Do you want to know some Italian superstitions that will amuse you?
Every culture has its distinctive quirks, eccentricities, and superstitions. These are the things that make each culture stand out from the rest of the world, even if they appear strange to an outsider.
Italians, despite living in a religious country, are no exception when it comes to superstitions, irrational beliefs, and practices aimed at warding off bad luck.
Across Italy, people use a variety of talismans and rituals to stave off ill fortune. Superstition is prevalent in the south, although you may encounter these beliefs all around the boot-shaped peninsula.
Funny Italian Superstitions
To avoid offending or scaring a local with a possibly controversial remark or gesture while visiting Italy, here is a list of superstitions many Italians live by – and which make non-Italians smile.
1. Eat lentils on the first day of the New Year.
On New Year’s Eve and January 1st, it is traditional in Italy to have lentils, which are referred to in Italian as lenticchie.
Lentils may not be part of any classic Italian dish, but the message that they carry is rather potent!
The shape of lentils, which resembles coins, is said to represent money and, as such, serves as a metaphor for the prosperity and abundance in which you hope to find yourself in the next year.
It has been stated that the more food you consume, the more money you will make, so making the most of your New Year means: “Eat well, eat lentils.”
2. In Italian culture, 17 is an unlucky number.
You won’t see the number 17 on any Italian planes or streets, or even in any of the country’s hotels. This number means bad luck in Italy.
Is there a reason for the arbitrary selection of the number 17? Italians believe that XVII (17) is an anagram of the Latin VIXI which means, “I have lived.” Since the past tense implies that death is imminent, Italians see this as a negative omen signifying bad luck.
3. “Un Giorno Nero”
Speaking of number 17… Be careful on Friday the 17th; it’s un giorno nero!
While Friday the 13th is considered a bad omen in many certain nations, Friday the 17th is considered “un giorno nero” – a black day – in Italy.
This Italian superstition may have originated from the story of Noah’s Ark and the Great Flood, which is told in the Book of Genesis of the Holy Bible. The story goes that the Great Flood took place on the 17th of the second month.
In addition, Friday is thought to be unlucky because Good Friday was the day that Jesus died on the cross.
4. The Unluckiest Day of All
If Friday the 17th is not scary enough for Italians, wait till it falls in the month of November! That would be the unluckiest day of all.
The reason for this is because All Souls’ Day is in November – the second day, to be exact. Friday the 17th taking place in November makes the pitiful month “the month of the dead.”
5. Never open an umbrella indoors.
An umbrella stand is a must-have for Italians when they leave their house in case of rain. Why? Because they don’t want the umbrella to open up on them while they’re in the house.
An umbrella being opened indoors is a sign of financial misfortune in Italy. It is interpreted as a harbinger of calamity, such as losing your job or being struck by a natural disaster.
This superstition stems from two different sources.
The first comes from the Roman era when people used umbrellas to shield themselves from both rain and the sun. They risked inflicting bad luck on their family by bringing an umbrella into their home, which was also disrespectful to the Sun God.
In the modern era, however, poor people frequently use umbrellas to repair gaps in their homes, which has led to the idea that opening an umbrella will bring financial hardship.
6. No hats allowed on the bed.
Never put a hat on a bed in Italy!
When priests visited the dying to receive their final confessions, they would remove their hats and place them on the bed so that they may put on the vestments. This is how this superstition came to be in the first place.
Having a hat on your bed is said to symbolize death and eternal slumber.
7. Use brand-new brooms.
A broom is an excellent present to give to newlyweds, newly-engaged couples, and other people who are moving into a new home.
Those who are moving in can forget about their previous misfortunes – thanks to the new broom, which can only bring them good fortune in the future.
8. “Tocca Ferro”
To avoid tempting fate, Italians say “tocca ferro” and then reach for something that is made of iron rather than touching or knocking on wood.
The origin of this Italian superstition can be traced back to the belief that horseshoes have the power to protect people from malevolent spirits. Some particularly superstitious Italians may carry small charms or even a nail that they can stroke whenever they feel the need to.
9. The Hearse With No Coffin
This is one of those superstitions in Italy that drive many Italians crazy.
A hearse that doesn’t carry a coffin means you’re in the wake of death, and soon people will be attending your funeral!
It’s okay to pass a hearse in either direction with a body inside. However, if the hearse is empty, then it is said to be pursuing another passenger, so your days are numbered.
10. Don’t spill olive oil and salt.
In Italy, one must avoid spilling any olive oil or salt at all costs. It’s viewed as a sign of misfortune by many.
This Italian superstition may have its origins in a bygone era when both goods were valuable and regarded as status symbols. Knowing that spilling them would bring bad luck has probably caused individuals to be a little more careful when handling them.
11. Defeat malocchio!
A glance of jealousy or envy known as the malocchio, or the evil eye, can do serious harm – according to Italian superstition. Your skull might hurt if someone stared into your eyes with the malocchio.
Make the shape of horns with your hand or wear a horn-shaped good luck charm to protect yourself from the evil eye.
12. Ward off bad luck with the Sign.
Making the sign of the horns, or le corna, can help ward off bad luck. Do it by extending your index and little fingers while keeping your middle and ring fingers in place with your thumb.
To avoid offending someone unnecessarily, make the sign with your hand pointing down instead of your hand pointing upwards.
13. Don’t celebrate your birthday in advance.
Greeting someone with “buon compleanno” or “tanti auguri” (which is how Italians say “happy birthday”) before their actual birthday is considered bad luck in Italy. Not even if it’s the day before your actual birthday; they won’t risk celebrating in advance!
It is unclear why this is the case, but Italians believe that wishing for a good outcome in advance is a bad omen.
The same holds for birthday celebrations in Italy: unless it’s the night before. This means you’ll have to wait until the wee hours of the morning to get together with your pals!
14. No toasting with water.
I have yet to toast with water, but after learning this I guess I’ll forever pass!
Italians make their toast only with wine, never with water. Water is considered unlucky for this purpose.
So when in Italy, remember: no toasting with water!
Very useful!!! 💕