Only Someone With Italian Ancestry Can Get 100% On This Quiz
Italians are seriously hardcore human beings. They love their country, they love their culture and they love their pasta. When it comes to knowing their people and their heritage, this group does not mess around. The rest of us cultural mutts can learn a thing or two from these passionate pasta-loving people who take their ancestry as serious as a heart attack. They take pride in their country, their grape "juice," their soccer, and so on. They can tell you the village their great-great uncle Vito was born in and yet here we are, barely remembering the names of our great-grandparents. When it comes to ancestry, the details are a little fuzzy.
There's more to Italy than just hand signals and fresh pizza and pasta. Try this quiz to get a score that will hopefully give good results. No need for birth certificates or genealogy tests, only true Italians will get 100% on this quiz. Go forth, grab a slice of pizza, maybe throw on Jersey Shore, and let's go!
What's the lay of the land?
The country of Italy is certainly known for being rich in culture and majestic, glorious and beautiful in the landscape. If you are ever lucky enough to witness Italy's glory in person, what will you see? What does the Italian terrain look like? Will you be welcomed with miles of flat grasslands or winding city streets and wall to wall people? Will you need to bring your hiking gear to navigate the mountainous terrain or high heels to prance around flat pavement?
What world record food item was discovered growing in Tuscany?
The country of Italy has many claims to fame. It holds a specific World record for being home to the largest certain something? Is it a bowl of spaghetti, the most works of art, their number of mountainous region? You're Italian, you tell us! We will give you a bit of a clue here. In 2007, a dog named Rocco was meandering the Tuscany countryside with he came across a particular something that earned Italy a world record. What was it that Rocco found?
Which popular food item did Italians invent?
Many of the foods that we love originated in the meal-loving country of Italy. Italians love to feast. Eating and cooking with love is a huge part of their culture, just ask any Italian who never say their Grandmother because she pretty much lived in the kitchen. So which foods can we thank Italy for? We know that spaghetti night at our house is because of the Italians, but this other popular food was introduced by the country's people. What was it?
What is Italy's national animal?
Here in America, we associate the Bald Eagle with our country. It's a symbol of our nation in many respects. Many countries around the world have an official or unofficial animal symbolizing what their nation stands for. What is the unofficial animal of Italy? Here's a clue: The unofficial animal of Italy played a huge part in the legend of the founding of Rome. Do you have any guesses? This one if a toughy; you might want to consult a true Italian on this one.
What is Italy's largest university?
Cheers to higher education! The Italians value the arts, culture, their food and of course, higher learning. About half of the oldest universities in the world are located in Italy. That is a whole lot of higher learning history, people! The word 'university' even stems from the Italian language and the first woman to ever graduate from college was Italian. What is the largest Italian university these days? It's not only the largest in Italy but in all of Europe.
Which Disney movie was inspired by an Italian author's work?
This famous Disney film was derived from an Italian story. The author of the story, which Disney made into a timeless film back in 1940, came from Italy. The author of the story-turned iconic film was born in the town of Florence in 1826 to farmer's daughter and a cook. He is also known for his controversial periodicals. Think hard on this one, heaven knows there are a lot of Disney movies to consider here. See if you can "sniff" this answer out.
Which natural disaster do Italians have to tolerate more than any other European country?
Not everything is roses and sunshine in Italy. The country has its fair share of natural dangers and mishaps. LIke any other region in the world, there are natural occurrences that make it more treacherous in specific respects. What dangerous, natural occurrence takes place in Italy more often than in any other country in Europe. Of all the things that Italy is known for, we sure bet its people would rather not be known as the capital of these scary things!
Which U.S. state is roughly the same size as Italy?
The world knows what the country of Italy looks like because it is described as "The Boot." Italy is a peninsula shaped region of land that does like a bit like a shoe if you look at it closely. So just how big is this place? It is crammed full of beaches, mountains, vineyards, and some of the oldest, most amazing cities and sites that the world has to offer. Italy is about 116,400 square miles in size. What state is roughly the size of Italy?
What it Italy's national flower?
The Italian countryside is littered with natural beauty. A stroll through the hillsides and field will turn up an abundance of floral beauty. With all of these flowers that are native to the Italian lands, which is considered the country's national flower though? Geez Italy, how do you even pick with so many great choices? We doubt even the most hardcore Italian will know the flower that represents their glorious country. Hint: These flowers are popular sprigs at American weddings.
What is the country's national sport?
The Italians love their sports like they love their food, but one sport, in particular, has their eternal heart over all of the rest. Can you guess what sport the Italians go a little bit gaga over? No guys, pasta eating is not considered a physical activity, so don't guess that. Italy is not the only country that rallies around this favorite pastime, lots of other European countries consider this sport to be leaps and bounds above all of the rest.
How much grape "juice" do Italians drink per year?
Cheers to the vino! Italians love grape "juice", and they tend to drink a lot of it. Grape "juice" is part of the Italian culture and is consumed at almost every meal. Italy produces more than any other country, so of course, its people are bound to indulge in the fruits of their labor. Unless you are ordering pizza, you are likely choosing a red, white, or rosé with your Italian meals. How much grape juice does the average Italian consume in a year?
How much money gets tossed into the Trevi fountain every day?
The Trevi fountain is a famous Italian landmark. Its located in the trevi district of Rome and is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. In fact, is it one of the largest and most famous fountains in all of the world. This stunning piece of architectural art stands a whopping 86 feet high and runs 161 feet long. People flock from all over the globe to toss coins into this fountain, so exactly how much cash gets throw into the Trevi fountain each day?
