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Does It Really Matter? By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. Di Novo August-September 2010 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest Why is it important to preserve our Italian Heritage? Most Italian Americans will say it isn't important because they are already assimilated. We know there are many reasons why assimilation has taken place. You don't value what you don't treasure and don't know. The truth is that most Italian Americans know very little about their Italian heritage. Our heritage and culture is much more than food. Our Italian legacy has given us so much and that is all we need to do, is to claim it. So many people around the world have loved Italy and the Italian people over the centuries. Have you ever wondered why? Over 30 million people visit Italy each year and the reasons tell you why our Italian heritage is a treasure. We have been given a value system that gives meaning to life. That heritage teaches us what is really important and how to enjoy life! History is behind our Italian surnames and this history sheds light on who we are. We share also a unique experience in the United States and we are richer for it. Our traditions and customs enrich the celebration of life. Those of us who treasure our Italian heritage because of what it has done for us, want to pass it on. All over this nation there are people of like mind. In spite of all that has taken place we lay claim to our heritage and make it a part of our lives. I invite you to be a teacher and a role model, strong and courageous. We must be a counter-witness to the prevailing culture and mindless wisdom of the age. We are not old fashion or irrelevant so don't let yourself be on the defensive. We have a heritage with deeply held traditions and convictions. Learn more about your heritage and pass it on!! Each of us is capable of informing the public what our Italian heritage means to us. We should be willing to give some of our treasure to support our efforts to preserve our heritage. You're invited to use your talents in our many efforts to pass our heritage to the next generation. My hope is our commitment is much more than words, too often it is just words. It really does matter that our Italian heritage is preserved and with your help it will be! © 2010 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Growing Up Italian American By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. Di Novo June-July 2010 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest You probably read that great article "Growing Up Italian!" This article is different because I grew up Italian American. My parents were born in the United States and only spoke Italian in our home when they didn't want us to know what they were talking about. I learned some Italian from my grandparents who were born in Italy but it was up to me to now what she was talking about. If you don't used a language you lose it. My wife only spoke Italian until she went to school. Today, she doesn't speak Italian. My Italian-born grandparents were great role models and they are one of the main reasons why I appreciate and love my Italian heritage. My grandparents home was an Italian home; mine was an Italian-American home. Seldom did my grandmother prepare anything other than Italian dishes; my grandfather Sgariata had to even have pasta on Sundays. My mother prepared mostly Italian food but we did have what we call American food about three times a week. When I went to Junior High School they had a cafeteria. They served food that was not served at home. I would come and tell my mother the strange dish I had, like SOS on toast, or peas in white gravy or strange casserole. We ate real bread, not that American bread that tasted like cotton. My grandmother DiNovo made her own delicious Italian bread, the best and I was and I was spoiled for life! My grandmother often would make a small round loaf just for me. She would take the bread hot from the oven and would cut it in half, put olive oil, cheese and some oregano on it. Better than any steak! We bought our Italian bread unless we got a loaf from my grandmother DiNovo. Slowly American bread entered our home, mostly for toast. My grandfathers were very strict with their children. I thought my parents were strict but when they told stories how bad things were for them, I was supposed to think I had it made. In truth, I had more freedom than they had at my age but there were still rules! The father of the girl I wanted to take to my high school prom was born in Italy and she had to be home by 10:00 pm. The party was just starting, so I asked an Irish American girl because her parents would let her stay out to midnight, wow! My grandparents on my father's side had nine children and we had to be at their home for every major holiday. From my paternal grandparents home we went to my mother's side of the family. Most of my father's relatives lived within a block of our home and if we get grief at home we always could find refuge with a relative down the block. Almost every Sunday we drove to see my mother's parents and her sisters in a near-by city. We were taught respect at an early age. Whenever we visited our grandparents we first went and kissed them. We always addressed everyone by their proper titles. We ate what was put before us and always said thank you. In my grandparents home you ate what was served and in my Italian-American home my mother would sometimes make exceptions. She sometimes would make two entrees when she new we didn't like what was served. She was told she was spoiling us! We had to walk many blocks to church or school but we went no matter the weather. We worked at an early age but not as hard as our parents did. It didn't kill us, and we learned to appreciate what we had. I think we had the best that America and Italy had to offer. Happily we grew up Italian-American! © 2010 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Celebrate Easter with Italian Traditions By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. Di Novo April-May 2010 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest The solemn events of Holy Week throughout Italy culminate in the celebration of Easter Sunday. In a country whee even minor religious holidays are observed with zeal, it is only to be expected that the greatest event in the ecclesastical calendar is widely celebrated by Italians. Our Italian ancestors brought to the United States beautiful Pasqua and Holy Week traditions and customs which are very much rooted in the real reasons for celebrating. One tradition that should especially be brought back is a unique celebration on Palm Sunday. Visit family and friends. End quarrels still in progress. Presenting a palm frond was a way of asking for peace. © 2010 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Buona Pasqua With Italian Traditions By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. Di Novo April-May 2010 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest The most important day on the Christian Calendar is Easter! In Italy, Easter is a religious holiday and it continues to be for most people of Italian heritage. Our traditional ways of celebrating Easter are very special and I hope we pass those traditions on to the next generation. Holy Week in Italy is full of traditions and leads up to the joy of Easter. The traditional cake you serve on Easter morning is "Columba." It is a dove-shaped Easter version of pannettone eaten at Christmas. Some Italians have eggs, red peppers and greens for Easter breakfast, the colors of the Italian flag. A typical Easter Sunday menu might serve milk fed lamb, and the most popular way to cook it is to pit-roast it with rosemary. It might also include pasta, artichokes, broccoli, pickled vegetables, sauteed spinach and mixed salad. Some meals start with Easter dinner. Wine and espresso with anisette are also served. Each region has its unique Easter desserts. These are some of the many you will find in Italy: Pizza Rustica di Pasqua (Easter Pie), Pupo con l'uovo (Italian Egg Cookies), Castetelli (Cream tartlets), Columba Pasquale (Easter Dove), Spumoni, Macedonia di Frutta, Ricotta Pie, Pastiera DiGrano, Easter Cake, Pan DiSpagna, Panzerotti alla Teramana, an much more! Then there are the Easter cookies, the two most traditional are Quaresimali (balls of almonds, pignoli and honey), and Tozetti (mild anise flavor, studded with almonds and hazelnuts). The Italian Easter dinner may be the most festive dinner of the year. Colored eggs, mostly red representing the blood of Christ are found on the dinner table, and in some regions a ring of festive bread surrounded with colored eggs is the centerpiece. I recall the many hours just sitting and visiting. I have wonderful memories of a full house at my fraternal grandparents home for Easter. There were so many and these holidays help bond us as a family. Easter with Italian traditions was normal and we just took them for granted. Now we have to work to keep them alive. This Easter renew the spirit and build on our past. Buona Pasqua to you and your family! © 2010 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

VIVA! San' Giuseppe St. Joseph's Day: Food & Customs By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. Di Novo February-March 2010 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest March 19 marks the Feast of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus Christ Our Savior. For Italians it is a religious, ethnic and ritual celebration. It is a day we honor St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, husband of Mary, Patron of the Universal Church and a Happy Death, etc. It is the day that marks our people being sent rain during a severe drought when many people were dying of starvation. A day we keep a promise made by our ancestors for saving our people from certain death. On St. Joseph's Day we share with the needy an important Christian obligation. All these reasons make the celebration special. Because of the Love of God and St. Joseph's intercession, we have many reasons for holding the celebration. Many kinds of vegetable minestras, (very thick soups), are prepared and served at this celebration, but no cheese is eaten on St. Joseph's Day. This is to remind us that our people were too poor to have cheese. The spaghetti is sprinkled with a traditional mixture of toasted dry bread crumbs when fresh sardines and fennel sauce is used. Lentils, favas, and all types of dried beans are cooked and served with escarole and other leafy vegetables. Pasta con le sarde (spaghetti with sardines and fennel), fresh sardines, double layers of stuffed sardines, chunks of fresh chilled fennel, large black oil-cured olives, fried artichoke hearts, stuffed baked escarole rolls, fried cauliflower rosettes, spinach and asparagus frosce (omlets), braided bread wreaths, large naval oranges, pomegranates are all part of La Tavola di San Giuseppe, a meatless feast table, prepared and shared with those in need. Before Vatican II, March 19 was a meatless day in Lent. A traditional Festa di San Giuseppe might start with chilled Marsala Lentil Soup, Spaghetti with Finocchio and Sardine Sauce, Roasted Artichokes, Escarole