I know what its like to start from scratch and to even go back to absolute basics and learn what a verb is! 4. When it comes to shaking hands, Italians consider it bad luck to cross their arms when shaking someones hand. Like that, the gift turns into a purchase and no harm will be done. So, if this happens to you, dont panic, something good will probably happen to you! 2. Used under Creative Commons. bestens ! Impariamo insieme! We like to learn new knowledge about knives and therefore we decided to establish this website. Sweeping it all under the carpet. Friday the 13th va bene! 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. This superstition is linked to an old belief that since a mirror reflects ones own image, it could therefore also trap their soul. 2) Ease Labor Pains During Childbirth You should avoid eating anything with wings on New Year's Day because it is believed your good luck will "fly away" with your meal. But apart from these common references, we . God Bless You. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
. Whoever laughed on that day would be punished at the time of Christs resurrection on Sunday. We especially like traditional Japanese knives. Required fields are marked *. 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! As a matter of fact, the left side has always been associated with the devil. Opening an umbrella in a closed environment: Ah! 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. The reason for this is not exactly clear, Italians simply believe that early wishes might jinx them. Copyright 2023 Sharpy Knives - Passionate Sharpeners, Custom Knives: Should I Buy One? The thread can be held by the woman herself, or by someone else. This probably dissuaded would-be thieves and people with malicious intent from breaking into the house. Here are 15 Italian superstitions that you need to know or at least be aware of. medianet_versionId = "3111299";
. #16: It is bad luck to say the word "knife" while at sea. According to Italian traditions, a loaf of bread must always be placed facing up. 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 . 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! A sure sign of knowing whether or not you have the curse is to drop olive oil in a bowl of water. Want to get married? Let us be your guide to the most beautiful places in Italy. Registrations are now open to join Intrepid Italian, my new series of online video courses that use my unique 80/20 method. https://bit.ly/3msCL3p, http://martinkopm78123.myparisblog.com/6063049/-----------------/ A cup of basil tea after dinner helps digestion. In dangerous times, a weapon close at hand can give a sense of security, allowing the mind to relax and enjoy a peaceful sleep. 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. Salt and oil should not be passed from hand to hand. Start learning here! Before you take the first sip after the toast, dont forget to tap the bottom of your glass on the table! According to tradition, when priestsvisited the dying to give them their last rights, theywould remove their hat and put it on the bed. #4: Hundreds of years ago, people believed that placing a knife across another piece of cutlery was a sign of witchcraft. 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. The importance of knives in our history and culture has resulted in superstitious beliefs about using knives and how they are handled. Putting a hat on a bed is considered unlucky because its associated with death. Also, dont forget to wear red undergarments, as this too will bring you luck in the coming year. 1. 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. Knives are no less significant in our modern lives than our ancestors, but we no longer attribute the same connotations to knives, such as luck, destiny, and spiritual intervention. 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. It is believed that uncrossing or straightening them immediately will prevent bad luck or a quarrel from happening. Download your free PDF guide with 125 Italian travel phrases. Thrusting a knife into the door of a house is believed to provide protection. Luckily, tossing a pinch of the spilled salt over your left shoulder or dabbing a bit of spilled oil behind each ear is believed to prevent the misfortune. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Want my "9 Steps to Reach Fluency Faster" playbook? 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. 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. Many of these beliefs can be traced to Celtic traditions that the Catholic church failed to eradicate completely. Italian Superstitions: Il Malocchio. Remember that mattresses in those days were often material stuffed with straw rather than our scientifically designed space-age comfortable mattresses. Thats because they dont want the umbrella to accidentally pop open inside the house! You also wont see many Italian going outside with wet hair! Kissing the Blarney Stone. When you are making a toast in Italy, it is considered unlucky to do it with water. If the mirror cracks by itself, on the other hand, it means that the owner may lose a close friend. The knives production, their sharpening, and general care of knives are among our biggest hobbies. . The 14 Most Important Italian Superstitions 1. A new home is always cleansed by performing a ritual such as sprinkling salt in the corners of all the rooms. What are your knife idiosyncrasies or superstitions? Perhaps the idea that she had something with which she