As the years pass, memories begin to fade. However, one salient memory that many Italians share is Sunday dinner. Sunday dinner means sitting around the table with family members, enjoying a delicious meal, and appreciating each other’s presence.
Many people have very hectic schedules and often fail to stop and enjoy the moment. Therefore, Sunday is the perfect time to enjoy life. Sunday dinner became so important for Italian-American Americans due to the discrimination they faced when immigrating to America. They realized that they needed a support system and a time to bond. Sunday was the most ideal day to get together since many Italian fathers worked strenuously 6 days a week. Although families eat different meals on Sunday, many enjoy pasta, bracciole, eggplant parmigiana, arancini, meatballs, antipasto, and fresh bread.
Nevertheless, Sunday dinner goes beyond the delicious food. There are actually studies that show the importance of eating dinner together as a family. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, kids who regularly enjoyed family meals were less likely to fall into drug use. Research suggests that when families eat dinner together, they feel a strong bond. Sunday is a perfect time for the family to reconnect and allows children to notice the support system they have.
Sources:
- Main Image: Istock
I am of Norwegian and Hungarian descent. Nonetheless, growing up, we kids were expected to be at the dinner table most days; Sunday especially.
Sunday dinner was so much a tradition that we carry it on to this day. I am fifty-seven years old now but it keeps me grounded in my traditions.
I am an Irish American! The SUNDAY DINNER was a STAPLE in my IRISH American household growing up.(We did live in a predominantly Italian neighborhood) . I continued that tradition when my kids were home! (They are all married now with children of their own) Today , at 75 yrs. old, I made a pasta sauce ( gravy lol) for my husband and I. Sunday dinners are the best!
Sunday dinner seems to fade away especially when your loose your parents or grandparents and your kids become more into American ways, also when you have family members who marry Non- Italians , Non-Italians always have something to say about eating dinner at 2 o’clock. Then they try and get time moved to later . I will say Sunday family dinner was like having a holiday every weekend you see all your relatives,your cousins etc, you eat great, you play Italian card games , and if your lucky you get to go to social club with grandfather and/or uncles. For the Americans reading this a good majority of real immigrant Italians belong to a social club , besides a place to hang out they would learn the politics of this country.
Sunday dinner was a staple and was mandatory. It started Sunday morning with my Grandmother listening to the Italian Hour on the Radio while making the gravy. there was no excuse. you butt was at the table and friends were always welcome. There was always enough for any extra people who stopped by. The table was never too small and there was always enough food and chairs for everyone to sit at the table. 3 generations sat, ate, and talked. My God mother came to every sunday dinner and brought the Italian bread.
We still have Sunday dinner at our parent’s house. My kids know it’s not ann option. We go to Nonnas and Nonno’s on Sunday. And I’ve always said I’ll do it once mom can’t do it anymore.