Traditions are hard to change, and even harder to let go of. The Italian kid in me has often been resistant to altering the way things are done. It’s tradition, my mind says, and I dig in my heels. It’s easy to equate change with loss. Up until about 10 years ago, we waited until after midnight to open presents on Christmas Eve (technically the first hours of Christmas Day). I stubbornly insisted it continue that way, even as the family expanded and circumstances changed. To allow that … [Read more...]
“The New Neighborhood”: Going back home, wherever you can find it
In the series, “The Italian Americans,” written and directed by John Maggio, The Italian American Podcast’s guest for Episode 24, there is a scene where author Pete Hamill, discussing the incredible importance of community and la famiglia among Italian Americans, talks about young men he knew in the 1950's in Brooklyn, who were talented and smart, but never left the neighborhood to pursue expansive careers. Their strong ties to their families, Hamill insinuates, being the reason. A … [Read more...]
Catholicism as connection to our heritage
One night, when I was a little girl, I walked into my mother’s room as she lay in bed watching television, the blue-red light of the screen shafting over her sleepy face, and I don’t recall how, or why, but the matter of Jesus came up. My best guess is I had recently started CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) to begin learning about Catholicism and preparing for my first communion, and the whole subject had peaked my curiosity, as most things did, both then and now. My poor mother – … [Read more...]
The power of things
A quick note: New episodes of The Italian American Podcast will resume airing on or around November 27th. Anthony and Dolores are pulling together some terrific new shows with amazing Italian Americans, including holiday episodes, so stay tuned! In the meantime, blog posts will be published on each of the next coming Sundays for your reading pleasure! The last trip I took to Italy, I asked my Zia, Assunta, my mother’s sister, if she had anything that belonged to my grandmother, Addolorata, … [Read more...]