italian superstitions knives italian superstitions knives

you're a superstitious gift giver, perhaps chose an alternative item from a couple's registry. An evil eye is not necessarily malicious; it is simply a look that brings misfortune. This means youll very rarely find the number 17 on Italian planes, streets, or in hotels, just to give a few examples. Vediamole insieme! There are two origins of this superstition. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'sharpyknives_com-portrait-2','ezslot_20',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-portrait-2-0');Anglo-Saxon warriors held their weapons in high regard; without them, they were vulnerable and weak. Mangia! Our first book, "Our Italian Journey," was written during our year in Italy experiencing the seducing charm of the country. 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). The belief is usually ominous in nature or that the event can shape subsequent events or the future.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Superstitions are mostly disappearing from our society, but certain people still hold onto these traditions, sometimes without even realizing it themselves. The 14 Most Important Italian Superstitions 1. 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. Instead of knocking on wood, tocca ferro or touch iron! 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. 4. Associated file (a video, audio, or image file): Another similar superstition is that you should always give a pocket knife back the way you received it. Italians sure have an original way to wish you good luck! #16: It is bad luck to say the word "knife" while at sea. Cin cin! or (alla) salute!, is what you say in Italian when making a toast. Sacrilegious. 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. It is said that the more you eat the richer youll become, so eat up! Thats why nowadays the act of spilling oil is considered to bring bad luck. Find out more in the article below:5 Proven & Safe TIPS: How To Dispose Of Kitchen Knives. In addition to learning Italian, familiarize yourself with these wives talesbefore your trip to avoid getting into any trouble. Used under Creative Commons. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Remember #5 above? 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. 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. Frog's spawn thrown over the left shoulder for good luck. 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. The thread can be held by the woman herself, or by someone else. In Italy, its common for people to tocca ferro or touch iron. We just hopethey arent touching a hot iron. The knife, a Finnish fixed blade outdoor knife called a puukko, is given to trusted employers or contacts and always presented with the handle first to signify trust and friendly intentions. According to Italian traditions, a loaf of bread must always be placed facing up. People get around this superstition by taping a penny to the blade (or in the box or card). #10: Bad things will happen if a knife falls and sticks into the floor. I certainly hope this superstition is not valid, given the number of knives I own! Make sure you cross off the unlucky days from your calendar first! Tuesday is believed to be dominated by Ares, the Greek god of war, who gives his name to Martes, or Tuesday, in Spanish. In Italy, if a black cat crosses your path, it is bad luck. After all, you dont want to take any chances! The first comes from ancient Rome, where umbrellas were used to protect against rain and sun. Your email address will not be published. A central aspect of Irish folklore is the wealth of traditional beliefs and superstitions that have been held by Irish people over the centuries. In fact, Italy is said to be one of the most superstitious countries in the world. This superstition comes from a time before electricity and artificial lighting. So, wishing someone to be into the wolfs mouth could also be interpreted as I wish you well. I thought we had gotten way past it! Perhaps not during Halloween but this is not true in Italy. Some of us grew up that it is a sign of good luck if a black cat crosses your path. These were superstition of maybe 50 years ago, the world has moved on, do should you. 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. We like to learn new knowledge about knives and therefore we decided to establish this website. I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. A rabbit's foot will bring. When making a toast in Italy, its considered unlucky to do it with water. Copyright 2023 Sharpy Knives - Passionate Sharpeners, Custom Knives: Should I Buy One? Like a bad rash that won't go away, it will follow you wherever you go. Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today! If someone does give you a knife as a wedding gift, you are supposed to give the gift-giver a penny in return so it is considered a "purchase." 7. This belief is also linked to horses which were frightened by the devil-like eyes of cats while travelling at night. Scout's honor. 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 . If you thrust a knife into the door of home, its meant to provide protection for everyone who lives in that house. 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 . The logic is that a knife can symbolize the severing of a relationship, so you shouldn't give it as a gift for events, especially weddings. We like to learn new knowledge about knives and therefore we decided to establish this website. This idiomatic expression is as widespread as the most traditional Buona fortuna (good luck). These "habits" are very hard to lose, despite rationality and cartesian logic. It is said that Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th man to sit at the table. Knives have been a part of peoples lives for centuries. The best part is that you have lifetime access so you learn anytime, anywhere and on any device. Italy is home to many weird and wonderful superstitions, with many still practised by Italians today. What was your superstition growing up that your mother or grandmother told you? The evil eye is bad energy usually brought upon by jealousy or envy from another person. Funny but I just dont see the significance of this yuck being a good thing. Some knife owners would never allow another person (with the exception of their SO) to touch their knives. Thats a taste of the many traditions and superstitions that have grown around knives through the centuries. The bread one is not precise. All cultures attribute great power to the human eye. Like that, the gift turns into a purchase and no harm will be done. Wedding Custom Superstitions Nothing is worth taking that chance! 