Superstitions in Italy are largely themed around death. Here is a list of the most important ones.
1) The Broom
Looking to brush up on your Italian superstitions? Here’s one to get you started: Singles, don’t let a broom touch your feet when someone is cleaning the floors. If you do, you will never be swept off your feet and get married.
2) The Black cat
Speaking of married, this particular wives’ tale translates across cultures: the black cat. Most Italians would give pause, and the truly superstitious might throw a hissy fit, before they would cross paths with one. On the other hand, it’s considered a good bit of feline fortune if you happen to hear a cat sneeze.
3) The hat
Hold on to your hats for this next one…or at least don’t set them on the bed! Traditionally, when the sick were on their deathbeds a priest would come to receive their final confessions. The priest would remove his hat and set it on the bed so that he could put on the vestments. Thus, a hat’s temporary resting place is associated with eternal rest, a thought that keeps Italians from sleeping peacefully.
4)The number 13
The number 13 is considered lucky in Italy. 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.
5) The number 17
However, your number might be up if you keep encountering 17. Italians dislike the number so much that some hotels don’t have a 17th level. But after hearing its associations this might not floor you. When written, the 1 mimics a hanged man and the 7 a gallows. Furthermore, 17’s rearranged Latin numerals spell “VIXI.” Often engraved on headstones, the word means “he lived” and thus tempts death to make that statement true of you.
6) The horns
That’s even more reason to grab life (or hold on to it) by the horns. Another way to protect yourself against ill fate is to make the sign of the horns. To form “le corna,” first make a fist and then unfurl only your index and little fingers to point them at the ground. (If you point them at the sky, you may unintentionally be calling someone a fool, an action that could bring you more bad luck.)
7) The glass full of water
If you violate this next rule, you’ll be in trouble. Never raise a toast with a glass full of water as it is bad luck. Also, be sure look fellow toasters in the eye when clinking glasses and don’t slip up by forgetting to take a sip before setting your drink down.
8) The salt
Take this next superstition with a grain of salt. The well-seasoned superstitious know not to spill salt or olive oil for fear of bad luck. This conception may have begun as a trick to motivate people to handle the previously expensive goods with care.
9) Sitting down to table in 13
Now for the dish on a different superstition. Although 13 is considered lucky, sitting down to a table with 12 others is an ill omen. At the Last Supper Jesus ate with his 12 isciples before one of them, Judas Iscariot betrayed him. With this rule, Italians aim to avoid a similar turning of the tables.
10) The hearse withouta coffin
This piece of hearsay drives people crazy. In Italy, if you follow a hearse that isn’t carrying a coffin, you are in death’s wake and soon people might be attending yours! However, if the hearse bears a body, it isn’t in pursuit of another passenger, so you are safe, just like if you pass a hearse driving in the opposite direction.
And an extra superstition, just for good luck!
11. Even those with nerves of steel are susceptible to superstitions. In Italy, to prevent a lousy turn of fortune people practice “tocca ferro” and touch iron if they think something bad is going to occur. The good news is that if you can keep all these superstitious rules in Italy, you’ll be golden!
Sarah Barchus
I've delved into superstitions extensively, and the Italian ones have a fascinating history rooted in cultural beliefs. These beliefs stem from various aspects, including religious symbolism, historical events, and even linguistic interpretations. Let's break down the concepts referenced in the article:
-
Broom Superstition: In Italian superstition, allowing a broom to touch your feet while cleaning could thwart your chances of getting married. This belief may trace back to cultural symbols related to cleanliness and marriage prospects.
-
Black Cat: The superstition surrounding black cats is cross-cultural. In Italy, encountering one might cause concern among the superstitious, while a cat sneezing is considered lucky. The fear of black cats could be linked to historical associations with witchcraft or negative folklore.
-
Hat on the Bed: Placing a hat on the bed relates to death and eternal rest. It originates from the practice of priests removing their hats while attending to the dying. This act signifies a connection between the temporary resting place of a hat and the finality of death.
-
Number 13: Unlike in Western cultures, the number 13 is considered lucky in Italy due to its association with the Great Goddess, fertility, and lunar cycles, signifying prosperity and life.
-
Number 17: The number 17 holds negative connotations due to its visual resemblance to a hanged man and gallows. The rearranged Latin numerals spell "VIXI," associated with death and engraved on headstones.
-
Horns Gesture: Making the sign of the horns, known as "le corna," is believed to ward off ill fate. However, pointing the horns upward inadvertently insults someone, inviting bad luck.
-
Toast Superstition: Toasting with a full glass of water is considered unlucky. Additionally, not maintaining eye contact while clinking glasses or neglecting to take a sip before setting the drink down can bring bad luck.
-
Salt and Olive Oil: Spilling salt or olive oil is deemed unlucky. This superstition might have originated as a way to ensure careful handling of these previously expensive commodities.
-
13 at the Table: While the number 13 is generally considered lucky, sitting at a table with 12 others brings bad luck due to the association with the Last Supper and Judas Iscariot's betrayal.
-
Hearse without a Coffin: Following a hearse without a coffin is believed to invite death, whereas one carrying a body is considered safe. This superstition is linked to the fear of being in death's wake.
-
"Tocca Ferro": Italians practice "tocca ferro" by touching iron to ward off bad luck. This action is a preventive measure against impending misfortune.
These superstitions showcase the intricate tapestry of Italian culture, blending historical events, religious beliefs, and symbolic interpretations into everyday practices, influencing various aspects of life from marriage to table manners.
