italian superstitions

Origin of the word “superstition”

The word comes from Latin and was first used by Livy and Ovid in the 1st century BC to describe irrational fear of the gods, unlike “religio,” which meant proper respect.

Meaning of “superstitio vana”

A term used by Tacitus and Domitian to describe banned religious cults like early Christianity and the Druids in ancient Rome.

Superstitions in Italian culture

Italy has a long history of superstitions that still influence daily life, with some taken very seriously and others not.

What is the Evil Eye (Malocchio)?

An ancient Italian superstition believed to be caused by jealousy or envy and capable of bringing bad luck.

How is the Evil Eye tested?

Olive oil is dropped into water; one large drop means the Evil Eye, while small droplets after prayers mean the curse is broken.

What protects against the Evil Eye?

Prayers and the cornicello (horn-shaped charm)

What is the Corno (Devil’s Horn)?

A horn-shaped amulet worn to protect against curses, especially related to masculinity and fertility.

Origins of the Corno

It predates Christianity and is linked to ancient fertility gods like Faunus and Cernunnos.

What is the mano cornuta gesture?

A hand sign shaped like horns used to curse someone, imply infidelity, or ward off the Evil Eye.

Lucky number in Italy

The number 13 is lucky, especially in gambling, and is linked to fertility and abundance.

Why is sitting with 12 others unlucky?

It recalls the Last Supper, where Jesus ate with 12 disciples before being betrayed.

Unlucky number in Italy

The number 17, because in Roman numerals (XVII) it can spell “VIXI,” meaning “I have lived.”

Bread superstition

Bread must always be placed upright; turning it upside down brings bad luck.

Birds in the house

Birds or bird feathers inside a home bring bad luck, especially peacock feathers.

Blessing a new home

Homes are blessed to remove evil spirits, often with holy water, salt, and a new broom

Witch doctors in Italy

In southern Italy and Sicily, older generations still use folk healers who mix superstition and traditional medicine.

Marriage superstition about sweeping

Letting a broom touch your feet or sweeping an unmarried person’s feet means they will never marry.

Cats and superstition

A black cat crossing your path is bad luck, but hearing a cat sneeze is good luck.

What should never go on a bed?

Hats, shoes, hangers, and brushes—especially hats, which are associated with death.

Bed position superstition

A bed should never face the door because it resembles a coffin in a church.

Toasting superstition

Never toast with water, cross arms, or avoid eye contact when clinking glasses.

Spilling salt or oil

It brings bad luck; to fix it, throw salt over your shoulder or rub oil behind your ears.

Hearse superstition

Following an empty hearse brings death; following one with a body is safe.

Things never to do

Cut nails on Thursday, start projects on Friday or Tuesday, or cut hair during a new moon.

New Year’s superstition

Eating lentils on New Year’s Eve brings money and good luck.

Touching iron

Touching iron is done to prevent bad luck, similar to knocking on wood.

Good omen: spiders

Seeing a spider at night means money is coming.

Dropping an object meaning

Someone is thinking of you, and their name starts with the same letter as the object.

Bad omens

Breaking mirrors, killing spiders, giving handkerchiefs, crossing silverware, walking under ladders.

Owl superstition

Seeing an owl is believed to represent the spirits of the dead.