Knives have been a part of peoples lives for centuries. However, in Italy, 13 is considered a lucky number! 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. Get her free guide 9 reasons youre not fluentYET & how to fix it! After 30 days of using Intrepid Italian, if you dont want to celebrate your new-found Italian skills with an Aperol Spritz, you dont have to pay a penny! If you are interested in checking out the best kitchen knives, we recommend buying knives made by the Wsthof company. Theres even a lovely rhyme to help you remember: stir with a knife and stir up strife. Sweeping it all under the carpet. Do you follow this custom? Some knife owners believe that you don't truly own a knife unless it has "tasted your blood.". Hes definitely. This is especially true for various clubs and organizations, privately or government held. Of course, of all tools, the knife is one of the oldest and most useful. Bad Luck Speaking of bad luck, knife superstitions are full of situations where knives can lead to bad luck. From magic mice to hungry wolves, take a look at 10 of our favourite bizarre Italian superstitions and traditions. In the U.S., people will knock on wood to avoid tempting fate. TIP: Disposing of kitchen knives is never something that should be done casually. You will never find an Italian putting his or her hat down on a bed. According to the Italian Superstitions website Italyville.com here are a few: Never lay a loaf of bread upside down. An Italian superstition says that when you get out of bed you should always place your right foot first and then your left one. I promise not to spam you. Posted by Leighton Taylor on May 13, 2014. In this case, the superstition goes against knife safety, as an open knife lying around can be hazardous. you're a superstitious gift giver, perhaps chose an alternative item from a couple's registry. 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. A baby keeps its luck in the grimy lines of its hands. 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! Perhaps not during Halloween but this is not true in Italy. It doesn't matter if it's raining cats and dogs (piovendo a catinelle). Associated file (a video, audio, or image file): Like that, the gift turns into a purchase and no harm will be done. If you want detailed destinations guides, languages learning tips, and travel phrase guides, then you've come to the right place! 4. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 1. I thought we had gotten way past it! The superstition remains so well known to this day that Masakage, the Japanese knife-maker, includes a five-yen coin in . A black cat crossing your path brings bad luck, and so does a priest you meet on the road. 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. 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. Another thing to avoid is having thirteen people sitting at a table! These were superstition of maybe 50 years ago, the world has moved on, do should you. 11. Impariamo insieme! That way there is no risk of having them fall. Many of these beliefs can be traced to Celtic traditions that the Catholic church failed to eradicate completely. So, it was a win-win solution; put a knife under the mattress to ease the pain and give birth to a son! Don't worry about reading a Top 13: in some countries, 13 is thought of as an unlucky number, but in Italy 13 is a lucky number. Forget Friday 13th being unlucky! We are always looking for something to blame for our misfortunes rather than taking a good look at ourselves! According to tradition, when priests came to visit the sick on their deathbed to receive their final confessions, they would remove their hat and set it on the bed so that they could put on the vestments. What are your knife idiosyncrasies or superstitions? #1: Placing a knife under the bed of a woman giving birth is believed to ease her pain during labor. A baby born at full moon will be lucky. The Wickedness Eye (Malocchio) The Evil Eye is of the most ancient superstitions in Italy. This probably dissuaded would-be thieves and people with malicious intent from breaking into the house. According to Italian superstition, you should never raise a toast with a glass full of water, as it is considered bad luck. https://bit.ly/3msCL3p, http://martinkopm78123.myparisblog.com/6063049/-----------------/ Lucky & Unlucky numbers. For similar reasons, a pocketknife should be handed to someone only if it's closed. Every culture has its own set of New Years traditions. This is just a sample of the many unique Italian traditions and superstitions. January 10, 2021 Many of our Italian relatives believe in superstitions. #2: Sticking a knife into a cradle's headboard is believed to protect the baby. Corno Be on the lookout for this horn . The person who opened it must close it to avoid bad luck. The logic of the time suggested that certain physical acts had the power to influence our lives, future, and good fortune. It's especially bad luck to give a knife as a wedding gift because, according to folklore, it could cut the marriage ties. 2. The thread can be held by the woman herself, or by someone else. 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. 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. Did you know we now live in Lucca? It is said that Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th man to sit at the table. God Bless You. Knife superstitions are not restricted to specific geographical locations but come from all parts of the world. 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. Knives have been a part of human culture, survival, and religion for millennia, so unsurprisingly, many superstitions and beliefs have arisen over the years. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. (Let's learn together!). Among the ancient Romans, sprinkling salt on the ruins of conquered cities meant preventing them from flourishing again (as salt makes the soil infertile). An itching of the left eye is a sign of happiness to come. Vixi (VIXI) in Latin means "I have lived / I lived", implying "My life is over.". 