Monday, July 25, 2011

10 Italian Greens

This week's Listicle list over at The Good Life asks those who want to play this game to list 10 green things. To add an Italian twist to things I decided to list 10 things that may not be green, but that make reference to the color green . . . in Italian!

Of course, they don't say "green" in Italian, it's "verde." That sounds like the first syllable of the word "very," plus the word "day." So, repeat after me: ver-day!

1. A common Italian proverb is: "Verde, la speranza mai si perde," or "Green, never lose hope!" 
Don't ask me WHY they say this . . . I don't have all the answers!

This image strikes me as hopeful, I hope you agree.
2. Essere al verde = To be broke

An all-too-common situation in Italy these days . . . 

3. spazio verde = green area (like a park)

We need more of these in southern Italy!

4. Carlo Verdone = an Italian comic actor, his last name means "dark green"

A face only a mother could love!

5. Giuseppe Verdi = ok, this is technically cheating cause it's Verdi and not verde, but I like to think of this famous composer as Joe Green

What fine moustaches you have, Mr. Green.

6. sempreverde = evergreen, used for the trees, but also for a timeless person or thing

Love is an evergreen emotion

7. Here's another Italian proverb for you: "Tre cose rovinano la famiglia: moglie giovane, legna verde e pane caldo" = "Three things ruin a family: a young wife, green wood and hot bread"

What about a young, green wife made of wood?

8. The Italian flag is red, white and green (rosso, bianco e verde)

The Italian flag deliciously reinterpreted

9. Federazione dei Verdi = the Italian Green Party, a left-leaning party that promotes issues regarding the environment, ecology and pacifism

Pretty cutesy for a political party, but cheerful!

10. Occhi verdi dell'amore - I saved the best for last . . . this is the title of a song "Green Eyes of Love" sung by I Profeti, a 1960s Italian pop band. 
Never heard of them? I bet you recognise the song, though, if you listen closely . . .