Salad, St. Joseph's Sfinge, Amaretti, Macaroons, Roasted Nuts, Green Almonds, Fruit, Caffe Expresso, Benedictine or Anisette. Intermittenly during the meal, "Viva San Giuseppe!" is shouted in tribute and admiration for this great saint. The special dessert St. Joseph's Sfinge, is made in many ways; a typical type is a large round creampuff with ricotta, and topped with red cherries and sections of glazed orange. Each region of Italy has their own unique food and desserts to mark the Feast. In Abruzzi, people eat "Covezun di San Giuseppe," a tiny baked turnover of thinly rolled sweet dough filled with chopped walnuts and chocolate. Further north near Bologna, "sfappole" are a March 19th specialty. They are strips of sweet noodle dough knotted, fried and sugared. In Tuscany, they are "rice cakes" for St. Joseph's Day. In Pappardella di San Giuseppe, traditionally cooked noodles or "ferretti" (spirals) tossed in olive oil with toasted walnuts, breadcrumbs and sugar is served. "Zeppoles" originated in Calabria, a puff filled with cream, a cherry and sections of glazed orange. In Sicily, "Pane di San Giuseppe," a rich sweet bread is the centerpiece for the feast. The beautiful table also has a statue of St. Joseph and Christ Child, flowers and candles. A symbolic dish of uncooked fava beans are set on the table to represent the legendary famine's only available food. Upon leaving a St. Joseph Table, guests receive a sack containing a small loaf of holiday bread, an orange or some sweets to take home (an Italian doggie bag), in remembrance of la festa di San Giuseppe. Brighten the dreariness of March this year and join the millions who will be celebrating this beautiful, unique Italian celebration. It is a Festa for everyone to enjoy! © 2010 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Pass Our Italian Christmas To Our Future Generations By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. Di Novo December 2009-January 2010 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest What will your Christmas be like this year? Was it memorable last year? Too often I hear that Christmas is for children, no, it is for adults too! Christmas is not a winter holiday for me, it is the birthday of Christ. According to Italian tradition it is a religious holiday, celebrated with the extended family. Italians have separated the religious celebration from gift giving. The gifts that are given are small and are given to the Epiphany. We all know that most families are not as strong as they once were. Often we see relatives only at weddings and funerals. We often don't take time to bond which help make families strong. Often there is emptiness during the Christmas season not only for those who have passed away but too often members of the family are not able to get home for Christmas. Modern life is har on families! Italians have a saying, "you may spend New Years with anyone you wish but you spend Christmas with the family!" Yes, it was a guilt trip but the esults were memories that last a lifetime. So many of our Italian Christmas traditions add that special touch. We all need to celebrate those special dishes, desserts, customs, etc., that added that special touch to the Christmas season. In the past those thraditions were passed on, it was something to look forward too. My father had 8 brothers and sisters and he told us that one Christmas the only thing he got as a gift was an orange. Was he happy? You bet he was, it was a special treat, Christmas was not about gifts. Giving gifts was was a small part of celebrating Christmas. Going to Midnight Mass, a special meal with family was what Christmas was about. I received more gifts that my parents were ever given. Do I remember them? Of course I don't but I remember the wonderful Italian Christmas celebrations at my grandparent's home. We can't live in the past nor was everything idyllic! I feel that we don't have to except everything that is now. We should retain that which has great value. What values have helped people over the centuries deal with the trials and tribulations of life? I fell I know it is a strong religious faith and family! Swine flu, the recession, wars, there seems that there is a lot to worry about. Go back to your roots and discover our Italian Christmas traditions. They will help make this Christmas celebration memorable !! © 2009-2010 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Reasons For Celebrating Columbus Day By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. DiNovo October-November 2009 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest A century ago, historian Frederick Jackson Turner, delivered his famous paper on "The Significance of the Frontier in American History," sounding an appropriate theme for the remembrance of the explorer who opened up the most significant frontier in world history: the entire Western Hemisphere. When the Europeans came five centuries ago they exposed a large part of the world to the influence of a questing and dynamic civilization that did a great deal to make the modern world what it is. The Americas have been a great giant safety valve for the rest of the world, a place where people could make a new start and find political and religious freedom. There is a long list of foods Columbus brought from the Old World to the New World. These have forever changed the lives of people around the world, in fact, history as well. But it was not a one-way street, as many new foods were introduced to the New World which helped them improve their diets and lives. Some of these were Wheat, Asian Rice, Sugar Cane, Okra, Barley, Oats, Soy, Onion, Lettuce, Citrus Fruit, Pear, Peach, Watermelon, etc. Also, Cattle, Pig, Sheep, Horse, Honey bee and chicken were introduced. According to Paolo Emilio Taviani, most o the world was shaken by Columbus's voyages. He enlarged the world, revolutionizing geography. The stubborn, courageous figure triumphed over doubt, fear, and physical odds and flung open the door into the modern age. Dr. Peter Sammartino said "the four voyages proved Columbus to be the greatest navigator of his age if not of all time." They gave courage to thousands of others from every European nation. The whole history of the western hemisphere stems from these voyages. And so today, a core of independent nations unite in homage to Columbus (the stouthearted son of Genoa who carried Christian civilization across the sea). Historian Samuel E. Morrison said that Columbus did more to direct the course of history than any individual since Augustus Caesar. Stephan Thernstrom said "The arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Western Hemisphere was a pivitol event in the making of the modern world. It did not usher in a utopia, but neither did it destroy a paradise. The process it set in motion, for all of its ambiguities, was a step for mankind. In the end the Indian as well as the white man benefited from the great discovery. An interracial culture developed in much of Latin America. Human sacrifice and cannibalism were ended, and the Indians were almost converted to Christianity. No crime with which Columbus or his successors has over been charged can begin to compare with the living nightmare of the last century of the Aztec empire, whose death toll matches the Nazi holocaust of the Jews. If Columbus had not come to America, that ghastly slaughter would have gone on for many more decades, very likely for centuries. (Warren H. Carroll, Ph.D.) We must not let the politically correct vilify our hero. In the long run the controversy and endless political wrangling will end because truth is on our side. Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492 and that is a fact. The above scholars give us many reasons to honor Columbus and we should. The Columbus story, like every other great historical event, calls not for easy moralizing and finger pointing but an understanding and appreciation of a complex clash of cultures that was crucial to the emergence of the modern world we inhabit. © 2009 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

How Much Of Italian Life Have You Kept? By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. DiNovo October-November 2009 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest We all know that Italy is not a country of parents and grandparents. Italy has changed, it is a modern nation. Research indicates that most Italian Americans have assimilated. Yes, Italy has changed but there are still characteristic elements of Italian life. There are still Italian-Americans who have lost those characteristics. Here are some of the elements of health and happiness of Italian style: Italians still have a passion for life, their innate curiosity keeps life fresh. The fruit is seen in all their invention and discoveries to the present. Throughout history they life life to the fullest and one example after the other how they have had the ability to move on after disasters. Trials are considered part of the cycle of life. Italians live life to the fullest. Italians still have strong families and traditions. They celebrate life and share their life with others. They know how to celebrate and enjoy the moment. When it comes to food they use the freshest ingredients, preparing food is a creative outlet. Meals are to be enjoyed. Their philosophy bout the meal is great food and that you never grow old around the table. It is no wonder that the Slow Food Movement began in Italy. Material tings have less value than the simple things in life. Their value, emphasis on family, community, the use of the senses make for a happy life. How Italian are you? Have you re-created a bit of the Italian lifestyle right here in the United States? From our ancestors we have been given a gift, the Italian lifestyle which is a wonderful way to live. They savor life and enjoy it with all their senses. Do we? They spend less time wanting and more time giving. The Italian lifestyle has resulted in good health health and happiness. Is it any wonder why we celebrate October as Italian Heritage Month? Our Italian Heritage is a treasure, to embrace it is live life more fully! © 2009 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Italian American Leaders Need Support By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. DiNovo August/September 2009 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest The president of an Italian American organization always wants to administer a group worthy of its name. The organization must face up to the issues of our times and still relate to what has gone before. It must be a place of love and devotion, where friendships are given space to deepen, whee thee is joy and strength, solace and direction. Does that sound like your association? Are the members willing to do what is necessary to keep the flame alive? Presidents want minds that are open and hearts that are receptive. Members should stand ready to toil for the goals of the organization. There need not agreement on every issue; indeed, controversy is fruitful. But we should learn to disagree in love and to give and take criticism with kindness.. The important point in that consensus should be kept. That can be difficult to accomplish when internecine bickering replaces rationale discourse. All