However, the damage can be mitigated if the receiver gives. 4. This sign could be seen as the old-time equivalent of the modern sign stating, trespassers will be shot! It acted as a deterrent to inform would-be criminals that the homeowner has no problem defending his household with violence. Which of these superstitions surprised you the most? The importance of knives in day-to-day life meant that they became objects of superstition when things did not go according to plan and knives were involved. 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! 1. Whoever opened an umbrella in the house did not pay respect to the Sun God and so would risk bringing misfortune to their family. The logic of the time suggested that certain physical acts had the power to influence our lives, future, and good fortune. In the present day, however, umbrellas were often used to plug holes in the houses of poor people, hence the belief that opening them will bring a good deal of financial misfortune. I guess fishermen needed some excuse for coming home with no fish in the boat! It is also important not to cross the fork and knife, as they can cause fights. The first use of the Latin word superstitio is traced back to the 1st century and it was found in the writing of the historians Livy and Ovid. Consequently, the islanders wanted their most beautiful virgins to conceive offspring by them, as many as each sailor could sire during the one-month period of restocking supplies available on the islands. Before your Italian vacation, familiarize . 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. This superstition may have originated in ancient times when knives were used as weapons. Another similar superstition is that you should always give a pocket knife back the way you received it. Learn how your comment data is processed. This superstitionwhich states that one must toss a handful of salt over their left shoulder to get rid of bad luckis also common in the U.S. Knives are considered bad luck to give as a wedding gift, since knives represent a broken relationship. The ferro in the saying stands for ferro di cavallo (horseshoe) which in the past was believed to ward off the devil, witches, and evil spirits. Whether it comes to things to avoid doing, or practices to do per scaramanzia (to ward off bad luck), or jinxes to ensure that good fortune comes your way, in this guide youll discover 17 strange Italian superstitions that are taken very seriously, particularly in the south of Italy and among older generations. Superstition says that spilling salt or olive oil will bring bad luck. The Romans believed the herb to be an antidepressant, and ancient Celtic warriors took it for courage. The belief extends to dropping a spoon, implying a child will visit your home. Bad Luck Speaking of bad luck, knife superstitions are full of situations where knives can lead to bad luck. And when clinking glasses never cross between others. Thrusting it into the door of a house is also believed to provide protection. The logic is that a knife can symbolize the severing of a relationship, so you shouldn't give it as a gift for events, especially weddings. In fact, despite a long and deep Catholic tradition, certain pagan rituals in Italy have persisted over time, shaping well-known customs that all Italians, whether they believe in them or not, recognize. What are your knife idiosyncrasies or superstitions? The main reason for this superstition from Italy is that performing this act insulted the cross of Christ and would result in nothing going your way. According to tradition, the only way to stop the superstition in its tracks when a friend gifts you a knife is to give them something in return, usually a penny or other small denomination coin. Putting a hat on a bed is considered unlucky because its associated with death. These are not traditions. This action could have severe implications in those times when witches were drowned or burned. If now a mere mortal was to know you in the same way, her will surely die! In this way the sailors were guaranteed that no other males would touch their virgins! Ive even heard of one man who has a tendency to buy knives that have serial numbers that contain significant dates such as 1776, 911, or 1415. If you thrust a knife into the door of home, its meant to provide protection for everyone who lives in that house. This belief is also linked to horses which were frightened by the devil-like eyes of cats while travelling at night. #17: One old wives' tales about white-handled knives is that they can tell you if your future spouse will be dark or fair by spinning it around. If someone does give you a knife as a wedding gift, you are supposed to give the gift-giver a penny in return so it is considered a "purchase." 7. 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). To pass on the stairs is unlucky, but to stumble going up foretells a wedding, but to break a mirror means seven years bad luck. This one is so silly but Italian really believes it. From religion to good and bad omens, safety and protection, there is no doubt that knives have left an indelible mark on human culture and society! #5: One prevalent belief still held by people today is that gifting a knife to someone will cause the relationship between the giver and the recipient to be severed. I know what its like to start from scratch and to even go back to absolute basics and learn what a verb is! if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-portrait-1','ezslot_19',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-portrait-1-0');This superstition says that you will not catch any fish if you drop a knife while out fishing and the knife