Also, various other unlucky things to deflect the bed are garments hangers, hairbrushes, as well as shoes (certainly the last is a health concern, also). Generally, when the ill were on their deathbeds a clergyman would pertain to get their final confessions. Mere bird feathers, particularly peacock plumes with their Wickedness Eye, can curse a house or the wearer of a downy hat. As tradition states, the more lentils you eat, the more wealthy you will become! In Italy, its common for people to tocca ferro or touch iron. We just hopethey arent touching a hot iron. Thank you for your support. Fear of the number 13, known as "triskaidekaphobia," has its origins in Norse mythology. If the oil creates one big drop in the center of the plate its a sure indication of the Evil Eye, but after chanting the ideal petitions that generally only females are permitted to understand, the oil might break up into little beads and spread out, therefore damaging the curse of the Evil Eye. Tuscan Traveler is collecting more Italian superstitions. According to Italian superstition, you should never raise a toast with a glass full of water, as it is considered bad luck. First, the good news. Known throughout Europe, this superstition of upside-down bread will bring bad luck to your family. So, wishing someone to be into the wolfs mouth could also be interpreted as I wish you well. Superstition in Italy says if you are single you should not sit at the corner of a table in Italy because it means you will not marry. Available on Amazon. If her feet touch dirt, dust or the brush itself, the marriage will not take place. Join us on the Slow Europe Travel Forums. The number is associated with the Goddess of Fertility, which means that the number thirteen can bring an abundant and fulfilled life - in other words - it is extremely lucky! Its common for people moving into a new home-especially newlywedsto rid evil spirits and bless their home by performing certain rituals, such as sprinkling salt in the corners of all the rooms. Vediamole insieme! This is how this superstition originated. About the etimology and general information about superstitions look here, here, here, here and here. The current fertility rate for Italy in 2023 is 1.296 births per woman, a 0.54% decline from 2022. Theres no limitation to what type of gifts to offer the newly married couples. A bottle of homemade wine and Sambuca are often served as evening drinks. This has to do with exactly how it is composed. Mere bird feathers, especially peacock feathers with their Evil Eye, can curse a household or the wearer of a feathery hat. 5. The Italian culture has many beliefs passed down from generation to generation and even though many of them may seem absurd to an outsider, they are taken more or less seriously by natives! It is impolite to turn the bread up-side-down or to stick a knife into a loaf of bread. When a new moon appears, the minute you see it say the New Moon Incantation: Benvenuta Luna che mi porti fortuna! Welcome, moon and may you bring me good fortune! This is to be repeated, bowing respectfully at the lunar sliver 13 times with a coin in each hand. This superstition is linked to an old belief that since a mirror reflects ones own image, it could therefore also trap their soul. Well, you should know that the Roman number of 17, XVII, is an anagram of VIXI, meaning I have lived. I grew up making sure I didnt walk under a ladder. Both the bride and the groom should go the extra mile to bring luck to the wedding. Although many claim the amulet represents one of the horns of the devil, the Cornopredates Christianity by thousands of years. The division between good and bad days was already known in Ancient Rome, where a distinction was made between dies fasti, literally glorious or legit days (when justice could be administered) and dies nefasti, meaning ominous days. Common traditional Italian cuisines include but are not limited to Bruschetta, Hot Berry Tarts, Chicken dish, and Ravioli. Another Italian superstitions has to do with sweeps and feet: a girl aiming at finding a husband needs to be far from anyone who is sweeping the floor. Remember #5 above? When written out in Roman numerals, it is VIXI. In the ancient times and some bakers to do, bakers will cut across on top of the bread to facilitate levitation , and also to bless the bread so to say. Not sure good luck has come to him but it was indeed funny! