Adapting to different cultures is usually difficult. But it’s often perplexing and mind boggling, too. Take, for example, the interesting mentality of our town folk. Hint: It’s sometimes antiquated, backward, and impractical. This often comes as a surprise to us. Because they are, in many ways, practical and down-to-earth.
Italians love tradition.
This probably stems from the odd mix of old and new. It’s an ancient land of timeless monuments, yet it produces the world’s latest fashions, as well as modern high-speed cars and machinery. While proud of these modern achievements, most of them love and tenaciously cling to their traditions.
Take their love of fireplaces.
It’s not just that they love them; many people do. They have totally convinced themselves that their fireplace heats their home. Back when homes first had them, they probably did. A home with a fireplace certainly stays warmer than one without heat.
But by modern standards, fireplaces don’t heat houses! Or maybe we’ve just become too spoiled. However I, for one, like a certain amount of comfort. Especially warmth!
Most homes in our town have fireplaces and many are kept burning all winter.
As an ESL (English as a second language) teacher, my husband went into many students’ homes–where he would sit and shiver. When he kept his coat on, he would inevitably hear, “Don’t tell me you’re cold! We’ve got the fire going!” As if it were the ultimate in modern heating!
We all know fireplaces only warm what’s right next to them. Snuggle up to one, and you’ll get warm–on one side! But nothing will convince these dear folk that fireplaces don’t heat the whole room, let alone the whole house. Or that, though enjoyable, they are terrible money-wasters!
Our neighbors just got a new pile of firewood. According to Hubby, it will last about 10 days. Wow! €160 for only ten days! And that’s not all. They also turn on the central heating in the evening, to warm the bedrooms. That’s a lot of money to spend just trying to keep warm! Their house is never really warm, though, so it’s largely a futile effort.
That’s why I’m so grateful for our pellet stove, which provides good heating. We like staying warm, and spending little to do so is one of our priorities!
But back to our paesani (townspeople).
Many of them still stick to their fireplaces. Even after seeing how much warmer our house is and how little we spend. They still respond, “Ah, but the fireplace… it’s wonderful!” The older folks, especially, who say it keeps them company. And I get that, as it gives them something to tend to and creates a cozy atmosphere.
But I think it’s more a matter of nostalgia. It takes them back to their childhood and memories of good times. It also keeps age-old family traditions alive, which they cherish greatly.
But is tradition worth it? Especially when it costs a fortune and doesn’t really work? That’s not a mentality I understand. I certainly don’t plan on freezing if I can help it. We were always too cold in our early years here in Italy, and I love our newfound warmth!
Yet, don’t we all cling to tradition in some ways?
Things like cooking our favorite meals over and over, or always buying the same brands. In small ways like these, tradition can bring ease and comfort.
But sitting around cold, simply because it’s “what we’ve always done”? Or refusing to abandon harmful old wives’ tales such as “don’t get any fresh air at all when you’re sick.” These seem senseless, and sometimes even unwise.
Our traditions are valuable and often beautiful resources that enrich our lives in meaningful ways. However, they can also prevent us from moving forward, causing us to miss out on new blessings.
Each new day offers something new and extraordinary if we but look for it. So cherish the legacy of your enriching traditions, while having the courage to abandon the unhelpful ones. And don’t be afraid to start a few new traditions of your own!
Image credits: Book near fireplace | Olive oil | Fire is mine.
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