In feng shui, love can be enhanced by art in the bedroom depicting two mandarin ducks. For example, never raise a glass thats full of water and dont cross arms with the person next to you when you clink glasses. 64 Chinese Superstitions for Good Luck | LoveToKnow The division between good and bad days was already known in Ancient Rome, where a distinction was made between dies fasti, literally glorious or legit days (when justice could be administered) and dies nefasti, meaning ominous days. The roots of the Italian superstition of malocchio (Evil Eye) are in envy, and its symptoms can include headache, excessive yawning, and a general malaise. Whoever laughed on that day would be punished at the time of Christs resurrection on Sunday. If you are walking outside and a pigeon poops on your head, it is a sign of good luck in Italy. Thats why nowadays the act of spilling oil is considered to bring bad luck. The importance of knives in our history and culture has resulted in superstitious beliefs about using knives and how they are handled. Crazy, right? This alternative interpretation of this expression stems from the fact that since wolf cubs are held in their mothers mouths, they are actually protected and safe. http://edgarzryc36945.mybloglicious.com/25760990/ Youll go from a shy, confused beginner to a proficient and confident intermediate speaker, with me as your trusty guide. Spanish Superstitions. Traditional Irish Folklore. 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. Below, we explore the 15 strangest Italian traditions and superstitions. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases with no additional costs for you. It is believed that uncrossing or straightening them immediately will prevent bad luck or a quarrel from happening. Ci vediamo l! Walk around it, in front of it, behind it, but not under. A rabbit's foot will bring. Corno Be on the lookout for this horn . A Lucky Number. Be careful though! 5) Don't Cross Objects As a matter of fact, opening an umbrella indoors may bring financial bad luck: its a sign that you may soon no longer have a warm and cosy roof to live under, or you will be hit by some sort of tragedy such as losing your job or experiencing a natural calamity. It is said that Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th man to sit at the table. Eighteenth and Ninteenth Century British Merchant Sailors were known to pry nails out of the ships, because South Pacific Islanders would trade absolutely anything for them. 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. One variant of this superstition includes the fact that the bad luck will mean pain or stitches. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post. Its because the number is considered unlucky. The origins of this belief are unclear, but perhaps the knife under the mattress provided firmer support than the mattress alone, which helped ease the pain. A black cat crossing your path brings bad luck, and so does a priest you meet on the road. An old Greek belief states that placing a black-handled knife under your pillow will prevent nightmares. Available on Amazon. It even comes with my famous Celebrate with a Spritz Guarantee. Salt was extremely expensive in the inner part of Italy. The expression In bocca al lupo literally means into the wolfs mouth to which, according to custom, one must always reply with Crepi il lupo (may the wolf die). I guess fishermen needed some excuse for coming home with no fish in the boat! The Chinese believe that good luck can be found in pairs. For example, some believe you should never close a knife if someone else opened it. This effectively purchases the knife from the friend, bypassing the effect of superstition. Italian Superstitions - Andrea Malossini - Google Books This term carried a negative meaning and it indicated the unreasonable and excessive fear of the gods as opposed to the good and reasonable worship, the religio. It is said that the more you eat the richer youll become, so eat up! We use knives to prepare food, eat, hunt, defend ourselves, or even as an everyday tool that we carry with us. TIP: A Swiss Army Knife is an iconic pocket knife and one of the predecessors to the modern pocket multitool. The giver of a knife, according to many traditions and superstitions, should only offer a knife with a penny attached, which the recipient promptly gives back to the giver as a "payment" for the knife, thereby preserving their relationship (and fingers). 4. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. An empty hornets' nest, hung high, also will bring good luck to a house of any age. Some Gypsy Superstitions | Gypsy Magick and Lore - Shirleytwofeathers What about you? If you are interested in checking out the best kitchen knives, we recommend buying knives made by the Wsthof company. Wedding Custom Superstitions The Wickedness Eye (Malocchio) The Evil Eye is of the most ancient superstitions in Italy. Nowadays, however, it is very common to reply to that wish with a simple grazie or viva il lupo! (meaning, long live the wolf!). Impariamo insieme! Never cross objects in the shape of a crossfor example, your fork and knifeas this is considered to be an insult to the religious symbol of the cross and will bring you bad luck. But the 17th can 'va' a cagare or vaccaga' [excuse my rudeness ;-)] As mentioned before, today's date is just another day in Italy and is associated with the goddess of fertility. Have you ever wondered why some hotels in Italy dont have a 17th floor? The evil eye (to mati) One of the well-known superstitions in Greece but also in numerous other countries, the 'evil eye' is believed to be caused by a compliment or jealousy. 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. This superstition comes from a time before electricity and artificial lighting. When it comes to toasting, there are several things that can cause you to have bad luck. So including any kind of coin did the trick with a knife gift. 