Instead, the knife should be put down on a table and the person on the receiving end should pick it up. As knife lovers, we all have our beliefs, superstitions, and idiosyncrasies regarding knives. According to folklore, a knife signifies a broken relationship and is bad luck to give as a wedding gift. All Rights Reserved. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive detailed travel guides, exclusive travel and language learning tips, priority access to giveaways and more! https://brookshbhm81681.blogdemls.com/6363726/--------------/ , hydroxychlor 200mg aralen phosphate chloroquine phosphate quinine for lupus, used to treat malaria chloro covid cure clorquine. The superstition remains so well known to this day that Masakage, the Japanese knife-maker, includes a five-yen coin in . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This superstition may have originated in ancient times when knives were used as weapons. God Bless You. It is said that the more you eat the richer youll become, so eat up! We like to learn new knowledge about knives and therefore we decided to establish this website. If the knife falls and points towards land, the fisherman will not catch anything the next time he goes fishing. medianet_width = "600";
Looking back at my childhood in Ireland, I find it amazing . 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. (Free PDF Download). Wedding Custom Superstitions As a matter of fact, the left side has always been associated with the devil. Today, this superstition is often interpreted to mean that giving knives as wedding gifts will cause the newlyweds to quarrel. since bread is the body of Christ, it's disrespectful (to leave Jesus on his head that is) Follow that up with never stick a knife into a loaf of bread which obviously doesn't include cutting it. Or that in France its actually good luck to step in dog poop with your left foot? If the bristles of a broom touch your feet you will not get married! 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 1. Another similar superstition is that you should always give a pocket knife back the way you received it. If you thrust a knife into the door of home, its meant to provide protection for everyone who lives in that house. The idea is that once you cut yourself accidentally with a knife, you have a special bond with the knife. 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. 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. The symbolism of the knife Knives have always been seen as powerful objects. Sacrilegious. This one is so silly but Italian really believes it. The main reason for this superstition from Italy is that performing this act insulted the cross of Christ and would result in nothing going your way. Your email address will not be published. Watch where you put your left foot! Ill buy one now and again to stock up before they get discontinued forever. In fact, we were in San Gimignano and it actually happened to Gary while we were eating gelato in a piazza. How to choose the best survival knife for yoursituation. Finally, there should not be 13 dinner guests . Lets have a look at the top 5 most famous superstitions still used today in Italy! Scout's honor. In Italy, its common for people to tocca ferro or touch iron. We just hopethey arent touching a hot iron. A Lucky Number. 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. In Italy, however, you should say Tocca ferro! and touch some iron instead! Took a while but i love it! Join Intrepid Italian here and start learning today! Some givers often tape a penny to the blade so that the receiver will simply just return it as "payment.". It is said that Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th man to sit at the table. Putting a hat on a bed is considered unlucky because its associated with death. Sleeping with a knife under your pillow gives you peace of mind that you are protected with a weapon nearby, which results in a peaceful nights sleep. If there's been a death in the family, superstition insists that knives should be carefully handled. Wonder why there are no air conditioners in Italy? At least, thats what people in ancient China believed. If you play with a knife, the angels will run away from you, and if you play with fire, you will pee in your bed. Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today! In China the first coins were tiny knives, equal in value to one knife. Not sure good luck has come to him but it was indeed funny! This superstition is still very much alive today, even among theatre actors, who never bring a real mirror on stage to prevent it from breaking. 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. Very bad luck! 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. Men must never give their wives or girlfriends a gift of perfume. These items were very expensive way back when and it is said that spilling them would bring bad luck. Whatever you do, never walk underneath a ladder! Once a knife has taken its owner's blood, the owner will never sell or trade that knife with anyone. I thought we had gotten way past it! 