Which instruments originated in Italy?
We all know that Italy is a major art hotspot. In fact, 60% of the world's art treasures are housed within the continent of Italy. The Italians appreciate far more than the visual arts, however. They are lovers of music and are responsible for the creation of the opera. In addition to giving us such an artistic, musical gift, what two instruments did the Italians invent? Come on music lovers and Italian aficionados everywhere; we know you can guess them!
The Bubonic Plague wiped out what percentage of Italians?
The Bubonic Plague struck Italy in the 14th century and devastated the country, wiping out a significant portion of its population. To this day, it remains one of the most devastating pandemics to ever hit humankind. The rudimentary medical knowledge was not nearly enough to fight this bacterial menace, and as a result, millions upon millions of people passed away because of it. What percentage of Italians did the Bubonic Plague wipe out in the 14th century?
How old is Italy's oldest olive tree, known as The Tree of Eternity?
The olive tree has been cultivated for thousands of years. This producer of olives and the beloved oils of the Gods (AKA Olive Oil,) is also known as the Tree of Eternity. Olive trees and their fruits are about as Italian as it gets. Show me an Italian who doesn't love their food doused in the rich, flavorful oily goodness. Italy is home to one of the oldest known Olive trees. This giant is how many years old? If you don't know, go ask your Aunt Vida.
Where does Italy rank in tourism?
When you think of all the beautiful places in the world that you could visit, Italy normally crosses your mind right? It should because this country is packed with splendor, both man-made of the natural version. If you think that a family trip to Italy might be one of those things that absolutely has to be on your life bucket list, then you are not alone. Lots of others feel the same way. In terms of tourism rankings, what number does Italy rank as the top visited country?
Which Italian city lays a claim to fame on pizza?
When we think of Italy, we think pasta and pizza. Some folks are pretty convinced that the Chinese get the prize for developing one of the world's most awesome foods, but the Italians roll their eyes at this theory. In their minds and their hearts, pizza is all theirs. So which part of Italy do we thank for the cheesy, saucy pie that fills our bellies on a Saturday night? True Italians will know the answer without even thinking about it!
What is the name of the country within Italy's geographic borders?
The country of Italy actually houses another country within its borders. If you are as perplexed as I am, fear not. Many people forget that this religious epicenter is nestled within Italy's regional boundaries. The city in question is one hundred and nine acres in size and is home to about one thousand people. What is the name of this country within a country? If you are a good Italian Catholic, then this question is a bit of a no-brainer.
What is the only salad dressing that Italians find "acceptable"?
When it comes to eating, the Italians certainly have their customary way of doing things. Juice and water are normally the only acceptable drinks to order with your meal and bread is not an appetizer type of food like it is here in the States. Italians use their crusty goodness to mop of all of the leftover sauces. These people know what they are doing. When it comes to salad dressings, only one dressing is acceptable in Italian cuisine. What is it?
What article of clothing is considered an ill gesture when it is placed on the bed?
Every culture has its superstitions, and Italy is no exception. Some Italians believe that placing this item on a bed is really terrible luck. The superstition comes from the timeless tradition of priests visiting the ailing to read them their last rites. The priests would often take off a particular article of clothing and set it on the bed. Over time this became a sign synonymous with impending passing. What is the piece of clothing that was placed upon the bed?
What must you do for your dog in order to not get thrown in a Turin jail?
There are strange laws all over the world. Some are unbelievable! In the city of Turin, you can be fined for not doing a certain something that in most places is completed optional. Italian pet owners better make sure that they know the ins and outs of Italian law before they decide to become dog owners. If they neglect to do this one task, they could potentially end up in the slammer or shelling out lots of dough. What must Turin dog owners do to stay on the good side of the law?
What other romance language is closely related to Italian?
For readers who grew up surrounded by Italian aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, you'll know that family gatherings were vibrant, loud and expressive events. Italians not only speak their own language, but they speak with their hands and their physical gestures as well. There is no denying how an Italian person is feeling. They will tell you all about it, and then they will show you their emotions in the facial expression and waving arms. The Italian language is very similar to what other Romance language?
How many letters are in the Italian alphabet?
Education varies incredibly from country to country. Where you live in the world depends on what kind of education you will get. The Italian education system has been undergoing some changes in the last couple of decades. A revamping in 1999 increased the age that Italian youth must stay in school until. Until this pinnacle year, kids could legally be done at their formal educational institute at only 14 years old.! When kids first enter grade school, they learn their ABC's, but how many? How many letters are in the Italian alphabet?
Why can't you visit Poveglia?
There are tons of islands and secret spots to visit in Italy. Every nook and cranny of this country holds wonder and mystique. There is one place that you can't visit, however. The island of Poveglia sits between Lido and Venice in the Venetian lagoon. This space might be beautiful, but it is skipped over by locals and tourists alike for one specific reason. Why isn't this little island granted public access? Once you hear the answer, you will think twice about exploring it.
What does the color red on the Italian flag symbolize?
The colors of the Italian flag are red, white and green. Each color holds great significance to the people of this passionate country. The green stripe on the flag signifies hope. The middle line of white stands for faith. What does the red stripe on the Italian flag signify, though? We will tell you this: it has nothing to do with wealth. My Italian friends will know what red means, but do you know? We will be super impressed if you do.