Religion & Food Culture in Italy

I T A L I A

Figure 1. Pope Benedict XVI

Today, Italy is recognized as the "spiritual and administrative headquarters" of the Catholic branch of the Christian religion, with about 90% of people identifying themselves as Christian.  In order to understand how main religions effect food culture in Italy, we must first explore religious traditions and customs.  

Figure 2. Vatican City, the seat of government of the Roman Catholic Church

Although Christianity is the most widespread religion by far in Italy, some customs are not practiced as devoutly as in years past.  Although about 90% of the population identify as Christians, only about 35% of the population actually attend Church.  This is representative of the fact that people's attitudes toward religion are becoming more relaxed, which is seen also in traditional Italian food practices related to Christianity.  

R E L I G I O N & F O O D

Figure 3. A mural by Italian artist Blu, incorporating two important facets of Italian culture, food and religion

• Lent is a Christian season beginning on Ash Wednesday and is observed for the 40 days leading up to Easter.  It is a period of preparation for Easter and traditionally a time of fasting, abstinence, and spiritual discipline.  However, modern day Christians typically only forbid eating meat on Fridays during Lent.  
• Lamb is normally eaten for the Easter holiday, a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb
• Christmas Eve is the night when Christian Italians eat seafood, such as Cioppino

Figure 4. Roasted Lamb with vegetables

Recipe found here: Roman Roasted Lamb Recipe

Figure 5. A traditional Italian seafood dish, Cioppino

Recipe found here: Cioppino Recipe

I M P O R T A N C E  O F  F O O D

In the Italian culture, both religion and food are two of the main distinguishing factors.  The culture can be characterized by strong family bonds, which are held together by the backbone of shared meals and a strong common faith.  For most Italians, including my family, meal time is a time for prayer, conversation, camaraderie, and tradition.  These are the things that hold us together as a unit.  Recipes are shared and passed down from generation to generation, and it is a passion that all members of the family can take part in.  

W O R K S  C I T E D

Chiu, Edward. "Blu Mural in Italy." Hypebeast. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Aug. 2013.

DeLaurentiis, Giada. "Cioppino." Recipe : Giada De Laurentiis : Recipes : Food Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Aug. 2013.

"Italy Main Religions." Globerove. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Aug. 2013.

"People and Society of Italy." Culture of Italy. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Aug. 2013.

"Roman Grilled Lamb Chops." DeLallo. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Aug. 2013.

San Fillipo, Michael. "Italian Holidays." About.com Italian Language. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Aug. 2013.