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. In addition to learning Italian, familiarize yourself with these wives talesbefore your trip to avoid getting into any trouble. Back to Ten delightfully irrational Italian superstitions More galleries IN PICTURES: Gina Lollobrigida, the Italian film star dubbed the 'world's most beautiful woman' IN PICTURES: The history of the Vespa Here are 15 Italian superstitions that you need to know or at least be aware of. Funny but I just dont see the significance of this yuck being a good thing. It is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. In ancient times, salt was invaluable. Lucky & Unlucky numbers. Kissing the Blarney Stone. Start learning here! The way around this superstition is to give a penny with a knife. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sharpyknives_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Many social superstitions regarding knives came about because of the general superstitious nature of humans in the early part of our history. Nothing is worth taking that chance! #23: To make sure that a pregnant woman will give birth to a boy, the husband needs to stick a knife into the mattress of her bed. Every culture had their own traditions for what to include in a tomb or coffin for the dead to take with them into whatever lies beyond. This superstition is linked to an old belief that since a mirror reflects ones own image, it could therefore also trap their soul. https://bit.ly/3msCL3p, http://martinkopm78123.myparisblog.com/6063049/-----------------/ Just as with the story of numbers that bring bad luck (17 in Italy vs. 13 in other countries), Italians also like to differentiate themselves with regard to another kind of superstition! These were superstition of maybe 50 years ago, the world has moved on, do should you. Its common for people moving into a new home-especially newlywedsto rid evil spirits and bless their home by performing certain rituals, such as sprinkling salt in the corners of all the rooms. An Italian superstition says that when you get out of bed you should always place your right foot first and then your left one. This post contains affiliate links which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a link at no additional cost to you. A knife, they say, will cut the ties that bind a friendship together. Learn how your comment data is processed. bestens ! If you play with a knife, the angels will run away from you. These beliefs are not unique to a single culture or people group, indicating knives profound influence on a global scale. An old belief was that a knife placed under the mattress of a woman in labor would ease the labor pains she experienced. 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. In Europe, we all share common superstitions : walking under a ladder, seeing a black cat, breaking a mirror, opening an umbrella indoors, all those widespread superstitions are told to bring bad luck. Youll go from a shy, confused beginner to a proficient and confident intermediate speaker, with me as your trusty guide. Check out the explanation of why to always use a cutting board in the article below:7 Crucial Reasons Why You Should Always Use A Cutting Board, 7 Crucial Reasons Why You Should Always Use A Cutting Board, All You Need to Know About Knife Tangs (Full or Partial?). Posted by Leighton Taylor on May 13, 2014. It even comes with my famous Celebrate with a Spritz Guarantee. 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. I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. #9: Some knife owners also believe that you should never close a knife (either folding it in or putting it back in its sheath) if someone else has opened it because it is bad luck. To get the nozze (Italian for wedding) started, most couples will have a rehearsal dinner, which begins our list of traditions and superstitions. Whetheryou're a total beginner or know a thing or two about knives, browse around for info on how to choose a survival knife, what the best survival knife is (depending on your needs and the situation), pros and cons ofthe different kinds of steel and blade shapes, and lots more. A lot of superstitions revolve around warding off evil spirits, we collected 25 common wedding superstitions for you to consider. Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day for good luck. Like many countries, Italy has its fair share of wacky traditions and superstitions. Its also bad luck to cross arms with anyone as you clink glasses. Let us be your guide to the most beautiful places in Italy. TIP: Custom knives are a worthwhile buy for a knife enthusiast or anyone needing a superior-quality knife. The belief extends to dropping a spoon, implying a child will visit your home. "La Befana". Whoever laughed on that day would be punished at the time of Christs resurrection on Sunday. The power of the Catholic church in Italian politics. And when clinking glasses never cross between others. A new home is always cleansed by performing a ritual such as sprinkling salt in the corners of all the rooms. It is unclear where this superstition originated, but I suspect that a person used someones favorite knife to stir their drink, resulting in the knifes owner taking exception to this and challenging the offender! Available on Amazon. One of the