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Laughter: An Italian Tradition

By Sister Mary Christelle Macaluso, R.S.M., O.F.N., Ph.D

To learn more about her, see information below.

Italian get-togethers are known for laughter and loudness! My non-Italian friends always remark about this to me. I love being an Italian (not only because of our spirit, but I love the food)!

As a child I still remember a Thanksgiving dinner with our Italian clan.

It was dessert time, and my aunt had made pumpkin pies. A recent invention was canned whipped cream with the spray nozzle. When my aunt tried to spray whipped cream on the pie, she lost control; however, my cousin sitting across from her was covered with whipped cream. We laughed and laughed (including my whipped-creamed cousin) until tears streamed down our eyes!

Do you notice how Italians' eyes light up and they smile when food is placed before them (especially spaghetti!). We seem to have a gene for connecting food and joy! My Uncle Lawrence was married over 65 years, and no matter what meal his wife cooked he always said, "Thatsa the besta meal I ever ate!" My Aunt Lena then put on a big smile (to match the one on his)!

As the Fun Nun, I am carrying on this great tradition of laughter and joy to many who have too few smiles in their lives. I have been called a living Italian oxymoron. Most people think "Nun" and "Fun" just do not mix! (Aren't nuns those mean people who hit students with rulers across the knuckles?) Well, I am out to break that stereotype. My mission is to bring joy, laughter, and stress reduction to others.

Besides Macaluso, my ancestors had names like Puzzanghero, Cusimano, Terranova, and Gullo. I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, which had a small Italian population. (I could never figure out how my grandfather and father ever heard of Lincoln all the way in the old country!) I entered the Sisters of Mercy and became a teacher, mainly as a college professor. Since 1980 I have been a full-time professional speaker, doing presentations in 49 of the 50 states, plus Canada, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Saipan. I am a member of the National Speakers Association. Business, health, education, government, and social and church groups invite me to speak.

What do I say to those who invite me? For one thing, humor is very important in the life of every human being, not just Italians! Many do not use this powerful gift given to us by the Creator. (God has a sense of humor. He proved it by creating the human race!) Laughter is an excellent stress reducer whether the laughter is brought on by humor or just evoked. The subconscious mind doesn't seem to know the difference.

Physiology changes occur when we laugh. Muscles are massaged, oxygen flows readily into the lungs, stress hormones are lowered, and immune cell production is increased among other physiological changes. The Book of Proverbs, written 3,000 years ago, says, "A merry heart does like good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22). Modern scientists discovered that immune cells are produced in the bone marrow and that one's mood affects their production, but this fact was already known 3,000 years ago! Recently, medical researchers at the University of Maryland found that people with heart disease laughed less than those with healthy hearts.

The mind affects the body, and the body affects the mind. We should smile more; it is healthy. It takes more muscles to frown than to smile. A smile builds rapport and is a sign of friendliness. Also, we should think about our tone of voice the next time we talk on the phone. A voice that rings a smile or a frown sets the mood for the conversation.

A Chinese proverb teaches, "A person without a smiling face must not open a shop." Do we want to purchase from a salesperson wearing a frown or a smile? The Journal of the American Medical Association (262.18:2540) reports that, if a person looks and smiles at another, he or she will be smiled at in return about 12 times more frequently than with eye contact alone. In other words, "A smile begets a smile."

When was the last time you laughed at yourself? Are you really 100% perfect and never make a mistake? Loosen up! Join the human race! None of us is perfect. Ethel Barrymore once said that you grow up the first time you have a good laugh at yourself. Laugh at yourself and reduce not only your stress levels, but also those affected by your mood!

In 1991, I founded the Order of the Fun Nuns (OFN) to encourage everyone to spread joy! Presently, the order has 115,000 members consisting of men, women, and children of all ages, nationalities, and religions. Want to join? There are no dues or membership lists. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address below.

Our Italian heritage has given us a zest for joy. My Uncle Lawrence ate onions with a glass of wine for breakfast (I saw him do this!). I am convinced wine, onions, and humor helped him reach the ripe age of 90! In fact, he probably died laughing! I am proud to be Italian! Need I say more?

© Copyright, The Fun Nun, Sister Mary Christelle Macaluso, R.S.M., O.F.N., Ph.D.

The Fun Nun was a full-time professional speaker and member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) who challenged people to live more joyfully, handle stress effectively, and improve their interpersonal skills. Sadly, she recently died of a heart attack. For more information about obtaining her books, tapes, smile-on-a-stick, go to Web Site: www.FUNNUN.com, Phone: 402-399-2474. Address: College of Saint Mary, Omaha, NE 68124-2377 USA.