In a world that often emphasizes speaking the language, frequent trips to Italy, or how closely one’s lineage ties them to the homeland, it’s time we reevaluate what it means to be Italian-American.
The heart of our heritage doesn’t solely reside in linguistic prowess, travel logs, or generational proximity to Italy; it’s deeply rooted in the timeless values that have been handed down through the ages. These enduring principles, woven into the tapestry of Italian culture, serve as the true compass that guides our Italian-American identity.
As we delve into this journey, we’ll uncover the “10 Most Important Italian-American Values,” highlighting that it’s the embodiment and passing on of these values that ensure the preservation of our heritage for generations to come.
#1 - Family First
My grandparents devoted their entire lives to secure a brighter future for our family. The simple act of immigrating speaks volumes about the immense significance they attached to family.
But it wasn’t just about words; their actions backed it up every single day. Whenever I needed them, one phone call was all it took for them to drop everything and be there for me. Never did they put their own lives ahead of mine, and they continued this unwavering support until their very last breath.
For them, family always came first, and it truly meant everything. La famiglia e tutto!
#2 - Humility
My grandparents embodied humility, a trait they believed could take you further in life than arrogance ever could.
They had learned this valuable lesson through their own experiences, sparing us from having to endure the same hardships. They understood that boasting often invites the “Evil Eye,” also known as the Mal’occhio, which can bring misfortune.
Their guidance was clear: if we ever found ourselves with extra money or accomplished something noteworthy, only share the news with immediate family. They stressed that when people perceive you as thriving, it can lead to jealousy and attempts to undermine your success, or they might seek a share of your achievements. Ultimately, they knew that such situations rarely led to positive outcomes.
#3 - Gratitude
My grandfather, Giuseppe, used to share a story from his youth that has stuck with me. During those tough times, his family was so financially strapped that he received an orange as his Christmas gift. Yet, he would always emphasize how that simple orange filled him with happiness.
When you think about it, my grandfather had every reason in the world to complain. He worked tirelessly in a factory, earning meager wages, far from the life he had left behind in Italy. Italians weren’t always treated kindly in this new land.
But did he ever complain? Not once. He maintained an unwavering perspective and a positive attitude. He found joy in the simplest of things – a moment spent outside with a cigar, a Sunday meal of pasta, the company of family, or the time he spent tending to his garden. Despite having so little throughout his life, he remained content and happy.
Fast forward to today, and it’s disheartening to see kids upset because they didn’t receive a Gucci outfit for Christmas. Many people are fixated on what they lack instead of appreciating what they have.
The Italian perspective, embodied by my grandfather, is something we should always hold onto and cherish.
#4 - Work Ethic
Let’s never forget that Italians were immigrants who took on the most grueling and demanding jobs, contributing significantly to the construction of America. This is why we can admire the breathtaking buildings, impressive structures, and so much more – a substantial portion of it owes its existence to the hard work of our forebears.
They endured harsh conditions, working in challenging environments, and it’s essential to acknowledge that many immigrants, tragically, lost their lives on the job. The Shirtwaist Factory Fire and numerous other stories serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices they made in pursuit of a better life.
#5 - Generosity and warmth
My fiancée once shared an endearing story about my soon-to-be nonna-in-law (if that’s even a term). It goes like this: one day, they had a TV repairman come over, and her nonna kindly offered him a plate of pasta, a testament to the warmth and hospitality ingrained in Italian culture.
Reflecting on my own grandparents, I recall how they always handed my sister and me some money for “ice cream” every time we visited. As a child, I didn’t fully grasp it, but looking back, I realize they probably didn’t have much to spare. Yet, they didn’t mind, because their joy came from being generous and welcoming.
This spirit of generosity runs deep in Italians. It doesn’t matter who you are; they’re quick to open not just their homes but also their hearts to others.
#6 - Loyalty
Blood makes you related, loyalty makes you family.
In our Italian culture, we cherish loyalty above all else. It’s not just a virtue; it’s the bedrock of our identity.
Loyalty means everything to us because it’s a bond that has carried us through generations. It’s a promise to stand by one another through thick and thin, rooted in our history of facing challenges both in our homeland and as immigrants.
For us, loyalty isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life. It’s the certainty that when you need help, your Italian family will be there without hesitation. It’s how we preserve our heritage and pass it down to the next generation, an enduring reminder of our shared past and future.
In a world that often values individualism, we hold onto loyalty as the force that keeps our families together. It’s the invisible thread that connects us to our roots and each other. So, when we say loyalty is paramount, it’s not just a saying; it’s a commitment to our Italian family, our heritage, and our enduring bonds.
#7 - No Excuses
Our ancestors, they had a dream, a dream for a better life. And you know what they did? They took a leap of faith and set sail from Italy to America, leaving behind the comforts we often take for granted today. This wasn’t a cruise ship – no cell phones, no fancy water slides, no lavish buffets, and nowhere comfortable to rest during the journey. It was filled with uncertainty.
Now, think about all the excuses they could have had to stay put. I bet there were at least a thousand reasons not to go. I mean, leaving everything behind to head to an unfamiliar place, not even sure if they’d make it, or what awaited them on the other side?
Just imagine for a moment, if any of our ancestors had succumbed to any of those excuses. None of us would be here today!
So, when we compare our problems today, like making excuses for not finishing an Excel sheet, it’s almost embarrassing. It’s disrespectful to our ancestors’ memory to be filled with excuses. If you want something, just go for it, get it done.
