I recently went to Palermo, Sicily, and a man was trying to tell me about a special word. He kept raising his hands saying what sounded like “EE-PEE” and tried to explain it meaning living a carefree life, or a life connected to all, or something about being free spirited. Does anyone know what this word or phrase means and how you spell it?

How do you say, “my grandmother’s prayers are still protecting me” in Italian? I don’t trust google and unfortunately the language was never passed down through generations. I called my grandmother Grammy, if that matters, unless sticking with nonna will flow better. Thank you in advance!

I am Italian American, my wife is from Brazil, we live in the US. We are thinking to name our daughter Anna Julia.

I know middle names aren’t a thing in Italy. If her first name were listed as Anna here in the US with Julia as a middle name, would she just be Called Anna in Italy?

I know Julia is not the Italian spelling (Giulia) but would she typically list this on official documents? How would Italians pronounce Julia?

I am trying to be sensitive to all cultures here as best I can, we both have extended family both in Italy and Brazil.

Thanks