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. According to tradition, when priestsvisited the dying to give them their last rights, theywould remove their hat and put it on the bed. Join us in our travels as we share places to visit, travel tips, recipes, and more. Associated with the Great Goddess, fertility and the lunar cycles, the number is thought to bring prosperity and life quite the opposite view than that of the western world. When modern medicinal remedies fail, Italian superstition invites a mix of ancient techniques and folk tradition that borders on witchcraft. We share a vivid picture of life in Italy in our first-ever book. Just as with the story of numbers that bring bad luck (17 in Italy vs. 13 in other countries), Italians also like to differentiate themselves with regard to another kind of superstition! Even though in general thirteen isnt an unlucky number in Italy like it is in other countries, at an Italian dinner table its considered very bad luck. For more interesting articles about Italy, read our blog: The Different Types of Italian Restaurants, 4 Lifestyle Lessons to Learn from Italians, Top Reasons Why You Should Visit the Italian Alps This Winter. Copyright - Our Italian Journey Blog 2015, 15 Italian Superstitions You Need to Know, So there you have it, fifteen Italian superstitions you need to know. You are in deaths wake and soon people might be attending your funeral. Also, dont forget to wear red undergarments, as this too will bring you luck in the coming year. 11. Italian superstitions of rain believe that it is a "raining down of luck on your future together," and could grow "an abundance of love.". It is no coincidence that the word sinistro in Italian means not only left but also sinister, as in shady, or obscure. When youre feeling under the weather, chances are you want to take a nice hot bath to soothe your pain. Its everyones worst nightmare when they get invited to a wedding, and not know the appropriate dress code. 7. Get her free guide 9 reasons youre not fluentYET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? . If the mirror cracks by itself, on the other hand, it means that the owner may lose a close friend. 2013/9 Policy Brief No. From magic mice to hungry wolves, take a look at 10 of our favourite bizarre Italian superstitions and traditions. The number 13 is additionally connected with the Goddess of Fertility as well as the lunar cycles. Sometimes, if money were scarce, this would be the primary technique to ridding the body of sickness or curses. A cornicello (Italian pronunciation: [kornitllo]), cornetto (Italian for 'little horn' / 'hornlet'; ), corno (Italian for 'horn"'), or corno portafortuna (Italian for 'horn that brings luck') is an Italian amulet or talisman worn to protect against the evil eye (or malocchio [malkkjo] in Italian) and bad luck in general, and, historically, to promote fertility and virility. It is a superstition most common in East Asian nations. Breaking a mirror will result in seven years of bad luck. Be careful though! According to Italian traditions, its customary to eat lentils after the clock strikes 12:00. ", "Rules to follow before you buy a Coral "cornicello" or horn-shaped talisman", "Riti, amuleti e portafortuna. There are a lot of superstitions, and many of us have even a personal one: I think for example about those people who always wear the same piece of clothing whenever they have to take a test - such as a t-shirt, socks or trousers, or a certain accessory, such as a bracelet, a ring or a necklace. 9 Best Places to Visit in the United States: Plan Your Awesome September! 12. Perhaps not during Halloween but this is not true in Italy. It is also believed that rain is tied to luck and an abundance of love. Planning a trip? As a native English speaker who learned Italian as an adult, I know what its like to feel hopeless and lack the confidence to speak. At the Last Dinner Jesus ate with his 12 adherents before, among them, Judas Iscariot betrayed him. If you do, you will never be swept off your feet and get married. The Roman numeral for 17 is XVII, but when rearranged to look like VIXI it means I have lived, a symbol thats placed on ancient tombstones and associated with death. While not out of the ordinary, bridal parties are less common in Italian weddings. These are not traditions. Please leave a comment if you know of one that needs to be added to the list. STARTING THE YEAR WITH LENTILS. When 17 is written using Roman numerals XVII, it can be rearranged to spell the Roman word VIXI meaning I have lived and is found on ancient tombstones, thus tempting death. Spilling oil and salt. As tradition states, the more lentils you eat, the more wealthy you will become! There are several ways in which guests and family members do this. Whatever you do, try not to spill any salt or olive oil as it is considered very bad luck. The malocchio (evil eye) is the Italian superstition that even just a look, especially if caused by jealousy and envy, can bring harm to those it is aimed at. Which of these superstitions surprised you the most? Never cross objects in the shape of a crossfor example, your fork and knifeas this is considered to be an insult to the religious symbol of the cross and will bring you bad luck. The first comes from ancient Rome, where umbrellas were used to protect against rain and sun. Review this list before traveling to Italy to make sure that your trip isnt cursed byMalocchio or the evil eye. When 17 is composed making use of Roman characters XVII, it can be repositioned to mean the Roman word VIXI meaning I have lived and also is discovered on old headstones, hence alluring death. Let me know using thecomments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation. medianet_width = "600";
