The tradition of first confession and first holy communion. January 10, 2021 Many of our Italian relatives believe in superstitions. This superstition is based on an old religious fact that bread is considered a symbol of life. One variant of this superstition includes the fact that the bad luck will mean pain or stitches. The person who opened it must close it to avoid bad luck. This means that if you choose to purchase one of these knives or other productson Amazon, Amazon will pay us a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find them by clickinghere(Amazon link). Today, this superstition is often interpreted to mean that giving knives as wedding gifts will cause the newlyweds to quarrel. It is no coincidence that the word sinistro in Italian means not only left but also sinister, as in shady, or obscure. I guess fishermen needed some excuse for coming home with no fish in the boat! With a long heritage of custom designed hunting, fishing and tactical tool development we understand the importance of getting it right every time. While this may have been a belief in the past, thrusting a knife into a door of your home today might require you to have protection from your spouse! The first comes from ancient Rome, where umbrellas were used to protect against rain and sun. This effectively purchases the knife from the friend, bypassing the effect of superstition. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Cheers! Hopefully, our advancement in knowledge and understanding has put some of these ancient knife superstitions to rest! You've made it to the bestplace online to learn about survival knives and other survival gear. medianet_height = "250";
An old Greek belief states that placing a black-handled knife under your pillow will prevent nightmares. Another similar superstition is that you should always give a pocket knife back the way you received it. bestens ! In the U.S., people will knock on wood to avoid tempting fate. What are your knife idiosyncrasies or superstitions? Like many countries, Italy has its fair share of wacky traditions and superstitions. The charm, which resembles a chili pepper or a small horn, represents the horns of the Old European Moon Goddess and will bring you luck. Which one do you think is the weirdest? Did you know we now live in Lucca? 2. The knives production, their sharpening, and general care of knives are among our biggest hobbies. 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 . Copyright KRUDO Knives, INC. | All rights reserved | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Design By iFame Media, Assets That Hold Value During Uncertain Times, 6 Hobbies for Guys That Arent Video Games, Selling a pocket knife is a problem? So when a mirror breaks, it breaks you as well. Thank you for your support! This superstition comes from the fact that as far back as the days of the Ancient Roman Empire, oil was considered a luxury so if you spilled some, it would be money wasted. Italian-American Superstitions The Evil Eye: Malacchio While jealousy exists in all cultures, Malacchio is a curse that can be put on a person without even meaning to. Kissing the Blarney Stone. The roots of this superstition go back to the Middle Ages, when the black cat was associated with evil and witchcraft and therefore seen as bad luck. According to Italian traditions, however, taking a bath when youre sick will only make you sicker aswill going outside with wet hair. The 14 Most Important Italian Superstitions 1. Religious ceremonies and rituals frequently involved the use of knives, which led to spiritual-based superstitions around knives and their use. The ferro in the saying stands for ferro di cavallo (horseshoe) which in the past was believed to ward off the devil, witches, and evil spirits. As knife lovers, we all have our beliefs, superstitions, and idiosyncrasies regarding knives. A baby keeps its luck in the grimy lines of its hands. An Italian superstition says that when you get out of bed you should always place your right foot first and then your left one. So including any kind of coin did the trick with a knife gift. 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. I have recently seen it done in some weird American table setting guide, but it's absolutely a no-no in etiquette. 4. If. Beware of Friday 17th. Here are 15 Italian superstitions that you need to know or at least be aware of. The recipient can then return the penny as "payment" so that the knife is no longer considered a gift. Our advice would be to put it on the table for them to pick up themselves. Tuesday, on the other hand, was already unlucky among the Romans because it was dedicated to Mars, the God of war and discord. Planning a trip? According to tradition, when priestsvisited the dying to give them their last rights, theywould remove their hat and put it on the bed. Italians do not care for the number 17. Of course, of all tools, the knife is one of the oldest and most useful. If you are a single woman with hopes of meeting your Principe Azzurro (Prince Charming), be careful around brooms! Feng shui superstitious beliefs are based on traditional Chinese superstitions, and can bring luck and positive chi energy into your home. Handing an open pocket knife to another person is considered a no-no because you will receive lousy luck in return.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); This belief probably arose from someone handing over an open pocket knife and accidentally cutting the other person n the process. #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. It is no coincidence that the word " sinistro" i n Italian means not only "left" but also "sinister", as in shady, or obscure. Thats why nowadays the act of spilling oil is considered to bring bad luck. A baby born at full moon will be lucky. 