most popular and perhaps most feared superstitions is the black cat. In Italy, if a black cat crosses your path, it is bad luck. "In bocca al lupo". Never give a knife as a housewarming present, or your new neighbor will become an enemy. In Italy, this is a sign of good luck will come your way. How a lot of these superstitions and traditions are followed with a sense of obligation to family and culture. January 10, 2021 Many of our Italian relatives believe in superstitions. Italy is home to many weird and wonderful superstitions, with many still practised by Italians today. Italian for Confident Conversations (A2-B2), Italian culture to learn 18 weird things that Italian, Intrepid Italian for Advanced Beginners (A2), Italian Culture: 19 Weird Things Italians Do That No One Warns You About, 8 DEADLY mistakes in Italian (& How to Avoid Them), 20 Hilarious Everyday Italian Expressions You Should Use, Romanesco: 25 Cool Roman Dialect Words You Should Use in Rome, 10 Reasons Why Learning Italian Will Change Your Life, 10 Italian Expressions Italians Love Saying, 10 Italian Phrases That Will Instantly Make You Sound more Italian. The Chinese believe that good luck can be found in pairs. Poultry & Winged Fowl. . A tickling nose is a sign of getting drunk. (See you there!). To this day, they rank among the most useful tools you can own. Albert Einstein. If you are interested in checking out the best kitchen knives, we recommend buying knives made by the Wsthof company. From magic mice to hungry wolves, take a look at 10 of our favourite bizarre Italian superstitions and traditions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Quick Navigation. After a long day of sightseeing you might be tempted to toss your hat onto your beddont! 2. 2. 1. TIP: A Swiss Army Knife is an iconic pocket knife and one of the predecessors to the modern pocket multitool. In the UK, Australia, or the US, after saying something that might attract bad luck, you would typically say Touch wood!. 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. Some have even given knives away just because this happened. There are two origins of this superstition. 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 you want to protect yourself against the evil-eye, carry a corincello charm around with you at all times. A baby keeps its luck in the grimy lines of its hands. The slight mistranslation in Christ Stopped at Eboli. Whatever you do, try not to spill any salt or olive oil as it is considered very bad luck. 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 . In Somerset a double-yolked egg was viewed with concern as it foretold of a hurried wedding due to a pregnancy. These are not traditions. Ladies, dont get any ideas with this one! Planning a trip? 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! It is also important not to cross the fork and knife, as they can cause fights. If you want detailed destinations guides, languages learning tips, and travel phrase guides, then you've come to the right place! (Let's learn together!). We are passionate sharpeners, Anton and John. #13: Another superstition suggests that when a knife falls to the ground, a man will soon visit.
A baby born at full moon will be lucky. You know you will hear about it from family or friends if a Friday falls on the 13th of the month! 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. You also wont see many Italian going outside with wet hair! Why does giving somebody a knife bring bad luck? 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. Forget Friday 13th being unlucky! A similar superstition states that a knife that has "bitten" its owner will retain its sharpness and won't . An evil eye is not necessarily malicious; it is simply a look that brings misfortune. Of course, of all tools, the knife is one of the oldest and most useful. Having 13 people around the table at mealtime is considered bad luck, as there were 13 people at the Last Supper. You can find them by clickinghere(Amazon link). Superstition runs deep in the Italian upbringing. Don't worry about reading a Top 13: in some countries, 13 is thought of as an unlucky number, but in Italy 13 is a lucky number. Also, dont forget to wear red undergarments, as this too will bring you luck in the coming year. Some of us grew up that it is a sign of good luck if a black cat crosses your path. No matter what your level is, there is an Intrepid Italian course for you, including: You can join 1, 2, or all 3 courses, its entirely up to you. Nail an evergreen branch to new rafters to bring good 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. Registrations are now open to join Intrepid Italian, my new series of online video courses that use my unique 80/20 method. You can do this by taping the coin to the side of the blade or placing it along the blade inside of the packaging. 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. I would not have the space on my hands for all the scars! IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATIONSharpyKnives.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. This website also participates in Google Adsense. . Italians sure have an original way to wish you good luck! Our first book, "Our Italian Journey," was written during our year in Italy experiencing the seducing charm of the country. If someone handed the knife to you closed, you should hand it back closed to avoid bad luck. The knives production, their sharpening, and general care of knives are among our biggest hobbies. When your nose itches, it's either "pugni o baci," punches or kisses. Salt and oil should not be passed from hand to hand. #17: One old wives' tales about white-handled knives is that they can tell you if your future spouse will be dark or fair by spinning it around. 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. So, if you find yourself at a table of thirteen, watch your back! Which one do you think is the weirdest? One variant of this superstition includes the fact that the bad luck will mean pain or stitches. Get her free guide 9 reasons youre not fluentYET & how to fix it! #15: In Finland, a knife given as a gift is a sign of respect. 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. In the present day, however, umbrellas were often used to plug holes in the houses of poor people, hence the belief that opening them will bring a good deal of financial misfortune. Italians do not care for the number 17. Basically, knives meant power. One thing they seem to have in common is that the Evil Eye is caused by jealousy and envy. A rabbit's foot will bring. 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. Never pound a nail after sundown, or you will wake the tree gods. For Italians, it is essential to keep an umbrella holder on the doorstep, outside the house. (Eat!). For the Christians the triangle represented the concept of the Holy Trinity and crossing a ladder meant breaking the sacredness of the Holy Trinity. The point when you give a coin with a knife is so the recipient of the blade can immediately give you the penny back. #22: If you cross your knife with your spoon after eating, you are indicating that the food didn't taste good and that you're wishing the cook to have bad luck. Photo by SOG. That stirs up trouble. Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email. One of the more popular superstitions is the Malocchio (mal=bad occhio=eye) or the evil eye. You can unsubscribe at any time. A sure sign of knowing whether or not you have the curse is to drop olive oil in a bowl of water. That way, the recipient can give the coin to you and pay you for the knife. Traditional Irish Folklore. I grew up making sure I didnt walk under a ladder. 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. Find out more in the article below:All Knife Sharpening Stones Types Explained & Compared. This means youll very rarely find the number 17 on Italian planes, streets, or in hotels, just to give a few examples. Given that there are still people living on earth who will mistake another human for a god if he has a knife (something of such unimagineable utility it could only come from a god) its understandable how such superstitions persist. 2. You can unsubscribe at any time. Borage. As a matter of fact, the left side has always been associated with the devil. I know. These beliefs were generally held by the women in the household, who was responsible for preparing meals or setting tables. http://edgarzryc36945.mybloglicious.com/25760990/ Sons were more desirable in ancient times to carry on the family line. Putting the bread upside down was disrespectful for the cross not the bread. 9. According to Italian superstition, you should never wish someone buon compleanno or tanti auguri (this is how Italians say for happy birthday), before their actual birthday. 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. Thats why nowadays the act of spilling oil is considered to bring bad luck. You are said to be "matiasmenos" (the evil eye has been cast upon you) if you are dizzy or have a headache and yawn a lot. 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! Learn more about how to say cheers in Italian on different occasions without making a faux pas. you're a superstitious gift giver, perhaps chose an alternative item from a couple's registry. According to the Italian Superstitions website Italyville.com here are a few: Never lay a loaf of bread upside down. Past month. Let me know using thecomments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation. Their coin-like shape represents money and is, therefore, a symbol of richness and wealth that you wish for the coming year. Among the ancient Romans, sprinkling salt on the ruins of conquered cities meant preventing them from flourishing again (as salt makes the soil infertile). Superstition says that spilling salt or olive oil will bring bad luck. 1. You could be struck with all kinds of sicknesses, most of which include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Dropping things: someone is thinking of you. 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. The fear that the eye could carry negative influences has been associated from time to time over the centuries with cross-eyed people, gypsies, red-haired people, men who wore dark glasses, etc., often creating discrimination and racist prejudices. At any Italian meal, there will most likely be olive oil and salt.