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. Thus, to avoid the intended insult, Vikings would sell a knife to a friend extremely cheap the cost of one copper coin. 26 Knife Superstitions That May Surprise You: #1: Placing a knife under the bed of a woman giving birth is believed to ease her pain during labor. Here are 15 Italian superstitions that you need to know or at least be aware of. If someone brushes over your feet by accident, then youre destined to be single for the rest of your life. Its common for people moving into a new home-especially newlywedsto rid evil spirits and bless their home by performing certain rituals, such as sprinkling salt in the corners of all the rooms. The Italian culture was heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic church, which reveres religious symbols as holy relics, and any insult to these symbols was an insult to the faith. The importance of knives in our history and culture has resulted in superstitious beliefs about using knives and how they are handled. However, the damage can be mitigated if the receiver gives. Never accept knives, scissors, or other sharp items as presents. guaranteed, Knives and scissors Giving anything sharp, such as a knife or scissors, is bad luck, as it's thought to sever the relationship. Not sure good luck has come to him but it was indeed funny! So including any kind of coin did the trick with a knife gift. In Italy, however, you should say Tocca ferro! and touch some iron instead! To ward against it, the Italians use a good . An old Greek belief states that placing a black-handled knife under your pillow will prevent nightmares. An evil eye is not necessarily malicious; it is simply a look that brings misfortune. You can unsubscribe at any time. 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. Otherwise, it'll cause an argument. Check out the explanation of why to always use a cutting board in the article below:7 Crucial Reasons Why You Should Always Use A Cutting Board, 7 Crucial Reasons Why You Should Always Use A Cutting Board, All You Need to Know About Knife Tangs (Full or Partial?). Also blood related: Never sheath a knife after battle if it has not tasted blood, as it will fail you the next time you need it. Its also bad luck to cross arms with anyone as you clink glasses. 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. There are two origins of this superstition. #19: In some parts of America, people believe that sharpening any blade after the sun goes down is bad luck. This one is so silly but Italian really believes it. The tradition of first confession and first holy communion. Fortunately, I do not subscribe to this superstition and welcome all knife gifts! 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). The slight mistranslation in Christ Stopped at Eboli. I have recently seen it done in some weird American table setting guide, but it's absolutely a no-no in etiquette. If someone envies you or your family, the curse may be placed on those people. Remember that mattresses in those days were often material stuffed with straw rather than our scientifically designed space-age comfortable mattresses. That way, the recipient can give the coin to you and pay you for the knife. Italians believe that these evil contraptions blow dangerously cold air in your face, leading to colpo dari or a punch of air.. The Chinese believe that good luck can be found in pairs. Black cats are thought to be a sign of bad luck. Throwing it on the floor or on the table was unlucky because you had to buy it again. I'm the 'guide' behind The Intrepid Guide, an Award-Winning site for travellers and language learners with thousands of readers, 1,000+ students, and a popular newsletter. Newer Post . 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. Before your Italian vacation, familiarize . 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! The point when you give a coin with a knife is so the recipient of the blade can immediately give you the penny back. You are offering no explanation. No, not even on the day before! The Greeks used it for upset stomachs. Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. The bread one is not precise. Well, you should know that the Roman number of 17, XVII, is an anagram of VIXI, meaning I have lived. There are plenty of strange Italian superstitions, irrational beliefs and practices that all aim to ward off bad luck. And, there you have it--twenty-six beautiful representations of what it means to revere knives (perhaps a little too much?!) Every region seems to have its version of the Wickedness Eye, however, some take it more seriously than . If you do it, either someone will tirarti un occhiataccia (give you a dirty look) or tell you to close it and open it outside. with a knife, butter knife usualy, and then rubs the water and oil on our forheads, wrists in the sign of the cross, and then splashes it a liitle over im going to ask her to teach me . The Evil Eye (Malocchio) The Evil Eye is one of the most ancient superstitions in Italy. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. The rarity and the consequently high cost of salt gave rise to a number of beliefs in the ancient world. When it comes to shaking hands, Italians consider it bad luck to cross their arms when shaking someones hand. TIP: Custom knives are a worthwhile buy for a knife enthusiast or anyone needing a superior-quality knife. 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. 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! #21: Slicing hot cornbread with a knife implies cutting your luck. If, however, the falls with the blade pointing out to sea, you will have a good catch that day! We like to learn new knowledge about knives and therefore we decided to establish this website. Speaking of bad luck, knife superstitions are full of situations where knives can lead to bad luck. However these superstitions were probably through 50 years ago certainly not now. Check out the complete guide on buying a Swiss Army Knife in the article below:Buyers Guide: Why & Which Swiss Army Knife You Should Buyif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-leader-4','ezslot_8',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-leader-4-0'); An old Irish belief is that if you drop a knife in your home, you can expect a gentleman caller, but if you drop a fork, a lady visitor will be on your doorstep shortly. Join us in our travels as we share places to visit, travel tips, recipes, and more. Home General Info 15 Italian Superstitions You Need to Know. In fact, Italy is said to be one of the most superstitious countries in the world. #24: In China, it is believed that sleeping on a bed with knives under it will scare away evil spirits. 