The similarity of these beliefs from two distant parts of the world shows how different cultures placed the same value and significance on knives. 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. "La Befana". Thank you for your support! For more tips, visit my guide on Italian culture to learn 18 weird things that Italian do that no one warns you about. Its also bad luck to cross arms with anyone as you clink glasses. If you are interested in checking out the best kitchen knives, we recommend buying knives made by the Wsthof company. These beliefs were generally held by the women in the household, who was responsible for preparing meals or setting tables. In Italy, its common for people to tocca ferro or touch iron. We just hopethey arent touching a hot iron. An old belief was that a knife placed under the mattress of a woman in labor would ease the labor pains she experienced. TIP: Knife sharpening stones, or whetstones, come in such a wide variety that it can be challenging to choose the best stone to sharpen your knives. We are always looking for something to blame for our misfortunes rather than taking a good look at ourselves! For example, some believe you should never close a knife if someone else opened it. Here we explain ten of the most common. If you are a single woman with hopes of meeting your Principe Azzurro (Prince Charming), be careful around brooms! It is believed that uncrossing or straightening them immediately will prevent bad luck or a quarrel from happening. Cultural Context: It is believed that passing a sharp item between two people will lead to a physical altercation or a friendship cut short. Fortunately, I do not subscribe to this superstition and welcome all knife gifts! This is just a sample of the many unique Italian traditions and superstitions. In Southern Italy, superstitions run rampant. Perhaps not during Halloween but this is not true in Italy. 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. 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. A sure sign of knowing whether or not you have the curse is to drop olive oil in a bowl of water. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. (Free PDF Download). Now you know the most common Italian superstitions youll need to be aware of. It is said that the more you eat the richer youll become, so eat up! 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. That way, the recipient can give the coin to you and pay you for the knife. Knives and scissors Giving anything sharp, such as a knife or scissors, is bad luck, as it's thought to sever the relationship. You can unsubscribe at any time. Another Italian tradition is to eat lentils (lenticchie, in Italian) on New Years Eve and January 1st. One belief that dates back to the Vikings (and is still held by many today) is that gifting a knife will cause your relationship to be severed. A similar superstition states that a knife that has "bitten" its owner will retain its sharpness and won't . Repercussions range from illness, misfortune, harm and sometimes even death. A cup of basil tea after dinner helps digestion. 2. #22: If you cross your knife with your spoon after eating, you are indicating that the food didn't taste good and that you're wishing the cook to have bad luck. They feel it is a very unlucky number although I really couldnt figure out why. People get around this superstition by taping a penny to the blade (or in the box or card). If knives are on your registry, just give the gift giver a penny . A knife that falls and sticks into the floor means bad luck in the near future for the knife owner. The importance of knives in our history and culture has resulted in superstitious beliefs about using knives and how they are handled. #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. 17 Weird Italian Superstitions Italians ACTUALLY Live By. In fact, Italy is said to be one of the most superstitious countries in the world. If the oil beads in a row through the centre, they must pray to a male saint. 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! Whoever opened an umbrella in the house did not pay respect to the Sun God and so would risk bringing misfortune to their family. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I grew up making sure I didnt walk under a ladder. TIP: Cutting boards are an essential accessory for kitchen knives, but many people have a love-hate relationship with cutting boards. Our advice would be to put it on the table for them to pick up themselves. One variant of this superstition includes the fact that the bad luck will mean pain or stitches. 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. 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). Learn more about Italian birthday traditions here. Opening an umbrella in a closed environment: Ah! Italian Superstitions: Il Malocchio. 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. According to Italian superstition, you should never raise a toast with a glass full of water, as it is considered bad luck. No matter what your level is, there is an Intrepid Italian course for you, including: You can join 1, 2, or all 3 courses, its entirely up to you. Posted by Leighton Taylor on May 13, 2014. 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. If the needle settles into a circular motion then the baby is a girl. Learn more about how to say cheers in Italian on different occasions without making a faux pas. 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. Its because the number is considered unlucky. 