Past month. Others are told to bring good luck, such as the four leaf clover or the number 7. If the bristles of a broom touch your feet you will not get married! A baby born at full moon will be lucky. But what exactly is a superstition and where does this term come from? Fortunately, modern lighting means that you can safely sharpen a knife at night without the risk of ruining your luck! When it comes to toasting, there are several things that can cause you to have bad luck. So when a mirror breaks, it breaks you as well. Our first book, "Our Italian Journey," was written during our year in Italy experiencing the seducing charm of the country. A cup of basil tea after dinner helps digestion. The salt one for example is very simple. Giving something sharp to a friend can 'cut' your friendship In Ireland and several other countries, giving or passing someone a knife or scissors is said to sever the relationship. In Italy, however, you should say Tocca ferro! and touch some iron instead! Forget Friday 13th being unlucky! One variant of this superstition includes the fact that the bad luck will mean pain or stitches. The unknown of the afterlife meant that warriors did not want to enter the unknown without a weapon to defend themselves. To prevent this from happening, the recipient should give a "payment" to ensure that the relationship will not be cut. 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. However these superstitions were probably through 50 years ago certainly not now. Superstitions about knives come from an age where a lack of understanding required an explanation for unexplainable events. If it swings back and forth, then the baby is a boy. A similar belief was that a knife placed under the mattress of a woman in labor would increase the chances of her giving birth to a boy. When 17 is viewed as the Roman numeral, XVII, and then changed anagrammatically to VIXI (just change the position of numerals), you will get your answer! Unlike the number 13, the number 17 is considered bad luck. Sharpening a knife in low light can result in a poorly sharpened edge which will not cut well or possibly damage the blade. When your nose itches, it's either "pugni o baci," punches or kisses. medianet_crid = "318442627";
my new series of online video courses that use my unique 80/20 method. If the broken mirror is near the portrait of a living person, it means that person could die. Do you follow this custom? 12. Malocchio or "Evil Eye," is one of the Italians' main superstitions. Glock Field Knife FM78 Black (12161) (#165823625419) e***e (7373) Past month. 2) Ease Labor Pains During Childbirth The Roman numeral for 17 is XVII, but when rearranged to look like VIXI it means I have lived, a symbol thats placed on ancient tombstones and associated with death. We especially like traditional Japanese knives. The islanders deemed this service to be a fantastic and unimagineablely generous gift on the part of the gods, because it would bless their island home with the sons of the gods! The Evil Eye (Malocchio) They say to drop olive oil in a bowl of water and if it forms one large drop you have the Malocchio. 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. At any Italian meal, there will most likely be olive oil and salt. This probably dissuaded would-be thieves and people with malicious intent from breaking into the house. Which of these superstitions surprised you the most? 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 know. In Somerset a double-yolked egg was viewed with concern as it foretold of a hurried wedding due to a pregnancy. Used under Creative Commons. Hopefully, our advancement in knowledge and understanding has put some of these ancient knife superstitions to rest! 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. Whoever laughed on that day would be punished at the time of Christs resurrection on Sunday. If you gift a knife, especially to someone close to you, it can mean extremely bad luck. #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. TIP: Disposing of kitchen knives is never something that should be done casually. In Italy, its common for people to tocca ferro or touch iron. We just hopethey arent touching a hot iron. To ward against it, the Italians use a good . Cin cin! or (alla) salute!, is what you say in Italian when making a toast. 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. The Greeks used it for upset stomachs. Italian traditions and superstitions range from fear of black cats to curses associated with spilled salt. Want my "9 Steps to Reach Fluency Faster" playbook? You are said to be "matiasmenos" (the evil eye has been cast upon you) if you are dizzy or have a headache and yawn a lot. It is no coincidence that the word " sinistro" i n Italian means not only "left" but also "sinister", as in shady, or obscure. Did you know we now live in Lucca? The similarity of these beliefs from two distant parts of the world shows how different cultures placed the same value and significance on knives. Giving other items in exchange for the knife gift, such as an item of clothing or jewelry, is also an acceptable exchange to avoid negative consequences. Copyright - Our Italian Journey Blog 2015, 15 Italian