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. Instead of knocking on wood, tocca ferro or touch iron! The Greeks used it for upset stomachs. Superstitions about knives come from an age where a lack of understanding required an explanation for unexplainable events. Youll go from a shy, confused beginner to a proficient and confident intermediate speaker, with me as your trusty guide. Thrusting it into the door of a house is also believed to provide protection. Find out more in the article below:5 Proven & Safe TIPS: How To Dispose Of Kitchen Knives. Nowadays many superstitions have lost (almost) any contact with religion but theyve become a significant part of the culture and form the basis of many Italian life rules. An itching of the right eye means sadness. 2) Ease Labor Pains During Childbirth Youll go from a shy, confused beginner to a proficient and confident intermediate speaker, with me as your trusty guide. Perhaps not during Halloween but this is not true in Italy. 1. Making A Toast. This means youll very rarely find the number 17 on Italian planes, streets, or in hotels, just to give a few examples. If a cat is crossing the street, dont be the first one to cross its path, as youll have bad luck. I grew up making sure I didnt walk under a ladder. This belief is also linked to horses which were frightened by the devil-like eyes of cats while travelling at night. Friday the 13th va bene! If it swings back and forth, then the baby is a boy. We especially like traditional Japanese knives. Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today! Eighteenth and Ninteenth Century British Merchant Sailors were known to pry nails out of the ships, because South Pacific Islanders would trade absolutely anything for them. Italians are - for the most part - superstitious. Learn more about how to say cheers in Italian on different occasions without making a faux pas. Whether it comes to things to avoid doing, or practices to do per scaramanzia (to ward off bad luck), or jinxes to ensure that good fortune comes your way, in this guide youll discover 17 strange Italian superstitions that are taken very seriously, particularly in the south of Italy and among older generations. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-banner-1','ezslot_1',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-banner-1-0');We all take knives for granted in modern times. Albert Einstein. Make sure you cross off the unlucky days from your calendar first! #16: It is bad luck to say the word "knife" while at sea. When 17 is viewed as the Roman numeral, XVII, and then changed anagrammatically to VIXI (just change the position of numerals), you will get your answer! 11. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-leader-3','ezslot_7',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-leader-3-0');Many of the superstitions involving knives relate to a time when spirits, demons, and luck were considered to play a significant role in the fate of humans. Whatever you do, try not to spill any salt or olive oil as it is considered very bad luck. To pass on the stairs is unlucky, but to stumble going up foretells a wedding, but to break a mirror means seven years bad luck. To avoid bad luck, Italian gypsies never steal pearls, coral, or silver. An old belief was that a knife placed under the mattress of a woman in labor would ease the labor pains she experienced. But the 17th can 'va' a cagare or vaccaga' [excuse my rudeness ;-)] As mentioned before, today's date is just another day in Italy and is associated with the goddess of fertility. Luckily, tossing a pinch of the spilled salt over your left shoulder or dabbing a bit of spilled oil behind each ear is believed to prevent the misfortune. If, however, the falls with the blade pointing out to sea, you will have a good catch that day! If the mirror cracks by itself, on the other hand, it means that the owner may lose a close friend. The bread one is not precise. Otherwise, it'll cause an argument. Also blood related: Never sheath a knife after battle if it has not tasted blood, as it will fail you the next time you need it. Some knife owners would never allow another person (with the exception of their SO) to touch their knives. The rarity and the consequently high cost of salt gave rise to a number of beliefs in the ancient world. 1. Another good reason to not eat chicken or turkey on New Year's Day is that . According to Italian superstitions, you should never sit at a table with 12 other diners as this will give you bad luck. From religion to good and bad omens, safety and protection, there is no doubt that knives have left an indelible mark on human culture and society! Why does giving somebody a knife bring bad luck? Caraway. #20: Some hunters believe that the knife you use to kill game (not dress it) should never be handled by a woman. Speaking of bad luck, knife superstitions are full of situations where knives can lead to bad luck. 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. Giving other items in exchange for the knife gift, such as an item of clothing or jewelry, is also an acceptable exchange to avoid negative consequences. 1. