LA FAMIGLIA This photo essay explores how cultural values transcend generational boundaries through the lens of a Long Island Italian American family. Long Island is made up of the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens and the counties of Nassau and Suffolk. Most people use the name to refer to solely the two counties though. New York is home to 3 million of the 17 million Italian Americans in the U.S., the largest population of any state. Naturally this is reflected throughout communities across the state. Long Island is no exception, with almost 30% of the population being Italian American and 52% being Roman Catholic.
Like many italian Americans my great grandparents came to America during the second wave of immigration in the early 1900’s. My great grandfather’s name can be seen on the wall of Elli Island. My Grandmother was born in 1928, and grew up on a Farm in Brooklyn. She would go on to have three children in Canarsie, Brooklyn before migrating to the suburbs in the 1950’s like many italian families did at the time, chasing the American dream. Here in the town of Bellmore, LI she would have her fourth child, my father. (pictured: me photographing a mirror at my grandmother’s house that has photographs of both sets of my great grandparents hanging beside it.)
I was born and raised in the same town as my par-
La Famiglia, family, is one of the most important
(Pictured; my father’s hand passing a plate of
ents. I went to the same schools and even had some
aspects of Italian American culture. It is not unusual
ste ak to my Aunt, with my Uncle sitting down
of the same teachers they had, but with a population
to live close to your extended family and the term
in the backround. )
bigger than the islands of Ireland and Jamaica, grow-
“extended” really holds no meaning as the family
ing up here never had that small town feel. What
network is made up of tight bonds. The family net-
gave me a sense of community was my family and the
work is there to help and rely on each other. For ex-
shared cultural history of LI. I grew up in a tight knit
ample I have cousins that live across the street from
extended family, living minutes away from my aunts
me. This also makes it difficult to leave your family
and uncles houses. My grams house was my second
and venture away as you are expected to participate
home, since both my parents work full time, I spent
in weekly gatherings and stay close by. Leaving the
much of my time there. Every Sunday my family gath-
family is often seen a betrayal in Italian American
ers to have a pasta dinner. I grew up with my cousins,
culture.
all of us having a strong relationship with them.
Food is a major way traditions and culture are passed
(Pictured; My older brother passing a plate of
down. Like passing a plate of food, passing down rec-
finocchio to his girlfriend.)
ipes is way to nurture cultural traditions in younger generations. Recipes can carry pieces of culture that lead to more intricate understandings of one’s origins. For example I am not only an Italian American, I am a Neapolitan Italian. My favorite dessert is struffoli, a Neapolitan Christmas dish, but my grandmother makes it for me specially when I visit home from college.
Easter is the most important holiday in the Roman Catholic church, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It takes place the first Sunday after the first full moon of the spring equinox and in this way is interconnected with the start of spring. Easter is a reminder of this transference as it calls us to reflect on past sacrifices like those of generations before us for the benefit of future ones. It reminds us that we are part of a cycle that has a beginning, middle and after. (Pintured; The open church door of St. Barnabas Roman C atholic Church during an Easter Sunday sercive. Spring flowers hung behind the door can be seen through its glass panel. )
It is important to honor and thank the dead in Italian-catholic culture. For example All Soul’s day, which is November 2nd, is a day dedicated to remembering lost loved ones and partaking in activities such as visiting their graves. This is a tradition also practised on holidays such as Easter. (Pictured; My grandfather ’s grave site, decorated for Easter Sunday.)
I am not a religious person, but taking part in prayer before a special meal does not feel like a religious obligation but an obligation of showing respect for my grandmother’s wishes. Holding hands in prayer also demonstrates the interconnectedness of the members of the family, young and old. (Pintured; Family saying grace. )
This little boy reminded me of how I felt in the Church. He had that look of “Oh Madone� on his face. There were so many people gathered in the church we left standing in between the entrance doors with a crowd of people behind us also. Seeing this mother-child relationship speaks again to the value put on family among the Italian-American community of Long Island. The benefit of the children and the next generation is what is put above all else. (Pictured; little boy being fussy at church)
(Pictured; some of my cousins sitting in my house on Easter, talking.)
And like was done for them the cycle will continue. (Pictured; A wall of all my aunts and uncles wedding photos in my grandmothers house, The one visible is of my parents.)