Again, in some cases, this has a basis in Christianity with the symbol of Christ as the Bread of Life. If someone knows please? Tacca ferro means touch iron. Just like the phrase, knock on wood, the Italian version of this is to knock on iron.. If you give a gift of a new wallet, always put at least a coin in it. Learn more about how to say cheers in Italian on different occasions without making a faux pas. Cheers! 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. Italians aim to avoid a similar turning of the tables. A loaf of bread must always be placed face up, or else bad luck will come. From the once-powerful Roman Empire to the rich and diverse cultural practices theres more to this country that inspires and catches the eye. 'Vanishing like glaciers': plunging birthrate threatens Italian schools The presence of a bird in the house (either as a pet dog or accidentally) brings rotten luck. If you are not feeling well and under the weather, you might be inclined to want to take a nice hot bath to soothe your aches and pains. 7 Italian Wedding Superstitions Explained. STARTING THE YEAR WITH LENTILS. Home General Info 15 Italian Superstitions You Need to Know. You are in deaths wake and soon people might be attending your funeral. Powerful Toppers: What is Pomodoro Sauce? Grate Expectations: The Best Parmesan Cheese Graters of the Year. 2. Thats why nowadays the act of spilling oil is considered to bring bad luck. Italians intend to avoid a comparable switching of the tables. Most couples go for 5, which represents five important aspects. Make sure you cross off the unlucky days from your calendar first! Every culture has its own superstitions passed down from generation to generation. The number of sugared almonds should be odd. Also, be sure look fellow toasters in the eye when clinking glasses and dont slip up by forgetting to take a sip before setting your drink down, otherwise you will have seven years of bad sex. About the etimology and general information about superstitions look here, here, here, here and here. In modern times it seems the Friday 13 is starting to lose its charm in Italy, as with the rest of the world. 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. Singles, dont let a broom touch your feet when someone is cleaning the floors. A bed should never encounter the door because it replicates the placement of a casket in a church. A sure sign of knowing whether or not you have the curse is to drop olive oil in a bowl of water. Friday the 17th. After 30 days of using Intrepid Italian, if you dont want to celebrate your new-found Italian skills with an Aperol Spritz, you dont have to pay a penny! I know. 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. As you might know, during the last supper, Jesus was sitting with 13 people, including Judas Iscariot--who doesn't need any introductions. The number 13 may be very unlucky in American culture, but it's actually not seen as one of the Sicilian superstitions in Italy. 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. Again, some claim this has a basis in Christianity with the symbol of Christ as the Bread of Life. It is said that the more you eat the richer youll become, so eat up! A loaf of bread must always be placed on a table, facing up according to Italian traditions. This is an Italian hand gesture (or an amulet imitative of the gesture) to ward off the evil eye. When you're feeling under the weather, chances are you want to take a nice hot bath to soothe your pain. There are several reasons why the Italian culture fascinates the world. 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. If her feet touch dirt, dust or the brush itself, the marriage will not take place. Dont follow a hearse that isnt carrying a coffin. 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). Both the bride and the groom should go the extra mile to bring luck to the wedding. Mere bird feathers, especially peacock feathers with their Evil Eye, can curse a household or the wearer of a feathery hat. However, its a common practice for the bride and the groom to offer certain wedding favors. Copyright The Intrepid Guide Ltd 2023. These are; health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and long life- in no particular order. If you are Italian, its most likely a thing you grew up with but may not know a lot of information on them. Let us be your guide to the most beautiful places in Italy. To prevent a downturn of fortune people practice tocca ferro and touch iron if they think something bad is going to occur. The term superstitio, or superstitio vana (vain superstition) was applied by Tacitus and Domitian (80 AD) to those religious cults (druids, early Christianity) in the Roman Empire that were officially outlawed. Traditionally, when the sick were on their deathbeds a priest would come to receive their final confessions. Italians believe that these evil contraptions blow dangerously cold air in your face, leading to colpo dari or a punch of air.. A bottle of homemade wine and Sambuca are often served as evening drinks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In fact, it's actually a lucky number. 