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. When it comes to shaking hands, Italians consider it bad luck to cross their arms when shaking someones hand. The Greeks used it for upset stomachs. TIP: A Swiss Army Knife is an iconic pocket knife and one of the predecessors to the modern pocket multitool. This superstition comes from a time before electricity and artificial lighting. A man hoping to get the gift of the gab Photo: iStockphoto. Scout's honor. The person who opened it must close it to avoid bad luck. Needle and Thread during Pregnancy | Dartmouth Folklore Archive Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. In dangerous times, a weapon close at hand can give a sense of security, allowing the mind to relax and enjoy a peaceful sleep. Malocchio | Evil Eye | Italian Superstitions | Bleeding Espresso In fact, despite a long and deep Catholic tradition, certain pagan rituals in Italy have persisted over time, shaping well-known customs that all Italians, whether they believe in them or not, recognize. Also, never stir anything, like a stew or soup, with your knife. They feel it is a very unlucky number although I really couldnt figure out why. Vixi (VIXI) in Latin means "I have lived / I lived", implying "My life is over.". Why do we give somebody a coin when they give us a knife as a gift? If you thrust a knife into the door of home, its meant to provide protection for everyone who lives in that house. It's Friday the 13th - let's talk Italian supersticions! - Girl in Florence If someone brushes over your feet by accident, then youre destined to be single for the rest of your life. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. WELCOME TO SHARPY KNIVES!We are passionate sharpeners, Anton and John. Living Villa Cappelli: 035: Italian Superstitions & Expat Life with Knife Myths: Giving Knives as a Gift is Bad Luck - The Cutting Edge "La Befana". Find out if you should buy a custom knife in the article below:Custom Knives: Should I Buy One? We have all seen Italians greet each other with kisses on both cheeks. Whatever you do, try not to spill any salt or olive oil as it is considered very bad luck. TIP: Custom knives are a worthwhile buy for a knife enthusiast or anyone needing a superior-quality knife. The bread one is not precise. Watch where you put your left foot! Every region seems to have its version of the Wickedness Eye, however, some take it more seriously than . #18: Another common superstition is that you should never put a combat knife back into its sheath if it hasn't drawn blood because it will fail you in battle. Their coin-like shape represents money and is, therefore, a symbol of richness and wealth that you wish for the coming year. 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! Luckily, there is a way around this - by accepting a coin in exchange. Strange Italian Superstitions You Probably Don't Know About We promise to never spam you or sell your email address. Remember #5 above? The malocchio (evil eye) is the Italian superstition that even just a look, especially if caused by jealousy and envy, can bring harm to those it is aimed at. The way around this superstition is to give a penny with a knife. Sharpening a knife in low light can result in a poorly sharpened edge which will not cut well or possibly damage the blade. 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. This alternative interpretation of this expression stems from the fact that since wolf cubs are held in their mothers mouths, they are actually protected and safe. It's the look that one person gives to another if they are jealous or envious. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sharpyknives_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_14',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-narrow-sky-2-0');In some cases, an eligible young woman would hope that accidentally dropping the knife would result in a gentleman caller that would be a potential suitor. Nowadays, however, it is very common to reply to that wish with a simple grazie or viva il lupo! (meaning, long live the wolf!). Consider the following: buy some good mascara, a floral crown, a veil, delete the knife set off your online gift registry and change your wedding day to any other day than Saturday. It is believed that if you or someone else accidentally brushes your feet with a broom while sweeping the floor, you will never get married! The specific ways we do things, such as setting the table for guests or placing our eating utensils on the plate after a meal, have their roots in old-time superstitions. In fact, we were in San Gimignano and it actually happened to Gary while we were eating gelato in a piazza. Cin cin! or (alla) salute!, is what you say in Italian when making a toast. In the U.S., people will knock on wood to avoid tempting fate. . The point when you give a coin with a knife is so the recipient of the blade can immediately give you the penny back. The belief extends to dropping a spoon, implying a child will visit your home. Italian Superstitions and Why 17 is an Unlucky Number for Italians For more tips, visit my guide on Italian culture to learn 18 weird things that Italian do that no one warns you about. Many of these beliefs can be traced to Celtic traditions that the Catholic church failed to eradicate completely. Hes definitely. Thrusting a knife into the door of a house is believed to provide protection. 