Tourist information: Italy superstitions

Superstitions in Italy
Every nation has their Old Wives' Tales and Italy is no exception.

I go to Southern Italy often on holiday to see my family and not one year goes by when I get yelled at for doing something
that I shouldn't be doing on a certain day.

The main thing that Italians are aware off is Malocchio, meaning Evil Eye.
Malocchio is best described as a curse, though strangely, can be something as simple as a compliment.
For example, if someone tells you your baby is beautiful, the fates have been tempted.
You must make the horn sign to protect your child.
The hand sign of extending your pinkie and index finger, while keeping the others folded back, is supposed to ward off the
evil spirit that someone has put on you.
Many Italians wear a horn-shaped charm (the corno) as a necklace for protection as well as having a corno hanging in their cars.

By all accounts, when Malocchio has been sent your way, you may get an excruciating headache and a Catholic that has
been baptised, communed and confirmed may be able to help.
They would have said a private prayer on New Years Eve, similar to an initiation rite that would have 'empowered' them by
the grace of God to rid you of Malocchio.

Many times has my Nonna, Zia's and even my mum ridded me of a headache this way.
Though you must not sit with your legs or arms crossed as this counter's the 'treatment'.

What is the superstition of the italian horn?

This lucky Italian charm is worn predominately as an amulet against "the evil eye," a curse imposed by a malicious gaze.
The Italians call this charm, "corno" meaning "horn."
The horn traditionally appears curved or wave-like.

Origins
This charm dates back to pre-Christian Europe and the belief that animal horns pointed to the moon (goddess) and were therefore scared.
According to the Skeptic Dictionary, it is believed that the evil eye originated in Sumeria.

Sources
The horn is sometimes thought to be one of the forest animal's horns, a horn from the devil or a unicorn, or a leprechaun's staff.
However, the horn is traditionally made of metal rather than being an actual horn.

Powers
Besides warding off the evil eye, the Italian horn is also known for general good luck and power - specifically sexual or paranormal powers.

The Evil Eye
The curse of the evil eye is well-known and wide-spread, cast upon another being simply with a glance and intense feelings of jealousy or envy. The evil eye can inflict everything from general bad luck to death.
At least seven languages plus English have words for "the evil eye," including Arabic, Hebrew, French, German, Italian and Scottish.

Corno gesture
If an Italian is not wearing a corno, they can also point only their index and pinkie fingers upwards like horns to ward off malice that may
derive from envious comments or glances.