In honor of my birthday, which is in a few days, I thought I'd share what birthday culture is like here in Italy. You might be surprised at how many things are different from what you're used to!
It's Your Birthday? YOU Pay
This one still baffles me. If it's your birthday, you're the one who takes friends out to dinner or has a party. I guess the thinking is that if your friends are shelling out the money for a gift, they shouldn't also have to pay for a meal for you.
But here's where I see the error in how Italy does something: I can't afford to take all my friends out to celebrate my birthday, so I just don't celebrate. But each friend could take me out for a pizza without breaking the bank...so why is it this way?
Last year I compromised by having a house party (where no one ate my weird homecooked appetizers and instead opted for storebought pizza. I was so offended!). This year I'll probably just have dinner with Fra's family (Mamma promised to make my favorite, carbonara!).
Above All, Do NOT Celebrate Early!
Because my birthday fell in the middle of the week last year, it was more convenient to have my party the weekend before. But oh, mamma mia, how the Italians freaked out.
Apparently, it's bad luck to celebrate your birthday before it comes. It's putting you at risk of not even MAKING it to your next birthday!!
Let's Talk About Gifts
Oh, Italians looooove giving gifts!
What surprises me is how likely they are to give jewelry or clothing to someone. I only buy these things if I really know a person and her style well. Otherwise, I know it's never going to be worn. But here, they don't seem to give much thought to what a person would like, just what THEY think they SHOULD like. So...yeah. Fingers crossed for my birthday!
Another interesting fact is that Italians (at least, Calabrese) don't go crazy wrapping gifts in pretty paper or even shoving them in gift bags like we tend to do last minute in the U.S. Instead, they leave the gift in the store bag they bought it in. The store will usually stick a ribbon on it for decoration, but still...it's not very pretty. I think the reasoning here is that the store name is prestigious, so they want everyone to see where they bought the present.
And just like when we were kids, Italians want to stand around and watch you open your presents. They'll ooh and aah over everything. It's cute.
It's not just birthdays that you have to buy gifts for here. It seems like every few months there's a birthday, wedding, baptism, First Communion, or Confirmation that requires a gift. It can get expensive, especially because Italians don't cheap out on what they buy!
And What's a Birthday Without Cake?
Not to worry, they have birthday cakes here. You can get a store-bought cake or make one. They're big on semifreddo, which is kinda like gelato, and makes for a really tasty cake.
Usually when the cake is served, everyone is given a glass of Prosecco to celebrate the birthday girl or boy.
This will be my third birthday in Italy, and each has been so different. I look forward to seeing what a family celebration will be like!
Comments