Superstition in Italy: Beliefs that Shape Italian Culture

4 days ago

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From the art and architecture to food and festivals, every aspect of Italian culture is very rich with history. Among these traditions are superstitions. Whether deeply believed or casually followed, these superstitions offer a fascinating glimpse into the Italian mindset and reveal how the past continues to influence the present.

The Power of Superstition in Italian Culture

Superstition in Italy is deeply rooted in the country's history, shaped by its blend of Roman mythology, Catholicism, and regional folklore. Superstitions play a significant role in shaping behaviors, from daily routines to major life events. For some Italians, following these superstitions is a way to protect themselves from misfortune; for others, it’s a playful nod to tradition.

The Unlucky Number 17

In many countries, the number 13 is considered unlucky, but in Italy, it’s the number 17 that people avoid. The origins of this superstition come from ancient Rome. The number 17 in Roman numerals is written as XVII, which can be rearranged to form the Latin word "VIXI," meaning "I have lived," a phrase associated with death.

Many hotels in Italy skip the 17th floor, and some airlines omit row 17 in their planes. It’s also common to see Italians avoid scheduling important events, like weddings or business deals, on the 17th of the month.

Touching iron for Good Luck

Knocking on wood, in Italy "toccare ferro" (touching iron), is a popular way to ward off bad luck. The act is believed to protect against jinxes or misfortune when speaking about something good or hopeful. If Italians knock on wood it means that someone is stubborn, like a block of wood.

Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder

In Italy, spilling salt is seen as bad luck, but there’s a quick remedy.

If you accidentally spill salt, it’s customary to throw a pinch of it over your left shoulder. This action is believed to blind the devil, who, according to superstition, lurks behind your left side, waiting for the opportunity to bring misfortune.

Salt has long been a valuable commodity, and wasting it was historically considered a sign of carelessness or impending trouble.

Fare le corna!

In Italy, making the "corna" gesture is a traditional way to ward off bad luck or the evil eye. The gesture involves the index and pinky fingers downwards, symbolizing horns.

This gesture has deep roots in Italian popular culture and other Mediterranean cultures, where it's believed to protect against bad luck and negative energies.

The origin of this gesture goes back to ancient times and has several interpretations.

Some believe that the "horns" are associated with protective forces, like those tied to mythological figures or animals such as the bull, a symbol of strength and protection.
In ancient Rome, talismans shaped like horns were worn to protect against curses and evil spirits.
- For example, if someone expresses a fear or mentions a potential negative event, the listener might make the corna to ward off misfortune.

Evil eye on a teal string. — Aside from being a superstitious gesture, it's also linked to protection against the evil eye, the belief that an envious or malevolent gaze can bring misfortune or illness.

BUT! If you hold the index and pinky fingers upward, while folding the other fingers down, is a gesture known as "fare le corna." This gesture is used to indicate that someone is "cornuto" or "cornuta," implying that someone has been cheated by their partner. It is somewhat an offensive gesture, often used to mock someone’s unfaithfulness.

Don't Cross Cutlery

Crossing a knife and fork on a plate is another common superstition in Italy. This act is thought to invite bad luck, as the crossed utensils resemble the Christian cross, and it is seen as disrespectful. It’s also believed that placing the cutlery in this way could bring discord or conflict into the home.

The Fear of Sweeping Over Feet

In Italy, there’s a superstition that if you sweep a broom over someone’s feet, that person will never get married! This superstition is likely tied to the idea that sweeping away dirt or debris could symbolize sweeping away future prospects, particularly romantic ones.

While this might sound like an old wives’ tale, many Italians still take it seriously, especially when it comes to keeping their feet out of the way while someone is sweeping.

Black cat crossing

In Italy, as in many other cultures, a black cat crossing your path is considered a bad omen. The superstition dates back to the Middle Ages when black cats were often associated with witches and evil spirits.

In Italian tradition, if a black cat crosses in front of you, it’s believed to bring misfortune or bad luck, especially if it moves from left to right. This superstition is likely tied to the idea that sweeping away dirt or debris could symbolize sweeping away future prospects, particularly romantic ones.

Passing under a ladder

In Italy, passing under a ladder is another well-known superstition believed to bring bad luck. The origin of this belief can be traced back to ancient times when the shape of a ladder leaning against a wall was thought to form a triangle, a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Walking through the triangle was considered a violation of sacred space and a sign of disrespect, thus inviting misfortune.

Conclusion

Superstition remains a vibrant part of Italy’s cultural fabric. While not everyone strictly adheres to these beliefs, they are still widely known and respected, especially in smaller towns and among older generations.

Whether it’s avoiding the number 17, throwing salt over your shoulder, or warding off the evil eye, these customs provide insight into Italy’s rich history and the way its people navigate life’s uncertainties.

So, next time you visit Italy, keep an eye out for these fascinating superstitions—you might just find yourself following them, too!