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. Italian superstitions: a lot has to do with food Scout's honor. Opening an umbrella in a closed environment: Ah! 2. The girls sired on previous days waited on each man hand and foot! To avoid the end of a friendship, the recipient needs to hand over a penny to the benefactor. A knife crossing another knife, or even a utensil, had different meanings in different cultures. So, if this happens to you, dont panic, something good will probably happen to you! 17 of the Weirdest Wedding Superstitions and Traditions Religious ceremonies and rituals frequently involved the use of knives, which led to spiritual-based superstitions around knives and their use. Old or broken kitchen knives can potentially cause injury if not disposed of correctly. This is just a sample of the many unique Italian traditions and superstitions. You see it everywhere, the cornicello charm which looks like a spicy red pepper. When your nose itches, it's either "pugni o baci," punches or kisses. Like many countries, Italy has its fair share of wacky traditions and superstitions. One of the more popular superstitions is the Malocchio (mal=bad occhio=eye) or the evil eye. When youre feeling under the weather, chances are you want to take a nice hot bath to soothe your pain. A knife that falls and sticks into the floor means bad luck in the near future for the knife owner. It's the look that one person gives to another if they are jealous or envious. To ward off any curse, people wear charms in the shape of an eye; to remove the curse . Another good reason to not eat chicken or turkey on New Year's Day is that . what its like to start from scratch and to even go back to absolute basics and learn what a verb is! We, however, think they are super cute! Some dont buy certain knives because of an unlucky serial number--like one having 666. Intrepid Italian was created with YOU in mind. "Tocca ferro". If someone brushes over your feet by accident, then youre destined to be single for the rest of your life. We wouldnt want your next trip to Italy to be cursed by the evil eye calledMalocchio! Black cats are thought to be a sign of bad luck. 15 Italian Superstitions You Need to Know | Our Italian Journey 1. The superstition about giving a knife to a friend is that the relationship is doomed because the knife will sever the friendship.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_10',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); This superstition probably arose after a lifelong friend gifted the other person with a knife, and shortly after, they had a quarrel which dissolved the friendship. Thrusting it into the door of a house is also believed to provide protection. Most people have air conditioning, a lot of people have black cats, and by the way hotels rarely go over the 5th or 7th floor we certainly dont have 20 stories hotels, here unless maybe in Milan or Rome. We like to learn new knowledge about knives and therefore we decided to establish this website. Every culture has its own set of New Years traditions. italian superstitions knives - coast2coastpages.com The symbolism of the knife Knives have always been seen as powerful objects. Remember #5 above? Review this list before traveling to Italy to make sure that your trip isnt cursed byMalocchio or the evil eye. A new home is always cleansed by performing a ritual such as sprinkling salt in the corners of all the rooms. If it swings back and forth, then the baby is a boy. Our modern, enlightened age has largely dismissed past superstitions, but it is interesting to read these concepts and understand the role knives have played in our history and culture. Mangia! We share a vivid picture of life in Italy in our first-ever book. As a matter of fact, the left side has always been associated with the devil. Some givers often tape a penny to the blade so that the receiver will simply just return it as "payment.". 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. Knife Superstitions from Around the World - Exquisite Knives Funny but I just dont see the significance of this yuck being a good thing. In addition to learning Italian, familiarize yourself with these wives talesbefore your trip to avoid getting into any trouble. 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. These "habits" are very hard to lose, despite rationality and cartesian logic. In Spain its Tuesday the 13th you should be worried about! In previous centuries, people who owned a knife had an important title or a certain power over others (the head of the family for example). Whatever you do, try not to spill any salt or olive oil as it is considered very bad luck. We are simply looking at knife superstitions from the perspective of interest. For more tips, visit my guide on Italian culture to learn 18 weird things that Italian do that no one warns you about. Feng shui superstitious beliefs are based on traditional Chinese superstitions, and can bring luck and positive chi energy into your home. Moving Superstitions: Boost Your Luck in Your New Apartment Unlike the number 13, the number 17 is considered bad luck. Beware of the Evil Eye A superstition shared by all Greeks is the evil eye, or "Mati." It is believed that someone can cast the evil eye onto another person out of envy (either good or bad) and jealousy. Top 13 Italian Superstitions | Italy Magazine Another common superstition in the dark ages was that if you crossed your knife with any other piece of cutlery at the table, it was a sign that you were involved with witchcraft. (See you there!). Frog's spawn thrown over the left shoulder for good luck. This also explains why it is common to use the right hand to shake hands, to exchange the sign of peace in church, and why left-handed children in the past were corrected by forcing them to write with their right hand, this is because the left hand was the devils hand. Knife Superstitions - 5 Popular Knives Traditions | Knives Academy This probably dissuaded would-be thieves and people with malicious intent from breaking into the house. A cup of basil tea after dinner helps digestion. Never pound a nail after sundown, or you will wake the tree gods. If. Superstitions Old Wives Tales Beliefs & Misconceptions A-L - Corsinet When the ship was restocked, each man said goodbye to his 30 or so girls, and told them, You have known a god intimately! #20: Some hunters believe that the knife you use to kill game (not dress it) should never be handled by a woman. Find Private Teaching Jobs on TakeLessons. Superstitions about knives come from an age where a lack of understanding required an explanation for unexplainable events. Kissing the Blarney Stone. Many countries think the number 13 is unlucky. Copyright 2023 Sharpy Knives - Passionate Sharpeners, Custom Knives: Should I Buy One? If you want to protect yourself against the evil-eye, carry a corincello charm around with you at all times. Knives have been a part of peoples lives for centuries. 