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. In China the first coins were tiny knives, equal in value to one knife. In Italy, this is a sign of good luck will come your way. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. The unknown of the afterlife meant that warriors did not want to enter the unknown without a weapon to defend themselves. What does it mean when they say in italian ari facce? 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. 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. I know. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sharpyknives_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_14',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-narrow-sky-2-0');In some cases, an eligible young woman would hope that accidentally dropping the knife would result in a gentleman caller that would be a potential suitor. If meeting friends and you are not married, be aware of where you sit at the table. Not sure good luck has come to him but it was indeed funny! It is no coincidence that the word sinistro in Italian means not only left but also sinister, as in shady, or obscure. This means youll very rarely find the number 17 on Italian planes, streets, or in hotels, just to give a few examples. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-leader-2','ezslot_6',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-leader-2-0');This implies that if you find a pocket knife lying about that someone else has opened it, you should not close it. #2: Sticking a knife into a cradle's headboard is believed to protect the baby. #1: Placing a knife under the bed of a woman giving birth is believed to ease her pain during labor. 9 reasons youre not fluentYET & how to fix it. Every culture had their own traditions for what to include in a tomb or coffin for the dead to take with them into whatever lies beyond. Some traditions call for using your blade as soon as you get it to draw some blood from your hand, bonding the knife to you. This sign could be seen as the old-time equivalent of the modern sign stating, trespassers will be shot! It acted as a deterrent to inform would-be criminals that the homeowner has no problem defending his household with violence. An Italian superstition says that when you get out of bed you should always place your right foot first and then your left one. 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. This superstition may have originated in ancient times when knives were used as weapons. Finding a button on the ground: a new friendship is on the horizon. In fact, we were in San Gimignano and it actually happened to Gary while we were eating gelato in a piazza. 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. Impariamo insieme! If someone envies you or your family, the curse may be placed on those people. 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! You could be struck with all kinds of sicknesses, most of which include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Your email address will not be published. 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! Survival Knife Experts is financially supported by Amazon affiliate links. 1. Thank you for your support of Survival Knife Experts! 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. That counteracts any chance the knife has of cutting the ties that bind your relationship. medianet_width = "600";
If the broken mirror is near the portrait of a living person, it means that person could die. I guess fishermen needed some excuse for coming home with no fish in the boat! This superstition actually dates back to the Vikings who believe that gifting a knife to someone implies that the receiver isnt able to buy himself a good enough knife to kill the giver so he has to be given the knife for free. Putting a hat on a bed is considered unlucky because its associated with death. #8: Some knife owners believe that you never truly own a knife unless it has "bitten" you (tasted your blood). As a matter of fact, the left side has always been associated with the devil. 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! January 10, 2021 Many of our Italian relatives believe in superstitions. 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. Wedding Custom Superstitions WELCOME TO SHARPY KNIVES!We are passionate sharpeners, Anton and John. Given that there are still people living on earth who will mistake another human for a god if he has a knife (something of such unimagineable utility it could only come from a god) its understandable how such superstitions persist. Lucky & Unlucky numbers. The rarity and the consequently high cost of salt gave rise to a number of beliefs in the ancient world. These "habits" are very hard to lose, despite rationality and cartesian logic. According to Italian traditions, a loaf of bread must always be placed facing up. Consider the following: buy some good mascara, a floral crown, a veil, delete the knife set off your online gift registry and change your wedding day to any other day than Saturday. In Italy, if a black cat crosses your path, it is bad luck. Your email address will not be published. Well, you should know that the Roman number of 17, XVII, is an anagram of VIXI, meaning I have lived. To see a shooting star is a sign of death. If. The logic of the time suggested that certain physical acts had the power to influence our lives, future, and good fortune. #14: A knife made of steel is believed to protect you against curses and fairies. 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! If the mirror cracks by itself, on the other hand, it means that the owner may lose a close friend. 