Superstitions You Need to Know, So there you have it, fifteen Italian superstitions you need to know. As a matter of fact, the left side has always been associated with the devil. When youre feeling under the weather, chances are you want to take a nice hot bath to soothe your pain. Sons were more desirable in ancient times to carry on the family line. Sacrilegious. We promise to never spam you or sell your email address. An itching of the left eye is a sign of happiness to come. When it comes to shaking hands, Italians consider it bad luck to cross their arms when shaking someones hand. Sign up for news about new reviews and special offers! A hat on the bed is associated with eternal rest and death! Youll finally be able to connect with your Italian partner, speak to your relatives and enjoy authentic travel experiences in Italy that youve always dreamed of, and so much more. Here we explain ten of the most common. How we got here is the subject of our second book, "When Your Heart Finds Its Home," now also available on Amazon. I thought we had gotten way past it! 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. A knife that falls and sticks into the floor means bad luck in the near future for the knife owner. 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!. Watch where you lay your hat However, the damage can be mitigated if the receiver gives. Photography and infographics cannot be used without permission.Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms and Conditions, Language Learning for Travellers & Heritage Learners, Italian Travel Phrases Cheat-Sheet! The specific ways we do things, such as setting the table for guests or placing our eating utensils on the plate after a meal, have their roots in old-time superstitions. Here are 15 Italian superstitions that you need to know or at least be aware of. If you are single, be careful when a friend or family member clean the house in your presence. When the ship was restocked, each man said goodbye to his 30 or so girls, and told them, You have known a god intimately! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We match you with expert teachers in over 300 subjects so that you can learn something new through 100% The idea is that once you cut yourself accidentally with a knife, you have a special bond with the knife. Salt and oil should not be passed from hand to hand. 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. I use my working knowledge of the English language to help you get into the Italian mindset so you can avoid the common pitfalls and errors English speakers make because I made them once too! So, a new teenager was supplied to each sailor each night, depending on which girls were in their fertile window at the time. Making A Toast. #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. Lucky & Unlucky numbers. 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. https://bit.ly/3msCL3p, http://martinkopm78123.myparisblog.com/6063049/-----------------/ personalized lessons. This old Chinese belief is similar to the Greek superstition about sleeping with a knife under your pillow. Before your Italian vacation, familiarize . If the mirror cracks by itself, on the other hand, it means that the owner may lose a close friend. #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. We, however, think they are super cute! Subscribe to my newsletter to receive detailed travel guides, exclusive travel and language learning tips, priority access to giveaways and more! TIP: Custom knives are a worthwhile buy for a knife enthusiast or anyone needing a superior-quality knife. 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! To ward off any curse, people wear charms in the shape of an eye; to remove the curse . We like to learn new knowledge about knives and therefore we decided to establish this website. (Lets have a look at them!). This belief is also linked to horses which were frightened by the devil-like eyes of cats while travelling at night. SharpyKnives.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Whatever you do, never walk underneath a ladder! We wouldnt want your next trip to Italy to be cursed by the evil eye calledMalocchio! Basically, knives meant power. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is especially true for various clubs and organizations, privately or government held. Or that in France its actually good luck to step in dog poop with your left foot? Never accept knives, scissors, or other sharp items as presents. If someone brushes over your feet by accident, then youre destined to be single for the rest of your life. The thread can be held by the woman herself, or by someone else. Never place a hat on a bed - not only is it associated with bad luck, but also death. 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 Here are some common superstizioni GOOD LUCK: Seeing a spider at night: a sure sign of monetary income. A loaf of bread must always be placed on a table, facing up according to Italian traditions. 17 Weird Italian Superstitions Italians ACTUALLY Live By. Another similar superstition is that you should always give a pocket knife back the way you received it. 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.
