Italy: land of pasta, passion, and portafortuna (good luck charms). While many people know it for its art, cuisine and warm hospitality, there’s another lesser-known layer to Italian culture that’s as rich and tangled as a plate of tagliatelle al ragù: superstition.
From the North to the South, Italians can be remarkably superstitious. Some of these beliefs go back to Roman times, others are remnants of medieval folk wisdom and many still influence behaviour today, especially when it comes to love, health, death and the dreaded number 17.
Let’s take a curious stroll through the cobbled alleyways of Italian superstition and meet the icons, rituals, numbers and gestures that Italians still live by (or at least think twice about ignoring).
The Evil Eye (Malocchio) and How to Defend Yourself
Perhaps the most iconic superstition in Italy is the malocchio, or the “evil eye.” It’s the idea that a person can transmit negative energy just by looking at you with envy or malice. Think of it as bad vibes in concentrated, optical form.
To defend yourself, Italians often use:
- The Corno (Horn): A red, twisted horn charm often worn as a pendant or hung from rearview mirrors. Resembling a chili pepper, the corno dates back to pre-Christian fertility symbols and is believed to ward off bad luck and envy.
- The Mano Cornuta (Horned Hand): A hand gesture where the index and pinky fingers are extended (🤘), like a rock-and-roll salute. When done subtly, it’s a protective act. When done behind someone’s back… well, it might mean you’re accusing them of being a cornuto (cheated-on husband).
- Red underwear (especially on New Year’s Eve): wearing it is believed to attract love and luck, but only if it’s a gift. Buying it yourself ruins the magic!
The Dreaded Number 17
In much of the Western world, 13 gets a bad rap, but in Italy, 17 is the real villain.
Why? It’s all about Roman numerals. XVII, when rearranged, becomes VIXI, which in Latin means “I have lived” a poetic way of saying “I’m dead.”
As a result:
- Many hotels in Italy skip Room 17 entirely.
- Some planes avoid having a row 17.
- Italians may postpone weddings or important events if the date falls on a Friday the 17th (venerdì 17), considered especially unlucky.
So if you’re planning a destination wedding in Rome, you may want to avoid the 17th… unless you’re looking for a cursed honeymoon!
Spilled Salt, Bread and Table Taboos
Salt has long been associated with purity, prosperity and preservation. Spilling it is a big deal.
What to do if you spill salt:
- Throw a pinch over your left shoulder to blind the devil (who is always lurking there, apparently).
- Don’t just sweep it up and move on. That’s a recipe for lifelong misfortune.
Other table taboos include:
- Never place bread upside down on the table. Bread is sacred; it’s a symbol of Christ and disrespecting it invites divine wrath.
- Don’t cheers with water. It’s considered inauspicious. Always toast with wine, prosecco or at least something with bubbles!
- Avoid crossing utensils on your plate: That’s a death omen!
Yes, even mealtime can be a minefield of potential doom in Italy.
Lucky and Unlucky Animals
Animals in Italy can be both omens and protectors; it all depends on the context.
Lucky:
- Ladybugs (le coccinelle): If one lands on you, it’s a sign of coming good fortune. Don’t brush it off!
- Crickets (i grilli): Their song at night is believed to bring prosperity and serenity. Killing one? Not advised.
Unlucky:
- Black cats: Much like in other countries, they’re considered bad luck, especially if they cross your path from left to right. Ironically, Italy also has organisations dedicated to protecting black cats because of these harmful beliefs.
- Owls: Hearing one hoot near your home is seen as a harbinger of death. They’re majestic… but creepy, apparently.
Superstition in Love and Marriage
Italians are famously romantic, but they’re not taking any chances when it comes to matters of the heart.
- Don’t wear pearls on your wedding day: These shiny little gems are said to represent a bride’s future tears. Go for diamonds instead; they’re forever and tear-free!
- Avoid looking in the mirror while getting dressed for your wedding, unless you remove an accessory first. Otherwise, you’re courting bad luck.
- Spilling olive oil is said to lead to arguments in a relationship. Given how much oil is used in Italian cooking, this one’s hard to avoid!
Carnival, Superstitions and Masks with Meaning
Carnival in Italy isn’t just about parades and confetti (coriandoli), it’s steeped in superstitions and symbolism.
