in which 175 Germans aged 18 to 61 took part. German respondents were divided into age groups based on gender.

The survey results showed that the defining feature of the German national character is the desire to follow the rules, regulations, guidelines in everything, strict adherence to which will allow one to achieve the “real”Ordnung "a" (order.) . “The Germans believe that the world is ruled by Ordnung (order), where every thing and every person has its place in a great plan calculated to achieve maximum efficiency.” Their pedantry and love of order is expressed in the following proverb: Ordnung ist das halbe Leben, which means: Order is the basis of life. The desire to streamline everything and everyone permeates all aspects of German reality, being the source of most advantages and disadvantages. Order is maintained by the law, which is why Germans are surprisingly law-abiding.

Thus, a love of order and a desire to follow the rules was noted in 25.4% of the fairer sex aged 18 to 30 years and in 30% of women aged 31 to 61 years. Representatives of the stronger sex are more firmly convinced that order and law for Germans are higher than common sense: 68% of young informants and 32% of mature ones noted this trait as the most typical of the German national character.

S. S. Takhtarova, who studied the cultural dominants of the German ethnosociety, came to the conclusion that it is the concept that plays a key role in German linguistic culture Ordnung(order). “Representing a cultural dominant and occupying a special place in the structure of the communicative personality of representatives of the German ethnosociety, Ordnung largely determines the dominants of the German communicative style." In this case, the core part of the concept under study is formed as the main features by the following concepts: discipline, law, rule, consistency. Near peripheral layer of the concept Ordnung constitute such concepts highlighted by respondents as accuracy, rigor, correctness, love of design.

These reactions were noted by informants to varying degrees.

To illustrate the national and cultural specificity of the dominant characteristics of the Germans, we will present some comparisons with Russian culture. Thus, I.M. Kobozeva, contrasting the German with the Russian in terms of adherence to order, came to the conclusion that “a German is neat, clean, tidy, smart, collected, obligatory, polite, on the contrary, a Russian is sloppy, loose, careless, unnecessary , unceremonious, impudent." In our opinion, these comparative features are greatly exaggerated and should be considered as relative.

E. Bartminsky, when describing the psychosocial characteristics of Germans and Russians, identifies both negative and positive reactions: “a German is simultaneously attributed: cruelty, intolerance, arrogance, but also such positive signs as hard work, cleanliness and education» .

Thus, the Germans' commitment to order is more pronounced than that of some cultures. This also explains the dislike of formal, etiquette communication among the Russian cultural community and a significant proportion of superficial, polite communication among the Germans.

The Germans’ “anxious” attitude towards the use of time is proven by the results of the experiment. Punctualityb, like the love of order, was noted by the majority of respondents as the most typical trait of the German national character. 35% of young informants and about 20% of mature informants of both sexes consider Germans to be punctual.

According to the male half of respondents, the following trait is also considered typical: diligence): 43% of young informants and 19% of mature informants believe that the Germans are a hardworking people. This opinion was supported by only 4% of the fairer sex.

The remaining national character traits noted by informants find different percentage expressions in the analyzed groups.

Thus, according to representatives of the fairer sex aged 18 to 30 years, Germans are characterized by: isolation,determination And reliability,accuracy, efficiency, coldness, severity, pedantry.

In isolated cases, features such as tolerant, conservative, pessimistic, loud, ready to help, economical, embittered, serious.

It is interesting to note that only women of mature age (from 31 to 61 years old) identified such a character trait as directness. In isolated cases in this group it was indicated that the Germans calm, inquisitive, vain, pessimistic, reasonable, educated, modest, are true, conscientious, intractable, independent. They are characterized, among other things, perfectionism, sense of justice, strategic thinking.

If we compare the answers of men of both age groups, we can note some discrepancies. Thus, the younger generation of men to a greater extent attributes to the typical German such traits as love of order(68% versus 32% of mature age men), punctuality(32% vs. 24%), hard work(43% vs. 19%), isolation(10.7% vs. 8%). On the contrary, men aged 31 to 61 years identified coldness(11% versus 0% of young men), reliability(8% vs 0%), efficiency(2.7% vs. 0%).

The fact that the Germans belong to an individualistic type of culture, in which each individual has an inalienable right to a zone of his own autonomy and “personal needs and goals take precedence over the needs of other people,” was noted by both young and mature respondents.