It is said that some English people living in India roamed regularly with a wooden necklace of basil to neutralize the electrical impulses, keeping away the lightning, as claimed by the Hindu religion. "Topolino dei denti". This also explains why it is common to use the right hand to shake hands, to exchange the sign of peace in church, and why left-handed children in the past were corrected by forcing them to write with their right hand, this is because the left hand was the devils hand. Don't wash or cut your hair. This means youll very rarely find the number 17 on Italian planes, streets, or in hotels, just to give a few examples. You can't drink cold beverages because they will give you cramps. Southern Italians, Sardinians and Sicilians, mostly of the older generation, still mix folk medicine and ancient superstitions. This gesture can also be used to ward off the Evil Eye (pointing fingers down). There is a popular Italian proverb that says: Di Venere o di Marte non si sposa e non si parte, n si d principio allarte (by Venus or Mars, one neither marries nor departs, nor does one begin art). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We match you with expert teachers in over 300 subjects so that you can learn something new through 100% Your email address will not be published. Other unlucky items to keep off the bed are clothes hangers, hairbrushes, and shoes (of course the last is a hygiene issue, too). The number 13 may be very unlucky in American culture, but it's actually not seen as one of the Sicilian superstitions in Italy. Dont put a hat on a bed. There are several reasons why the Italian culture fascinates the world. Not sure if you really needed to know this information but, 3 Iconic Beautiful Italian Sports Cars | Incredible Day, CLICK HERE FOR DISCLAIMER & PRIVACY POLICY. Dropping a mirror and breaking it, no matter how tiny it is, is said to bring you seven years of bad luck. We're sure you've heard the phrase 'touch wood' or 'knock on wood' to ward off bad luck or to avoid jinxing yourself. Make sure you cross off the unlucky days from your calendar first! [3] The evil eye is believed to harm nursing mothers and their babies, bearing fruit trees, milking animals, and the sperm of men - the forces of generation. Since the 17th Century the Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset has been apparently boosting women's . While jealousy exists in all cultures, Malacchio is a curse that can be put on a person without even meaning to. Curious on how to make lentil soup? Not only is pineapple a healthy choice as a snack, bromelain is an anti-inflammatory agent that can boost fertility. The reason for this is not exactly clear, Italians simply believe that early wishes might jinx them. When your nose itches, its either pugni o baci, punches or kisses. This symbol can still be found nowadays as a lucky charm that Italians carry around to protect themselves. The blessing or exorcism of a new house in Italy is still practiced, especially when it comes to newlyweds. And much like it is in other cultures, it is extremely frowned upon for guests to wear white to another's wedding. Seeing a spider at night: a sure sign of monetary income. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe. Like what you see? The horned god Faunus was known for his wild nature and interest in fertility. The expression In bocca al lupo literally means into the wolfs mouth to which, according to custom, one must always reply with Crepi il lupo (may the wolf die). It would be bad luck, therefore, to lay the bread upside-down on a table or counter. Required fields are marked *. 5) The number 17. A cornicello is a twisted horn-shaped charm often made of gold, silver, plastic, bone, terracotta, or red coral. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The origin of this saying is medieval and religious: in the Gospels, Friday is in fact the day of Jesus crucifixion and its reserved for penance. What are they? Whatever you do, never walk underneath a ladder! This popular belief has a very ancient origin and has to do with the shape of an open ladder, the triangle. The horned god Faunus was known for his wild nature and interest in fertility. The roots of this superstition go back to the Middle Ages, when the black cat was associated with evil and witchcraft and therefore seen as bad luck. As a matter of fact, opening an umbrella indoors may bring financial bad luck: its a sign that you may soon no longer have a warm and cosy roof to live under, or you will be hit by some sort of tragedy such as losing your job or experiencing a natural calamity. Here is a non-inclusive list of Italian superstitions so that you don't put a foot wrong during your next visit: The Evil Eye . So if a black cat crosses the street right in front of you and you dont want to be cursed, slow down, stop and wait for the next car to drive on jinx will hit those other poor drivers! So, you might find that Italians may keep nails in their pockets so that they always have iron within reach! This superstitionwhich states that one must toss a handful