Elena & Michele

Sunday, September 8, 2024 • Casertavecchia, CE

Elena & Michele

Sunday, September 8, 2024 • Casertavecchia, CE

Cultural Insights

Among our diverse family and friends, we hope that understanding even a few key expressions can bridge gaps and cultivate meaningful connections.

In this page, we'll try to provide some insights into various phrases and words from different languages to help you engage with others from around the globe.

Italian Words & Phrases

Below are a few of our basic vocabulary in all languages that may be useful for the ceremony.

Salutations

Common phrases

Beverages

Journey into the linguistic nuances of Naples

Did you know Neapolitan is a separate language, not just a dialect of Italian? At the heart of the Neapolitan language lies a fascinating world of unique expressions, a true cultural treasure that defines the identity of Naples. Here are some Neapolitan sayings you may hear if you come to Naples.

"A mangià jamm bell e a durmì nisciun ce passa"

“We do well at eating, and no one surpasses us at sleeping.” — This proverb is used to say that we are all very good at partying and being lazy. Everyone is good at capturing the best aspects of life.

Francesco Clemente, "Ave Ovo", 2005,

Museo Madre in Naples.

"‘E chiacchiere s' ‘e pporta ‘o viento; ‘e maccarune jengheno ‘a panza"

“Words are carried away by the wind; pasta fills the belly.” — It is a Neapolitan version of the Latin “verba volant, scripta manent”, which describes the inconsistency of words. The general meaning is that spoken words are ephemeral, and easily forgotten or disputed, but writing can be relied on to prove what was said or agreed to. Applied in a legal context, it means that if people wish to establish a formal agreement, it is best to put it in writing.

Andy Warhol, "Vesuvius", 1985

"Ommo 'e panza, Ommo 'e sostanza"

“A man with a belly is a man of substance.” — In a charmingly evocative and direct fashion which is so typical of Neapolitan expression, this proverb encourages a lust for life! Those who make the most of the world’s joys will visibly show it. In Italian, “sostanza” can mean something that is physically substantial, but it also refers philosophically to a person or thing which brims with character or essence. He who eats well is he who lives well. He who lives well is happy. The moral? Eat and be happy!

Salvator Rosa, Philosophy, c. 1645

"Facite ammuina"

“Make noise.” — Put as concisely as possible, ammuina is “confused joy” or “joyful confusion”, that controlled bustle ingrained in the fabric of the city and without which Naples would not be Naples. “È tutta n’ammuina,” you might hear a Neapolitan say, marveling at a particularly lively or crazy situation. These words’ relationship is enlightened by a very curious story: in 1841, a Bourbon decree was circulated–addressed to the ships and bastions of the Royal Navy, and thus to the sailors of the Italian Bourbon Navy–ordering them to “fare ammuina,” meaning “to agitate oneself to make one believe that one is working hard.” We’re not sure how far these orders were followed before the decree was discovered to be a stunt, a joke aimed at discrediting the name of the Bourbons.

Anton Sminck van Pitloo, “Castel dell’Ovo from the beach” (c. 1820-1824)

"Chest'è / Che vuo' fa'"

“It is what it is / What are you going to do?” — The correct answer is “Niente, che vuo' fa'”: nothing, what can you do.

Brett Lloyd from "Napoli Napoli Napoli".

Neapolitan Gestures

Bruno Munari from "Speak Italian: The Fine Art of the Gesture".

Whether born of the necessity to persuade crowds in Ancient Rome, or to be able to understand one another during times of foreign occupation—or even to compete for attention in a densely populated city—the bottom line is indisputable: Italians have been using gestures to communicate for centuries.

The philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC–43 BC) believed that in order to deliver a speech of excellent quality, the message should be accompanied by “movement of the body”, using “gestures, facial expression, and varying the inflection of the voice.”

In modern times, Italian journalist Luigi Barzini describes the best gestures as being “economical” and so subtle as to be almost imperceptible.

“La mimica degli antichi investigata nel gestire napoletano” or “The Ancients’ Mimic Through the Neapolitan Gestures” was the first collection of gestures written by the Neapolitan-born archeologist Andrea de Jorio (1769-1851) in 1832. He wrote an entire volume on the science of bodily expression, and the connection between contemporary gestures observed on the streets of Naples, and similar gestures uncovered by ancient frescoes and the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

From left to right: money, past times, affirmation, stupid, good, wait a moment, to walk backward, to steal, horns, to ask for.

Funny scenes featuring gestures

Così parlò Bellavista (1984) – Informazioni

“Così parlò Bellavista” is a 1984 Italian comedy film based on the novel of the same name by Luciano De Crescenzo. De Crescenzo directed the film and also played the main role.

In this famous scene, a man who is awaiting his trial at the town hall in handcuffs manages to direct an elderly woman to her destination.

Englishmen going to Italy

Comedian and educator John Peter Sloan humorously learns about Italian body language on his way to the country.

Canzone Napoletana

Canzone Napoletana refers to a genre of traditional Italian music originating from Naples. It is characterized by its heartfelt and emotional lyrics, often centered around themes of love, loss, and longing. The melodies are typically simple yet melodic, allowing the focus to be on the expressive vocals.

Canzone Napoletana has a rich history dating back centuries and has been passed down through generations, becoming an integral part of Italian cultural heritage. The music is typically accompanied by instruments such as the guitar, mandolin, and accordion, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere that captures the essence of Neapolitan life and emotions.

In recent years, Canzone Napoletana has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with contemporary artists putting a modern twist on this traditional genre. While still rooted in the classic themes of love and nostalgia, newer Neapolitan songs often incorporate elements of pop, rock, and even electronic music, appealing to a younger audience while still preserving the essence of the original style.

Curated Spotify playlist

Set in the region

Naples is known for its rich history of storytelling. Here you can see a few of our favorite stories in the region.

Books

• La Smorfia napoletana is used to interpret dreams to draw suggestions on winning numbers to play the lottery

• Thus Spake Bellavista (Così parlò Bellavista) (1989) by Luciano De Crescenzo

• The Volcano Lover (1992) by Susan Sontag

• God's Mountain (2002) by Erri De Luca

• Pompeii: The Life of a Roman Town (2008) by Maria Beard

• My Brilliant Friend (2011) by Elena Ferrante

TV & Films

• Poverty and Nobility (1954) featuring Totò stuffing his pockets with spaghetti

• It Started in Naples (1960) featuring Sophia Loren

• The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) a physiological thriller set in the 1950s – or Ripley (2024) also based on the book

• Gomorrah (2008) based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Roberto Saviano

• Passione (2010) that guides through Naples’ rich musical heritage

• Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" Season 7, Episode 11 (2011) where they crash a Neapolitan wedding

• Caffè Sospeso (2017) on which coffee the Pope drank when he visited Naples and the suspended coffee – the advance purchase of a cup of coffee for someone else.

• The Hand of God (2021) by Paolo Sorrentino

• Mixed by Erry (2023) by Sydney Sibilia