After a long day of sightseeing you might be tempted to toss your hat onto your beddont! 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. #14: A knife made of steel is believed to protect you against curses and fairies. #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. But apart from these common references, we . 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. The knife, a Finnish fixed blade outdoor knife called a puukko, is given to trusted employers or contacts and always presented with the handle first to signify trust and friendly intentions. The belief is usually ominous in nature or that the event can shape subsequent events or the future.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Superstitions are mostly disappearing from our society, but certain people still hold onto these traditions, sometimes without even realizing it themselves. 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. Find Private Teaching Jobs on TakeLessons. The Evil Eye (Malocchio) The Evil Eye is one of the most ancient superstitions in Italy. 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. Cats (Felines) Some of us grew up that it is a sign of good luck if a black cat crosses your path. Having 13 people around the table at mealtime is considered bad luck, as there were 13 people at the Last Supper. This effectively purchases the knife from the friend, bypassing the effect of superstition. For Italians, it is essential to keep an umbrella holder on the doorstep, outside the house. The symbolism of the knife Knives have always been seen as powerful objects. 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. In fact, Italy is said to be one of the most superstitious countries in the world. 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. Youll go from a shy, confused beginner to a proficient and confident intermediate speaker, with me as your trusty guide. Theres even a lovely rhyme to help you remember: stir with a knife and stir up strife. Wait until someone else crosses its path first! The 14 Most Important Italian Superstitions 1. The fear that the eye could carry negative influences has been associated from time to time over the centuries with cross-eyed people, gypsies, red-haired people, men who wore dark glasses, etc., often creating discrimination and racist prejudices. You can unsubscribe at any time. Join us in our travels as we share places to visit, travel tips, recipes, and more. This website also participates in Google Adsense. These beliefs were generally held by the women in the household, who was responsible for preparing meals or setting tables. A similar superstition states that a knife that has "bitten" its owner will retain its sharpness and won't . The rarity and the consequently high cost of salt gave rise to a number of beliefs in the ancient world. #24: In China, it is believed that sleeping on a bed with knives under it will scare away evil spirits. Salt was extremely expensive in the inner part of Italy. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-banner-1','ezslot_1',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-banner-1-0');We all take knives for granted in modern times. Since the sailors were tall and fair-skinned in comparison to the islanders, and the fact that they had such an amazing gift convinced the Island people that they were gods! An empty hornets' nest, hung high, also will bring good luck to a house of any age. The importance of knives in our history and culture has resulted in superstitious beliefs about using knives and how they are handled. The tradition of first confession and first holy communion. Like a bad rash that won't go away, it will follow you wherever you go. #2: Sticking a knife into a cradle's headboard is believed to protect the baby. Caraway. It's especially bad luck to give a knife as a wedding gift because, according to folklore, it could cut the marriage ties. In Anglo-Saxon cultures, relatives or friends sometimes buried a knife with the dead so they would not reach the other side without protection. TIP: Cutting boards are an essential accessory for kitchen knives, but many people have a love-hate relationship with cutting boards. When making a toast in Italy, its considered unlucky to do it with water. As we look at some of these superstitious beliefs about knives, be aware that we in no way condone the use of knives in this way. Handing an open pocket knife to another person is considered a no-no because you will receive lousy luck in return.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); This belief probably arose from someone handing over an open pocket knife and accidentally cutting the other person n the process.
