When asked to do this project, I grappled with the many items I could have written about. After reflecting on an object that had all the hallmarks of significance that represents my family, religion, and culture, I chose to write about our family’s St. Anthony gold baby pin. As an Italian American who practices Catholicism, religion plays a major role in our upbringing and daily lives. The morals and values that religion fosters are ingrained into us from birth and guide our actions throughout our entire lives.
 
 Being Italian there are many things that bring our big families together. Good food is a major part of our culture and after church on Sunday’s we have a thick tomato sauce over ziti or rigatoni, filled with meatballs, sausage, beef and pork round, and pig skin. At these meals you can find exquisite cheeses, jams, wine, and cured meats.
 
 Another event that brings the families together is the birth of a new child. As superstitious people, Italians adorn saints to ward off bad luck or ill wishes from outsiders. This pin has been on every child’s cloth or carriage in my family for the last fifty years.  This family heirloom is held by me and when someone is pregnant, I give them the pin for safety under Christ. This pin will continue to be passed along from child to child as my kids, their cousins, and in-laws grow their beautiful family with the protection of God. 

– AA

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more