members should understand that the president is not a superman. And that person should not be made an organizational scapegoat. In setting the organization's agenda, no president can do all that is necessary at once or meet the interests of all members. Nor can the agenda be met without the combined efforts and cooperation of the entire membership. From my experience, too many good presidents have burned out early from undue pressure. It is truly un-Christian to be treated like some hve been. Who needs this? Leaders and members must tread the same road and do so with mutual respect. Though heavy, the burden of leadership must be bearable. That criterion can be met when demands are responsibility become reciprocal. © 2009 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Are Our Italian American Parents Part of the Problem? By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. DiNovo June/July 2009 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest Are we urging our young people to be all they are capable of being? Karyn James, film critic for the New York Times, recently wrote an fascinating article about several popular films that downgrade intelligence and education. "Forrest Gump," the most successful of these movies, equates low I.Q. with inner goodness. Another film entitled "Nell," is about a backwoods woman deprived of education and ordinary language. The film "I.Q." deals with Albert Einstein's efforts to persuade his brilliant mathematician niece that an unlettered mechanic is a far better choice as a husband than a cold-blooded professor whom she is engaged to. Throughout our history there has been a suspicion toward intellectuals. Those of us who have graduated from college had to deal with those who try to put us down. They look for our faults and make a big issue of it to burst our balloon. Many Italian immigrants feared education, they thought they would lose their children. While an education will not make a person, it is very necessary today. Of course, kindness, generosity, virtue and love are of superlative importance. What is disturbing about these movies, however, is that they treat education and knowledge as outright enemies of goodness and decency. Of course, we know that education will not necessarily lead to virtue. When we teach our children our faith and our Italian heritage this is education. We also know that knowledge is gained in and out of the classroom. Do you realize that about 21% of Italian American students in New York City do not finish high school; about 17% of Italian American students in the rest of the state do not finish high school. It is true some of these students will go into a family business, most will not. Don't the parents of these students realize the facts? Most good jobs today require at least a college degree. Many require advance degrees! I know from my own experience that going to college generated a negative reaction. Our young people need our encouragement and support. We must emphasize study and learning in our homes. We also should be concerned on how our young people are developing and maturing as proud Italian Americans. Our Italian heritage will help them understand life's reality. It is a Godly blessing to see our college students flowering, whose conscious self-awareness can stare you into a discomfited unease. They are growing! We must not be deceived or mislead by the self-assured facade of know-it-alls which they sometimes assume. They still have tremors of self-doubt, insecurity and disquiet. Watch for the gaping admiration of different cultures while possessed of haughty contempt for that of their birth. Awesome is the challenge, vast is the responsibility of educators and Italian American parents. If they have lost their Italian heritage they have lost a treasure. We must encourage them to learn Italian, more about things Italian on the college level. Many colleges have Italian American clubs, they should join them! Italian Americans must recognize the indispensability of our Italian heritage to the intellectual and spiritual growth of our college students. © 2009 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Italian Easter Traditions and Food By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. DiNovo April/May 2009 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest Something vital is lost if we fail to keep alive our Italian traditions and customs. They are the glue that ties us to our past. Being an Italian-American comes from being with oneself and our past - it is a state of mind. Our Italian Easter traditions and customs are splendid, rich, and gripping and should be preserved. Easter is a religious celebration, colorful, folkloric and earnest in Italy. It was in Rome that the Apostles Peter and Paul went to preach Christ's message of love and peace and eventually to be martyred. It was in Rome that the seeds of Christianity were nurtured by the early saints. In Italy during Holy Week, the mortal spirit may feel that it has gotten a genuine glimpse of heaven. Being a part of Holy Week, services can lead to a feeling of joy during the Holy season. Italian children gorge themselves on a vast variety of sweets during Easter. Easter eggs adorned with elaborate wrapping paper and bows are very popular. The eggs range in size from small to large. The large eggs come attached to large gifts; stuffed toys, tricycles, even pieces of furniture. Each egg, no matter what size, contains a prize in the hollow interior and it is possible to spend several hundred dollars on an Easter egg. Easter lambs in spun white sugar are also seasonal favorites. The traditional cake you serve on Easter is "Columba." It is a dove-shaped Easter version of the Panettone eaten at Christmas. The basic Columba is a sponge cake stuffed with raisins and coated with white sugar. Bakers are constantly inventing new Columba with countless fanciful fillings, frostings and flavors. Often breakfast starts with an Easter omelet ("Frogga") - the eggs may be prepared with different herbs and vegetables. A typical Easter Sunday menu: milk fed lamb (the most popular way is spit roasted with rosemary or lamb made with olive oil, garlic, vinegar, sage and rosemary) pasta, artichokes, broccoli, potatoes, pickled vegetables, sauteed spinach and mixed salad. Of course wine and coffee expresso with anisette accompanies the meal. For dessert there is such a variety. Pizza Rustica Di Pasqua (Easter Pie)), Puppo Con Ova, Cassetelli (cream tartlets), Columba Pasquale (Easter Dove), Macedonia di frutta, Spumoni, Cicerchiata Caddura Di Pasca, Acquadura, Ricotta Pie, Pastiera Di Grano, Easter Cake, Columba Pasquale, Pan Di Spagna, Panzerotti Alla Teramana, roasted chestnuts. There are two traditional types of Easter cookies, "Quaresimali" (bite-size, rather sticky balls of almonds, pignoli and honey) and "Tozetti" (a little less sweet with a mild anise flavor, studded with almonds and hazelnuts). The Italian Easter Dinner may be the most festive dinner of the year. Often a huge ring of festive bread surrounded completely with a dozen colored eggs served as a centerpiece. The dinner lasts for a long time, and much talking, laughing, and shouting may take place. Easter dinner is a very special celebration. Easter is a time to rejoice and enjoy the fruits of a renewed earth. Traditional Italian Eastertide favorites draw on fresh fruits and vegetables of the season to enhance he flavor of everything from pasta to dessert. Our Italian Easter traditions are created to satisfy the flesh and renew the spirit; they will insure the enjoyment of this Pasqua. Buona Pasqua alla communita' Italo-Americana! © 2009 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

The Reason for the Exodus By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. DiNovo February-March 2009 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest There was constant pressure for the Italian immigrant to become "American." The dominate culture at the time was white Anglo-Saxon and the agenda for the day was to dilute and destroy foreign cultures that were viewed a hostile. There was a fear that immigrants might be able to wrest economic and political power power from the majority. Society feared the immigrants. As we look back the melting pot produced a very bland and distasteful brew. It left a vacuum. Today there is a renewed pride in one's traditions and a greater desire to retain our Italian heritage and values. Too often, the first generation sought to distance themselves from their heritage. The next generation even tried harder. Most often it is the third generation which is seeking their roots and trying to preserve their Italian heritage. In modern society there is a real vacuum in people's lives. Many are finding that culture is closely related to values, especially when it comes to religion and family. Today there are still very strong forces working against cultural pluralism. Our young are pressured to live up their Italian heritage and accept modern America's version of "culture." Many middle age or older Italian Americans have bought the "melting pot" concept. Too often these people believe the myths that WASP society has generated about Italians. The reasons Italian-Americans are in the position they are in is because there has been a great exodus. We often hear that there are between 12-25 million Italian-Americans in the United States. It has been my experience that most are only Italian in name - they know little of their Italian heritage and culture. Sadder yet, they don't care if they have already melted and lost their treasure, their Italian heritage. The committed group who do anything to help us is very small and the group who contribute financially is even smaller. It is a shame that this exodus has evolved because Italian-Americans have a unique role in America. We could be a strong role model for what family should be, if we were true to our Italian roots. Many Italian Americans are ashamed of their Italian heritage. They have been influenced by people who do not have roots - those ignorant of our Italian culture. How can Italian-Americans turn away from their heritage which is so rich and beautiful? We have to develop pride - that is how blacks turned things around and now want to be "unmeltable." We should encourage everyone to accept themselves as God made them. Self-hate, in my opinion, is the basis for many wanting to assimilate. If some Americans do not want to retain their roots, that is their loss. We who treasure our Italian heritage must have internal toughness. This means pride and fidelity to our Italian heritage. Consider all the Italian immigrants endured. They could have been crushed, but they had a resiliency which enabled them to continue the struggle. To me, when I treasure my birthright I am keeping faith with those who came before and struggled so hard. We need a great deal of courage, wisdom and strength if we are to endure and become "unmeltable" in the United States. For those of us who wish to be what we are Americans and Italian, I congratulate you on your good sense to realize your treasure - your Italian heritage and culture. © 2009 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Natalie Traditions, It is Our Turn! By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. DiNovo December 2008/January 2009 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest Christmas offers us a wonderful opportunity to pass on our Italian heritage. Many of you have told me they are not interested. Ours is to plant the see and not do the harvesting. As an educator it takes years to determine if students really got it. Think of your life, were you interested? Some may never be interested in their Italian heritage and some later in life will. If we don't try we know for sure they will not. I thank my grandparents and my parents for planting the seed, my holidays are filled with tradition and very special. I am grateful to them for this. Our Christmas traditions are a great way to pass on our Italian heritage. We have so much to offer a world that doesn't have "roots." Many non-Italians were attracted to their spouse because of their love of things "Italian." This year make an extra effort to include many of our Christmas traditions included in our Newsletter. It is your turn to pass it on to the next generation! © 2008 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