General distancing from each other, respect for the personal autonomy of the interlocutor, respect for his communicative integrity are also manifested in such traits as restraint, isolation, modesty, which, in turn, indicates that the Germans are considered an uncommunicative people. In communication, they are more reserved, show little information, and answer “I don’t know” to many questions that are not directly related to their activities. Thematic taboo in German communication is partly explained by the increased degree of anonymity. In the German cultural community, it is not customary to interfere in the affairs of others or make requests to strangers.

In this regard, German culture belongs to low-context cultures in which “there are no informal networks of information due to the lack of close contacts between family members, constant contacts with friends, colleagues, and clients.” Therefore, people in low-context cultures are underinformed. On the contrary, high-context cultures (for example, Italian, French, Japanese, etc.) are characterized by a high density of informal information networks. In such cultures, the context formed by “the physical environment, status relations between the participants in the interaction, the previous course of the discussion, the future goals of the participants in the interaction” is very important, as well as hierarchy, a person’s appearance, his manner of behavior, living conditions, etc. .

The experiment conducted to identify the dominant features of communication of the German cultural community also confirms the conclusions of I. A. Sternin, who noted that “Germans... demonstrate a high level of everyday politeness; in communication they are reserved, uncurious,<...>the share of superficial, etiquette communication is significant, especially when visiting.” The main features of “national character” can be recognized as love of order, adherence to rules, regulations, laws, punctuality, and hard work.

Some respondents (from 7 to 19%) found it difficult to answer the question about the typical traits of the national character of Germans or completely refused to do so, guided by the fact that all people are different. Compare the following answers : I don't think there are national character traits. After all, all people are different, and so it is in every country. (employee, 50 years); In my opinion, such questions give rise to prejudices (teaching­ tel university, 30 years); In any country there are friendly and unfriendly people, polite and impolite, ready and not ready to help others (teacher, 27 years); Since there are no specific Germans and Russians, I find it impossible to name national character traits. From a psychologist of Turkish origin from Berlin's Kreuzberg district to a farmer from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern born in the GDR, everywhere I see rather individuals and differences (project coordinator, 28 years old).

In our opinion, these respondents are right in the sense that no two people are exactly alike - neither in appearance nor in character. However, there are still such features or traits that unite the majority of representatives of a particular cultural community, forming a single psychological image, or the makeup of the nation. Moreover, these national character traits significantly influence the communicative behavior of a certain cultural community. Knowledge of the dominant national features of communication helps to prevent a “conflict of cultures” in the communication process, helps to overcome cultural shock and adequately perceive the actions of the interlocutor.

Italians

Italians are a people whose character is dominated by expressiveness, that is, the tendency to completely submit to one’s emotions and express them openly. To love and hate, to be happy and sad means to completely surrender to feelings internally and externally. They consider suppressing their emotions to be something unnatural, identifying it with hypocrisy.

The Italian combines liveliness, gaiety, seriousness, firmness. Its natural character is taste associated with effect. His temperament reflects a tendency towards the high. The Italian’s facial expressions reflect a strong interplay of his feelings, making his face expressive. Italians frank and eloquent.

Note that an important feature of an Italian is his humanity. He has every right to respect due to his intelligence, liveliness, dexterity, subtle sense of beauty, and has a natural artistic taste. An Italian from the provinces will surprise his politeness, understanding. He always and everywhere enjoys nature and art - this is historically determined.

Italians are distinguished from others by their love of songs. Italian Neapolitan songs and Italian folk music are known throughout the world. The level of Italian vocal art (a capella singing) has always been high. The warm climate and the varied Italian language contributed to beautiful singing. Italy has provided the world with the largest number of outstanding singers, such as Enrico Caruso, Mario del Monaco, Mario Lanza, Luciano Pavarotti.

Let us note that Italians like brushed paintings, mosaics, and ancient works of high style. In ancient times, Italy was called the land of luxury. During the Renaissance (XIV-XVI centuries) art flourished in the country. The work of Leonardo Da Vinci dates back to this period. He became famous not only as an architect and artist, but also as a sculptor, physicist, and inventor.

Italians - this one is exceptional freedom-loving people. Quite a lot of leaders and revolutionaries came from the Italian environment.