4 Surprising Superstitions About Knives - BLADE Magazine Used under Creative Commons. Caraway. Before your Italian vacation, familiarize . In Italy, however, you should say Tocca ferro! and touch some iron instead! 6 crazy and beautiful Italian superstitions - Viandando Luxury Travel When your nose itches, it's either "pugni o baci," punches or kisses. In Italy, this is true especially when it crosses your path! Making A Toast. There are plenty of strange Italian superstitions, irrational beliefs and practices that all aim to ward off bad luck. 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. Irish Folklore: Traditional Beliefs and Superstitions - Owlcation Once a knife has taken its owner's blood, the owner must not share that knife with anyone. If you are walking outside and a pigeon poops on your head, it is a sign of good luck in Italy. Item: When a woman is pregnant, a needle hung from thread is held over the pregnant woman's palm. We are passionate sharpeners, Anton and John. When you are making a toast in Italy, it is considered unlucky to do it with water. For example, some believe you should never close a knife if someone else opened it. Getting off on the wrong foot. #7: Two knives crossed on a table will cause a quarrel. It's serious bad luck. 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. Bad Luck Speaking of bad luck, knife superstitions are full of situations where knives can lead to bad luck. Not sure if you really needed to know this information but, Padua: An Overlooked Town in the Veneto Region, CLICK HERE FOR DISCLAIMER & PRIVACY POLICY. If the mirror cracks by itself, on the other hand, it means that the owner may lose a close friend. 66 Funny Romanian Superstitions I Bet You Didn't Know - Travel Away medianet_width = "600";
They can be considered as weapons or valuables. Newer Post . Kissing the Blarney Stone. Another common superstition in the dark ages was that if you crossed your knife with any other piece of cutlery at the table, it was a sign that you were involved with witchcraft. 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. Thank you for your support! 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! Every culture has its own superstitions passed down from generation to generation. Join Intrepid Italian here and start learning today! Knives have been a part of human culture, survival, and religion for millennia, so unsurprisingly, many superstitions and beliefs have arisen over the years. my new series of online video courses that use my unique 80/20 method. Never cross objects in the shape of a crossfor example, your fork and knifeas this is considered to be an insult to the religious symbol of the cross and will bring you bad luck. If someone handed the knife to you closed, you should hand it back closed to avoid bad luck. William Hogarth's Credulity, Superstition, and Fanaticism Youll go from a shy, confused beginner to a proficient and confident intermediate speaker, with me as your trusty guide. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Grazie! Instead of knocking on wood, tocca ferro or touch iron! Knife Superstitions - 5 Popular Knives Traditions | Knives Academy An old proverb explains this superstition: "On Tuesday, don't get married, embark on a journey or move . #21: Slicing hot cornbread with a knife implies cutting your luck. Which one do you think is the weirdest? Learn how your comment data is processed. Knives as Wedding Gifts. If a cat is crossing the street, dont be the first one to cross its path, as youll have bad luck. Get her free guide 9 reasons youre not fluentYET & how to fix it! A Lucky Number. A similar belief was that a knife placed under the mattress of a woman in labor would increase the chances of her giving birth to a boy. As knife lovers, we all have our beliefs, superstitions, and idiosyncrasies regarding knives. The idea is that once you cut yourself accidentally with a knife, you have a special bond with the knife. 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. What Not To Eat on New Years Day - Blog.atlastravelweb.com A central aspect of Irish folklore is the wealth of traditional beliefs and superstitions that have been held by Irish people over the centuries. Italian superstitions: a lot has to do with food All cultures attribute great power to the human eye. This means youll very rarely find the number 17 on Italian planes, streets, or in hotels, just to give a few examples. 7 Popular Italian Superstitions | Hardcore Italians Superstition says that spilling salt or olive oil will bring bad luck. If meeting friends and you are not married, be aware of where you sit at the table. These beliefs are not unique to a single culture or people group, indicating knives profound influence on a global scale. Italy is home to many weird and wonderful superstitions, with many still practised by Italians today. Traditional Irish Folklore. The superstition about giving a knife to a friend is that the relationship is doomed because the knife will sever the friendship.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_10',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sharpyknives_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); This superstition probably arose after a lifelong friend gifted the other person with a knife, and shortly after, they had a quarrel which dissolved the friendship. 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.