13 Intriguing Italian Superstitions: Exploring Italy’s Mysterious Beliefs
Italy is a country known for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture. But beyond the art and architecture, Italy is also a land of deep-rooted superstitions that reveal a unique connection to the mystical and the unknown. These Italian superstitions have been passed down through generations, blending ancient beliefs with local folklore. Here are 13 fascinating Italian superstitions that offer insight into the mysterious side of Italy.
1. The Malocchio (Evil Eye)
The “malocchio,” or evil eye, is one of the most well-known Italian superstitions. It’s believed that envy or jealousy can cause someone to give you the evil eye, which brings bad luck or harm. To protect against this, many Italians wear a cornicello, a horn-shaped amulet, or make the sign of the horns with their hand. The malocchio is a powerful belief in Italy, and various rituals exist to ward it off.
2. Touching Iron for Good Luck
In Italy, instead of saying “knock on wood” to avoid bad luck, people say “tocca ferro” (touch iron). This superstition is believed to come from ancient times when iron was thought to have protective properties against evil spirits. Today, Italians might touch iron objects like keys or even parts of a car to prevent misfortune.
3. The Fear of Friday the 17th
While many cultures fear Friday the 13th, in Italy, it’s Friday the 17th that’s considered unlucky. The number 17, written as XVII in Roman numerals, can be rearranged to spell “VIXI,” which means “I have lived” in Latin—a phrase often associated with death. Italians often avoid making important decisions or starting new ventures on this day to avoid bad luck.
4. The Superstition of Bread and Olive Oil
In Italy, bread is considered a sacred food, and it’s a superstition to place bread upside down on the table. Doing so is thought to bring bad luck or disrespect to the bread itself. Additionally, some believe that spilling olive oil is a bad omen, as olive oil was a symbol of wealth and prosperity. If you do spill it, it’s customary to quickly touch it with your finger and then rub it behind your ear to ward off the bad luck.
5. Never Place a Hat on a Bed
Placing a hat on a bed is considered bad luck in Italy, as it’s believed to invite misfortune or even death. This superstition likely stems from the time when a priest, who often wore a hat, would place it on the bed when visiting the sick or dying. To avoid any negative associations, Italians are careful to keep hats off beds.
6. The Power of Garlic
Garlic has long been associated with protection in Italian folklore, particularly against the evil eye and evil spirits. Hanging garlic in the home is believed to ward off negativity, and some even carry a clove of garlic with them for protection. Garlic’s strong smell is thought to repel anything harmful, making it a common element in Italian superstitions.
7. Avoiding the Number 13 at the Table
In Italy, it’s considered unlucky to have 13 people seated at a dinner table, as it’s reminiscent of the Last Supper, where Jesus dined with his 12 apostles, one of whom, Judas, later betrayed him. To avoid bad luck, Italians often add an extra guest or remove one to avoid having exactly 13 people at the table.
8. Sweeping Over Someone’s Feet
If someone sweeps over your feet with a broom in Italy, it’s believed that you will never get married. This superstition is so ingrained that if it happens by accident, the person being swept over might immediately step on the broom to counteract the bad luck. This belief is particularly strong in southern Italy.
9. Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder
Spilling salt is considered bad luck in Italy, as it’s believed to attract the devil. To counteract this bad luck, Italians quickly throw a pinch of the spilled salt over their left shoulder. This gesture is meant to blind the devil lurking behind you, preventing any misfortune from taking hold.
10. The Significance of Bells
In Italian folklore, bells are believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits. The sound of bells ringing, particularly church bells, is thought to drive away negative energies and bring good fortune. This belief is still present today, especially in rural areas where bells are rung during storms to protect against lightning and bad weather.
11. The Luck of Finding a Coin
Finding a coin on the ground is considered a sign of good luck in Italy, especially if the coin is face-up. Some Italians believe picking up a coin will bring prosperity and good fortune. This superstition is related to the idea that money attracts money, it’s common to keep the found coin as a lucky charm.
12. Avoiding Broomsticks on New Year’s Day
In Italy, sweeping or cleaning the house on New Year’s Day is avoided, as it’s believed that doing so will sweep away the good luck and prosperity that the new year is supposed to bring. Instead, Italians focus on enjoying the day with family and making sure their homes are welcoming and filled with good vibes for the year ahead.
13. Touching a Hunchback for Good Luck
In Italy, it’s believed that touching a hunchback (gobbo) brings good luck. This superstition dates back to ancient times when a hunchback was seen as a symbol of fortune and protection. It’s considered particularly lucky to touch a hunchback’s hump, and doing so is thought to bring prosperity and ward off bad luck.
Conclusion
Italian superstitions are a captivating mix of ancient beliefs, religious influences, and local folklore, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Italy. From the malocchio to the significance of bread, these superstitions offer a fascinating glimpse into how Italians navigate the unseen forces they believe can shape their lives. Whether it’s for protection, good luck, or avoiding misfortune, these beliefs continue to play an important role in Italian culture, adding a layer of mystery and tradition to everyday life.