Dan Panaro 03/27/14 Family History ProjectMy family background and ethnicity is entirely Italian. My mother and father are both fully Italian. My mother's side of the family is from Sicily and my father's side is from Naples. Our religion is Roman Catholic, which is not uncommon among Italians. I identify culturally as an Italian-American. I don't speak the Italian language, but my grandparents and my parents speak it. I have never been to Italy, but my parents and grandparents did. I have several second and third cousins ​​currently living in Italy. My family has lived in America for over a hundred years. My great-great-grandfather and maternal grandmother immigrated to America in 1905. They passed through Ellis Island like most immigrants at that time. They moved and lived in Brooklyn until my grandmother moved to Staten Island years later. As an Italian family, we have many cultural values ​​and beliefs that we still practice today, especially during the holidays. Culture and traditions are very important to Italian families. For many years, Italians have been passionate about the values ​​and beliefs of cultural traditions. My family's immigration story begins with the arrival of my great-great-grandfather and mother John and Lucille LaSalle in America. They emigrated in 1905 from Italy to America. They wanted to come to America in hopes of a better life. They didn't have much money in Italy and wanted to come to America in hopes of making more money. They spoke no English and had a long and difficult journey ahead of them. They took very little with them, only what was special and symbolic to them. My great-great grandparents arrived at Ellis Island and, like most Italian immigrants, they faced racial prejudice. My...... middle of paper ......traditions, customs, values ​​and beliefs that we practice. Some are religious beliefs and values, others are just cultural traditions passed down over the years. My family and I are Italian-Americans who have lived in the United States for over a hundred years. My great-great-grandparents came to America from Italy in 1905. They kept their traditions, values, and beliefs and taught them to their children. My family's communication also reflects our ethnicity and culture. We communicate verbally and non-verbally. Just like other Italian families, we speak using hand gestures and use humor to start conversations. Sometimes we also use physical contact. Mainly to help people understand or pay more attention to the conversation. All these points represent my family's Italian culture and traditions. My family is very important to me, as is my cultural background..