What is Ahead for the Italian American Community By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. DiNovo October/November 2008 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest One of my great concerns is this: will we be able to preserve our Italian Heritage for future generations? I have spent almost twenty-five years as a leader in our community and it has been difficult! Most Italian Americans are already assimilated in almost everything but their surname. There are many reasons why this has happened. Many of our organizations have failed to keep our Italian heritage alive. I could give you many examples, but I will mention only one. Have you noticed that their most successful events are social? Social events are not enough to keep alive our heritage or our organizations. I have attended over a dozen ethnic churches, celebrations, and events in the last six months and I have learned a great deal. Some ethnic groups are doing better than us and others worse. We have the numbers, but we don't have the programs to educate large numbers of our young people. The Greek and Jewish communities are role models for us. In our area the Greek church offers Greek language classes for young people and adults. They have a total of five Greek Folk dance groups and one of those is for high school students. Their Greek Festival is a showcase of Greek Culture. The Jewish community also has many programs, clubs, and activities for their young people. Many of them have visited Israel. I know what you are going to say...that those examples are connected to their faith. We have Italian parishes in our area and only one of the schools offers Italian language classes. Only one parish has a liturgy on Sunday. Rather than awarding scholarships we need to support language programs in our public and private schools and colleges. We will reach more young people this way than by giving scholarships that help help a few. We also need to find ways to expose our young people to Italy. I have seen great results derived from our young people who visited Italy. For the time being we need to spend less time on donations to charity and concentrate more on the Commission of Social Justice, cultural programs, our media, language and Italian studies classes, exhibits, etc. In the long run we will be able to give more to charity if we survive. In looking at our Italian American membership most members are senior citizens. Ask our young people about their Italian heritage and you will find they know very little. Our very survival is at stake! We need to rearrange our priorities. I operated an Italian American Museum or about 12 years on a shoe string. I am trying to reopen it but those with wealth, power, and influence do not feel obligated to give back to our community. There are a few exceptions. When I made out my will, I allocated funds to Italian American causes and I hope you will do the same. It takes money not just words to keep your heritage alive. We have already seen many of our churches, schools, and clubs close. Our language is lost, our "Little Italy's" are gone and many immigrants have passed on. It is not too late. What our future will be like depends on us. If you treasure your Italian heritage, help us meet the challenge and enrich our future generations. The Sons of Italy CSJ, the Italic Institute, the American Italian Heritage Association, Italian & Italian American Studies Programs, and our Italian Language Programs are just a few examples that are doing a great job and need our support!! © 2008 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

You Know You Are Italian By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. DiNovo August/September 2008 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest You're warm, vital and filled with an unconquerable zest for life. You realize that your identity belongs to a common: culture, history, psychology, language that sustains YOU. You have company, there is "abbondanza" ! You have a rich familial culture and resist anything that undermines the family. Sundays are family affairs, good food and lots of conversation. You are a stickler about freshness when you buy food. Zampognari, panettone, amaretti, pinochiantti, strufoli, Tu Scendi dalle Stelle, Gesu Bambino, are just a few things tht are part of your Christmas celebration. You have and set up a "Presepio" and purchase a few new figurines yearly. Wine is a staple of life, taken with a meal. Drunkenness is greatly scorned. Women are the center of the family, the core. A "naughty woman" is bluntly called a "puttana." Your family places demanding expectations and you realize an elaborate family system is crucial to life. You are pious and the Church is the major-force in family celebrations. YOU argue against the insult of the Mafia image and see it as a smear. You hold humanistic values and are reactive. You greet most people with a kiss on both cheeks. You realize that your culture is based on a centuries-old pattern inherited and based on a code of behavior developed and centered around the family. You pay homage to your patron saint, especially of your hometown. You pin money on the statue and expect fireworks at festa. You realize that there enough to see and learn about Italy for a lifetime. You appreciate the fine arts and Italy's high civilization, the handicrafts and folk customs that have survived, even though Italy is the fifth largest industrial nation in the world. This list is just a start...we have so much and we could go on and list things that define us, have some fun and start your own list. © 2008 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Preserving For the Next Generation By: Prof/Cav. Philip J. DiNovo June/July 2008 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest About one person in every twenty in the U.S. is reported to be solely Italian or Italian in combination with another ethnic group. In the 1980 census, almost 7 million people stated they were Italian only, but more than 5 million said they were Italian in combination with other ancestries. Down the road, it is easy to see that there will be very few full-blooded Italians in the United States. A large number of people of Italian heritage live in Cyprus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Greece, Israel, Malta, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, and South Africa. Also waves of Italians went to Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Luxembourg and the UK. Of course, there are other countries that come to mind, Canada and Australia. There is a long history of Italians working and living outside the Italian peninsula. Over the past two decades, there has been an intense search for an Italian American identity. As we move into post industrial society, we Americans appear to be in the grip of of a collective "Identity Crisis." The time-hallowed answer to the question "Who Am I?" too often is, "Just a plain, red-blooded American." To many people this no longer suffices. The 1980 U.S. Census, for the first time, asked the question: "What is your ancestry?" Over 12 million answered, "Italian." The response was based on self-identification. Those who claimed Italy as their land of origin is significant. They could just as easily have said "American." On the other hand, about 8 million Americans of Italian descent did not claim their Italian ancestry. It would be very interesting and informative to discover what their Italian ancestry means to Italian Americans, how it affects their values, attitudes and behavior. As an Italophile, I would discourage Italian Americans from being assimilated. I felt so strongly about it that, I opened the Upstate Italian Cultural Center and Museum, dedicated to the memory of the Italian immigrants to America. We want future generations to know of their sacrifices and contributions. Our museum tells their story to the world. "Image is everything," one commercial tells us. "Making it" has become a very high price tag for Italian Americans. We have lost the language of our Italian ancestors, their customs and traditions, the two main methods used to pass our heritage to the next, and future generations. I agree with Fred Gardaphe, who said, "Our financial resources, our reward for having made it, must be invested in promoting images that we create ourselves and with which we can live." We promote our image through our institutions. Although there are Italian cultural centers in some large cities - New Orleans, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Des Moines and Utica, to name a few - there are, as with other such institutions, operational problems. With more encouragement, I hope the Italian cultural centers we now have will continue to be supported by the Italian communities and not be put into competition with ones ones. The established Italian centers operate with limited resources, volunteers, artifacts, etc. and need much greater support. In my opinion, the Italian community would be better off with only a handful of first class museums rather than a large number of museums that will have a great difficulty surviving. As it is, the financial support for the ones we have is inadequate. Our Italian museums welcome Italian immigrant memorabilia - artifacts, old photos, books, fork art, etc. If you have any, PLEASE don't throw it away. Donate it and take the legal tax deduction. Companilismo, that villagemindedness, is one of our worst enemies. This year, let us make a resolution to support our Italian American institutions, no mater where they are. The future of our heritage depends on recording the past, our unity and your support! © 2008 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