could stab the man responsible for her condition gave the mother-to-be a distraction from the painful childbirth! Ci vediamo l! For example, some believe you should never close a knife if someone else opened it. If the oil beads in a row through the centre, they must pray to a male saint. Wonder why there are no air conditioners in Italy? #11: In Iceland, it is believed that when a knife is dropped by someone while cleaning fish and the knife lands pointing in the direction of the sea, the fisherman will get a good haul the next time he goes fishing. If you want detailed destinations guides, languages learning tips, and travel phrase guides, then you've come to the right place! It's especially bad luck to give a knife as a wedding gift because, according to folklore, it could cut the marriage ties. These "habits" are very hard to lose, despite rationality and cartesian logic. As your guide, I walk you through each lesson, step-by-step, using my unique 80/20 method. As a native English speaker who learned Italian as an adult, I know what its like to feel hopeless and lack the confidence to speak. The Romans believed the herb to be an antidepressant, and ancient Celtic warriors took it for courage. It is also important not to cross the fork and knife, as they can cause fights. Its also bad luck to cross arms with anyone as you clink glasses. 1. 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. Superstition runs deep in the Italian upbringing. 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. Yet another pocket knife superstition is that you should never close a pocket knife that someone else has opened, or you will have bad luck. Cats (Felines) Some of us grew up that it is a sign of good luck if a black cat 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. In Italy, this is true especially when it crosses your path! 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. Perhaps not during Halloween but this is not true in Italy. Cheers! If youre single and you see someone sweeping the floor, make a run for it. The best part is that you have lifetime access so you learn anytime, anywhere and on any device. Never pound a nail after sundown, or you will wake the tree gods. This old Chinese belief is similar to the Greek superstition about sleeping with a knife under your pillow. These beliefs are not unique to a single culture or people group, indicating knives profound influence on a global scale. Thrusting it into the door of a house is also believed to provide protection. A loaf of bread must always be placed on a table, facing up according to Italian traditions. This one is so silly but Italian really believes it. In this case, the superstition goes against knife safety, as an open knife lying around can be hazardous. A toast is always done with champagne or wine. 2. We, however, think they are super cute! Learn more about how to say cheers in Italian on different occasions without making a faux pas. All cultures attribute great power to the human eye. Never accept knives, scissors, or other sharp items as presents. To a civilization without refined metal, glass, and anything but stone tools, a nail is so useful as to render godhood to the giver! You see it everywhere, the cornicello charm which looks like a spicy red pepper. Whatever you do, try not to spill any salt or olive oil as it is considered very bad luck. 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. A similar superstition states that a knife that has "bitten" its owner will retain its sharpness and won't . When your nose itches, it's either "pugni o baci," punches or kisses.
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. 2. Later in time, the term superstio was applied to the outlawed religious cults in the Roman Empire. While some still hold these to be true, KRUDO Knives likes to err on the side of caution & recommend you not try anything that may cause harm or fights with your friends & family. Handing someone a knife. Some of them include: jinxing gestures (like le corna the horns find out more about this in my guide to Italian gestures), carrying lucky charms and amulets like the cornetto, scratching genitalia, keeping red chilli peppers at your doorstep, and saying in bocca al lupo to wish someone good luck. We've included the country of origin wherever possible. 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. Also, never stir anything, like a stew or soup, with your knife. #15: In Finland, a knife given as a gift is a sign of respect. A knife that falls and sticks into the floor means bad luck in the near future for the knife owner. Sleeping with a knife under your pillow gives you peace of mind that you are protected with a weapon nearby, which results in a peaceful nights sleep. 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. It doesn't matter if it's raining cats and dogs (piovendo a catinelle). The Chinese believe that good luck can be found in pairs. https://caidenizkt26268.blogunok.com/5397132/---------------/ 2 We wouldnt want your next trip to Italy to be cursed by the evil eye calledMalocchio! 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). Unlike the number 13, the number 17 is considered bad luck. The knives production, their sharpening, and general care of knives are among our biggest hobbies. Traditional Irish Folklore. We grow up with unspoken regulations to ward off bad luck, and just as casually perform rituals to draw in good fortune. We are simply looking at knife superstitions from the perspective of interest. #21: Slicing hot cornbread with a knife implies cutting your luck. #19: In some parts of America, people believe that sharpening any blade after the sun goes down is bad luck. According to Italian superstition, you should never raise a toast with a glass full of water, as it is considered bad luck. Black cats are thought to be a sign of bad luck. These are superstition. 