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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'.