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. I promise not to spam you. Which one do you think is the weirdest? Never accept knives, scissors, or other sharp items as presents. 2. An itching of the left eye is a sign of happiness to come. Placing your knife and fork down on your plate during a meal or after the meal where the knife and fork create a cross is considered bad luck. The Weirdest Greek Superstitions - GreekReporter In fact, Italy is said to be one of the most superstitious countries in the world. It is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino: Italian superstition if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Many social superstitions regarding knives came about because of the general superstitious nature of humans in the early part of our history. To avoid bad luck, Italian gypsies never steal pearls, coral, or silver. Thank you for your support! 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. 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. Top 13 Italian Superstitions. It's especially bad luck to give a knife as a wedding gift because, according to folklore, it could cut the marriage ties. Or do you find it silly? A similar superstition states that a knife that has "bitten" its owner will retain its sharpness and won't . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The source of this curse is said to be envy, directed at youeither intentionally or unintentionallyby a friend, co-worker, or archenemy. When you are making a toast in Italy, it is considered unlucky to do it with water. Wait until someone else crosses its path first! Cin cin! or (alla) salute!, is what you say in Italian when making a toast. 11 Irish Superstitions People Still Believe - Culture Trip For example, if you slept in a bed with knives beneath it and evil spirits never attacked you, then of course the knives offered protection from evil spirits. Like any group of fanatics, we knife lovers are not immune to superstitions, so, to embrace knife fanaticism, today I bring you 26 superstitions all about our most beloved subject: knives. Ill buy one now and again to stock up before they get discontinued forever. The unknown of the afterlife meant that warriors did not want to enter the unknown without a weapon to defend themselves. Looking back at my childhood in Ireland, I find it amazing . 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. 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. I certainly hope this superstition is not valid, given the number of knives I own! Irish Folklore: Traditional Beliefs and Superstitions - Owlcation Making A Toast. 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! colpo dari is not unch of air it is air blow. 4. #4: Hundreds of years ago, people believed that placing a knife across another piece of cutlery was a sign of witchcraft. If the needle settles into a circular motion then the baby is a girl. #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. Black cats are thought to be a sign of bad luck. 2. #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. They can be considered as weapons or valuables. Cats (Felines) Some of us grew up that it is a sign of good luck if a black cat crosses your path. 1) A Gifted Knife Can End a Friendship The saying goes that a gifted knife will sever the ties between the giver and the receiver. 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. Took a while but i love it! It might sound like there are lots of things in Italy to stay away from, but dont worry, in most cases, there are remedies to reverse the spell! One thing they seem to have in common is that the Evil Eye is caused by jealousy and envy. In dangerous times, a weapon close at hand can give a sense of security, allowing the mind to relax and enjoy a peaceful sleep. In Somerset a double-yolked egg was viewed with concern as it foretold of a hurried wedding due to a pregnancy. The belief extends to dropping a spoon, implying a child will visit your home. It's Friday the 13th - let's talk Italian supersticions! - Girl in Florence It was believed that a knife stuck in the front door of your house would protect you from your enemies and thieves.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'sharpyknives_com-netboard-2','ezslot_18',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-netboard-2-0'); It is likely that a knife stuck in the front door indicated that the homeowner is armed and dangerous, so enter at your own risk. In fact, we were in San Gimignano and it actually happened to Gary while we were eating gelato in a piazza. Whoever opened an umbrella in the house did not pay respect to the Sun God and so would risk bringing misfortune to their family. 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). Once a knife has taken its owner's blood, the owner must not share that knife with anyone. guaranteed, Learn how your comment data is processed. Below is the list superstitions we discuss: Malocchio The bane of many an Italian when someone looks at you in an envious manner they can give you the evil eye, even unintentionally. This belief originated in the olden days when a woman who inadvertently touched her feet with a broom was considered to be bad at housework and, consequently, a bad future wife. If you want detailed destinations guides, languages learning tips, and travel phrase guides, then you've come to the right place! #23: To make sure that a pregnant woman will give birth to a boy, the husband needs to stick a knife into the mattress of her bed. Your email address will not be published. Did you know that in Brazil its bad luck to let your wallet or purse hit the floor, as it means youll lose money?