lands with the blade pointing to the land. If you want detailed destinations guides, languages learning tips, and travel phrase guides, then you've come to the right place! So many times have Italian mothers (while cleaning the house) told their daughters: Pick up your feet, Im passing the broom, otherwise youll never get married!. Thats just one example. In the U.S., people will knock on wood to avoid tempting fate. Stirring a drink in a cup, soup in a bowl, or food cooking in a pot with a knife was considered a bad omen that was sure to bring bad luck upon the person brazen enough to perform this heinous act! It is best known as a curse, but can be most accurately compared to a "jinx" in America. They can be considered as weapons or valuables. January 10, 2021 Many of our Italian relatives believe in superstitions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. guaranteed, Did you know that in Brazil its bad luck to let your wallet or purse hit the floor, as it means youll lose money? KRUDO Knives: when what you carry matters! In China the first coins were tiny knives, equal in value to one knife. Ladies, dont get any ideas with this one! what its like to start from scratch and to even go back to absolute basics and learn what a verb is! Among the ancient Romans, sprinkling salt on the ruins of conquered cities meant preventing them from flourishing again (as salt makes the soil infertile). According to Italian traditions, a loaf of bread must always be placed facing up. Copyright KRUDO Knives, INC. | All rights reserved | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Design By iFame Media, Assets That Hold Value During Uncertain Times, 6 Hobbies for Guys That Arent Video Games, Selling a pocket knife is a problem? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email. When it comes to shaking hands, Italians consider it bad luck to cross their arms when shaking someones hand. So, a new teenager was supplied to each sailor each night, depending on which girls were in their fertile window at the time. Of course, of all tools, the knife is one of the oldest and most useful. So in addition to providing the recipient a chance to symbolically buy the blade with a coin, the coin provides good luck to cancel out the bad luck of the knife. TIP: Custom knives are a worthwhile buy for a knife enthusiast or anyone needing a superior-quality knife. William Hogarth's Credulity, Superstition, and Fanaticism Thrusting it into the door of a house is also believed to provide protection. #26: Some knife owners, particularly those in the Philippines, believe in coating the blade with their blood if they accidentally cut themselves with it. Thats one instance where people are wrong who say its the thought that counts. Just thought you might want to know. Friday the 13th va bene! So if a black cat crosses the street right in front of you and you dont want to be cursed, slow down, stop and wait for the next car to drive on jinx will hit those other poor drivers! TIP: Cutting boards are an essential accessory for kitchen knives, but many people have a love-hate relationship with cutting boards. Be careful though! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I certainly hope this superstition is not valid, given the number of knives I own! In Europe, we all share common superstitions : walking under a ladder, seeing a black cat, breaking a mirror, opening an umbrella indoors, all those widespread superstitions are told to bring bad luck. 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. It doesn't matter if it's raining cats and dogs (piovendo a catinelle). That way there is no risk of having them fall. Below, we explore the 15 strangest Italian traditions and superstitions. 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. These were superstition of maybe 50 years ago, the world has moved on, do should you. Some dont buy certain knives because of an unlucky serial number--like one having 666. My approach is different from traditional methods because I teach you the most important 20% of the language right from the beginning so you can start to speak straight away. Each course includes video lessons, audio exercises, downloadable worksheets, bonus guides, a private support community, and lifetime access all designed to streamline your learning while having fun. According to Italian superstition, you should never wish someone buon compleanno or tanti auguri (this is how Italians say for happy birthday), before their actual birthday. In the ancient times and some bakers to do, bakers will cut across on top of the bread to facilitate levitation , and also to bless the bread so to say. The idea is that once you cut yourself accidentally with a knife, you have a special bond with the knife. Learn the local language with my unique 80/20 method. Watch where you put your left foot! #10: Bad things will happen if a knife falls and sticks into the floor. Repercussions range from illness, misfortune, harm and sometimes even death. If you want to protect yourself against the evil-eye, carry a corincello charm around with you at all times. Fortunately, I do not subscribe to this superstition and welcome all knife gifts! The quintessential Italian American superstition: the Evil Eye (Malocchio) The Evil Eye, or Malocchio, is one of the most ancient and widesrpead superstitions of the whole Mediterranean basin, so no wonder it also became a well known Italian American superstition.. Every culture seems to have their own version of the Evil Eye and their own ways to fight it. That counteracts any chance the knife has of cutting the ties that bind your relationship. It is considered very bad luck to give someone a knife without exchanging money or the friendship will be cut by the knife . #19: In some parts of America, people believe that sharpening any blade after the sun goes down is bad luck. 