Have you heard of the phrase, “Blood is thicker than water”? If you have not, spend some time with an Italian, and I am sure you will hear it come out of their mouth at least once or twice. The phrase implies that a family’s (blood) loyalty is stronger than loyalty to others (water). Famiglia “family” is at the heart of an Italian’s life. Family members share common interests, common ways of life, and common values. Italians have a strong sense of loyalty to one another, and the family unit is often the only social unit that is considered to be complete and forever. This is why, in general, Italians spend so much time with their family: the family represents a refuge, a secure place to live, and a source of support. The role of the family is central in Italian culture and is one of the most important to Italian society.
Family Culture
Famiglia is one of the most essential characteristics of Italian culture and traditions. Italians are extremely family-oriented, and it is common to live with extended families such as grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins. And if you do not live directly in the same household as your extended family, then they are no more than a walking distance from you or a 5-minute drive. Not only do Italians live in close proximity to their family, but they get together at least once a week, generally on Sundays, usually for a big dinner at someone’s house. More often than not, Italians will get together on multiple occasions throughout the week rather than just on Sundays. Occasions may be having a casual dinner, catching up about their day, celebrating birthdays, having a game night, running errands together, etc. Italians will find any excuse to celebrate an occasion in order to spend time together. The culture of family is founded upon blood and bonds. La famiglia is everything to Italians.
How Getting a Dual Citizenship Can Strengthen Your Family Bond
Family expands more than just immediate family, it broadens to extended family. Getting your dual citizenship can help strengthen your family bond. Whether you are a first-generation Italian-American, or separated by multiple generations, getting your Italian citizenship will bring you closer to your Italian heritage and family. Depending on the paperwork needed for your dual citizenship, you will discover a plethora of information about your ancestry that you may not have known prior. Unearthing family history can lead to beneficial data such as genetic makeup, important figures in your family lineage, learning where and how your family came about, reconnecting with family members, and most importantly bringing you closer to Italian culture. One of the several ways of procuring your Italian citizenship is by Jure Sanguinis, known as citizenship by descent. Citizenship can be proclaimed by the paternal or maternal line depending on the generational lineage timeline. Determine your Italian dual citizenship eligibility, and learn how you can move forward with declaring your dual citizenship. After obtaining your dual citizenship, you have the capability to spend days, months, or even years in Italy and have the opportunity to reconnect and explore the towns where your family came from. Getting your dual citizenship can reestablish your family heritage and strengthen your love for Italian culture. Citizenship by descent offers this and many other benefits.
Gravitating to keep our Italian culture and family history alive is an innate feeling that transpires within all of us. As Italians, establishing an unbreakable bond with our family is one part of our culture that we cherish immensely. Being with family is central to Italians. Recognizing our culture and family history through obtaining Italian citizenship is a way to uphold Italian heritage and family bonds. At the end of the day, the blood of family is built upon love, care, and loyalty.