It's Amazing ! By Prof/Cav. Philip J. DiNovo April/May 2008 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest It is amazing to realize that about 80 million people of Italian origin live outside Europe, primarily in the Americas. A very large number of people of Italian descent are found in Brazil (25 million); Argentina (18 million); and it is estimated that between 16-26 million are living in the United States. A large number of people of Italian heritage live in Cyprus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Greece, Israel, Malta, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, and South Africa. Also waves of Italians went to Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Luxembourg and the UK. Of course, there are other countries that come to mind, Canada and Australia. There is a long history of Italians working and living outside the Italian peninsula. Another amazing thing that I discovered in my research was the number of noted individuals of Italian heritage living in these countries. Gary Valenciano, musician, gospel singer and actor; Maria Assunta DeRossi, and Nancy Castiglione are actresses; Robert Zabala, senator and Carla Humphrie, actress are just a few of the outstanding Italian Filipinos. In the 1900's there were 30,000 Italian Mexicans living in the original 8 Italian comunities. There are many more today and many live in Mexico City. The following are a few Italian Mexicans of note: Jared Borgetti, football; Caesar Cardini, the inventor of Caesar Salad; Betty Zanolli Fabila, pianist; Umberto Zanoli, composer and writer; and Manuel Neri, artist. Yes, the following are outstanding Italian Peruvians: Ricardo Cassinelli, the mayor of Lima (1990-1995); Louis Giampietri became the vice-president in 2006; Guido Lombardi represents Lima in their congress and there are several others. There are about 1.3 million Canadians of Italian descent, 4.33% of the total population. They are the 6th largest ethnic group in the nation. There are so many Italian Canadians in the arts, government, and business and in the professions that the number is too large to list by name. Now let us look at Chile, the following Italian Chileans have made their mark: Arturo Fortunato Alessandri Palma has served twice as president of the nation; Edwardo Gotti, singer and songwriter; Beatriz Martinello, chess player and teacher; Lenor Varela, actress; and Cecila Balacco Fonk, former Miss Universe. I also found a few Italian Japanese of note. There were 3,337 people of Italian heritage living in Romania in 2002. The founder of public transportation in Ireland was Charles Bianconi who died in 1875; there is a book on the market about the Italian Irish. Italian Britons in 2001 were 102,002, there were 38,694 residing in London. The list of Italian Scots was so large it would take another article; the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow is just a start. Brazil and Argentina both with such large populations of people of Italian descent had an amazing list of outstanding citizens of Italian heritage from presidents in almost every f ield of endeavor. Leaving one's country is never easy, but Italians have been very successful wherever they went and were always loyal citizens. Their contributions were amazing! © 2008 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Accepting Responsibility for Saying: "I Am An Italian-American" By Prof/Cav. Philip J. DiNovo October/November 2007 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest If someone says, "I am an Italian American," it strikes me that he/she is accepting some responsibility for future actions. Otherwise, just say, "I am an Italian American." Responsibility comes when you add Italian to American. This is truer in the United States and the Diaspora because of the precarious positions in which we find ourselves and assimilative and dissipative forces, which corrode our Italian-ness every waking moment. No one or nothing is immune - values, ethos, attitudes, cuisine, culture, language, dress, history (at least awareness of it), religion, traditions and customs - all are susceptible. The main fortifications of the onslaught are parents and the extended family. Committed Italian American parents are able to maintain and develop ties to our Italian "roots." In a "mixed marriage," there are four choices for children. They are: (1) Italian, (2) the other, (3) American (whatever this may mean,) and (4) or choose all three. Since we are human beings susceptible to environmental influences, it stands to reason that, if we are interested in perpetuating our Italian heritage in the United States, we must create conditions conducive to do so. Marrying those not committed to keeping alive our Italian heritage does render survival and growth more difficult. I have known many people who are not committed to our Italian heritage and culture than those who are Italian Americans. One of the things we need to do for our children is to provide opportunities for them to learn about their Italian legacy. We must keep alive our Italian traditions and customs in our homes. Are you a member of an Italian American group and volunteer? How much have you donated to keep alive our Italian heritage? Your answers to these questions, in my mind, will indicate how important preserving your Italian heritage is to you! Each of us must take responsibility for keeping alive our Italian heritage and culture. THIS MEANS YOU !! © 2007 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Funny, You Don't Look Italian by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo - Contributing Writer August-September 2007 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest If you know the history of Italy you know the answer, there is no such thing as an Italian race. Some people think that all Italians have a tan color complexion as well as dark eyes and hair, but that is not true. Italy contains people mainly descended from the prehistoric waves of migration from the north during the last Ice Age. This group of stoneage Europeans became the indigenous people such as the Etruscans and the Latins. Many Greeks settled in Sicily and the southern part of the peninsula. During the Roman period many slaves from all the world came to Europe invaded Italy and at least two waves of Germanic people, Lombards and Ostrogoths came during the early medieval period. The Arabs, Celts, French, Spanish came next. The Albanians, Slavic people, and Croations also have settled. You also will find other ethnic groups in the larger cities. As a result of the thousands of years of migration, you will see Italians with all hair and eye colors. Some Italians, tall with fair skin, blond hair, blue/green are more frequently found in north and central Italy but you also come across a sizeable pockets as well. In Sicily and southern parts of the peninsula, you will see more brown and black hair, brown eyes with darker complexions. In Sicily you see many blonds and red heads, and people with light complexions. Most genetic studies so far indicate that Italians are most closely related to their immediate Europeans. People that came from Asia minor and north Africa have added their gene signatures. In recent times many different ethnic groups have come to Italy to work. A former student of mine was of Ethiopian heritage, who spoke Italian and was an Italian citizen. Today there are many Italian citizens of different races. The Italian people are an ethnic people primarily associated with Italy and the Italian language. Italy is getting more like the United States, its citizens' "roots" are from many countries. The truth is, Italians cannot be stereotyped. In time we may be able to learn where those Italians that have red h air originally came from. The sense of unity of the Italian people comes from culture and traditions, rather than from physical characteristics. Most people think that Italians in general are good looking, especially the woman, and that attribute is due to genes! © 2007 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Growing Up Italian American by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo June/July 2007 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest You probably read that great article "Growing Up Italian!" This article is different, because I grew up Italian American. My parents were born in the United States and only spoke Italian in our home when they didn't want us to know what they were talking about. I learned some Italian from my grandparents who were born in Italy but it was the Sicilian dialect. My paternal grandmother talked to me mostly in the dialect with some English and it was up to me to know what she was talking about. If you don't use a language you lose it. My wife only spoke Italian until she went to school. Today, she doesn't speak Italian. My Italian-born grandparents were great role models and they are one of the main reasons why I appreciate and love my Italian heritage. My grandparent's home was an Italian home; mine was an Italian American home. Seldom did my grandmothers prepare other than Italian dishes; my grandfather Sgarlata had to even have pasta on Sundays. My mother prepared mostly Italian food but we did have what we call American food about three times a week. When I went to Junior High School they had a cafeteria and served food that was not served at my home. I would come home and tell my mother the strange dish I had, like SOS on toast, or peas in white gravy or some strange casserole. We ate real bread, not that American bread that tasted like cotton. My grandmother DiNovo made her own delicious Italian bread, the best and I was spoiled for life! My grandmother often would make a small round loaf just for me. She would take the bread hot from the oven and would cut it in half, and put olive oil, cheese, and some oregano on it. Better than any steak! We bought our Italian bread unless we got a loaf from my grandmother DiNovo. Slowly, American bread entered our home, mostly for toast. My grandfathers were very strict with their children. I thought my parents were strict but when they told stories how bad things were form them, I was supposed to think it was the truth. I had more freedom than they had at my age but there still were rules! The father of the girl I wanted to take to my high school prom was born in Italy and she had to be home by 10 pm. The party was just starting, so I asked an Irish American girl because her parents would let her stay out to midnight...wow! My grandparents on my father's side had nine children and we had to be at their home for every major holiday. From my paternal grandparent's home we went to my mother's side of the family. Most of my father's relatives lived within a block of our home and if we got grief at home we always could find refuge with a relative down the block. Almost every Sunday we drove to see my mother's parents and her sisters in a near-by city. We were taught respect at an early age; whenever we visited our grandparents we first went and kissed them. We always addressed everyone by their proper titles. We ate what was put before us and always said thank you. In my grandmother's home you ate what was served. In my Italian American home, my mother would sometimes make an exception. She sometimes would make two entrees when she knew we didn't like what was served. She was told she was spoiling us! We had to walk many blocks to church or school but we went no matter what the weather. We worked at an early age but not as hard as our parents did. It didn't kill us, and we learned to appreciate what we had. I think we had the best the America and Italy had to offer. Happily we grew up Italian Americans! © 2007 