Italy Traditions: Clothing, Religion, Weddings

Italy’s traditional national costume varies considerably from region to region, reflecting the country’s long history of distinct local cultures before unification. Despite these differences, traditional outfits are often known for vibrant colors and elaborate decorative details, reflecting the same appreciation for style that helped Italy become a global fashion capital.
The basis of the female national costume is a pleated skirt called a gonna, a white embroidered shirt known as a camicia, and a corsage. A bright apron and headscarf, or fazzoletto, traditionally completed the outfit. While these elements appeared across many regions, styles varied in skirt length and color, as well as the use of lace and other decorative details.
The male national costume was generally simpler, consisting of trousers below the knee, a white shirt, and a short or sleeveless jacket. Traditional headwear included the berretto, a woolen hat, or a Phrygian-style cap. Modern travelers can take a cue from these styles when deciding what to pack for Italy weather.

The main religion in Italy is Catholicism, deeply woven into the country’s history, traditions, and cultural identity. This is hardly surprising for a country whose capital is home to the Vatican and the residence of the Pope. The 1984 New Concordat established a clear distinction between Catholic and non-Catholic religions in Italy.
Italy boasts more than 45,000 Catholic churches and cathedrals, from grand basilicas to small village churches. Religion continues to influence everyday life, with many Italians attending church regularly and celebrating numerous religious holidays.

Modern Italian weddings do not require strict adherence to age-old customs, but traditions remain an important part of celebrations in this Catholic country. Italian couples often marry in white dresses and tuxedos, arrange stag and hen parties, organize photo sessions, cut the wedding cake, and throw the bouquet at the end of the banquet.
Italians are also famously superstitious when it comes to weddings. Preparations can last for months or even years to ensure that traditional customs bring happiness to the newlyweds. For example, the bride traditionally wears something green on the evening before the wedding, symbolizing prosperity in the marriage.
On the wedding day, brides usually wear no gold except for the wedding ring, while grooms may carry a piece of iron in their pocket to ward off evil spirits and the evil eye. When leaving the church, guests throw rose petals, paper confetti, and rice at the newlyweds as wishes for prosperity.
Italian weddings also have a special tradition of giving guests a bomboniere, a small keepsake containing a gift and sugared almonds known as confetti. The number of almonds is traditionally odd, often seven, to bring good luck.
At the end of the celebration, the newlyweds may break a vase or glass and count the shards, with the number symbolizing the years they will spend happily married.