Let us point out that among the negative character traits of this nation it is necessary to highlight the extreme ardor, vindictiveness. Even today there are cases of support for old traditions.

Nevertheless, despite all that is known about Italian treachery, hatred and vindictiveness, it can be argued that Italy is one of the countries where manifestations of kindness, friendship, respect, spirituality.

Italy is the birthplace of carnival, which is mainly held in cities, accompanied by masquerade, fun games and laughter. Italians are lovers of processions, performances, and any performance. This could not but give the typical Italian a certain theatricality in behavior.

According to other nations, Italians are excessively liberal in their upbringing of children. A typical scene of a mother-child relationship is accompanied by noisy screams, tears, beatings, and after that - displays of tenderness and kisses. Paradoxically, a gentle attitude towards children is sometimes combined with an unmerciful attitude towards pets.

Let us point out that an Italian woman, as a rule, is not distinguished by the intelligence of the British, the wit of the French, the efficiency of the Americans, the sensitivity of the Germans, or the passion of the Spaniards. Italian women are more passive and prosaic. In Italy, however, quite a few women hold leadership positions. Social thought keeps the Italian woman within the walls of her home and family more than in other European countries. Less than half of Italian women work outside their native walls.

Italian women love to discuss clothing style: what, in their opinion, looks good and what looks bad.

Italians are clear about the rules of business ethics. But at the same time, they agree to resolve many issues in an informal setting, in a friendly atmosphere.

Let us note that Italians are a people insufficiently organized and punctual. It is not a sign of disrespect for Italians if they do not meet business partners.

Italians like to resolve business issues not at the negotiating table, but in a small restaurant. Italians "easy to climb", but after signing mutual business documents, continuing contacts with them often becomes difficult.

Italy is a multi-ethnic country, the majority of believers are Catholics. The character of Italians is dominated by expressiveness, Italians are frank and eloquent. Italians smart, dexterous, naturally have artistic taste.

Thus, having examined the features of the national cultures of the Germans and Italians, in the practical part we will try to analyze how these features are reflected in travel notes.

Take your time to drink coffee at the bar, even if you are late for work. Walk around the city center on a sunny weekend, not paying attention to the frenzied tourists. Don’t rush headlong towards the train that is about to leave, but just wait for the next one. Even in Italian cinema, films are divided into two parts: in the middle of the plot you will have a piccola pausa (small pause) to digest what you saw, discuss the plot with friends and stock up on snacks.

Don’t sit at a table to treat yourself to a morning cup of macchiato and a croissant, the bill will be more expensive, but at the bar you can pay no more than 2.5 euros for the whole breakfast.

It seems that such behavior is not particularly familiar to Russian people. But it’s so important sometimes to tell the world “wait” and take a moment just for yourself. This may be partly why the average life expectancy in Italy is 85.5 years, while in Russia it is only 70.

Mangia bene, or eat deliciously

Diet? What diet? A classic Italian dinner begins with an aperitivo: Italians gather in a friendly group and go to a restaurant, cafe or bar to drink a glass of wine with cheese and olives.

Then it’s time for antipasto (snacks): these can be cheeses and salumi (optionally, prosciutto, mortadella). Next comes the primo piatto (first course), and this is not necessarily soup. A plate of very rich pasta (the portion, however, is very small - up to 80 grams) or risotto may appear on the table. Then comes the secondo piatto (second course). As a rule, it is meat, fish or poultry, always with a side dish (contorno). This is where you would like to leave the table, slapping yourself on the stomach and begging for mercy, but they won’t let you go anywhere without dolce (sweets). For dessert, a small cup of coffee is served, and after that you can drink a little digestif: a shot of Italian vodka - grappa, limoncello or amaro herbal liqueur.

With all the abundance of food and drinks, most Italians maintain a slim figure into old age - how is that possible?! Firstly, they pay great attention to the quality of products: if the meat is of the highest quality, if the vegetables are non-GMO. Secondly, the portions are still relatively small. And thirdly, these guys simply know how to selflessly enjoy food. They are not familiar with all this “I’ll work out at the gym” and “I can feel the ice cream depositing on my sides.”