of salt over their left shoulder to get rid of bad luckis also common in the U.S. Lentils resemble the shape of a 'coin' and therefore serves as a reminder of money. In addition to being worn as jewelry, cornicelli are sometimes hung from the rearview mirrors of cars (based on the older custom of using them to protect draft horses), and in houses. Nguyen Duc Viet / Getty Images. While in some countries Friday the 13th is considered a bad omen, Italy has its own date that you should be fearful of, its Friday the 17th. There are two origins of this superstition. In Latin, VIXI means 'I have lived', implying death. If you want to know more about Italy: Your email address will not be published. . Funny but I just dont see the significance of this yuck being a good thing. A hat on the bed is associated with eternal rest and death! Friday the 17th. Many Italians believe that eating lentils or 'lenticchie' on New Year's Eve bring prosperity and wealth for the new year. If you are a single woman with hopes of meeting your Principe Azzurro (Prince Charming), be careful around brooms! Its because the number is considered unlucky. As your guide, I walk you through each lesson, step-by-step, using my unique 80/20 method. 14. Italians believe that these evil contraptions blow dangerously cold air in your face, leading to colpo dari or a punch of air.. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive detailed travel guides, exclusive travel and language learning tips, priority access to giveaways and more! Walk around it, in front of it, behind it, but not under. If you are Italian, its most likely a thing you grew up with but may not know a lot of information on them. The following are some of the good luck symbols in Italy worth noting. In most weddings, the groomsmen raise money for the wedding expenses by cutting the grooms tie into tiny pieces. Italians aim to avoid a similar turning of the tables. If you are single, be careful when a friend or family member clean the house in your presence. Italians sure have an original way to wish you good luck! It reminds us that were part of a larger self. Not all of the superstitions are bad, though. Sprinkled salt in the corners of the house will purify it. Thats why nowadays the act of spilling oil is considered to bring bad luck. Crossing silverware on the table foretells strife. So, if you find yourself at a table of thirteen, watch your back! Most Italians all-around the country can recognise these superstitions - whether they believe it or not! It is considered unlucky as some associate this gesture with death. Older Sicilians can recall ancient ceremonies, involving making dolls to curse an opponent, amulets to protect themselves from evil, or, on a lot more silver lining, love potions to encourage a sluggish suitor. Saying thank you to tacca ferro can mean that you will not receive the luck because you closed the omen to the world. Today a site visitor might be shocked at which superstitious notions are taken seriously and which are taken with a grain of salt, so to speak. medianet_crid = "318442627";
. "Tocca ferro". We have all seen Italians greet each other with kisses on both cheeks. We hope that this brief guide on Italian restaurants can help you decide where to eat! Italians intend to avoid a comparable switching of the tables. Tetraphobia (from Ancient Greek (tetrs) 'four', and Ancient Greek (phbos) 'fear' [1]) is the practice of avoiding instances of the digit 4. If the oil forms one large drop in the middle of the plate its a sure sign of the Evil Eye, but after chanting the right prayers that usually only women are allowed to know, the oil may break up into tiny droplets and spread out, thus breaking the curse of the Evil Eye. You also wont see many Italian going outside with wet hair! However, these can help to keep you safe from getting curses that are either intentional or unintentional. This is where the saying alzarsi con il piede sbagliato (literally: getting up with the wrong foot, which is the equivalent of the English idiom waking up on the wrong side of the bed) originated from. Older Sicilians can recall ancient rites, involving making dolls to curse an enemy, amulets to protect themselves from evil, or, on the more positive side, love potions to encourage a slow suitor. Today a visitor may be surprised at which superstitions are taken seriously and which are taken with a grain of salt, so to speak. 1.
"In bocca al lupo". Eggs are magical and mystical!. For example, never raise a glass thats full of water and dont cross arms with the person next to you when you clink glasses. Possibly related to the corno is the mano cornuta or "horned hand." 10.3K. ThisWayToItaly - All Rights Reserved, 10 Most Famous Italian Singers of All Time, Engagement and Wedding Traditions in Italy Worth Knowing, Lagotto Romagnolo: The Italian Truffle Hunting Dog, 14 Funny Italian Superstitions That Will Make You Smile, Symbols of Italy: 13 Most Important Italian Emblems and Symbols, 12 Brilliant Italian Inventions You Probably Werent Aware Of, Visit Lazio, Italy: The Best Things To Do and See.