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Buona Pasqua by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo April/May 2007 IssueAmerican Italian Heritage Digest Pasqua is the holiest and greatest of all Christian feasts. If Christ had not risen, then our faith would be in vain. Christ did rise from the dead and through him all shall be made alive. If the Spirit of him who raised from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies through his spirit which dwells in you." Romans (R: 11) Yes, that is the reason for celebrating Pasqua and the foundation of all our Italian Easter traditions. The Easter liturgy is very joyful, spectacular, and beautiful. The churches throughout Italy are so beautifully decorated for Easter. Easter breakfast is often an Easter omlet (frogga), made with herbs or vegetables. Also, in some parts of Italy, the Ricotta Omlet is traditional. The Easter Dinner is the most festive of the whole year. A traditional Pasqua menu might include: Agnelino (baby lamb) or suckling kid with manicotti, sauteed spinach, mashed artichokes, pickled vegetables, mixed salad, and panzerotti alla teramona, etc. There are many different traditional Pasqua desserts such as Pizza Rustica Di Pasqua (Easter Pie), Colomba Pasquale (Colomba Pasquale (Easter Dove), Cicerchiata Caddurra Di Pasca, Cream Pasticcero Colombo, Cassatelli (Cream tartlets,Puppo Co Ova (from Sicily), Rice Pie, Findoni, Spumoni, Cannoli, Easter bread dolls, Macedonia di Frutta, chestnuts,, etc. Easter Day is spent with family and just talking. There is wine, such as Asti Spumante, Prosecco di Conegiliano, and Lambrusco, served during and after the meal. To help the digestion, coffee Expresso with Anisette may be served. Children in Italy receive very decorative chocolate eggs and rabbits, et. The beautiful Pasqua Chocolate Eggs have a small gift, toy, or trinket inside which the children quickly seek to find! It is traditional to send greeting cards depicting Spring scenes, doves, etc. to family and friends, wishing them a Buona Pasqua. Some people visit the cemetery on Easter Sunday to remember loved ones who have died with prayers and flowers. It is a good time to remember the dead and the resurrection. While children are thrilled with their chocolate eggs and bunnies, senior citizens appreciate the "mature message." They consider the message of the Resurrection because they are more concerned about life after death. Shouldn't we all !! In essence, Pasqua is a time of family and traditions. Not a superficial celebration spent merely in greeting and feasting, but it is a time of reassurance. Easter symbolizes hope and all of us need such spirit in these times. It is time to strengthen family ties. By keeping Italian Pasqua traditions alive, we are able to bring stability and serenity to our lives. Pasqua serves to remind us of what is really important in life. The mood of our most Holy Week traditions fills the soul and heart of Italians with unspeakable joy. These very ancient customs of our ancestors are truly treasures. Within the soul of the Italian, Easter celebrations arose, but arose not only stirring and pleasant memories, but also unites his or her thoughts, endeavors, and intentions with family members who have gone to be with the Lord. Italians in the homeland as well as in the diaspora who have settled in different countries throughout the world, share in the beautiful and ancient Italian Easter traditions gives to us by our Ancestors. Our Easter celebrations should renew in us the sense of belonging to our Italian roots and strengthen our awareness of our national identity in the Italian community no matter where we live. We thank God that we live in America with all our freedoms and good life. Yet we should realize that we are of Italian descent and always treasure our own customs ands traditions that are thousands of years old. We should practice our customs, cultivate them and pass them on to future generations. In this way we strengthen our ties with our ancestral origin. When we practice and keep our Italian Holy Week traditions, it will be a rich and profound experience which will help us remember our origins and those who came before us. Buona Pasqua! © 2007 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

What Most Italian American Leaders Want! by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo April/May 2007 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest The Italian American community is in trouble. You just have to look around. Where are the young people in our organization? Another serious problem is getting young people to run for office. One important reason is that officers find it difficult to fulfill everyone's expectations of them. What is interesting to notes that most members believe it's a "one-way street," that is, members of an organization only have the right to make demands of the president, but members aren't required to relate to the president's dreams, hopes and goals. Nevertheless, if there are those among you who wish to share some of my most personal thoughts concerning expectations, here they are: what a president of a Italian American organization wants, are members who are proud of their heritage and are willing to make sacrifices to keep it alive. Commitment is a necessity to make events successful. Being Italian is a way of living and a way of thinking for themselves and hope for their children. A president also wants an organization worthy of its name. An organization that faces up to the issues of our times and is related to all that has gone on before. Our organizations must be a place of love and devotion; a place in which friendships have deepened, in which joy and strength and solace and direction can be obtained. Does this sound like your lodge, club, association, etc.? Presidents want people who have open minds and hearts, working for the goals of the organization., Members don't have to agree all the time but know how disagree in love and to give and take criticism with kindness. Many members will not attend meetings because of past experiences; a lot of fighting took place. Presidents need many things to be happy, they need the support of members, peace and to be needed. Presidents really want members who will understand that they are neither superman, nor the devil, but a person who tries hard to do a good job. Presidents can't do anything for members, but can do many great things with them. It has been my experience that many good presidents are burned out. I have seen many good presidents who have been un-Christian towards Italian American leaders. Who needs that? I hope every Italian American leader will be able to say that their members are kind and good and love them. If that happens then we will have others who will be willing to carry the burden of leadership in our Italian American organization. © 2007 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Celebrating St. Joseph's Day by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo February/March 2007 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest St. Joseph is very special. God thought he was, of all the men in the world, at the time he chose him to be the foster father of his son and the husband of the Virgin Mary. Wherever Italians have settled, they have made St. Joseph's Day, March 19, a day of celebration. My grandmother had a very large picture of the Holy Family. Joseph looked more like a father than a spouse. Many theologians today think that Saint Joseph was only a few years older than Mary. It stands to reason that Mary's parents would only choose someone who would take care of her; someone pious, virile, who was to be the husband of their daughter. To protect Mary's virginity, especially among the uneducated, Joseph was depicted as an old man. My favorite image of Saint Joseph is a picture of a very young Joseph lifting the Christ Child high, playing with him as dads do; and they both have beautiful smiles. In the Middle Ages, according to tradition, there was a severe drought that destroyed most vegetation and left many people in western Sicily dying of starvation. People began to pray to St. Joseph asking him to ask the Lord for rain. They promised if the rains came that they would honor St. Joseph for his intercession and perpetually honor him on March 19. At the stroke of midnight, the Lord sent the rain; it was on this day the prayers were heard. The people had water, the vegetation turned green, and there were fish for the fishermen. The St. Joseph altars are based on this traditional legend, which has been handed down from one generation to the next. As we reflect on the custom of the Saint Joseph's altar, it was the rich who first held them. When we realize how elaborate they were, it is easy to see that poor people would be unable to have one. The saints cannot themselves give us anything - God alone can do that. But since the saints have loved and served God while on earth, we believe that He honors them now - by granting requests made through them. God is the only one who answers our prayers; actually a prayer can end only with God, and to believe different would be idolatry. We ask the saints to pray with us, through Christ, to the Father. We honor Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the Church, an outstanding member of our Christian family. He is a Christian hero, and we ask him to intercede for us because we know he is deeply loved by Jesus. Joseph gave Jesus His name, taught Him the trade of a carpenter, and was the head of the family. He served Jesus and Mary for the love of God. Saint Joseph is honored all around the world. I know of no people who love and honor Saint Joseph as much as the Italians. Wherever they went, they brought their Saint Joseph traditions with them. There are many St. Joseph's altars in New Orleans, Hammond, Amite, Independence, and many other Italian-American communities in Louisiana. One can still see a beautiful ceremony that begins at 12 noon. The pageant begins with three persons representing the Holy Family parading around the exterior of the house, where there will be a St. Joseph's altar. There is an old ritual that takes place - prayers for the blessing of the food and then the feast. The raw fava beans are always on the table and reminds people of the legendary famine when it was one of the few foods available. The bean serves as a reminder of the famine and now the bounty to be enjoyed. Saint Joseph's altars are also very big in many California and New York Italian-American communities. Zepoles originated in Calabria; they have become rich and elaborated and are served to families and friends in honor of Saint Joseph. Across the nation, Italian pastry shops sell this once-a-year specialty. The Feast Day is celebrated at Don's 21 Restaurant in Newark, N.J. In Syracuse, N.Y., a restaurant has a pig roast with all the frills to celebrate the Feast Day. In Providence R.I., there is a week-long celebration of the Festa di San Giuseppe. The feast is celebrated the last week of April when the weather is good, and an outdoor procession is held. For nine years my wife and I have held a very special St. Joseph dinner in our home. Across the nation clubs, lodges, etc., have brought back the Festa di San Giuseppe. The celebrations not only