I'm starting a new thread, though I'm not sure if there is already an existing one... so I apologize before hand if there is.

It's about those little italian traditions that set Italy apart from the rest of the world and make it such a unique place.

For example:
when eating at a table, the plates must always be on top of a table cloth or plate mats.

red wine with red meat, white with white meat and fish. Beer with pizza. (well, I guess this is just good taste, but do you know how many people outside of Italy don't understand this?!)

aperitivo. This is probably my favourite. Just a nother reason to drink!!!!

Cappucino in the morning ONLY, espresso the rest of the day.

undershirts (men) must be worn underneath shirts


And so on...
There are thousands and this is one of the many reasons I love Italy so much. Because it's so set and stubborn in its ways.

Any other little traditions you can think of?

I wrote an article about 2 years ago on the subject (well it is on the Italian rigid food rules ) :

http://www.lifeinitaly.com/life/italian-food-rules.asp

Let me know what you think
Paolo

i do recall always pulling out a tablecloth from the chest near the dining room table in ostia. setting the plates and silverware correctly -- NEVER getting to cook