Italy is a country rich in tradition, history, and culture—much of which is deeply rooted in superstition. Whether you’re visiting Italy or simply intrigued by the beliefs shaping its customs, here are 15 fascinating Italian superstitions that may surprise you.
- The Malocchio (Evil Eye)
- Never Place a Hat on a Bed
- Black Cats Crossing Your Path
- Don’t Toast with Water
- Avoid the Number 17
- Spilling Olive Oil Means Bad Luck
- Breaking a Mirror Brings Seven Years of Bad Luck
- Never Place Bread Upside Down on the Table
- Knocking on Iron for Good Luck
- Opening an Umbrella Indoors Invites Bad Luck
- Sweeping Someone’s Feet Means They’ll Never Marry
- New Year’s First Visitor Determines Your Luck
- An Itchy Left Hand Means Losing Money
- Horseshoes Bring Good Luck—When Hung Correctly
- Always Place Money Inside Gifts of Shoes, Wallets, or Purses
- Final Thoughts
The Malocchio (Evil Eye)
One of Italy’s most famous superstitions, the malocchio, or evil eye, is said to bring bad luck. Italians protect themselves using horn-shaped amulets or making the hand gesture known as le corna (the horns).
Never Place a Hat on a Bed
In Italy, placing a hat on a bed is considered bad luck. This superstition likely originated from priests placing their hats on beds when performing last rites.
Black Cats Crossing Your Path
While black cats are lucky in some cultures, in Italy, if a black cat crosses your path, it’s considered bad luck. This belief originated in the Middle Ages, when black cats symbolized witchcraft.
Don’t Toast with Water
Italians consider toasting with water to be bad luck, as wine is traditionally used in celebrations.
Avoid the Number 17
Unlike cultures wary of the number 13, Italians fear the number 17. The Roman numeral XVII can be rearranged to VIXI, meaning “I have lived” in Latin—a reference to death.
Spilling Olive Oil Means Bad Luck
Olive oil is sacred in Italian tradition; spilling it is considered a bad omen. Throwing a pinch of salt over your shoulder is said to reverse the bad luck.
Breaking a Mirror Brings Seven Years of Bad Luck
Like many cultures, Italians believe breaking a mirror causes seven years of misfortune. The number seven was significant in Roman culture, symbolizing cycles of life and rebirth.
Never Place Bread Upside Down on the Table
Bread symbolizes life and prosperity in Italy. Placing bread upside down is believed to attract bad luck and disrespect food.
Knocking on Iron for Good Luck
Instead of knocking on wood, Italians say “tocca ferro” (touch iron) to ward off bad luck. Some even carry small iron objects for protection.
Opening an Umbrella Indoors Invites Bad Luck
Opening an umbrella indoors is considered unlucky, as umbrellas traditionally protect against evil spirits; using one indoors is thought to invite them in.
Sweeping Someone’s Feet Means They’ll Never Marry
Allowing someone to sweep over your feet with a broom predicts that you’ll remain unmarried. The superstition is taken so seriously that people lift their feet whenever someone is sweeping nearby.
New Year’s First Visitor Determines Your Luck
The first person to enter your home on New Year’s Day determines your luck for the year. A man entering is a good omen, while a woman is considered unlucky.
An Itchy Left Hand Means Losing Money
An itchy left hand indicates you’ll lose money, while an itchy right hand means you’ll gain some.
Horseshoes Bring Good Luck—When Hung Correctly
A horseshoe brings good luck only if the open end points upwards; otherwise, the luck is believed to “spill out.”
Always Place Money Inside Gifts of Shoes, Wallets, or Purses
When gifting shoes, wallets, or purses, Italians place a coin inside. This ensures prosperity for the recipient and protects them from misfortune.
Final Thoughts
Superstitions are a captivating aspect of Italian life, blending history, folklore, and tradition. Whether or not you believe in them, they remain integral to everyday Italian customs. The next time you’re in Italy, pay attention to where you place your hat—or you might just invite fate into your life!
