Italian Superstitions
Italian Superstitions That Still Influence Daily Life
Italy and its people are known for their rich history, beautiful landscapes, regional food cultures, beautiful language, and day-to-day traditions that might not come to mind on one or two visits. Would it surprise you that Italians are quite superstitious? Traditions and superstitions bridge the past to the present and still influence how Italians speak, think, and behave across the country, from avoiding specific numbers to carrying charms for protection. Even though these superstitions do not necessarily govern day-to-day life, many Italians still follow them, sometimes simply out of habit. It is worth exploring just how strongly these traditions and superstitions have shaped, and continue to shape, cultural identity and daily life in Italy.
The Number 17
While many Western and Anglo-Saxon societies consider the number 13 and Friday the 13th especially unlucky, Italians have a different number: 17. Why the number seventeen? As with many things, we can turn to the Romans for answers. It is said that the Roman numeral for 17, XVII, is an anagram of the Latin word VIXI, which translates to “I have lived,” implying death or the end of life. Very bleak and dark, I know.
In particular, Friday the 17th is believed to be an unlucky day, and many Italians avoid scheduling important appointments, celebrations, meetings, and other events on that date.
Fun fact: Back when the national airline Alitalia was still in business, its planes did not have a 17th row, and many hotels in Italy still avoid having a 17th floor, reflecting the belief that the number should be avoided at all costs.
The Red Horn
If you have traveled to Italy, especially southern Italy and Naples, where the red horn is believed to have originated, you have probably seen these charms everywhere. The red horn, also known as the cornicello, dates back to the Neolithic period and can be traced to Naples, where it was originally used as a symbol of good fortune. Today, it is widely recognized as a charm used to protect against the malocchio, or evil eye.
Naples is the perfect place to pick up a cornicello, as many traditional artisans and jewelry shops still make them by hand in coral, particularly along one of the city’s most famous streets, San Gregorio Armeno. One important tradition to remember: the horn is meant to be gifted rather than bought for yourself, symbolizing the sharing of protection and good fortune with the recipient.
Making a Toast Is Serious Business
Italian culture loves an al fresco aperitivo or a dinner accompanied by a small glass of white wine, and making a toast is usually part of the experience. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before toasting in Italy.
First, it is considered unlucky to toast with an empty glass or a glass filled with water, so make sure there is something bubbly or sparkling inside. Second, when making a toast, it is important to look everyone directly in the eye. This belief dates back to the Middle Ages, when people believed that avoiding eye contact during a toast was a sign of dishonor and could bring bad luck.
Keep Hats Off the Bed (and Tables)
Yes, even being careful about where you place your outdoor apparel matters in Italy, especially when it comes to hats. Placing a hat on a table, and especially on a bed, is believed to bring misfortune or health issues to the household.
How did this superstition develop? One explanation connects it to priests who would visit dying people in their homes to deliver final blessings. Upon entering, priests would often place their hats on the bed, causing the gesture to become associated with death and bad news.
Only Open Umbrellas Outdoors
Opening an umbrella indoors is considered bad luck in Italy and in many other cultures around the world. This superstition is believed to have originated long ago when umbrellas were used primarily for protection from the sun rather than the rain. Opening one inside a home was thought to offend the protective spirits of the household.
Today, many Italians still avoid opening umbrellas indoors, even if they do not fully believe in the superstition. Some people see it as disrespectful, while others fear it may invite negative energy or misfortune.
Don’t Spill Salt
Spilling salt is another widely held superstition across Italy. This belief can be traced back to the time when salt was considered a valuable commodity in Italian households. Because of its value, spilling salt was believed to symbolize financial loss or future misfortune.
If salt is spilled, many Italians still follow the old remedy of tossing a pinch of it over their shoulder to reverse the bad luck.
Author - Gabriela Proietti
