Culture

Italian Society & Culture

Italian Family Values

• The family is the centre of the social structure and provides a stabilizing influence for its members.
• In the north, generally only the nuclear family lives together; while in the south, the extended family often resides together in one house.
• The family provides both emotional and financial support to its members.

Italian Style

• Appearances matter in Italy.
• The way you dress can indicate your social status, your family's background, and your education level.
• First impressions are lasting impressions in Italy.
• The concept of 'bella figura' or good image is important to Italians.
• They unconsciously assess another person's age and social standing in the first few seconds of meeting them, often before any words are exchanged.
• Clothes are important to Italians.
• They are extremely fashion conscious and judge people on their appearance.
• You will be judged on your clothes, shoes, accessories and the way you carry yourself.
• Bella figura is more than dressing well. It extends to the aura your project too - i.e. confidence, style, demeanour, etc.

Catholicism

• The primary religion in Italy is Roman Catholic.
• There are more Catholic churches per capita in Italy than in any other country.
• Although church attendance is relatively low, the influence of the church is still high.
• Many office buildings will have a cross or a religious statue in the lobby.
• Each day of the year has at least one patron saint associated with it.
• Children are named for a particular saint and celebrate their saint's day as if it were their own birthday.
• Each trade and profession has a patron saint.
• The church promulgates hierarchy, which can be seen in all Italian relationships.
• They respect and defer to those who are older, those who have achieved a level of business success, and those who come from well-connected families.

Etiquette & Customs in Italy

Meeting Etiquette

• Greetings are enthusiastic yet rather formal.
• The usual handshake with direct eye contact and a smile suffices between strangers.
• Once a relationship develops, air-kissing on both cheeks, starting with the left is often added as well as a pat on the back between men.
• Wait until invited to move to a first name basis.
• Italians are guided by first impressions, so it is important that you demonstrate propriety and respect when greeting people, especially when meeting them for the first time.
• Many Italians use calling cards in social situations. These are slightly larger than traditional business cards and include the person's name, address, title or academic honours, and their telephone number.
• If you are staying in Italy for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to have calling cards made. Never give your business card in lieu of a calling card in a social situation.

Gift Giving Etiquette

• Do not give chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.
• Do not give red flowers as they indicate secrecy.
• Do not give yellow flowers as they indicate jealousy
• If you bring wine, make sure it is a good vintage. Quality, rather than quantity, is important.
• Do not wrap gifts in black, as is traditionally a mourning colour.
• Do not wrap gifts in purple, as it is a symbol of bad luck.
• Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If invited to an Italian house: 

• If an invitation says the dress is informal, wear stylish clothes that are still rather formal, i.e., jacket and tie for men and an elegant dress for women.
• Punctuality is not mandatory. You may arrive between 15 minutes late if invited to dinner and up to 30 minutes late if invited to a party.
• If you are invited to a meal, bring gift-wrapped such as wine or chocolates.
• If you are invited for dinner and want to send flowers, have them delivered that day.

Table manners

• Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
• Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
• Follow the lead of the hostess - she sits at the table first, starts eating first, and is the first to get up at the end of the meal.
• The host gives the first toast.
• An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.
• Women may offer a toast.
• Always take a small amount at first so you can be cajoled into accepting a second helping.
• Do not keep your hands in your lap during the meal; however, do not rest your elbows on the table either.
• It is acceptable to leave a small amount of food on your plate.
• Pick up cheese with your knife rather than your fingers.
• If you do not want more wine, leave your wine glass nearly full.