Bella figura, or know how to present yourself

There is an opinion that Europeans are quite indifferent to what others think about them: they can go to the store in torn shorts or with a dirty head, or show up to a social event in a modest dress or a simple suit. Russian girls hope that against the background of faded European women they will look their best. Yeah of course. Roll your lip, this number won't work in Italy.

Italians and Italian women (with very rare exceptions) are very particular about their appearance. No wonder they are considered one of the most stylish nations on the planet. However, the concept of bella figura is broader than the ability to look good. It is also the art of presenting yourself.

If Italians organize a party, it is always a beautifully set table, decorated with flowers. Guests will certainly bring a beautifully wrapped gift. In general, there is something to take into account.

Men rarely pamper their beloved with flowers, so flower shops make money only thanks to the Italian sense of beauty, which one wants to demonstrate to friends and acquaintances.

Casa, dolce casa, or home, sweet home

This is a story not about a house in terms of living space, but about the homeland. Italians are textbook patriots. They adore their country (although sometimes they pretend that this is not so) and are proud of their Roman roots. You can still hear “we” from Italians in relation to the Roman Empire, and Latin is taught seriously in schools.

Patriotism also manifests itself more locally: as you know, Italy is divided into 20 regions, each of which is unique in its own way - everywhere has its own cuisine (the most delicious!), its own nature (the most picturesque!) and, of course, its own dialect (the most correct!). The modern Italian language became official in the country only after the middle of the 19th century, and began to spread everywhere after the Second World War.

Nevertheless, dialects still exist, and if you spend a long time coming, for example, you will not understand a thing. It comes to the point that each city considers itself the main Italian heritage: residents of the city of Monza (18 km from Milan) do not consider that they live in the suburbs of Milan. They are monzese, and they also have their own (the very best!) type of risotto: with broth, white wine, sausages and Parmesan.

Le chiedo un favore, or don't be afraid to ask for a favor

That's something, but Italians are not at all afraid to ask for help. This is both an opportunity to start a conversation, to get closer, and to lay the foundation for a future friendship. If you ask an Italian for help: getting your nephew a part-time job, walking the dog, picking up Tuscan tomatoes at the store, be sure that they will definitely help you.

However, remember that in a week (month, year, decade), you will definitely be reminded of how the flowers were watered while you were basking on the beach, and then you will have to repay the favor with favor.

"Gnocchi il Giovedì", or "Gnocchi on Thursdays"

Italians are quite conservative people (even young people), and they take traditions seriously. Lunch is always around one o'clock, dinner is no later than eight and no earlier than seven, and bedtime is before one in the morning. If your great-great-grandmother prepared carbonara every Friday, then you, your children, and great-grandchildren will do the same. The same gnocchi (oval-shaped dumplings) were prepared on Thursdays by the Romans.

Now, if you are used to buying a newspaper at a tobacconist on Tuesdays and reading it from cover to cover, you are unlikely to use an iPad for this. The same applies to work: if an Italian is scheduled to leave the office at 18:00, at 18:01 he will no longer be there.

It is precisely because of its conservatism that Italy is one of the most underdeveloped European countries in the field of the Internet. Bringing Wi-Fi to an apartment here is not an easy (or quick) task, and many Italian sites look like it’s 2003.

As you understand, the Italian mentality is not only about shaking your hand, with your fingers folded together, a developed sense of beauty and love for your mother. It is also a serious attitude towards food, a love of tradition and the ability to present oneself. As they say, guarda e impara - watch and learn!

Mass vacations, church tax, constant strikes and saving tricks - we studied the peculiarities of the Italian mentality.

They're in no hurry

When you arrive at a store that is open from 10 o'clock, don't be surprised to find the door closed. Better look for another one. After all, this one may open an hour, or even two later. This is especially true in the south of Italy and small towns. The schedule of trains, buses, and planes is also approximate. Rome Fiumicino Airport is periodically included in the ranking of the most unpunctual airports in the world, compiled annually by FlightStats. And by the way, lunch breaks in Italy can last three hours. So, if you are at a ski resort, come to the store either before 12:00 or after 16:00. Indeed, for whom to work during the day - everyone is on skis! And since Italians do not consider unpunctuality a disadvantage, all that remains is to treat the issue accordingly - calmly.

