Loyola University Chicago

The Italian Siesta?

Rome Center students accustomed to 24-hour convenience stores and relieving after-midnight "munchies" at Taco Bell, were in for a surprise. Italian stores do not stay open throughout the day, but take a break or "siesta" after lunch, resuming business in the late afternoon and staying open until 8 p.m.. These times may vary with the season, the merchant, and the type of business.

Student reactions to what Americans call "siestas" are generally positive. A student from Loyola University Chicago said, "At first it imposed on my schedule, then after being here a week I started to take naps -- so I like it now." Students here have learned to plan their shopping around Italian store hours, but as a Duke University student said, "It's a little confusing. I always forget that the stores are closed until I get there."

"The Italians do what comes naturally--eat, then take a nap," a Santa Clara University student said. Italian afternoons are a time for resting. Megan Marek, another Santa Clara University student, said, "I have energy in the morning and evenings, but feel myself lagging in the afternoon." Rome Center Professor Paul Murphy explains that working during the morning and evening increases productivity because afternoon sleepiness is acknowledged by the "siesta".

The word "siesta" originated from the Latin word "sexta" meaning the sixth hour or midday. Rome Center Professor Flaminio Di Biaggi emphasizes that the word is Spanish and not used by Italians. The Italian dictionary does not have a definition for the term. Di Biaggi said, "We don't call it anything. I don't have a name for it in Italian."

Rome Center Librarian Beatrice Ghislandi explained that the origin of the afternoon break is directly related to the climate; the afternoons are unbearably hot -- too hot to concentrate. Air conditioning in Italy was and still is virtually nonexistent and the tradition has remained. Di Biaggi outlined three additional origins of the siesta. First, government workers who work from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. six days a week traditionally go home, eat a big meal, rest, and then resume activities. A second factor is the official afternoon break hours that have been standardized by unions. The importance of Italian families eating and relaxing together is the final factor.

This longstanding tradition is slowly changing. In the large northern industrial cities of Milan, Torino, and Genoa an eight- hour workday is becoming the norm. Di Biaggi believes that the only way that change will come is if the government adopts the 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. work schedule. Professor Grazie Sottis, a Rome Center Italian teacher, explains that state employees still work from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m., but not everyone goes home for a midday meal. This Italian "siesta" may be becoming a past tradition, but Rome Center students will remember the afternoon break as a natural occurrence in Italian life.