Stepping out into the warmth of the sun filled piazza is as welcoming as an open armed greeting from an Italian acquaintance. The buzz of the people who are milling around the shops and restaurants fill my ears as the language of love pours over me. My eyes do not know where to look first, whether it is at the center piece fountain or the dozens of acts being performed all around. The piazza that I find myself in, like many others, provides a glimpse into the in depth Italian culture. It is through this moment I find myself coming to an understanding of the grandeur, robust energy, contradictions, and love that comprise the Italian culture.
One of the first things I notice when I take my first steps into any piazza is the surrounding architecture. Many of the piazzas found in Italy such as Piazza Navona or Piazza Spagna are encircled with grand structures that carry with them intricate details as well as centuries of history. The history in the walls of the structures encircling the piazza mirrors the history within each Italian. Each brick like each cell of their human body resonates with the pride of who they are and where they have originated. The intricately woven details of the marble are like the complex history and roots that make up each family. The root of the family remains the basis that allows their strong identity to branching out over generations and generations.
The Italian culture has its roots firmly planted in its ancient history and legends that have shaped their modern lives. The details are like the elaborate pieces of history that have lead up to the twenty first century. Through the creation of Rome through the twin Romulus and Remus to modern life there have been many things shaping the Italian culture. This runs parallel to those things that have left their mark on the piazzas that dot the city. It would seem that many Italians also have a firm grip on who they are and where their family’s roots have come from- finding pride in generations of the family name. This adds a personal touch to the history of their country much like the little details in the buildings of the piazza.
After the first initial step into the center you become bombarded with the jostling of the crowds and the yells of the merchants trying to get anyone’s attention. It is through this moment that I become suddenly aware of the energy and determination in the piazza which corresponds with Italian culture. Italians in this aspect are full of life which emanates through their expressions and daily life. The determination of the Italians, much like the people found in the piazza, is seen in their very expression of their language, pride, opinions, and food. The push of their own preferences is much like that of the push of the vendors – trying to get customer to come in and buy what they are selling. In much of the same way Italians convey their own way of doing things along with their personal ideals. An example of this would the infinite amounts of Italian food that is found everywhere leaving little space for any other types of cuisine to even exist. However, when asked why that is, Danilo, a long time resident of Italy, simply states “Italian food is the best why would I eat anything else?”
As I continue to explore the piazza I come to find a darker version of it. The outskirts of the piazzas and the side alleys that boarder the piazzas show a less dazzling aspect. What I find instead in this place is a beggar who appears crippled asking for compassion and help. I find menacing characters leering down upon me as I pass. It is through this picture that I come to the realization that Italy is filled with contradictions. It is beautiful and uplifting but in the same instant it becomes permeated with sadness and fear. The Rome that is known for its beauty and charm is blemished with the contradiction of an unstable environment that is found in certain instances.
The final glimpse of the Italian culture that I am privy enough to see in this piazza is the emotion of love. While in one part I observe a perverse and disgusting part of the piazza I am more overwhelmed by the love and compassion shown between couples, families, and friends. The joy in the faces of those meeting up and exchanging greetings is priceless to see. The love here seems to mirror the passion and intensity for life that the Italian culture seems to possess. The energy that seems to fill the culture is similar to the powerful love exhibited in the confines of the piazza. The fervor that Italian culture possesses is much like a kiss shared between two lovers. The power of the moment, between the couple, takes over and they are lost in one another- much like the culture that is enamored with what it means to be an Italian. The joy of expressing their emotions without holding back, the pride of an accomplished dinner, or the protective nature of their most important traditions can all be embodied by that kiss. The passion exchanged and then the gaze that locks the couple’s eyes is the same look that can describe the pride and love of the Italian culture.
The sensory overload of the piazza is like a porthole to the Italian culture. Everything in that one moment is coming at you like a train going full speed as you step into the piazza. The joys, pain, pride, and beauty found in one piazza radiates the mood of an entire culture. Through the observations made in the piazza, I am allowed to experience a little piece of the Italian culture. This little taste of Italy leaves with me an explosion flavors that when put together comprises an entire culture.
Wow Rebekah that was such a well described version of the piazza..I loved your comparissons used in each paragraph!! And I agree with you on the fact that when you enter the piazza so much is thrown at you but you get a sense of Italian culture and the love people share for one another. But when you exit the center of the piazza you see the homeless people and feel somewhat sorry for them and realize with the good of a country comes the bad.
ReplyDeleteRebekah,
ReplyDeleteI really like what you said about the piazzas. I found everything very true, especially when you said Italy is full of contradictions. The whole concept of Ancient Rome still existing in a thriving metropolis is a contradiction, but also how you talked about the piazzas and side streets. I also liked how you talked about love. One Sunday afternoon, I went to Piazza Navona and there was a couple taking wedding pictures. It was a perfect example of what you described in your journal!