Aperitivo gives friends a chance to unwind and share stories. Chestnut picking brings people outdoors to enjoy the changing seasons.
Italians also take pride in their appearance and surroundings. The idea of bella figura (good image) means dressing nicely, even just for grocery shopping! These customs show how much Italians care about respecting themselves and their culture.
Yes, all of these traditions are closely tied to Italy’s environment and lifestyle! Here are a few ways in which they reflect the environment:
Italy’s warm climate and beautiful piazze (town squares) make outdoor gatherings like aperitivo easy to enjoy.
Chestnut picking happens in the fall, because that’s when chestnuts grow naturally in the mountain forests.
Italian food traditions depend on fresh, local ingredients such as tomatoes, olives and herbs grown outdoors in the countryside.
Now that you have learned some things about Italian culture, think about how traditions like pine nut picking create community for you.