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Nicole Decristan
UWRT 1102
Ms. Raymond
27 January 2015

La Vita Bella in Italia

In English, La vita Bella in Italia translates life is beautiful in Italy. After doing
research and looking up pictures of Italy, it is certainly beautiful. My mothers parents and
fathers parents both came from Italy. I remember both of my Grandfathers always talking about
how beautiful Italy was and how they missed it at times. The history of my family started there
and because of that I have always wanted to visit. Before visiting such a beautiful place across
the country, I feel it is necessary to research the culture and learn more about Italy.
The beautiful tricolor Italian flag that is red, white and green was officially adopted in
1948. The Cispadane Republic first originated the flag in 1797. The authentic flag was inspired
from the red and white of the Milan flag and the green represented the Milanese civic guards
uniforms. In Italy today religious individuals interpret the Italian flag as green signifying hope,
white representing faith and red implicating charity. Although the flag has changed and people
have different perceptions of the colors, the red, white and green flag still waves proud in Italy.
In my personal opinion, I find Italys national anthem seemingly touching. In the English
translation, the song exemplifies love, loyalty and protection to the country. The national anthem
is called Il Canto degli Italiani which translates as The song of the Italians in English.
Goffredo Maleli, a Genoese student, wrote the words to the anthem in 1847. Months later,
another Genoese citizen named Michele Novaro added music. It was not until the formation of

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the Italian Republic in 1946 that the Il Canto degli Italiani was chosen as the official national
anthem.
Even though I always fantasized about being an Italian citizen, I have realized that not
being fluent in a language and changing citizenship wouldnt be as easy as I thought it would.
One way of becoming a citizen of Italy would be to provide proof that all ancestors maintained
citizenship and passed their citizenship on to family members. One can also marry an Italian
citizen and gain citizenship to Italy. For me personally, I would have the option to gain
citizenship by residing in Italy for 3 years because I have descendants that were former citizens
of Italy that are up to the second degree. My best option would have been to have citizenship
passed down to me but both of my grandfathers did not live there long enough.
Influential Italian people were also extremely interesting to learn about. For instance,
Dante was a philosopher, scholar and a poet from c. 1265- c. 1321. One of the most well known
painters and architects, Raphael, was also a citizen of italiy. One person I personally enjoy
watching on TV is chef Giada De Laurentiis who is of Italian descent. Giorgio Armani who is
famous for Armani Exchange is a famous fashion designer who creates clothing lines that I
personally love despite the price.
After completing research I can honestly say I am proud of my nationality. I personally
feel that Italy is beautiful and the people that were raised there were based off of similar morals
that I am used to. Although I do not speak the language, I feel that if I were to visit I would relate
to people on more of a personal standpoint. I have the utter most respect for my relatives that
resided in Italy and I wouldnt want to change my nationality for any other. I hope that one day I
will get to visit and explore my roots.

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Works Cited
TheItalianFlag,IlTricolore,NationalFlagofItaly,ItalianFlags,HistoryoftheItalianFlag,Origins,Designs,
RegionalFlagsofItaly,ItalianGonfalone,FlagsItalianRegions.Web.29Jan.2015.
<http://www.understandingitaly.com/profilecontent/flag.html>.
Citizenship.Web.29Jan.2015.
<http://www.esteri.it/mae/en/italiani_nel_mondo/serviziconsolari/cittadinanza.html>.
Bio.com.A&ENetworksTelevision.Web.29Jan.2015.<http://www.biography.com/people/groups/italian>.