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. We are passionate sharpeners, Anton and John. Today a site visitor might be shocked at which superstitious notions are taken seriously and which are taken with a grain of salt, so to speak. The tradition of first confession and first holy communion. Our first book, "Our Italian Journey," was written during our year in Italy experiencing the seducing charm of the country. The bread one is not precise. Religious ceremonies and rituals frequently involved the use of knives, which led to spiritual-based superstitions around knives and their use. Knives are very personal items to many people, so that I can relate to this situation, and I can add my own belief to this one; Dont touch my knife if you value your life!. Italian-American Superstitions The Evil Eye: Malacchio While jealousy exists in all cultures, Malacchio is a curse that can be put on a person without even meaning to. . In Italy, however, you should say Tocca ferro! and touch some iron instead! To avoid the end of a friendship, the recipient needs to hand over a penny to the benefactor. Knives also became a status symbol, with only the rich able to afford high-quality knives, many of which were adorned with precious metals or gemstones. Italians do not care for the number 17. Planning a trip? Sweeping it all under the carpet. colpo dari is not unch of air it is air blow. Every region seems to have their own version of the Evil Eye, but some take it more seriously than others. Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. Bad luck is trapped at the point where the two fingers meet so when we cross our fingers, we stop the bad luck from escaping and allow our wishes to come true. #15: In Finland, a knife given as a gift is a sign of respect. Salt and oil should not be passed from hand to hand. (See you there!). The superstition about giving a knife to a friend is that the relationship is doomed because the knife will sever the friendship. A similar superstition states that a knife that has "bitten" its owner will retain its sharpness and won't . 1. #9: Some knife owners also believe that you should never close a knife (either folding it in or putting it back in its sheath) if someone else has opened it because it is bad luck. This old Chinese belief is similar to the Greek superstition about sleeping with a knife under your pillow. #1: Placing a knife under the bed of a woman giving birth is believed to ease her pain during labor. Finding a button on the ground: a new friendship is on the horizon. I read somewhere that this superstition refers to the Last Supper as there were 13 people at the table; twelve Apostles and Jesus. Black cats are thought to be a sign of bad luck. #22: If you cross your knife with your spoon after eating, you are indicating that the food didn't taste good and that you're wishing the cook to have bad luck. Do you follow this custom? Copyright The Intrepid Guide Ltd 2022. The Greeks used it for upset stomachs. To ward off any curse, people wear charms in the shape of an eye; to remove the curse . This symbol can still be found nowadays as a lucky charm that Italians carry around to protect themselves. Here are 16 knife superstitions to add to your knowledge bank. Jessica Valvano . A similar superstition says that piercing bread baked by a pregnant woman with a knife (or any pointed utensil) may cause the babys eyes to be poked out. Cats (Felines) Some of us grew up that it is a sign of good luck if a black cat crosses your path. The 14 Most Important Italian Superstitions 1. Later in time, the term superstio was applied to the outlawed religious cults in the Roman Empire. This superstition is based on an old religious fact that bread is considered a symbol of life. A central aspect of Irish folklore is the wealth of traditional beliefs and superstitions that have been held by Irish people over the centuries. #13: Another superstition suggests that when a knife falls to the ground, a man will soon visit. A cup of basil tea after dinner helps digestion. That way, the recipient can give the coin to you and pay you for the knife. When making a toast in Italy, its considered unlucky to do it with water. Caraway. Knives and scissors Giving anything sharp, such as a knife or scissors, is bad luck, as it's thought to sever the relationship. If you gift a knife, especially to someone close to you, it can mean extremely bad luck. Registrations are now open to join Intrepid Italian, my new series of online video courses that use my unique 80/20 method. This kind of stuff was around during the middle ages. When youre in Italy, you should be careful when pouring olive oil on your salad, you dont want to be cursed by spilling it! All cultures attribute great power to the human eye. Your email address will not be published. #25: According to Russian folklore, a knife laying with the sharp side up means that murderers are being born while it is left this way. So, wishing someone to be into the wolfs mouth could also be interpreted as I wish you well. Given that there are still people living on earth who will mistake another human for a god if he has a knife (something of such unimagineable utility it could only come from a god) its understandable how such superstitions persist. Here are 15 Italian superstitions that you need to know or at least be aware of. Start learning here! To avoid bad luck, Italian gypsies never steal pearls, coral, or silver. According to Italian traditions, however, taking a bath when youre sick will only make you sicker aswill going outside with wet hair. It is said that the more you eat the richer youll become, so eat up! For example, some believe you should never close a knife if someone else opened it. You know you will hear about it from family or friends if a Friday falls on the 13th of the month! Whatever you do, never walk underneath a ladder! Walk around it, in front of it, behind it, but not under. Some consider this a bad omen as the use of the past tense implies that death is just around the corner, and therefore it stands for bad luck. Once a knife has taken its owner's blood, the owner will never sell or trade that knife with anyone. 