That spirit to chase our dreams is in our very blood, it’s the essence of the American dream they pursued, and it’s the legacy we carry forward.
#8 - Faith
In our Italian-American heritage, faith holds a special place, deeply rooted in the significance of religion for Italians in Italy. It’s not just a concept; it’s a force that connects us to our ancestors’ resilience.
Our forebears, who braved challenging journeys to forge new lives in America, leaned on faith to navigate their struggles. This faith was closely tied to their religious beliefs, offering them strength and solace in a new land. In Italy, faith is integral to relationships, extending beyond family ties into the close-knit fabric of religious communities.
In Italy, religion is a vital part of daily life, evident in the centuries-old cathedrals and lively religious festivals that enrich Italian culture.
As Italian-Americans, this legacy of faith is our heritage. When we pray for strength and treasure moments, it’s a tribute to our loved ones, our community, and the enduring ties to our Italian roots, where faith plays a central role. In both good times and bad, faith is our guiding light, passed down through generations, nurturing our souls and preserving our Italian-American identity.
#9 - Respect
Respect is a core value in Italian-American culture, a lesson we’ve inherited from our Italian ancestors that runs deep in our hearts. It’s not just a social courtesy; it’s a fundamental principle that underpins our close-knit families and tight-knit communities. Our ancestors, who embarked on arduous journeys to America in search of a brighter future, carried with them the belief that showing respect to one another, regardless of differences, fosters unity and strength.
In Italy, where family bonds and traditions hold great significance, this value of respect is woven into the fabric of daily life. It extends to a profound reverence for our heritage, the wisdom passed down through generations, and the enduring spirit of our forebears. For Italian-Americans, respect isn’t just a formality; it’s a way of paying tribute to those who paved the way for us. It’s about valuing the wisdom of our elders, preserving the traditions that tie us to our Italian roots, and recognizing that our shared history is a treasure to be held close and passed on with dignity and honor.
#10 - Preserve Traditions
This puts all of these values into practice!!!
Participating in traditions, my friends, is like giving life to these cherished values – it’s where they truly come alive!
Whether you’re whipping up a batch of homemade sauce, crafting your own wine, hanging soppressata in the basement, participating in the feast of the Seven Fishes, hosting family Sunday dinners, or more.
You need to be doing at least ONE tradition. It’s important. There is so many to choose from, you can find one you enjoy. We have tons of content that walks you through the processes as well.
These traditions aren’t about going through the motions; it’s about embracing our values, keeping our roots alive, and, most importantly, having a blast while doing it. So, remember, traditions aren’t just about preserving the old ways; they’re about celebrating our heritage, and they’re a testament to the enduring significance of these values in our lives.
Final thoughts
The values I’ve inherited from my Italian grandparents are the very heartbeat of why I’ve embarked on this journey with my company, Hardcore Italians. It’s my way of not just preserving but actively honoring their sacrifices and keeping their spirit alive in everything I do.
I’m a firm believer in the profound impact of these values, as they pave the way to personal happiness and illuminate what truly matters in life. They guide us towards a more meaningful existence, one rooted in family, tradition, and the pursuit of genuine contentment.
Now, I’d love to hear from all of you in the comments – which of these values resonates with your own experiences and beliefs? Sharing our stories is how we keep these traditions and values alive for generations to come.
Mike,
I think you have done a great job with these 10 values, I agree 100%. The only adjustment I would make is that in believe Faith and God should be #1. Without God we would not have the opportunity for anything else. Keep up the great work!!!!!
This article is excellent and should ring true with all of us. I espouse to the same values, morals and ethics. Basically, all Italian families practice the same. Our younger generations need to practice more of it. Parents can only do so much. Hence the old saying, “You can lead the horse to water, you can’t make them drink. Another point to keep in mind, families have scattered and don’t live near each other, as they did years ago. This also preserved the family. There are very valuable lessons contained in this article to be taken to heart and learned. Thank you for writing this article. It shows you have learned the lessons very well! Ciao, bello!
This is the perfect truth to us Italian Americans. Thank you it’s truly beautiful.
Tha
Thank you for this beautiful reminder of who we are as Italian Americans! I teared up reading. I’m Italian on both sides, my great grandparents arrived in NYC at the turn of the twentieth century. They each had one suitcase. My grandparents passed some years ago, and I miss them so much. You are spot on with all of this! Grazie! God Bless!
I love and agree with you about everything you wrote. When we all get together it’s usually at funerals and weddings,but we also have the best SEVEN FISHES DINNER!!!!! We talk about old times and new things with our familys. Thanks for reminding us about never forgetting where we came from and God Bless you and your famiglia!!!!!!!
WOW Mike very well done – a lot of thought went into this and you nailed it – looking forward to your future articles .
I loved the article. I grew up with grandparents who came to America at a very young age. My grandfather was a baker and had his own business. The smells waking up on Sunday mornings, I will never forget. I try to continue some of the traditions. Thank you for the memories. Diane Koget
Thank you Mike – Italian on both sides so much respect for what you wrote and so very true! Try to carry on all of what you said – so difficult with children not living close by but nice to hear that they carry on the traditions they learned with their family now.
Jeanine
Mike,
Thank you, the values you present are timeless. They should be the cornerstone of every culture and if they were our world would be a far better place.
As a kid growing up in the Bronx I didn’t give considerable thought to my Italian-American heritage. It took me a little time to realize and appreciate the values instilled upon me. What a wonderful gift! Thank you again for bringing to me, through the values you present, all the memories of our proud heritage.