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. 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. When making a toast in Italy, its considered unlucky to do it with water. Learn how your comment data is processed. A tickling nose is a sign of getting drunk. For example, in Ireland it meant a fight was going to happen soon (but of course). 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). 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. These beliefs were generally held by the women in the household, who was responsible for preparing meals or setting tables. This is especially true for various clubs and organizations, privately or government held. However, in Italy, 13 is considered a lucky number! It even comes with my famous Celebrate with a Spritz Guarantee. Sacrilegious. Photo by SOG. http://edgarzryc36945.mybloglicious.com/25760990/ Another Italian tradition is to eat lentils (lenticchie, in Italian) on New Years Eve and January 1st. KRUDO Knives: when what you carry matters! If youre wondering, why number 17? Having 13 people around the table at mealtime is considered bad luck, as there were 13 people at the Last Supper. The superstition remains so well known to this day that Masakage, the Japanese knife-maker, includes a five-yen coin in . If you are interested in checking out the best kitchen knives, we recommend buying knives made by the Wsthof company. As a native English speaker who learned Italian as an adult, I know what its like to feel hopeless and lack the confidence to speak. These are not traditions. Fortunately, modern lighting means that you can safely sharpen a knife at night without the risk of ruining your luck! I grew up making sure I didnt walk under a ladder. 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). Mangia! 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 . But what exactly is a superstition and where does this term come from? 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). Watch where you lay your hat So, a new teenager was supplied to each sailor each night, depending on which girls were in their fertile window at the time. And when clinking glasses never cross between others. Find out more in the article below:5 Proven & Safe TIPS: How To Dispose Of Kitchen Knives. 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. "Tocca ferro". 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. Bad Luck Speaking of bad luck, knife superstitions are full of situations where knives can lead to bad luck. This website also participates in Google Adsense. 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! 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. Nothing is worth taking that chance! Otherwise, it'll cause an argument. I would not have the space on my hands for all the scars! In China the first coins were tiny knives, equal in value to one knife. Check out these moving superstitions from around the world and try your luck. Thats one instance where people are wrong who say its the thought that counts. Just thought you might want to know. Salt was extremely expensive in the inner part of Italy. Borage. If the knife's handle comes to rest pointing at you (or whoever is asking the question), then that means your future spouse will be fair. You know you will hear about it from family or friends if a Friday falls on the 13th of the month! Poultry & Winged Fowl. 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. What does it mean when they say in italian ari facce? How a lot of these superstitions and traditions are followed with a sense of obligation to family and culture. From magic mice to hungry wolves, take a look at 10 of our favourite bizarre Italian superstitions and traditions. To get the nozze (Italian for wedding) started, most couples will have a rehearsal dinner, which begins our list of traditions and superstitions. There is a superstition to never grab or pass a knife from hand to hand. Quick Navigation. Learn the local language with my unique 80/20 method. Which one do you think is the weirdest? Be sure to hold on to this year's good luck by avoiding eating chicken, turkey, and other winged fowl. And, there you have it--twenty-six beautiful representations of what it means to revere knives (perhaps a little too much?!) According to Italian traditions, a loaf of bread must always be placed facing up. This kind of stuff was around during the middle ages. No, not even on the day before! 1. A hat on the bed is associated with eternal rest and death! With a long heritage of custom designed hunting, fishing and tactical tool development we understand the importance of getting it right every time. That way there is no risk of having them fall. However these superstitions were probably through 50 years ago certainly not now. If you break a mirror you will be the happy beneficiary of 7 years of bad luck. This effectively purchases the knife from the friend, bypassing the effect of superstition. The first comes from ancient Rome, where umbrellas were used to protect against rain and sun. Get her free guide 9 reasons youre not fluentYET & how to fix it! