Thats why, if youre taking a trip to Italy and dont want to be cursed by the malocchio (evil eye), there are a few common Italian superstitions that you need to know or at least be aware of! Giving something sharp to a friend can 'cut' your friendship In Ireland and several other countries, giving or passing someone a knife or scissors is said to sever the relationship. This superstition has its roots in religion and comes from the Last Supper, when Jesus traitor, Judas Iscariot, was the 13th and final person to be seated. The superstition remains so well known to this day that Masakage, the Japanese knife-maker, includes a five-yen coin in . Herb Folklore: Herbal Natural Remedies | The Old Farmer's Almanac Wait until someone else crosses its path first! If you thrust a knife into the door of home, its meant to provide protection for everyone who lives in that house. Perhaps not during Halloween but this is not true in Italy. 2. #11: In Iceland, it is believed that when a knife is dropped by someone while cleaning fish and the knife lands pointing in the direction of the sea, the fisherman will get a good haul the next time he goes fishing. A man hoping to get the gift of the gab Photo: iStockphoto. This is just a sample of the many unique Italian traditions and superstitions. Find out more in the article below:All Knife Sharpening Stones Types Explained & Compared. #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. Walking underneath a ladder meant breaking that sacred figure and attracting misfortune upon oneself. Ive even heard of one man who has a tendency to buy knives that have serial numbers that contain significant dates such as 1776, 911, or 1415. Let us be your guide to the most beautiful places in Italy. Planning a trip? Like that, the gift turns into a purchase and no harm will be done. 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. Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day for good luck. This superstition likely came from an era where personal safety was of great concern and required a weapon close at hand at all times to defend yourself. 1) A Gifted Knife Can End a Friendship The saying goes that a gifted knife will sever the ties between the giver and the receiver. While in some countries Friday the 13th is considered a bad omen, Italy has its own date that you should be fearful of, its Friday the 17th. 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. These beliefs are not unique to a single culture or people group, indicating knives profound influence on a global scale. #16: It is bad luck to say the word "knife" while at sea. Why People Include a Coin When They Gift a Knife Now you know the most common Italian superstitions youll need to be aware of. Never give a knife as a housewarming present, or your new neighbor will become an enemy. One belief that dates back to the Vikings (and is still held by many today) is that gifting a knife will cause your relationship to be severed. (Costs, Investment & More), Buyers Guide: Why & Which Swiss Army Knife You Should Buy, 5 Proven & Safe TIPS: How To Dispose Of Kitchen Knives, All Knife Sharpening Stones Types Explained & Compared.
