On Friday the 13th last month I was curious and asked my boyfriend if it was considered an unlucky day in Italy. I am often surprised how universal sayings, expressions and superstitions are, and I love to learn the variations. For instance, instead of saying “knock on wood,” Italians say “toccare il ferro,” which means to touch iron. As it turns out, Friday the 17th is generally considered unlucky in Italy. I wasn’t able to dig up much information, but I did find a couple of articles written on a Friday the 17th during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino. This one talks about a few of the possible origins, but it seems to be just as hazy as the origins of Friday the 13th here in America. In Naples and on the Amalfi Coast, little horns are one of the most popular lucky charms. I have seen them made out of just about everything, from the more traditional gold and silver to ceramic in Vietri sul Mare and beautiful coral along the Amalfi Coast. I am sure many people will be wearing one (or more!) for good luck today.
Buona fortuna!
Brava, this is a perfect post for us superstitious folks! I love the CORNO (I have one in my handbag).
Ciao and hurry back
Ciao Lola! I like them as well… but it occurred to me last night that I don’t have one! I have given plenty as gifts, but haven’t given one to myself. Well, oddly enough, I have always had unusually good luck on Friday the 13th, so I am hoping it is the same for Friday the 17th! Have a good day!
Aren’t superstitions interesting. Like folklore gone bad. I haven’t seen the “lucky horns” here in the US for a while. I’ll have to keep my eye open cause I will take all the good fortune I can get.
Bright skies to us all on the auspicious day.
Ciao Pyzahn! I really like learning about the differences in superstitions between America and Italy. I will have to ask my boyfriend if there is anything similar to the rabbit’s foot in Italy. That has always seemed so strange to me, and I think the corno is much nicer! The sun is shining bright here in Nebraska . . . and I hope it is where you are, too!
Hope you survived unscathed! 🙂
Ciao Saretta! Yes, made it out just fine. Had a lovely day in fact! Hope you did, too!