my new series of online video courses that use my unique 80/20 method. If the broken mirror is near the portrait of a living person, it means that person could die. Do you follow this custom? 12. Malocchio or "Evil Eye," is one of the Italians' main superstitions. Glock Field Knife FM78 Black (12161) (#165823625419) e***e (7373) Past month. 2) Ease Labor Pains During Childbirth The Roman numeral for 17 is XVII, but when rearranged to look like VIXI it means I have lived, a symbol thats placed on ancient tombstones and associated with death. We especially like traditional Japanese knives. The islanders deemed this service to be a fantastic and unimagineablely generous gift on the part of the gods, because it would bless their island home with the sons of the gods! The Evil Eye (Malocchio) They say to drop olive oil in a bowl of water and if it forms one large drop you have the Malocchio. 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. At any Italian meal, there will most likely be olive oil and salt. This probably dissuaded would-be thieves and people with malicious intent from breaking into the house. Which of these superstitions surprised you the most? 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 know. In Somerset a double-yolked egg was viewed with concern as it foretold of a hurried wedding due to a pregnancy. Used under Creative Commons. Hopefully, our advancement in knowledge and understanding has put some of these ancient knife superstitions to rest! 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. Whoever laughed on that day would be punished at the time of Christs resurrection on Sunday. If you gift a knife, especially to someone close to you, it can mean extremely bad luck. #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. TIP: Disposing of kitchen knives is never something that should be done casually. In Italy, its common for people to tocca ferro or touch iron. We just hopethey arent touching a hot iron. To ward against it, the Italians use a good . Cin cin! or (alla) salute!, is what you say in Italian when making a toast. 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. The Greeks used it for upset stomachs. Italian traditions and superstitions range from fear of black cats to curses associated with spilled salt. Want my "9 Steps to Reach Fluency Faster" playbook? You are said to be "matiasmenos" (the evil eye has been cast upon you) if you are dizzy or have a headache and yawn a lot. It is no coincidence that the word " sinistro" i n Italian means not only "left" but also "sinister", as in shady, or obscure. Did you know we now live in Lucca? The similarity of these beliefs from two distant parts of the world shows how different cultures placed the same value and significance on knives. Giving other items in exchange for the knife gift, such as an item of clothing or jewelry, is also an acceptable exchange to avoid negative consequences. Copyright - Our Italian Journey Blog 2015, 15 Italian Superstitions You Need to Know, So there you have it, fifteen Italian superstitions you need to know. As a matter of fact, the left side has always been associated with the devil. When youre feeling under the weather, chances are you want to take a nice hot bath to soothe your pain. Sons were more desirable in ancient times to carry on the family line. Sacrilegious. We promise to never spam you or sell your email address. An itching of the left eye is a sign of happiness to come. When it comes to shaking hands, Italians consider it bad luck to cross their arms when shaking someones hand. Sign up for news about new reviews and special offers! A hat on the bed is associated with eternal rest and death! Youll finally be able to connect with your Italian partner, speak to your relatives and enjoy authentic travel experiences in Italy that youve always dreamed of, and so much more. Here we explain ten of the most common. How we got here is the subject of our second book, "When Your Heart Finds Its Home," now also available on Amazon. I thought we had gotten way past it! 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. A knife that falls and sticks into the floor means bad luck in the near future for the knife owner. 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!. Watch where you lay your hat However, the damage can be mitigated if the receiver gives. Photography and infographics cannot be used without permission.Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms and Conditions, Language Learning for Travellers & Heritage Learners, Italian Travel Phrases Cheat-Sheet! The specific ways we do things, such as setting the table for guests or placing our eating utensils on the plate after a meal, have their roots in old-time superstitions. Here are 15 Italian superstitions that you need to know or at least be aware of. If you are single, be careful when a friend or family member clean the house in your presence. When the ship was restocked, each man said goodbye to his 30 or so girls, and told them, You have known a god intimately! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We match you with expert teachers in over 300 subjects so that you can learn something new through 100% The idea is that once you cut yourself accidentally with a knife, you have a special bond with the knife. Salt and oil should not be passed from hand to hand. 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. I use my working knowledge of the English language to help you get into the Italian mindset so you can avoid the common pitfalls and errors English speakers make because I made them once too! So, a new teenager was supplied to each sailor each night, depending on which girls were in their fertile window at the time. Making A Toast. #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. Lucky & Unlucky numbers. 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. https://bit.ly/3msCL3p, http://martinkopm78123.myparisblog.com/6063049/-----------------/ personalized lessons. This old Chinese belief is similar to the Greek superstition about sleeping with a knife under your pillow. Before your Italian vacation, familiarize . If the mirror cracks by itself, on the other hand, it means that the owner may lose a close friend. #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. We, however, think they are super cute! Subscribe to my newsletter to receive detailed travel guides, exclusive travel and language learning tips, priority access to giveaways and more! TIP: Custom knives are a worthwhile buy for a knife enthusiast or anyone needing a superior-quality knife. 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! To ward off any curse, people wear charms in the shape of an eye; to remove the curse . We like to learn new knowledge about knives and therefore we decided to establish this website. (Lets have a look at them!). This belief is also linked to horses which were frightened by the devil-like eyes of cats while travelling at night. SharpyKnives.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Whatever you do, never walk underneath a ladder! We wouldnt want your next trip to Italy to be cursed by the evil eye calledMalocchio! Basically, knives meant power. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is especially true for various clubs and organizations, privately or government held. Or that in France its actually good luck to step in dog poop with your left foot? Never accept knives, scissors, or other sharp items as presents. If someone brushes over your feet by accident, then youre destined to be single for the rest of your life. The thread can be held by the woman herself, or by someone else. Never place a hat on a bed - not only is it associated with bad luck, but also death. 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 Here are some common superstizioni GOOD LUCK: Seeing a spider at night: a sure sign of monetary income. A loaf of bread must always be placed on a table, facing up according to Italian traditions. 17 Weird Italian Superstitions Italians ACTUALLY Live By. Another similar superstition is that you should always give a pocket knife back the way you received it. 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.