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! 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. After the wedding, the bride and groom will often accept gifts and give out some wedding favors to thank those who attended. Rain on a wedding day is good luck in Italian superstition. Common traditional Italian cuisines include but are not limited to Bruschetta, Hot Berry Tarts, Chicken dish, and Ravioli. The amulet is also sometimes referred to as the Italian horn. Sugared almonds and Italian Cookies are also common. This superstition has its roots in religion and comes from the Last Supper, when Jesus traitor, Judas Iscariot, was the 13th and final person to be seated. If you do, you will never be swept off your feet and get married. The number 13 is additionally connected with the Goddess of Fertility as well as the lunar cycles. Speaking of which, Northern superstitions regarding weddings are a little more earthly: in Veneto, the future . In addition to learning Italian, familiarize yourself with these wives talesbefore your trip to avoid getting into any trouble. According to tradition, when priestsvisited the dying to give them their last rights, theywould remove their hat and put it on the bed.
Why not stay at our Albergo Miramonti? Tuscan Traveler is collecting more Italian superstitions. "Tocca ferro". At no cost to you, I will earn a commission which helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active. With Title Near, Naples Shed Superstition and Starts to Believe - The 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. Bread is considered a staple of life and so every precaution is taken in order to prevent cursing the supply. Southern Italians, Sardinians and Sicilians, mostly of the older generation, still mix folk medicine and ancient superstitions. If you are walking outside and a pigeon poops on your head, it is a sign of good luck in Italy. Behind Italian wedding superstitions and customs - Como In Style 10. Available on Amazon. You will never find an Italian putting his or her hat down on a bed. Eating the core of a pineapple can increase blood flow to your womb and encourage a healthy uterine lining - essential for increasing your chances of implantation. Because not everyone buys a new home when they move to a new place, blessing the home is seen as a way to rid the place of evil spirits or energy that may have been left behind from past owners. The first dance, Tarantella couple dance, and the legendary chicken dance represent a crucial part of the Italian traditions. Putting a hat on a bed is considered unlucky because its associated with death. Every culture has its own set of New Years traditions. 10 Italian Wedding Traditions - The Proud Italian Get her free guide 9 reasons youre not fluentYET & how to fix it! 9 Best Places to Visit in the United States: Plan Your Awesome September! What are they? However, these can help to keep you safe from getting curses that are either intentional or unintentional. But what exactly is a superstition and where does this term come from? Like what you see? This idea originated from the belief that horseshoes can deflect evil spirits - remember 'malocchio?'. This superstition has religious roots. Bread is thought about a staple of life, therefore, every preventative measure is taken to stop cursing the supply. So, if you find yourself at a table of thirteen, watch your back! In Neapolitan, it is called curniciello or variants thereof. Superstitions, religiosity and secularization: an analysis of the Not all of the superstitions are bad, though. 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. Eleanora Baldwin at aglioolioepeperoncino.com. [5], A regionally popular amulet, they are most often worn by Italian men in Southern Italy, and especially in the region of Campania, as well as Lazio, Apulia, Basilicata and to a lesser extent in Sicily and Calabria. Therefore, many Italians avoid this number to cast away any bad omens. This tablet was handwritten, and for its length, that is quite a feat. In the U.S., people will knock on wood to avoid tempting fate. Most couples go for 5, which represents five important aspects. However, in Italy, it's actually the opposite. The Evil Eye is of the most ancient superstitions in Italy. Dont spill salt or olive oil for anxiety of bad luck. A sealed favor bag usually contains confetti (sugared almonds) and printed ribbons. 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. Dont start a journey, new project or get married on a Friday or a Tuesday. In his essay on Italian superstitions, Di Nola argued that the superstition about Tuesday may stem from the fact that in Roman times, this was the day of the God of War, which in popular lore has become the day of discord and enmity, and so is one ill-suited to marriage. How we got here is the subject of our second book, "When Your Heart Finds Its Home," also available on Amazon. This has to do with exactly how it is composed. Some say that the maid of honor and best man should be . This alternative interpretation of this expression stems from the fact that since wolf cubs are held in their mothers mouths, they are actually protected and safe. You can unsubscribe at any time. Crossing silverware on the table foretells strife. This superstition is based on the religious fact that bread is considered a symbol of life, therefore, its bad luck to turn the bread up-side-down or stick a knife into it. . Every region seems to have their own version of the Evil Eye, but some take it more seriously than others. Some believed that bread in fishing boats meant that the whole community would be cursed with no food for long periods of time. If it happens, however, throw a bit of salt over each shoulder or rub a decrease of oil behind each ear. We hope that this brief guide on Italian restaurants can help you decide where to eat! Did you know that if you are walking outside and a pigeon poops on your head, it is a sign of good luck in Italy? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'theprouditalian_com-leader-2','ezslot_22',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theprouditalian_com-leader-2-0'); Often, many people will tell the other to break a leg when they wish them good luck. There are plenty of strange Italian superstitions, irrational beliefs and practices that all aim to ward off bad luck. 7. Here are some seasonal traditions, beliefs and superstitions from across the country, ranging from the most common, such as eating lentils and wearing red, to rather unusual ones. According to Italian traditions, its customary to eat lentils after the clock strikes 12:00. Dropping a mirror and breaking it, no matter how tiny it is, is said to bring you seven years of bad luck. I read somewhere that this superstition refers to the Last Supper as there were 13 people at the table; twelve Apostles and Jesus. Below, we explore the 15 strangest Italian traditions and superstitions. Each culture has its own unique traditions and customs when it comes to matrimony. 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. Most people have air conditioning, a lot of people have black cats, and by the way hotels rarely go over the 5th or 7th floor we certainly dont have 20 stories hotels, here unless maybe in Milan or Rome. 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. Egg Magic, Folklore and Superstitions - Learn Religions Sugared almonds and Italian Cookies are also common. The bread one is not precise. In villages in Italy, there were often designated people made to perform the rituals. Lentils resemble the shape of a 'coin' and therefore serves as a reminder of money. To ward off the evil eye Italians often use a gesture called le corna, horns (to do so, outstretch your pinkie and index fingers with your hand facing downwards to look like horns), or wear a lucky amulet shaped like a horn (u curnicell or cornetto). Common traditional Italian cuisines include but are not limited to. Review this list before traveling to Italy to make sure that your trip isnt cursed byMalocchio or the evil eye. Though seeing a black cat is a widely known omen of bad luck, hearing a cat sneeze is one that is extremely lucky. You get slapped on the face when you get your first period so you have "beautiful" red cheeks all your life. Happy New Year and Superstitions Italian Style - iItaly.org Remember #5 above? The number 13 is also associated with the Goddess of Fertility and the lunar cycles. [4][5], The cornicello is also linked to Greek and Roman mythology. Fertility Rate. The salt one for example is very simple. Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today! This superstition is based on an old religious fact that bread is considered a symbol of life. Brides can wear a satin bag around their neck, where male guests will drop in some money in exchange for a dance. The Wickedness Eye (Malocchio) The Evil Eye is of the most ancient superstitions in Italy. Tuscan Travelers Tales Happy New Year in Florence, Francescas Footprints A Student Finally Learns Something Important. The fear that the eye could carry negative influences has been associated from time to time over the centuries with cross-eyed people, gypsies, red-haired people, men who wore dark glasses, etc., often creating discrimination and racist prejudices. Top 10 Italian superstitions By: Wanted in Rome. This symbol can still be found nowadays as a lucky charm that Italians carry around to protect themselves. Weve done the research! The above wedding traditions shed light on some of the basic values and aspects of Italian culture. A bed should never face the door because it replicate the position of a coffin in a church. Tetraphobia - Wikipedia If youre single and you see someone sweeping the floor, make a run for it. Its an imprint of a history that defines our past. First, the good news. So, if this happens to you, dont panic, something good will probably happen to you! For the Christians the triangle represented the concept of the Holy Trinity and crossing a ladder meant breaking the sacredness of the Holy Trinity. Also, dont forget to wear red undergarments, as this too will bring you luck in the coming year. All cultures attribute great power to the human eye. Eat lentils on New Years Day and money will follow during the year. If it happens, however, toss a bit of salt over each shoulder or rub a drop of oil behind each