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. Luckily, there is a way around this - by accepting a coin in exchange. Knife superstitions have been credited with breaking friendships or even the simple solution for getting a good nights sleep. As a matter of fact, the left side has always been associated with the devil. Unlike the number 13, the number 17 is considered bad luck. Quick Navigation. This is just a sample of the many unique Italian traditions and superstitions. So, if this happens to you, dont panic, something good will probably happen to you! Most have their roots in ancient cultures who explained the world with stories and based belief systems on anecdotal evidence. It is unclear where this superstition originated, but I suspect that a person used someones favorite knife to stir their drink, resulting in the knifes owner taking exception to this and challenging the offender! Find out more in the article below:All Knife Sharpening Stones Types Explained & Compared. Instead of knocking on wood, tocca ferro or touch iron! Whetheryou're a total beginner or know a thing or two about knives, browse around for info on how to choose a survival knife, what the best survival knife is (depending on your needs and the situation), pros and cons ofthe different kinds of steel and blade shapes, and lots more. To this day, they rank among the most useful tools you can own. Now you know the most common Italian superstitions youll need to be aware of. The Chinese believe that good luck can be found in pairs. Hes definitely. Dropping things: someone is thinking of you. Salt was extremely expensive in the inner part of Italy. 3. Like that, the gift turns into a purchase and no harm will be done. It even comes with my famous Celebrate with a Spritz Guarantee. #18: Another common superstition is that you should never put a combat knife back into its sheath if it hasn't drawn blood because it will fail you in battle. Perhaps not during Halloween but this is not true in Italy. No, not even on the day before! The symbolism of the knife Knives have always been seen as powerful objects. Italian traditions and superstitions range from fear of black cats to curses associated with spilled salt. Also, never stir anything, like a stew or soup, with your knife. These beliefs were generally held by the women in the household, who was responsible for preparing meals or setting tables. The malocchio (evil eye) is the Italian superstition that even just a look, especially if caused by jealousy and envy, can bring harm to those it is aimed at. Our advice would be to put it on the table for them to pick up themselves. As one of mans earliest and most useful tools, its not surprising that many beliefs have sprung up around knives both what you should and should not do. Crazy, right? Not sure good luck has come to him but it was indeed funny! The source of this curse is said to be envy, directed at youeither intentionally or unintentionallyby a friend, co-worker, or archenemy. You've made it to the bestplace online to learn about survival knives and other survival gear. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-leader-2','ezslot_6',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-leader-2-0');This implies that if you find a pocket knife lying about that someone else has opened it, you should not close it. #6: Never stir anything using your knife (like soup or coffee) because that would bring bad luck. The new civil union law that will hopefully pass in Italy. The rarity and the consequently high cost of salt gave rise to a number of beliefs in the ancient world. Italian Superstitions: Il Malocchio. TIP: A Swiss Army Knife is an iconic pocket knife and one of the predecessors to the modern pocket multitool. A rabbit's foot will bring. If the handle points at anyone else, your future spouse will be dark-skinned. Available on Amazon. This superstition is linked to an old belief that since a mirror reflects ones own image, it could therefore also trap their soul. WELCOME TO SHARPY KNIVES!We are passionate sharpeners, Anton and John. medianet_crid = "318442627";
Unusual, unique, and uncommon facts about a diversity of subjects: Superstitions: old wives tales, folklore, bizarre beliefs, taboos, omens, lucky & unlucky things Superstition A to L includes Friday the Thirteenth Superstition M to Z Death Superstition Dreams : Meanings & Superstitions Wedding Superstition Superstitions A - L Like a bad rash that won't go away, it will follow you wherever you go. If you play with a knife, the angels will run away from you, and if you play with fire, you will pee in your bed. Most likely, this superstition arises from old beliefs in witches and their animal familiars, which were often said to take the form of domestic animals like cats. As a symbol of good luck, in the Italian tradition, during the rehearsal dinner, the best man makes a toast with prosecco, usually exclaiming, "Per cent'anni," or "A hundred years," to wish .

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