After a long day of sightseeing you might be tempted to toss your hat onto your beddont! 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. #14: A knife made of steel is believed to protect you against curses and fairies. #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. But apart from these common references, we . 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. The knife, a Finnish fixed blade outdoor knife called a puukko, is given to trusted employers or contacts and always presented with the handle first to signify trust and friendly intentions. The belief is usually ominous in nature or that the event can shape subsequent events or the future.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Superstitions are mostly disappearing from our society, but certain people still hold onto these traditions, sometimes without even realizing it themselves. 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. Find Private Teaching Jobs on TakeLessons. The Evil Eye (Malocchio) The Evil Eye is one of the most ancient superstitions in Italy. 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. Cats (Felines) Some of us grew up that it is a sign of good luck if a black cat crosses your path. Having 13 people around the table at mealtime is considered bad luck, as there were 13 people at the Last Supper. This effectively purchases the knife from the friend, bypassing the effect of superstition. For Italians, it is essential to keep an umbrella holder on the doorstep, outside the house. The symbolism of the knife Knives have always been seen as powerful objects. 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. In fact, Italy is said to be one of the most superstitious countries in the world. 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. Youll go from a shy, confused beginner to a proficient and confident intermediate speaker, with me as your trusty guide. Theres even a lovely rhyme to help you remember: stir with a knife and stir up strife. Wait until someone else crosses its path first! The 14 Most Important Italian Superstitions 1. The fear that the eye could carry negative influences has been associated from time to time over the centuries with cross-eyed people, gypsies, red-haired people, men who wore dark glasses, etc., often creating discrimination and racist prejudices. You can unsubscribe at any time. Join us in our travels as we share places to visit, travel tips, recipes, and more. This website also participates in Google Adsense. These beliefs were generally held by the women in the household, who was responsible for preparing meals or setting tables. A similar superstition states that a knife that has "bitten" its owner will retain its sharpness and won't . The rarity and the consequently high cost of salt gave rise to a number of beliefs in the ancient world. #24: In China, it is believed that sleeping on a bed with knives under it will scare away evil spirits. Salt was extremely expensive in the inner part of Italy. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-banner-1','ezslot_1',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-banner-1-0');We all take knives for granted in modern times. Since the sailors were tall and fair-skinned in comparison to the islanders, and the fact that they had such an amazing gift convinced the Island people that they were gods! An empty hornets' nest, hung high, also will bring good luck to a house of any age. The importance of knives in our history and culture has resulted in superstitious beliefs about using knives and how they are handled. The tradition of first confession and first holy communion. Like a bad rash that won't go away, it will follow you wherever you go. #2: Sticking a knife into a cradle's headboard is believed to protect the baby. Caraway. It's especially bad luck to give a knife as a wedding gift because, according to folklore, it could cut the marriage ties. In Anglo-Saxon cultures, relatives or friends sometimes buried a knife with the dead so they would not reach the other side without protection. TIP: Cutting boards are an essential accessory for kitchen knives, but many people have a love-hate relationship with cutting boards. When making a toast in Italy, its considered unlucky to do it with water. As we look at some of these superstitious beliefs about knives, be aware that we in no way condone the use of knives in this way. Handing an open pocket knife to another person is considered a no-no because you will receive lousy luck in return.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); This belief probably arose from someone handing over an open pocket knife and accidentally cutting the other person n the process.