ear. There are plenty of strange Italian superstitions, irrational beliefs and practices that all aim to ward off bad luck. When it comes to toasting, there are several things that can cause you to have bad luck. Many Italians believe that eating lentils or 'lenticchie' on New Year's Eve bring prosperity and wealth for the new year. When you drop something then someone is thinking of you and their name starts with the first letter of item dropped. It reminds us that were part of a larger self. 36 superstitions about periods from around the world (Lets have a look at them!). The word salario, meaning salary, is derived from sale, meaning salt. Growing up, you may not have been allowed to have a pet bird in your house. This gesture can also be used to ward off the Evil Eye (pointing fingers down). All Rights Reserved. The current fertility rate for Italy in 2023 is 1.296 births per woman, a 0.54% decline from 2022. 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! The overall text curses his lovers rivals and condemns them never to be more successful than him. The number 13 is lucky in Italy, especially when gambling. April 20, 2023. This means youll very rarely find the number 17 on Italian planes, streets, or in hotels, just to give a few examples. "La Befana". Be careful though! Other unlucky items to keep off the bed are clothes hangers, hairbrushes, and shoes (of course the last is a hygiene issue, too). Whatever you do, try not to spill any salt or olive oil as it is considered very bad luck. Red underwear will apparently help to fend off evil spirits and negativity, bringing you happiness in the coming year. In fact, Italy is said to be one of the most superstitious countries in the world. Italians usually say 'In bocca al lupo' which means 'in the mouth of the wolf' in English. It is no coincidence that the word sinistro in Italian means not only left but also sinister, as in shady, or obscure. It is assumed the number brings success as well as a plentiful life. Neighborhood priests go house to house before Easter to bless each home with holy water (in modern times a tiny note is frequently wedged in the door to notify the residents of the service). It is relatively long in length and extremely complexthe curser names himself: Apellius. Whoever opened an umbrella in the house did not pay respect to the Sun God and so would risk bringing misfortune to their family. Sicilian Curses and Other Superstitions - The Proud Italian 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! Legends and superstitions have always accompanied the history of spices, but curiously some survived right until the 1800s. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Putting the bread upside down was disrespectful for the cross not the bread. These items were very expensive way back when and it is said that spilling them would bring bad luck. Wedding Drinks. This idiomatic expression is as widespread as the most traditional Buona fortuna (good luck). If you look closely, youll be able to find them in your everyday life! Never get a perm during your menstruation. If someone brushes over your feet by accident, then youre destined to be single for the rest of your life. 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. Your email address will not be published. One of the most popular and perhaps most feared superstitions is the black cat. According to Italian traditions, however, taking a bath when you're sick will only make you sicker as will going outside with wet hair. These pieces are then offered for sale to the wedding guests. Then read our blog post on Italian Lentil Recipe. Don't wash or cut your hair. Please leave a comment if you know of one that needs to be added to the list. Another Italian tradition is to eat lentils (lenticchie, in Italian) on New Years Eve and January 1st. At the Last Dinner Jesus ate with his 12 adherents before, among them, Judas Iscariot betrayed him. "Topolino dei denti". There are certain foods which are a must-have as per the Italian traditions. 2013/9 Policy Brief No. Read our article '6 Interesting Facts About Olive Oil.'. 15 Italian Superstitions You Need to Know | Our Italian Journey The presence of a bird in the house (either as a pet or accidentally) brings bad luck. At that time the term superstition was used in Italy mostly in the negative sense of an excessive fear of the gods or unreasonable religious belief, as opposed to religio, the proper, reasonable awe of the gods. It is considered unlucky as some associate this gesture with death. Although 13 is considered lucky, sitting down to a table with 12 others is an ill omen. On the other hand, the number seventeen is seen as bad luck. But If you do end up blundering, counteract the bad luck by blotting some olive oil behind your ear! According to Italian superstitions, holding a wedding on Friday brings bad luck. Varying dance etiquettes accompany most Italian wedding songs. Watch where you put your left foot! Same for the birthday celebrations: very rarely do people in Italy organize their birthday party in advance unless its the night before, which means youll wait until midnight to get together with your friends! Some people like to carry around a nail in order to always have luck on their side, just like some do with a rabbits foot. A new broom is a common first gift to sweep away evil spirits. The Superstitions in Italy People Still Believe - Culture Trip The ancient Romans knew well Cernunnos, the hornedCeltic god of fertility, life, animals, wealth, and the underworld. 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. It is seen as bad luck to Italians to own them or even have bird feathers in the house, such as peacock feathers, which were once seen as an object of high fashion in Europebut not in Italy.