In Italy, this is true especially when it crosses your path! A sealed favor bag usually contains confetti (sugared almonds) and printed ribbons. All cultures attribute great power to the human eye. This superstition comes from the fact that as far back as the days of the Ancient Roman Empire, oil was considered a luxury so if you spilled some, it would be money wasted. 2023 The Proud Italian > Italian-American Heritage Blog, When it comes to attracting good luck and appeasing the, There are certain foods which are a must-have as per the Italian traditions. The presence of a bird in the house (either as a pet dog or accidentally) brings rotten luck. How did it all start? As a matter of fact, the left side has always been associated with the devil. Thus, a hats short-term relaxing area is associated with infinite rest, an idea that maintains Italians from resting quietly. If the bristles of a broom touch your feet you will not get married! In Neapolitan, it is called curniciello or variants thereof. What was your superstition growing up that your mother or grandmother told you? February 11, 2021 V B Blog, News. Yes, that's the full version of one of the most familiar italian wedding superstitions known to couples planning for their big day, one to-do-list item at a time. Learn how your comment data is processed. They feel it is a very unlucky number although I really couldnt figure out why. In fact, despite a long and deep Catholic tradition, certain pagan rituals in Italy have persisted over time, shaping well-known customs that all Italians, whether they believe in them or not, recognize. Its believed that black cats are a symbol of witchcraft and the devil. According to folklore, a knife signifies a broken relationship and is bad luck to give as a wedding gift. At no cost to you, I will earn a commission which helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active. For many, this is still a way of life that occurs daily. Powerful Toppers: What is Pomodoro Sauce? When it comes to attracting good luck and appeasing the goddess of fortune, there are a couple of beliefs linked to Italian weddings. Even if you don't believe in the superstition, lentils are super healthy legumes that provide a lot of protein and fibre into your system. Photography and infographics cannot be used without permission.Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms and Conditions, Language Learning for Travellers & Heritage Learners. Surprisingly, both beliefs are held in Italyseeing a black cat is bad karma, but if it sneezes, good fortune is on its way. In Italy, the number 13 is seen as auspicious. I know what its like to start from scratch and to even go back to absolute basics and learn what a verb is! Similar to how you might tell someone' break a leg' in English, Italians have their own way of wishing luck. A wedding is a critical piece of that culture. Learn more about how to say cheers in Italian on different occasions without making a faux pas. On the other hand, its considered a good fortune if you happen to hear a cat sneeze. Like many countries, Italy has its fair share of wacky traditions and superstitions. 8. medianet_height = "250";
Today a site visitor might be shocked at which superstitious notions are taken seriously and which are taken with a grain of salt, so to speak. Home General Info 15 Italian Superstitions You Need to Know. Price Drop Protector | An Innovative Feature Allowing You To Always Book Car Rentals At The Lowest Possible Price, QEEQ x Student Beans Exclusive Coupon of $12 for Minimum Spend of $150, Civita the Italian town that refuses to die, Kleine Scheidegg an absolute mountain paradise, Sagrada Famlia one of the most astonishing churches in the world. Bomboniereis the Italian word used to describe a wedding favor. In fact, its actually a lucky number. This conception may have begun as a trick to motivate people to handle the previously expensive goods with care. Even if the bride isnt wearing a white wedding dress, all guests should avoid a dress with this divine color. So, without further ado, here they are: Some Italians believe that spilling olive oil will bring bad luck. Ecco l'Italia scaramantica", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cornicello&oldid=1144611310, This page was last edited on 14 March 2023, at 16:54. The first use of the Latinsuperstitiois found in the writing of the historians Livy and Ovid (1st century BC). If you spill white wine at the table, wet your fingers and swab some behind everyones ear. Black cats. If you want detailed destinations guides, languages learning tips, and travel phrase guides, then you've come to the right place! A study carried out by the Italian drinks company San Pellegrino revealed that 60 percent of Italians think the custom is linked to fertility or good luck in your sexual endeavours, but it is actually much more general. This is similar to knocking on wood. The use of the Corno, or Devils Horn, is a curse of impotency or of the cuckold. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
. It is assumed the number brings success as well as a plentiful life. The twisted phallic red coral, gold or silver amulet (cornicello)is often worn or carried by men to ward off curses on their manliness or mojo. Every culture has its own superstitions passed down from generation to generation. While lentils might not look like a typical Italian dish, they carry a powerful meaning! Southern Italians, Sardinians and also Sicilians, primarily of the older generation, still blend herbal remedies and old superstitious notions. The first dance, Tarantella couple dance, and the legendary chicken dance represent a crucial part of the Italian traditions. Egg Magic and Folklore. Most couples go for 5, which represents five important aspects. A toast is always done with champagne or wine. The evil eye or malocchio is known all across the Mediterranean and to many cultures around the world - it is a belief that dates back hundreds of years, since the ancient times. The number 13 may be very unlucky in American culture, but its actually not seen as one of the Sicilian superstitions in Italy. Italians are a fairly superstitious people, especially when the new year comes around. Dont begin a journey, new project or obtain wed on a Friday or a Tuesday. The overall text curses his lovers rivals and condemns them never to be more successful than him. The charm, which resembles a chili pepper or a small horn, represents the horns of the Old European Moon Goddess and will bring you luck.
italian fertility superstitions