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! Our first book, "Our Italian Journey," was written during our year in Italy experiencing the seducing charm of the country. To see a shooting star is a sign of death. Walk around it, in front of it, behind it, but not under. If you must accept it, pay the giver a penny, which will reverse . Below, we explore the 15 strangest Italian traditions and superstitions. TIP: Cutting boards are an essential accessory for kitchen knives, but many people have a love-hate relationship with cutting boards. Owners Blood Knife Superstition. Many other cultures followed similar traditions and buried warriors with swords, knives, lances, and shields. #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. The similarity of these beliefs from two distant parts of the world shows how different cultures placed the same value and significance on knives. Ill buy one now and again to stock up before they get discontinued forever. Yes, the dreaded evil eye ( malocchio ), the fear of every Italian. If a cat is crossing the street, dont be the first one to cross its path, as youll have bad luck. If meeting friends and you are not married, be aware of where you sit at the table. Also, dont forget to wear red undergarments, as this too will bring you luck in the coming year. 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! (Lets have a look at them!). With a long heritage of custom designed hunting, fishing and tactical tool development we understand the importance of getting it right every time. 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. Friday the 13th va bene! 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. The reason for this is not exactly clear, Italians simply believe that early wishes might jinx them. That stirs up trouble. Thats because a knife given as a gift can symbolically cut the relationship. As a matter of fact, the left side has always been associated with the devil. Be careful though! Salt was extremely expensive in the inner part of Italy. They feel it is a very unlucky number although I really couldnt figure out why. Every culture has its own superstitions passed down from generation to generation. The way around this superstition is to give a penny with a knife. Funny but I just dont see the significance of this yuck being a good thing. Just as with the story of numbers that bring bad luck (17 in Italy vs. 13 in other countries), Italians also like to differentiate themselves with regard to another kind of superstition! An old belief was that a knife placed under the mattress of a woman in labor would ease the labor pains she experienced. Its because the number is considered unlucky. According to Italian traditions, a loaf of bread must always be placed facing up. When the sun goes down and daylight fades, it is difficult to see the fine edge of a knife clearly in the dim light of a lantern or candle. When youre in Italy, dont put a hat on a bed! Crazy, right? An itching of the right eye means sadness. Feng shui superstitious beliefs are based on traditional Chinese superstitions, and can bring luck and positive chi energy into your home. Today, this superstition is often interpreted to mean that giving knives as wedding gifts will cause the newlyweds to quarrel. If the knife is given to a friend, money must be exchanged as well. In Anglo-Saxon cultures, relatives or friends sometimes buried a knife with the dead so they would not reach the other side without protection. Item: When a woman is pregnant, a needle hung from thread is held over the pregnant woman's palm. The unknown of the afterlife meant that warriors did not want to enter the unknown without a weapon to defend themselves. A similar superstition states that a knife that has bitten its owner will stay sharp longer and is less likely to accidentally cut its owner. Make sure you cross off the unlucky days from your calendar first! Italians sure have an original way to wish you good luck! When youre in Italy, you should be careful when pouring olive oil on your salad, you dont want to be cursed by spilling it! 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). Luckily, there is a way around this - by accepting a coin in exchange. While this may have been a belief in the past, thrusting a knife into a door of your home today might require you to have protection from your spouse! 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. . Planning a trip? 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. 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! Even in those cases, I can guarantee you, that there is a level 17. Putting a hat on a bed is considered unlucky because its associated with death. It's the look that one person gives to another if they are jealous or envious. In Italy, this is true especially when it crosses your path! 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. Looking back at my childhood in Ireland, I find it amazing . Find out more in the article below:5 Proven & Safe TIPS: How To Dispose Of Kitchen Knives. Italian for Confident Conversations (A2-B2), Italian culture to learn 18 weird things that Italian, Intrepid Italian for Advanced Beginners (A2), Italian Culture: 19 Weird Things Italians Do That No One Warns You About, 8 DEADLY mistakes in Italian (& How to Avoid Them), 20 Hilarious Everyday Italian Expressions You Should Use, Romanesco: 25 Cool Roman Dialect Words You Should Use in Rome, 10 Reasons Why Learning Italian Will Change Your Life, 10 Italian Expressions Italians Love Saying, 10 Italian Phrases That Will Instantly Make You Sound more Italian. If you are a single woman with hopes of meeting your Principe Azzurro (Prince Charming), be careful around brooms! 1. Andrea Malossini's book - which collects over one thousand superstitious - reports, in an orderly manner, Italian superstitious beliefs along with a brief description of their origin and mening.The intent is to give the reader an idea of Italian superstitions, in a smooth and easy way, hoping, thanks to the suggestion in the titles, to . You could be struck with all kinds of sicknesses, most of which include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. It is no coincidence that the word sinistro in Italian means not only left but also sinister, as in shady, or obscure. Opening an umbrella in a closed environment: Ah! The knives production, their sharpening, and general care of knives are among our biggest hobbies. The recipient can then return the penny as "payment" so that the knife is no longer considered a gift.
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