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. 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). Wonder why there are no air conditioners in Italy? Before your Italian vacation, familiarize . Friday the 13th va bene! if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-leader-3','ezslot_7',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-leader-3-0');Many of the superstitions involving knives relate to a time when spirits, demons, and luck were considered to play a significant role in the fate of humans. Black cats are thought to be a sign of bad luck. Knife superstitions have been credited with breaking friendships or even the simple solution for getting a good nights sleep. Never accept knives, scissors, or other sharp items as presents. A tickling nose is a sign of getting drunk. Spanish Superstitions. For Italians, it is essential to keep an umbrella holder on the doorstep, outside the house. (Eat!). We promise to never spam you or sell your email address. guaranteed, An itching of the right eye means sadness. Cats (Felines) Some of us grew up that it is a sign of good luck if a black cat crosses your path. 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. A Lucky Number. In feng shui, love can be enhanced by art in the bedroom depicting two mandarin ducks. 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. Yes, the dreaded evil eye ( malocchio ), the fear of every Italian. Never give a knife as a housewarming present, or your new neighbor will become an enemy. 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. Whatever you do, try not to spill any salt or olive oil as it is considered very bad luck. 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. We especially like traditional Japanese knives. #3: In Greece, putting a knife with a black handle under your pillow is believed to keep away nightmares. If the knife is given to a friend, money must be exchanged as well. 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. 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. Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. Before you take the first sip after the toast, dont forget to tap the bottom of your glass on the table! Today, this superstition is often interpreted to mean that giving knives as wedding gifts will cause the newlyweds to quarrel. 1. There is a popular Italian proverb that says: Di Venere o di Marte non si sposa e non si parte, n si d principio allarte (by Venus or Mars, one neither marries nor departs, nor does one begin art). 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. With a long heritage of custom designed hunting, fishing and tactical tool development we understand the importance of getting it right every time. Let me know using thecomments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation. If you gift a knife, especially to someone close to you, it can mean extremely bad luck. Italy is home to many weird and wonderful superstitions, with many still practised by Italians today. "Topolino dei denti". A similar superstition is spilling salt on the table. But because they have played such a central role in the lives of millions of people, its not surprising that interesting knife traditions and knife superstitions have developed over the years. 11. At least, thats what people in ancient China believed. As Halloween has arrived, Carol King outlines what Italians do to ensure good luck - and ward off bad luck. Handing someone a knife. For the Egyptian people, the triangle was a sacred figure. Ladies, dont get any ideas with this one! It would be bad luck, therefore, to lay the bread upside-down on a table or counter. The bread one is not precise. These items were very expensive way back when and it is said that spilling them would bring bad luck. Knives as Wedding Gifts. We, however, think they are super cute! Newer Post . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Vixi (VIXI) in Latin means "I have lived / I lived", implying "My life is over.". Fortunately, modern lighting means that you can safely sharpen a knife at night without the risk of ruining your luck! Like a bad rash that won't go away, it will follow you wherever you go. You also wont see many Italian going outside with wet hair! There is a superstition to never grab or pass a knife from hand to hand. This is where the saying alzarsi con il piede sbagliato (literally: getting up with the wrong foot, which is the equivalent of the English idiom waking up on the wrong side of the bed) originated from. http://edgarzryc36945.mybloglicious.com/25760990/ We especially like traditional Japanese knives. How we got here is the subject of our second book, "When Your Heart Finds Its Home," now also available on Amazon. 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. The best part is that you have lifetime access so you learn anytime, anywhere and on any device. A hat on the bed is associated with eternal rest and death! It even comes with my famous Celebrate with a Spritz Guarantee. #4: Hundreds of years ago, people believed that placing a knife across another piece of cutlery was a sign of witchcraft. 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! 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. Frog's spawn thrown over the left shoulder for good luck. 3. 4. 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 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. what its like to start from scratch and to even go back to absolute basics and learn what a verb is! Once a knife has taken its owner's blood, the owner must not share that knife with anyone.