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There are plenty of strange Italian superstitions, irrational beliefs and practices that all aim to ward off bad luck. #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. This symbol can still be found nowadays as a lucky charm that Italians carry around to protect themselves. 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 . An evil eye is not necessarily malicious; it is simply a look that brings misfortune. If you are single, be careful when a friend or family member clean the house in your presence. This superstition is similar to gifting a knife to a friend, but in this case, the superstition is that the knife will sever the love between the couple.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'sharpyknives_com-netboard-1','ezslot_17',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-netboard-1-0'); Many people take this superstition further and will not give a knife as a wedding gift to avoid it becoming a problem for the couples relationship. A black cat crossing your path brings bad luck, and so does a priest you meet on the road. An old proverb explains this superstition: "On Tuesday, don't get married, embark on a journey or move . While in some countries Friday the 13th is considered a bad omen, Italy has its own date that you should be fearful of, its Friday the 17th. Owners Blood Knife Superstition. (Lets have a look at them!). The Greeks used it for upset stomachs. The girls sired on previous days waited on each man hand and foot! This action could have severe implications in those times when witches were drowned or burned. To ward against it, the Italians use a good . If, however, the falls with the blade pointing out to sea, you will have a good catch that day! Instead of knocking on wood, tocca ferro or touch iron! Well, you should know that the Roman number of 17, XVII, is an anagram of VIXI, meaning I have lived. 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!. 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. #24: In China, it is believed that sleeping on a bed with knives under it will scare away evil spirits. Old or broken kitchen knives can potentially cause injury if not disposed of correctly. If you play with a knife, the angels will run away from you. You've made it to the bestplace online to learn about survival knives and other survival gear. Join us in our travels as we share places to visit, travel tips, recipes, and more. According to Italian traditions, its customary to eat lentils after the clock strikes 12:00. This popular belief has a very ancient origin and has to do with the shape of an open ladder, the triangle. The unknown of the afterlife meant that warriors did not want to enter the unknown without a weapon to defend themselves. #2: Sticking a knife into a cradle's headboard is believed to protect the baby. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The symbolism of the knife Knives have always been seen as powerful objects. Men must never give their wives or girlfriends a gift of perfume. If you want to protect yourself against the evil-eye, carry a corincello charm around with you at all times. This superstition likely came from an era where personal safety was of great concern and required a weapon close at hand at all times to defend yourself. So when a mirror breaks, it breaks you as well. 3. Past month. 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. 12. "Topolino dei denti". This superstition is not taken so seriously anymore as nowadays people get married and go on holiday on any day of the week (unless, of course, its Friday 17th!). Knives have been a part of human culture, survival, and religion for millennia, so unsurprisingly, many superstitions and beliefs have arisen over the years. Italian traditions and superstitions range from fear of black cats to curses associated with spilled salt. It is considered very bad luck to give someone a knife without exchanging money or the friendship will be cut by the knife . Tuesday, on the other hand, was already unlucky among the Romans because it was dedicated to Mars, the God of war and discord. 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? Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day for good luck. Feng shui superstitious beliefs are based on traditional Chinese superstitions, and can bring luck and positive chi energy into your home. However, according to Italian traditions, doing this when youre sick will only make you worse. Looking back at my childhood in Ireland, I find it amazing . Ill buy one now and again to stock up before they get discontinued forever. To prevent this from happening, the recipient should give a "payment" to ensure that the relationship will not be cut. So including any kind of coin did the trick with a knife gift. 1. If the knife is given to a friend, money must be exchanged as well. Some knife owners believe that you don't truly own a knife unless it has "tasted your blood.". Finally, there should not be 13 dinner guests . 1. Back to Ten delightfully irrational Italian superstitions More galleries IN PICTURES: Gina Lollobrigida, the Italian film star dubbed the 'world's most beautiful woman' IN PICTURES: The history of the Vespa Not sure if you really needed to know this information but, Padua: An Overlooked Town in the Veneto Region, CLICK HERE FOR DISCLAIMER & PRIVACY POLICY. Walking underneath a ladder meant breaking that sacred figure and attracting misfortune upon oneself. The bread one is not precise. #2: Sticking a knife into a cradle's headboard is believed to protect the baby. Scout's honor.