Not only did many kids grow up with their parents, but their grandparents also lived with them!
This tradition of having all the family together during dinner time is something shared between many Italian families. Since everyone is busy during the day, dinner time is one of the only times that everyone can get together. This is shared quality time, which I think is important and a tradition Americans should practice as well!
As mentioned before, the Italian communities have this tradition because family life is the foundation of the Italian culture. If possible, many families live together for as long as they can. In an article I read for class, the author talked about how he grew up living with his grandparents, having his aunt as a neighbor, and his uncle living down the street from him. The idea of spending quality family time and keeping everyone together is important to Italians, hence why having dinner together every night is a tradition.
This tradition might not necessarily be connected to its environment, but I think it is connected to Italian history. For years, generations of Italian families all lived together in one house. The idea of keeping everyone together and spending time together is a core value of the Italian culture.
