Small Dose of Italian Culture #28
Welcome to the 28th edition of Small Dose of Italian Culture!
Italian Movie
Benvenuti al Sud (2010, Welcome to the South) is a beloved Italian comedy about a worker from Milan who, as a form of punishment, is transferred to Naples.
The film hilariously exaggerates the deep cultural divide between northern and southern Italy, offering a caricatured but not entirely inaccurate portrayal of the South.
It highlights, with plenty of humor, the unique mix of charm, warmth, and chaos often associated with life in the South.
Italian Song
The Italian song I’d like to highlight is Bella senz’anima by Riccardo Cocciante. A powerful song from the viewpoint of an embittered lover.
Famous Italian
An Italian everyone should know is Alessandro Volta (1745 — 1827), the inventor of the first electric battery, a breakthrough that helped shape the modern world. And yes, the electrical unit, the volt, is named after him.
Before joining the European Union and adopting the Euro, Italy used the Lira as its currency. A fun fact is that from 1984 to 2001, Alessandro Volta’s portrait appeared on the 10,000 lire banknote.
Pop Moment
The most important saint in Naples is San Gennaro, famous for the annual miracle in which his blood supposedly liquefies. About a decade ago, during the ceremony, a reporter asked a participant inside the church, "Che cosa chiede a San Gennaro?" ("What are you asking San Gennaro?" — formal). The foreign interviewee responded with something that sounded like "Sono giapponese!" ("I'm Japanese!").
This became a hugely popular meme in Italy, sparking endless reinterpretations. It was all taken in good humor, with many Italians assuming the non-native speaker simply didn't understand the question.
In reality, though, the man had actually said "Assumi giapponese" (meaning "Hire Japanese.") So while the Italian was a bit broken, the answer was actually on point.
Italian Landmark
The Terme di Saturnia are a famous natural hot spring in Tuscany, renowned for their stunning turquoise pools and therapeutic waters. According to legend, the springs were created by a lightning bolt thrown by the god Jupiter during a battle. Today, they attract visitors from all over the world who come to relax in the warm, sulfur-rich waters, which are believed to have healing properties. The most iconic spot is the Cascate del Mulino, where the water flows through a series of beautiful stone basins shaped by centuries of natural erosion.
Italian Dish
Prosciutto e melone is one of the simplest dishes you can prepare; yet it’s a delicious, refreshing snack (or even a light meal) beloved across Italy, especially during the summer months. There’s no real recipe: just wrap a slice of thinly sliced prosciutto crudo around a piece of sweet cantaloupe. Buon appetito!
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Italian Proverb
Today, in light of His Holiness the Pope’s recent passing, I have two relevant and common Italian expressions to share.
ogni morte di papa
(Literal: Every death of a pope.)
This expression is used to say that something is very infrequent. After all, a pope will typically die only once every few years. For example, “Vai mai in America? Ci vado ogni morte di papa.” (Do you ever go to America? I go very infrequently.)
Morto un papa se ne fa un altro.
(Literal: When one pope dies, another is made.)
This expression is used to convey that we can often replace something that we regret losing. For example, if you broke up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, your best friend might say to you, “Dai, morto un papa se ne fa un altro.” (meaning, Don’t worry about it, you’ll find someone else.)
Italian Custom
In Italy, along with Pasqua (Easter) we celebrate Pasquetta (literally, Little Easter), which is the Monday following the holiday. It is a stereotype that it always rains on Pasquetta. Often people will say that it doesn’t rain on Pasquetta ogni morte di papa. Well, the pope literally died, and sure enough, it didn’t rain, amusing many Italians.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Small Dose of Italian Culture. Alla prossima!