A cornicello is a twisted horn-shaped charm often made of gold, silver, plastic, bone, terracotta, or red coral. Of course, as with many of these Italian superstitions, they have relaxed, but some still believe wholeheartedly. Vediamole insieme! And if the fall in the birthrate continues at the current annual pace, government figures forecast 1.4 million fewer students aged between three and 18 by 2034, and the closure of many schools . Friday the 13th isn't a bad omen as it is in Western countries -- but Italy has its own date that you should be wary of: Friday the 17th. In a well-known tale, 12 gods were invited to dine at Valhalla, a magnificent banquet hall in Asgard, the . The first use of the Latin word superstitio is traced back to the 1st century and it was found in the writing of the historians Livy and Ovid. Mere bird feathers, particularly peacock plumes with their Wickedness Eye, can curse a house or the wearer of a downy hat. Salt was extremely expensive in the inner part of Italy. A similar superstition is spilling salt on the table. Italy is known for itsrich and diverse culture. It is impolite to turn the bread up-side-down or to stick a knife into a loaf of bread. This idiomatic expression is as widespread as the most traditional Buona fortuna (good luck). All Rights Reserved. 9. Let me know using thecomments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation. Dont follow a hearse that isnt carrying a coffin. These pieces are then offered for sale to the wedding guests. The number 13 is also associated with the Goddess of Fertility and the lunar cycles. 'Vanishing like glaciers': plunging birthrate threatens Italian schools If you want detailed destinations guides, languages learning tips, and travel phrase guides, then you've come to the right place! 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. Just as some Western airlines avoid including the 13th row on planes, you might find number 17 omitted in Italian planes, street numbering, hotel floors and so on, so . When youre feeling under the weather, chances are you want to take a nice hot bath to soothe your pain. Watch where you put your left foot! 13. Crossing arms when shaking hands in a group. Most brides will raise the amount during the wedding ceremony. You can unsubscribe at any time. When you drop something then someone is thinking of you and their name starts with the first letter of item dropped. It is impolite to transform the bread up-side-down or to stick a blade into a loaf of bread.