- Wearing a mask is historically linked to the idea of confusing evil spirits. If they can’t recognise you, they can’t curse you.
- Breaking plates during celebrations is a tradition in parts of Southern Italy. The loud noise scares off malevolent spirits (and maybe your neighbors).
- Throwing confetti isn’t just festive; the act of scattering it is a symbolic gesture to ward off infertility and ensure a fruitful future.
Superstition in the Home
Italian households often include subtle nods to folk beliefs:
- Scopa dietro la porta (broom behind the door): Keeps bad guests away. Think of it as passive-aggressive feng shui.
- A horseshoe above the door, always facing upward, like a cup catching good luck. Flip it down and you’re pouring the luck out!
- The plant basilico (basil) on the windowsill is believed to protect against negativity and attract love.
Moving house? Watch out:
- Never bring an old broom into a new home, it sweeps in old problems.
- Don’t move on a Friday, especially Friday the 17th. Start your new chapter on literally any other day.
Personal Superstitions & Everyday Faux Pas
Even everyday life comes with its own list of rules:
- Don’t put a hat on a bed: It’s a symbol of death. Priests used to remove their hat when giving last rites.
- Opening an umbrella indoors is a universal superstition and Italy takes it seriously.
- Never gift someone a handkerchief: It symbolises tears and sadness. If you must, have them “buy” it from you even for 1 cent.
Want to give someone a gift and wish them luck?
- Go for red coral, a silver horn or a four-leaf clover pendant. Just make sure you don’t touch it before giving it away to avoid transferring your luck!
Don’t Say “Buon Compleanno” Too Soon and Other Social Superstitions
In Italy, never wish someone “Buon Compleanno” (Happy Birthday) before their actual birthday it’s considered a major jinx! Even if you’re traveling or might not see them on the big day, it’s better to wait or say it on the day rather than risk bringing bad luck.
Italians take this so seriously that many will actively refuse early well-wishes, often responding with a half-joking but firm, “Non si dice prima!” (“You don’t say it early!”).
The same applies to birthday presents; gifting them in advance? Absolutely not. It’s a fast track to bad luck. Alongside this, celebrating New Year’s Eve without wearing red underwear is seen as inviting a year of romantic misfortune,
Gestures: The Secret Italian Language of Luck
Italians speak with their hands and not just for emphasis.
Some popular gestures rooted in superstition:
- Toccare ferro (Touch iron): Like “knock on wood” in English. It keeps jinxes at bay.
- Fare le corna (Make the horns): As we mentioned earlier, the hand gesture to fend off misfortune. Done subtly, it’s protective; done dramatically, it’s accusatory.
- Crossing your fingers is common too, but less powerful than a well-placed corno or a strategically thrown salt pinch.
From Superstition to Folklore: La Befana
No discussion of Italian superstition is complete without La Befana, the friendly witch who visits on the night of January 5th.
According to legend:
- She rides a broomstick (of course),
- Enters through the chimney,
- Leaves sweets for good children and coal for naughty ones.
However, she also sweeps away the problems of the past year, quite literally. So her annual visit is as much about cleansing bad energy as it is about sugary treats.
A Culture That Embraces Mystery
Despite being a thoroughly modern country, superstition remains woven into Italy’s cultural fabric. It’s not that Italians genuinely believe in all of these rituals (though some do). Rather, it’s a blend of caution, tradition and playfulness.
Much like carrying an umbrella on a cloudy day, maybe it won’t rain, but why risk it?
So whether you’re clinking glasses, choosing a wedding date or moving house in Italy, don’t be surprised if a friend leans in and says:
“Non è vero… ma ci credo.”
“It’s not true… but I believe it.”
And that, carissimi lettori, is the true charm of Italian superstition: it adds a dash of drama, a sprinkle of ritual and a whole lot of personality to everyday life.
Planning a Trip to Italy? Bring Your Lucky Charm!
If you’re planning to visit Italy (or join The Italian Journey in Nettuno), try embracing these quirky customs! You’ll find that Italians often love sharing their superstitions with a wink and a smile. Just remember:
- Avoid Room 17,
- Touch iron often,
- And never ever put a hat on a bed.
Did you love learning about Italian superstitions?
For more immersive insights into Italian life, language, and culture, visit Languages Alive or email us at info@languagesalive.com.
Because when you live Italian, you don’t just speak it, you feel it.