Why not stay at our Albergo Miramonti? Tuscan Traveler is collecting more Italian superstitions. "Tocca ferro". At no cost to you, I will earn a commission which helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active. With Title Near, Naples Shed Superstition and Starts to Believe - The 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. Bread is considered a staple of life and so every precaution is taken in order to prevent cursing the supply. Southern Italians, Sardinians and Sicilians, mostly of the older generation, still mix folk medicine and ancient superstitions. If you are walking outside and a pigeon poops on your head, it is a sign of good luck in Italy. Behind Italian wedding superstitions and customs - Como In Style 10. Available on Amazon. You will never find an Italian putting his or her hat down on a bed. Eating the core of a pineapple can increase blood flow to your womb and encourage a healthy uterine lining - essential for increasing your chances of implantation. Because not everyone buys a new home when they move to a new place, blessing the home is seen as a way to rid the place of evil spirits or energy that may have been left behind from past owners. The first dance, Tarantella couple dance, and the legendary chicken dance represent a crucial part of the Italian traditions. Putting a hat on a bed is considered unlucky because its associated with death. Every culture has its own set of New Years traditions. 10 Italian Wedding Traditions - The Proud Italian Get her free guide 9 reasons youre not fluentYET & how to fix it! 9 Best Places to Visit in the United States: Plan Your Awesome September! What are they? However, these can help to keep you safe from getting curses that are either intentional or unintentional. But what exactly is a superstition and where does this term come from? Like what you see? This idea originated from the belief that horseshoes can deflect evil spirits - remember 'malocchio?'. This superstition has religious roots. Bread is thought about a staple of life, therefore, every preventative measure is taken to stop cursing the supply. So, if you find yourself at a table of thirteen, watch your back! In Neapolitan, it is called curniciello or variants thereof. Superstitions, religiosity and secularization: an analysis of the Not all of the superstitions are bad, though. 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. Eleanora Baldwin at aglioolioepeperoncino.com. [5], A regionally popular amulet, they are most often worn by Italian men in Southern Italy, and especially in the region of Campania, as well as Lazio, Apulia, Basilicata and to a lesser extent in Sicily and Calabria. Therefore, many Italians avoid this number to cast away any bad omens. This tablet was handwritten, and for its length, that is quite a feat. In the U.S., people will knock on wood to avoid tempting fate. Most couples go for 5, which represents five important aspects. However, in Italy, it's actually the opposite. The Evil Eye is of the most ancient superstitions in Italy. Dont spill salt or olive oil for anxiety of bad luck. A sealed favor bag usually contains confetti (sugared almonds) and printed ribbons. 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. Dont start a journey, new project or get married on a Friday or a Tuesday. In his essay on Italian superstitions, Di Nola argued that the superstition about Tuesday may stem from the fact that in Roman times, this was the day of the God of War, which in popular lore has become the day of discord and enmity, and so is one ill-suited to marriage. How we got here is the subject of our second book, "When Your Heart Finds Its Home," also available on Amazon. This has to do with exactly how it is composed. Some say that the maid of honor and best man should be . This alternative interpretation of this expression stems from the fact that since wolf cubs are held in their mothers mouths, they are actually protected and safe. You can unsubscribe at any time. Crossing silverware on the table foretells strife. This superstition is based on the religious fact that bread is considered a symbol of life, therefore, its bad luck to turn the bread up-side-down or stick a knife into it. . Every region seems to have their own version of the Evil Eye, but some take it more seriously than others. Some believed that bread in fishing boats meant that the whole community would be cursed with no food for long periods of time. If it happens, however, throw a bit of salt over each shoulder or rub a decrease of oil behind each ear. We hope that this brief guide on Italian restaurants can help you decide where to eat! Did you know that if you are walking outside and a pigeon poops on your head, it is a sign of good luck in Italy? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'theprouditalian_com-leader-2','ezslot_22',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theprouditalian_com-leader-2-0'); Often, many people will tell the other to break a leg when they wish them good luck. There are plenty of strange Italian superstitions, irrational beliefs and practices that all aim to ward off bad luck. 7. Here are some seasonal traditions, beliefs and superstitions from across the country, ranging from the most common, such as eating lentils and wearing red, to rather unusual ones. According to Italian traditions, its customary to eat lentils after the clock strikes 12:00. Dropping a mirror and breaking it, no matter how tiny it is, is said to bring you seven years of bad luck. I read somewhere that this superstition refers to the Last Supper as there were 13 people at the table; twelve Apostles and Jesus. Below, we explore the 15 strangest Italian traditions and superstitions. Each culture has its own unique traditions and customs when it comes to matrimony. 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. Most people have air conditioning, a lot of people have black cats, and by the way hotels rarely go over the 5th or 7th floor we certainly dont have 20 stories hotels, here unless maybe in Milan or Rome. 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. Egg Magic, Folklore and Superstitions - Learn Religions Sugared almonds and Italian Cookies are also common. The bread one is not precise. In villages in Italy, there were often designated people made to perform the rituals. Lentils resemble the shape of a 'coin' and therefore serves as a reminder of money. To ward off the evil eye Italians often use a gesture called le corna, horns (to do so, outstretch your pinkie and index fingers with your hand facing downwards to look like horns), or wear a lucky amulet shaped like a horn (u curnicell or cornetto). Common traditional Italian cuisines include but are not limited to. Review this list before traveling to Italy to make sure that your trip isnt cursed byMalocchio or the evil eye. Though seeing a black cat is a widely known omen of bad luck, hearing a cat sneeze is one that is extremely lucky. You get slapped on the face when you get your first period so you have "beautiful" red cheeks all your life. Happy New Year and Superstitions Italian Style - iItaly.org Remember #5 above? The number 13 is also associated with the Goddess of Fertility and the lunar cycles. [4][5], The cornicello is also linked to Greek and Roman mythology. Fertility Rate. The salt one for example is very simple. Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today! This superstition is based on an old religious fact that bread is considered a symbol of life. Brides can wear a satin bag around their neck, where male guests will drop in some money in exchange for a dance. The Wickedness Eye (Malocchio) The Evil Eye is of the most ancient superstitions in Italy. Tuscan Travelers Tales Happy New Year in Florence, Francescas Footprints A Student Finally Learns Something Important. The fear that the eye could carry negative influences has been associated from time to time over the centuries with cross-eyed people, gypsies, red-haired people, men who wore dark glasses, etc., often creating discrimination and racist prejudices. Top 10 Italian superstitions By: Wanted in Rome. This symbol can still be found nowadays as a lucky charm that Italians carry around to protect themselves. Weve done the research! The above wedding traditions shed light on some of the basic values and aspects of Italian culture. A bed should never face the door because it replicate the position of a coffin in a church. Tetraphobia - Wikipedia If youre single and you see someone sweeping the floor, make a run for it. Its an imprint of a history that defines our past. First, the good news. So, if this happens to you, dont panic, something good will probably happen to you! For the Christians the triangle represented the concept of the Holy Trinity and crossing a ladder meant breaking the sacredness of the Holy Trinity. Also, dont forget to wear red undergarments, as this too will bring you luck in the coming year. All cultures attribute great power to the human eye. Eat lentils on New Years Day and money will follow during the year. If it happens, however, toss a bit of salt over each shoulder or rub a drop of oil behind each ear. There are plenty of strange Italian superstitions, irrational beliefs and practices that all aim to ward off bad luck. When it comes to toasting, there are several things that can cause you to have bad luck. Many Italians believe that eating lentils or 'lenticchie' on New Year's Eve bring prosperity and wealth for the new year. When you drop something then someone is thinking of you and their name starts with the first letter of item dropped. It reminds us that were part of a larger self. 36 superstitions about periods from around the world (Lets have a look at them!). The word salario, meaning salary, is derived from sale, meaning salt. Growing up, you may not have been allowed to have a pet bird in your house. This gesture can also be used to ward off the Evil Eye (pointing fingers down). All Rights Reserved. The current fertility rate for Italy in 2023 is 1.296 births per woman, a 0.54% decline from 2022. 