They pay church tax

More than 90% of the residents are Catholics, and this is not surprising. Italy is the cradle of Catholicism. Therefore, the church tax is taken for granted here. Although payment is voluntary, almost every resident of Italy gives 0.8% of their income tax to the church. And in the taxpayer’s document it indicates for which purpose.

They celebrate holidays with relatives

Many Italian men live with their parents until they are 30 or even 40 years old. They are in no hurry to start a family because they are afraid of making a mistake in choosing their chosen one. The official divorce procedure is complex and sometimes lasts several years. But even after a divorce, the court may oblige a man to support his ex-wife if she does not have enough funds. Therefore, Italians marry consciously, and family comes first for them. Family values, respect for elders, dinners together and evening walks - this is all about them, about Italians. On weekends they visit each other and even celebrate holidays not with friends, but with relatives.

They create their own schedule of classes at universities

The university education system implies student independence. Despite the fact that lectures and practical classes are conducted, teachers do not even check attendance. If something is not clear to a student, he or she signs up for an individual consultation. You can practically not show up at the university at all, the main thing is to prepare well for the exam. By the way, passing a difficult subject can be postponed until later. After all, students not only set their own study schedule, but also decide in which session to take exams. Despite this freedom (or perhaps precisely because of this), Italian universities are highly rated in the world and their graduates are not without work.

They have national professions

There are professions that can only be found in Italy. For example, tasters of balsamic vinegar (separate for the regions of Modena and Reggio Emilia), who evaluate the quality of the product and decide whether it is worthy of being released into the market. Another fun position: Parmesan cheese trainee at a cheese factory. The specialist’s tool is a silver hammer, with which he taps the heads of cheese as they ripen, listening to the resulting sounds. As it matures, the “notes” change. But while representatives of these professions are quite rare, everyone knows gondoliers in Venice. The profession is considered one of the most prestigious and highly paid in the city. It is not easy to become one of the license holders: you need to be able to operate a gondola, know the routes and currents, understand the history and traditions of Venice, speak foreign languages ​​and undergo appropriate training within a year.

They go on vacation throughout the country

If you decide to visit Italy at the end of summer, don't be surprised to find deserted streets and closed shops and restaurants. Chances are, most establishments will have a sign on the door that says “Closed for the Holidays.” Even factories stop working. And if you suddenly want to order designer furniture in Italy, feel free to add a month and a half to the usual delivery time - for vacation, preparation for it and exit from it. The first streams of vacationers reach the beaches already in the first days of the month, and on August 15, when the national holiday of Ferragosto is celebrated, the official vacation period begins and the cities literally die out.

They go on strike often

A strike for Italy is a common way to resolve labor disputes when employees cannot otherwise reach an agreement with management. Everyone goes on strike: drivers, doctors, teachers, students... When air traffic controllers are unhappy, flights are canceled, when the rights of drivers are infringed, public transport does not operate. Italians fight for their rights passionately and constantly, and the right to strike is enshrined in law.

They heat with wood

Surprisingly for residents of large cities, there is no central heating in Alpine villages. Each chalet has a shed where not only birch logs, but also wooden vegetable boxes are stored for kindling. However, tourists will be reminded of this circumstance only by the special smoky smell in the valley in the winter early morning and in the evenings and the lack of heat in the radiators during the day - why heat it when the sun is shining and there is no one at home!

They prefer a bicycle to a car

Local residents remember that the environment and motor transport are incompatible. In large cities there are days when cars are prohibited from entering the center. In some, for example in Trento, cars with even number plates drive on some days of the week, and odd number plates on others. It makes sense that bicycles are very popular in Italy. The country has an excellent network of bike paths and a large number of bike routes. There are many competitions, marathons, and events. And at special stations you can rent a bike for a day or a week. There are special bicycle seats and bicycle carts for children.

They have a special relationship with alcohol

Drinking in the morning in Italy, as in the rest of the civilized world, is not accepted, but at lunchtime, if an Italian does not have to go to work in the office, drinking a glass of wine or beer is quite permissible. A glass of Chianti will not harm even a driver: the legal limit is 0.5 ppm of alcohol in the blood (and you must have more than three years of driving experience). The permit does not apply to taxi drivers, truck drivers and public transport drivers. And most importantly, if you decide to follow the example of the Italians, do not confuse: beer goes with pizza, wine goes with pasta. Italians accompany food with an alcoholic drink, and not vice versa.