honors a great saint, but is a fund raiser, often the money going to feed the hungry. Saint Joseph's Day is a wonderful opportunity to keep alive a beautiful tradition. Even if you have to modify your celebration to fir your situation, it still can be a special day. All over the United States, Saint Joseph's Day celebrations are taking place once again and bring us all closer together as a people. Buon Festa di San Giuseppe!! © 2007 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Are Our Italian Christmas Traditions Outdated ? by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo December 2006/January 2007 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest I have written so many articles about our Italian Christmas traditions, that you may ask what more could I write about? Almost twenty-four years ago I wrote my first article. It seems to me there is such an emptiness in people's lives today. Often the Christmas season is a time of depression, loneliness and materialism. In my opinion, no wonder there is too little real joy during the Christmas season. When I was growing up, all the members of my extended family were very close by. When one close member is not home for Christmas, there is a void in the heart. Traveling long distances for the holidays causes great stress and is often very exhausting! My parents and grandparents would not buy anything unless they could pay for it. My father told me he received an orange for Christmas. My generation had nice gifts for Christmas but my parents would not go into debt. Today I see so many people buying more gifts than they can afford and have taken gift-giving to the extreme. Have you noticed how spoiled many children are today? What are we teaching them? Growing up, we spent Christmas at my grandparents, which was full of Italian traditions. Today Christmas is a winter holiday devoid of traditions. Many women have so much to do these days they are too tired to bake. I have seen with my own eyes finger foods served Christmas Eve. Eating in a restaurant on Christmas Day is no longer considered unusual. Do you wonder why the Christmas foods of yesterday are becoming rare? "Grandma and Granpa are gone," "I don't have the time," or "I don't know how to make it" are the reasons often heard. I am convinced that in our fast changing world we need continuity and stability, and I know we are able to find them within our traditions. Our Italian traditions are not just the realization that Christmas is the birth of Christ, it's a celebration as a religious holiday. So much in our society pushes out the real meaning of Christmas. Our ancestors had it in the right order: religious celebration with family and traditions. Growing up I felt our heritage demanded too many obligations. I now realize the values of sacrifice, obligation and respect adds so much to life. Each generation learns from the past and the later receives the benefits. Recently I wrote to someone who lost her mother. I hoped her children would do for her what she did for her mother. The Holy Season of Christmas should be a time of great joy. It was for our immigrant grandparents because they knew how to truly celebrate and appreciate its importance, and I long for those wonderful memories. Are we making memories that will last for this generation? Pass on our Italian Christmas traditions, as they are many and so enriching. I wish you and your family a blessed Buon Natale of traditions! © 2006 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

A Case for Studying Italian by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo October/November 2006 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest Too often Italian Americans urge their young to study Spanish, the language of the future. Here are the facts: Studying Italian may offer a great opportunity to move up the corporate ladder and an opportunity to live in beautiful Italia. Yes, the facts show that the Italian language has a bright future in international economics. It is the language spoken by our ancestors. It is one of the most beautiful languages in the world! Today about 100 million people in the world speak Italian and connects people around the world. Recently an article in PRIMO Magazine indicated that Italian was the language of the future. It comes down to international economics. Italy and the United States are major trading partners. After the European Union the United States is Italy's biggest market. Italy's economy is larger than China and all the Spanish speaking countries in South and Central America, plus the Carribbean combined. Many Italian goods are growing in demand in the United States. There are over 800 Italian companies in the United States, and there is a demand for people proficient in Italian. It is a fact that careers in certain sections of American economy, learning Italian is a necessity. Knowing Italian may be an advantage in the ranks of these countries. More Italian companies are planning a presence in this country. Speaking Italian will enhance opportunities with American companies that are selling products and services from Italy. About 1,500 United States companies are employing 300,000 or more workers in Italy. There is a demand for those who know American ways of doing business, products and speak Italian. The next time a young person is taking a foreign language, encourage them to STUDY ITALIAN! Those who love things Italian would appreciate Italy much more by learning Italian. The Italian language helps us to keep alive our Italian heritage and culture in the United States. The whole world sings in Italian and appreciate things Italian. © 2006 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Something Profoundly Italian in the Donkey by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo August/September 2006 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest Donkeys used to be everywhere in Italy. They are symbols of what Italy once was, improverished. Donkeys once numbered in the thousands. You still will find two feet tall donkeys in Sardinia and in other places other breeds of donkeys. They were so important to peasants in Italy's past, they plowed the land, pulled carts, etc. Medieval peasants often requested that when they died their deceased donkeys should be buried with them. The Arabs have the camel, we have the donkey as an important part of our culture. I think you will find Italians in general, have many of the characteristics you find in donkeys. Donkeys are patient, hard-working and intelligent. The donkey should remind many of us of our peasant "roots." Many modern Italians are very proud that Italy is the 6th largest industrial nation in the world. They don't want to be reminded of its past when Italy was a rural land of simple farmers. Donkeys remind them of the past they want to forget! Modern Italians should hold onto their rich past. The donkey is smarter than a pig or a dog, very human and friendly. It is a great symbol for a people whose history was full of difficulties. The donkey is the same as ever and in many ways that apply to modern Italy. There are many Italians today trying to save the dwindling donkey population. There is an E.U. annual subsidy and Italian regional governments are giving money solely for donkeys native to their area. "Italy isn't Italy without donkeys," said Princess Nicoletta Caracciolo who raises and loves donkeys. I have been told that donkeys seek out human contact, so much like Italians. If you're looking for a symbol that represents Italy for your home buy a donkey figurine, painting, etc. It should remind us of an animal that sure was a blessing to our ancestors. It should also remind us of many things in our past that are endangered! © 2006 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Will Our Italian Heritage Become extinct By the End of This Century? by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo June/July 2006 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest I have devoted a great deal of my life working to preserve our Italian heritage in the United States. Many of you may have spent time and money to do the same, but in doing so, have we wasted our time, money, and energy? The odds are against us because we are not doing the things we should. How does an ethnic group insure its survival? The best example is the Jewish community because they are doing things that give the best opportunities to survive. Many Jewish people are not religious; they are secular but have set up institutions and contribute money to organizations that keep alive the Jewish heritage. Yes, Italy today is not the same country your grandparents left and it is true that many Italian-Americans are now highly acculturated and assimilated members of American society. We also agree that the language has been lost and many things related to our Italian heritage. If there was the will, Italian-Americans could learn about Italy and her heritage. If we are able to get across to Italian-Americans that our Italian heritage is a treasure, we may have more success. We need to point out that Italian personal and family values and our way of interacting with relatives and friends is very enriching. By raising the consciousness to our intellectual heritage they will come to value what Italy has contributed to the world! I have always been amazed the effect Italy has had on the Italian American tourist. It is a key to culture and identity, especially when contact is made with family and place. Italy is playing a formidable role in the world - economy, politics, science and arts in the present day. I agree that our future depends upon social cohesion. We need to obtain more Italian-Americans, especially young people to join Italian-American organizations. As members there will be interaction with other individuals with shared values and personal identity. We must welcome the spouse who is not of Italian descent and encourage them to share both heritages with their children. Our Italian-American organizations must provide educational material for children of mixed antecedents. There must be programs and events for various socio-economic class positions. Complete assimiliation and the extinction of our Italian ethnicity have not yet taken place. We are in the "twilight of ethnicity," and that is why it is so important to act today. We have some of t he persistence of ethnicity in the United States. We notice a lingering attachment to Italy by third and fourth generation Italian-Americans. Why? One good reason is their authentic and a deeper understanding of things Italian, past and present. We must raise the consciousness of Italian-Americans in light of their being more educated. The affairs of a very modern Italy have appeal because it is contributing so much to modern life. Italian radio and television are now available in the United States. There are so many opportunities to keep in touch with Italy and our families there. © 2006 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Palm Sunday - Italian Style by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo April/May 2006 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest I have many fond memories of Palm Sunday. I was a choir boy and the Palm Sunday procession was very special and I was