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! The overall text curses his lovers rivals and condemns them never to be more successful than him. The number 13 is lucky in Italy, especially when gambling. April 20, 2023. This means youll very rarely find the number 17 on Italian planes, streets, or in hotels, just to give a few examples. "La Befana". Be careful though! Other unlucky items to keep off the bed are clothes hangers, hairbrushes, and shoes (of course the last is a hygiene issue, too). Whatever you do, try not to spill any salt or olive oil as it is considered very bad luck. Red underwear will apparently help to fend off evil spirits and negativity, bringing you happiness in the coming year. In fact, Italy is said to be one of the most superstitious countries in the world. Italians usually say 'In bocca al lupo' which means 'in the mouth of the wolf' in English. It is no coincidence that the word sinistro in Italian means not only left but also sinister, as in shady, or obscure. It is assumed the number brings success as well as a plentiful life. Neighborhood priests go house to house before Easter to bless each home with holy water (in modern times a tiny note is frequently wedged in the door to notify the residents of the service). It is relatively long in length and extremely complexthe curser names himself: Apellius. Whoever opened an umbrella in the house did not pay respect to the Sun God and so would risk bringing misfortune to their family. Sicilian Curses and Other Superstitions - The Proud Italian 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! Legends and superstitions have always accompanied the history of spices, but curiously some survived right until the 1800s. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Putting the bread upside down was disrespectful for the cross not the bread. These items were very expensive way back when and it is said that spilling them would bring bad luck. Wedding Drinks. This idiomatic expression is as widespread as the most traditional Buona fortuna (good luck). If you look closely, youll be able to find them in your everyday life! Never get a perm during your menstruation. If someone brushes over your feet by accident, then youre destined to be single for the rest of your life. 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. Your email address will not be published. One of the most popular and perhaps most feared superstitions is the black cat. According to Italian traditions, however, taking a bath when you're sick will only make you sicker as will going outside with wet hair. These pieces are then offered for sale to the wedding guests. Then read our blog post on Italian Lentil Recipe. Don't wash or cut your hair. Please leave a comment if you know of one that needs to be added to the list. Another Italian tradition is to eat lentils (lenticchie, in Italian) on New Years Eve and January 1st. At the Last Dinner Jesus ate with his 12 adherents before, among them, Judas Iscariot betrayed him. "Topolino dei denti". There are certain foods which are a must-have as per the Italian traditions. 2013/9 Policy Brief No. Read our article '6 Interesting Facts About Olive Oil.'. 15 Italian Superstitions You Need to Know | Our Italian Journey The presence of a bird in the house (either as a pet or accidentally) brings bad luck. At that time the term superstition was used in Italy mostly in the negative sense of an excessive fear of the gods or unreasonable religious belief, as opposed to religio, the proper, reasonable awe of the gods. It is considered unlucky as some associate this gesture with death. Although 13 is considered lucky, sitting down to a table with 12 others is an ill omen. On the other hand, the number seventeen is seen as bad luck. But If you do end up blundering, counteract the bad luck by blotting some olive oil behind your ear! According to Italian superstitions, holding a wedding on Friday brings bad luck. Varying dance etiquettes accompany most Italian wedding songs. Watch where you put your left foot! Same for the birthday celebrations: very rarely do people in Italy organize their birthday party in advance unless its the night before, which means youll wait until midnight to get together with your friends! Some people like to carry around a nail in order to always have luck on their side, just like some do with a rabbits foot. A new broom is a common first gift to sweep away evil spirits. The Superstitions in Italy People Still Believe - Culture Trip The ancient Romans knew well Cernunnos, the hornedCeltic god of fertility, life, animals, wealth, and the underworld. 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. It is seen as bad luck to Italians to own them or even have bird feathers in the house, such as peacock feathers, which were once seen as an object of high fashion in Europebut not in Italy.