Traditions to Trends

One of the most interesting differences I have found between Italy and the U.S. is the division and movement from traditions to trends. In Italy, at least in Southern Italy, Italians still stay very true to traditions. Traditions in relation to special occasions, foods, and even names. This first came to mind because, by tradition, a father's son must name his first son after the grandfather. So in other words, two names are passed on from generation to generation. My husband was named after her grandfather and now our son will be named after his grandfather, my father-in-law.

It's a great tradition and a great joy for the grandfather but not as common now in other parts of Italy or the U.S. There are still families that do this but not the majority. I believe that for any city or country who chooses to move forward in technology and times also lose traditions in the process. For instance, Milan is completely trying to move forward and it has also come to my attention that they don't pass on names as much anymore either. They have also accepted new ethnic foods into their diet like sushi which has become a new trend there. Coincidence or direct correlation? I have yet to find any southern Italian willing to try sushi.

Nowadays in the U.S., it is more about choosing a unique name that no one else has, or a trendy name that is hot right now. Even with food... if you come to Italy, you will see that the authentic Italian recipes are very simple and delicious because they concentrate on a few flavorful ingredients. When you go into an Italian restaurant in the U.S., there's a million ingredients to make the dish more "trendy" and unique. Having less than five ingredients would just be unacceptable and not restaurant worthy. So what's better? Is it possible to move forward in times and yet still keep the traditions being passed on generation to generation. It is sad to think that we lose very special and meaningful traditions from our ancestors who have shaped the people we are today and our cultures but it seems quite inevitable at the rate we are going.

I often find myself criticizing Italy for not being diverse enough and not being open to other cultures - whether it be in foods or other commercial products, but I have now realized that has allowed them to stay true to their own culture and stay "traditional". I can't say which way is better and I know where you live and the people you are around will determine this balance for you, but I think it is very important to pass on traditions but not be skeptical to new trends (for the moment). As long as you remember that trends are just trends and don't last forever.