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. Others are told to bring good luck, such as the four leaf clover or the number 7. These beliefs are not unique to a single culture or people group, indicating knives profound influence on a global scale. And when clinking glasses never cross between others. As a matter of fact, opening an umbrella indoors may bring financial bad luck: its a sign that you may soon no longer have a warm and cosy roof to live under, or you will be hit by some sort of tragedy such as losing your job or experiencing a natural calamity. The Romans believed the herb to be an antidepressant, and ancient Celtic warriors took it for courage. The knives production, their sharpening, and general care of knives are among our biggest hobbies. Theres even a lovely rhyme to help you remember: stir with a knife and stir up strife. 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). Sons were more desirable in ancient times to carry on the family line. (See you there!). Whoever opened an umbrella in the house did not pay respect to the Sun God and so would risk bringing misfortune to their family. A Loaf of Bread A loaf of bread must always be placed on a table, facing up according to Italian traditions. So, a new teenager was supplied to each sailor each night, depending on which girls were in their fertile window at the time. In order to ward off tempted fates of this "jinx," Italians extend their pinkie and index finger, while holding the others down. Later in time, the term superstio was applied to the outlawed religious cults in the Roman Empire. Find out more in the article below:All Knife Sharpening Stones Types Explained & Compared. Learn how your comment data is processed. #15: In Finland, a knife given as a gift is a sign of respect. Before you take the first sip after the toast, dont forget to tap the bottom of your glass on the table! Repercussions range from illness, misfortune, harm and sometimes even death. When youre feeling under the weather, chances are you want to take a nice hot bath to soothe your pain. Never pound a nail after sundown, or you will wake the tree gods. An itching of the left eye is a sign of happiness to come. 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. Hes definitely. The power of the Catholic church in Italian politics. In Italy, this is a sign of good luck will come your way. In ancient times, salt was invaluable. Posted by Leighton Taylor on May 13, 2014. 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. Be sure to hold on to this year's good luck by avoiding eating chicken, turkey, and other winged fowl. Beware of Friday 17th. If there's been a death in the family, superstition insists that knives should be carefully handled. 1. Like what you see? #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. 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). For Italians, it is essential to keep an umbrella holder on the doorstep, outside the house. In Italy, its also customary when passing the salt to place it on the table first before handing it over. Home General Info 15 Italian Superstitions You Need to Know. Copyright - Our Italian Journey Blog 2015, 15 Italian Superstitions You Need to Know, So there you have it, fifteen Italian superstitions you need to know. Knives and scissors Giving anything sharp, such as a knife or scissors, is bad luck, as it's thought to sever the relationship. A black cat crossing your path brings bad luck, and so does a priest you meet on the road. 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. It would be bad luck, therefore, to lay the bread upside-down on a table or counter. 8. A Lucky Number. 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. I break everything down in such a way that it clicks and just makes sense. So, its accepted practice in many cultures, even today, to include a coin with your gifted knife. Don't let the learning stop here. Knives are considered bad luck to give as a wedding gift, since knives represent a broken relationship. Corno Be on the lookout for this horn . A similar superstition says that piercing bread baked by a pregnant woman with a knife (or any pointed utensil) may cause the babys eyes to be poked out. The point when you give a coin with a knife is so the recipient of the blade can immediately give you the penny back. Another common superstition in the dark ages was that if you crossed your knife with any other piece of cutlery at the table, it was a sign that you were involved with witchcraft. For more tips, visit my guide on Italian culture to learn 18 weird things that Italian do that no one warns you about. Thats just one example. Find Private Teaching Jobs on TakeLessons. 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). These items were very expensive way back when and it is said that spilling them would bring bad luck. https://bit.ly/3msCL3p, http://martinkopm78123.myparisblog.com/6063049/-----------------/ Which one do you think is the weirdest? Putting the bread upside down was disrespectful for the cross not the bread. To get the nozze (Italian for wedding) started, most couples will have a rehearsal dinner, which begins our list of traditions and superstitions. 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. In feng shui, love can be enhanced by art in the bedroom depicting two mandarin ducks. #7: Two knives crossed on a table will cause a quarrel. If it swings back and forth, then the baby is a boy. If a cat is crossing the street, dont be the first one to cross its path, as youll have bad luck. 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. 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. 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.