a part of it. We were given palms and we ran home to have my grandfather make crosses etc. My grandfather made more complex designs, such as the basket weave and the rose. Then we would wear them in the buttonholes of our suits. In Italy the palm designs are even more complex, a work of art. You see them in vases on the altar, in processions and in the home. If you want to make these designs, there is an easy to follow step-by-step tutorial on the internet at: Italiansrus Palm Weaving Tutorial Palm Sunday is still an important religious celebration that takes place in church but it is nothing like it used to be in my family, growing up. A special dinner and visiting my grandparents, a wonderful day that I still recall with happy memories. © 2006 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Holy Week Traditions - With an Italian Accent by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo April/May 2006 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest Christ is risen! For most people the greatest fear is death. Jesus knew that we fear death; He was human too. Over and over again He repeated this assurance: "I am the Resurrection of Life; he who believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live." His assurance means nothing unless we believe it and believe in Him. The Christian has a new approach to death; we take Jesus at His word, and we have the greatest of all futures before us. Easter means we replace fear with trusting love. As I reflect on the attitudes and actions of most of the Italian immigrants I have known they have been able to "internalize" this promise. Each Holy Week they entered into the spirit of this holy season. Most Italian immigrants didn't receive much formal secular or religious education, but they often had deep faith. There are so many beautiful Italian Holy Week traditions I recall with fond memories. Pots of special grains that started to grow such as wheat, horse beans, and chick peas, we replaced on the altar during Holy Week in some places. On Palm Sunday, the men made crosses from palm and weaved various designs from the palm banches brought from church. We wore these as a very special symbol of the feast. A special dinner is often served. On Holy Thursday, the churches in Italy are decorated in accordance with popular tradition. The figurative and dramatic processions take place all over Italy. One of the most dramatic takes place in Caltanisseta, where trade members carry 15 grandiose statuary groups of the Passion of the Christ. Penitential guilds, as well as others, hold a procession on Good Friday, which evokes the way to Calvary. In other places, the faithful represent the personages of the Passion. The custom of self-flagellation with canes or whips has not entirely disappeared. A very strict day of fast is kept. The day is somber and respectfully kept. The blessing of water and fire takes place on Holy Saturday and is taken from house to house. Vatican II has modified certain Holy Saturday traditional manifestations. Throughout Italy, people will attend the very beautiful Holy Saturday evening liturgy now said in Italian. During Holy Week, Easter baking begins. Cristo E Risorto! On Easter there is a strong belief that new tasks must be undertaken, clothes renewed, and gifts exchanged. Religious feasts have the greatest importance in the life of the Italian people, and Easter heads the list. In words and action, the essence of Easter is evident. Suckling kid or roast lamb, a most ancient custom, is served on Easter Sunday. In many regions, eggs are colored red to symbolize the blood of Christ, and sweet breads are made in the form of a dove, lamb, etc. While each of the regions have their own traditional Easter foods, some of the more common ones are: Pasta, roasted artichokes, spinach and other greens, salad or antipasto, roasted chestnuts, fruit in season, Asti Spumante, etc. Traditional Italian sweets are: Italian cheese pie (Fradoni), Pizza Rustica, Cuddura Di Pasca, various Easter breads and pies, Cassatelli , Easter bread dolls, Pastiera Napoletana, Cannoli, Pastiera di Pasqua, Pasta Frolla, Pitte Con Niepita, and Easter bread wreaths, just to mention a few. The traditional Easter breakfast, an omelet (Frogga), is often prepared with different green herbs or vegetables giving you a red, white and green breakfast. During the Easter season, peasants brought baskets full of cheese, eggs, etc., to the proprietors, and they reciprocated. Cards with spring scenes, flowers, doves, etc. on them are sent to relatives and friends. Chocolate eggs adorned with ribbons and wrapped in brillantly colored paper are given to children. On Easter, sacred dramas depicting the resurrection of Christ are held throughout Italy - especially in Sicily. In each part of Italy, there are are unique traditions and foods served during the Easter season. On Easter Monday (little Easter), processions and manifestations of religious devotion and the traditional picnic take place. Our family, typical of most Italian-American families, celebrates Easter with the traditions brought by my grandparents from Italy. It is a religious holiday, a family celebration that ends with an elaborate dinner and visiting. Pupu cu l'ova the traditional Easter sweet is made, and we all feel a sense of keeping faith with our roots when we make and eat them. At our church we have the blessing of Easter foods, and I always bring Pupu cu l'ova and gfive one to the priest. Last year, another Italian-American family brought an Italian-Easter bread. In our non-Italian parish, there was great interest and much praise for the Italian sweets we brought to be blessed. There seems to be great admiration and respect for our Italian traditions by many non-Italians I know. Across the United States, I have been hearing from Italian-Americans who strongly agree with my many appeals to keep our Italian traditions alive. I see a renaissance taking place. Many of us, have come to sense a real joy in keeping our traditions alive, and my sincere hope is that more of our people will feel the same. Buona Pasqua! © 2006 Prof.Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

LA FESTA DELLA MAMMA - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY ! Mama Mia by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo April/May 2006 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest One of the greatest titles ever given is the title of Mother! I think Italian and Italian American mothers had additional duties based on our culture. How could one person be asked to do so much? The stress is staggering. It requires a great deal of sacrifice. Deep love made their role possible. The bond is so strong they are never forgotten. Not only on Mother's Day but everyday is celebrated in remembrance of her, who loved us to the core. Mother dear tante grazie! © 2006 Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo

Celebrate La Festa di San Giuseppe by Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo February-March 2006 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest I look forward to celebrating St. Joseph Day every year. All over the United States Italian American organizations have made this celebration very popular. The devotion to St. Joseph is greatly influenced by his image as a humble and faithful servant. Christians everywhere recognize him as a very special model. Italians have made his feast day an unofficial holiday, not only in Sicily but all over Italy. It once was a national holiday and the Italians are considering it again. The vote is down to either the feast of St. Joseph or St. Anthony as a national holiday. St. Joseph as the foster father of Jesus is honored in so many ways. Many churches, shrines, pilgrimage centers, order of priests, nuns, cities and individuals bear his name. St. Joseph never said one word in the Scriptures but he did have a very unique honor, he was chosen to be the foster father, care giver, and teacher of the Son of God. In turn he is honored around the world. Not only is St. Joseph the patron of the Universal Church but also Austria, Belgium, Bohemia, Canada, China, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Vietnam, dioceses, workers in general, carpenters, contractors, engineers, and artisans. Italians in different regions have special foods to celebrate the feast. The St. Joseph Table is a Sicilian tradition and foods like "bucatini con sarde," "tubetti con ceci" are two special pasta dishes. S'fingi (Sicilian) - with ricotta) and "zeppole" (Calabrian - with custard) are two of many St. Joseph pastries served on the holiday. March 19 is the feast of St. Joseph but many organizations celebrate on the Sunday before or after the 19th. March is often cold and bleak, the feast adds color, joy and tradition to the time of year that we need a celebration. This year be sure to celebrate the feast with children and tell them about the feast and why St. Joseph is so special. The St. Joseph Table came about because of prayers, the rains came after a very serious drought that could have brought death. No matter your religion or etnic background, it is a celebration that everyone will enjoy. You are always welcome to our Association's celebration! © 2006 Prof.Cav. Philip J. DiNovo








Does it Really Matter? By Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo February-March 2006 Issue American Italian Heritage Digest Why is it important to preserve our Italian heritage? Does it really matter? Most Italian Americans will say it isn't important because they are already assimilated. We know there are many reasons why assimilation has taken place. You don't treasure and don't know. The truth is that most Italian Americans know very little about their Italian heritage. Our heritage and culture is much more than food. Our Italian legacy has given us so much and that is all we need to do is to claim it. So many people have loved Italy and the Italian people over the centuries. Have you ever wondered why? Over 30 million people visit Italy each year and the reasons tell you why our Italian heritage is a treasure. We have been given a value system that gives meaning to life. That heritage teaches us what is really important and how to enjoy life! History is behind our Italian surnames and this history sheds light on who we are. We also share a unique experience in the United States and we are richer for it. Our traditions and customs enrich the celebration of life. Those of us who treasure our Italian heritage because of what it has done for us, want to pass it on. All over this nation there are people of like mind. In spite of all that has taken place we lay claim to our Italian heritage and make it a part of our lives. Each of us is capable of informing the public what our Italian heritage means to us. We should be willing to give some of our treasure to support our efforts to preserve our heritage. You're invited to use your talents in our many different efforts to pass our heritage to the next generation. My hope is our committment is much more than words. Too often it is just words. It really does matter that our Italian heritage is preserved and with your help it will be! © 2006 - Prof.Cav. Philip J. DiNovo







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