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Knives as Wedding Gifts. #14: A knife made of steel is believed to protect you against curses and fairies. Some dont buy certain knives because of an unlucky serial number--like one having 666. When making a toast in Italy, its considered unlucky to do it with water. Among the ancient Romans, sprinkling salt on the ruins of conquered cities meant preventing them from flourishing again (as salt makes the soil infertile). Poultry & Winged Fowl. These are superstition. If you do it, either someone will tirarti un occhiataccia (give you a dirty look) or tell you to close it and open it outside. Thats because a knife given as a gift can symbolically cut the relationship. When you are making a toast in Italy, it is considered unlucky to do it with water. Repercussions range from illness, misfortune, harm and sometimes even death. JoySignals ? According to Italian traditions, a loaf of bread must always be placed facing up. If you gift a knife, especially to someone close to you, it can mean extremely bad luck. The origin of this saying is medieval and religious: in the Gospels, Friday is in fact the day of Jesus crucifixion and its reserved for penance. Below is the list superstitions we discuss: Malocchio The bane of many an Italian when someone looks at you in an envious manner they can give you the evil eye, even unintentionally. Nail an evergreen branch to new rafters to bring good luck. I read somewhere that this superstition refers to the Last Supper as there were 13 people at the table; twelve Apostles and Jesus. They feel it is a very unlucky number although I really couldnt figure out why. Caraway was used to scent perfumes and soaps. After 30 days of using Intrepid Italian, if you dont want to celebrate your new-found Italian skills with an Aperol Spritz, you dont have to pay a penny! Looking back at my childhood in Ireland, I find it amazing . Learn more about Italian birthday traditions here. This superstition is linked to an old belief that since a mirror reflects ones own image, it could therefore also trap their soul. Thats one instance where people are wrong who say its the thought that counts. Just thought you might want to know. But apart from these common references, we . So, if you find yourself at a table of thirteen, watch your back! The Italian culture has many beliefs passed down from generation to generation and even though many of them may seem absurd to an outsider, they are taken more or less seriously by natives! Find out if you should buy a custom knife in the article below:Custom Knives: Should I Buy One? Spanish Superstitions. When your nose itches, it's either "pugni o baci," punches or kisses. Like a bad rash that won't go away, it will follow you wherever you go. A lot of superstitions revolve around warding off evil spirits, we collected 25 common wedding superstitions for you to consider. Or do you find it silly? What was your superstition growing up that your mother or grandmother told you? Consequently, the islanders wanted their most beautiful virgins to conceive offspring by them, as many as each sailor could sire during the one-month period of restocking supplies available on the islands. But what exactly is a superstition and where does this term come from? Older Post This superstition is based on the religious fact that bread is considered a symbol of life, therefore, its bad luck to turn the bread up-side-down or stick a knife into it. Grazie! 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. If meeting friends and you are not married, be aware of where you sit at the table. Not sure good luck has come to him but it was indeed funny! . Past month. We grow up with unspoken regulations to ward off bad luck, and just as casually perform rituals to draw in good fortune. If you are not feeling well and under the weather, you might be inclined to want to take a nice hot bath to soothe your aches and pains. : ( ) Lets have a look at the top 5 most famous superstitions still used today in Italy! Whoever laughed on that day would be punished at the time of Christs resurrection on Sunday. #19: In some parts of America, people believe that sharpening any blade after the sun goes down is bad luck. As we look at some of these superstitious beliefs about knives, be aware that we in no way condone the use of knives in this way. In Italy, this is a sign of good luck will come your way. Be careful though! It's especially bad luck to give a knife as a wedding gift because, according to folklore, it could cut the marriage ties. WELCOME TO SHARPY KNIVES!We are passionate sharpeners, Anton and John. Italians believe that these evil contraptions blow dangerously cold air in your face, leading to colpo dari or a punch of air.. If you thrust a knife into the door of home, its meant to provide protection for everyone who lives in that house. Never give a knife as a housewarming present, or your new neighbor will become an enemy. This sign could be seen as the old-time equivalent of the modern sign stating, trespassers will be shot! It acted as a deterrent to inform would-be criminals that the homeowner has no problem defending his household with violence. Thats just one example. Survival Knife Experts is financially supported by Amazon affiliate links. #12: Getting a knife as a gift from your lover means that your love will soon end. Did you know that if you are walking outside and a pigeon poops on your head, it is a sign of good luck in Italy? Ill buy one now and again to stock up before they get discontinued forever. All cultures attribute great power to the human eye. If now a mere mortal was to know you in the same way, her will surely die! In this way the sailors were guaranteed that no other males would touch their virgins! 26 Knife Superstitions That May Surprise You: #1: Placing a knife under the bed of a woman giving birth is believed to ease her pain during labor. It is best known as a curse, but can be most accurately compared to a "jinx" in America. The evil eye (to mati) One of the well-known superstitions in Greece but also in numerous other countries, the 'evil eye' is believed to be caused by a compliment or jealousy. It is believed that uncrossing or straightening them immediately will prevent bad luck or a quarrel from happening. If the oil beads in a row through the centre, they must pray to a male saint. Another thing to avoid is having thirteen people sitting at a table! In Somerset a double-yolked egg was viewed with concern as it foretold of a hurried wedding due to a pregnancy.
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