Venerdi 17 and Other Italian Superstitions
Today is Friday, the 17th and for those who are superstitious in Italy, it is a day of bad luck. It is the equivalent of the American Friday the 13th. This morning Isidoro was calling to me urgently, “Amore, venerdi diciasette!” His intensity was because we are both, admittedly, very superstitious. I hold my breath when passing cemeteries. Isidoro touches metal when he sees a Hearse. We both avoid walking under open ladders and crossing a black cat’s path (even if it means driving around the block or pulling to the side of the road to wait for another car to pass first). Today’s ominous date led us to discuss some of the lesser-known Italian superstitions, which might be familiar to some Italian Americans.
Friday the 17th:
The number 17 is considered an unlucky number. One theory traces the superstition back to ancient Rome, where the number 17 was associated with death. In Roman numerals, the number 17 is written as XVII, which is an anagram of VIXI, a Latin word meaning "I have lived" or "I am dead." The 17th was the day of Christ’s crucifixion and other fatal biblical events.
Hats Off (the Bed):
When a priest came to the house to give a dying person their Last Rights, he would remove his hat and put it on the bed. A hat on the bed signifies death.
Mind Your Bread:
Bread is the symbol of life, so you need to be careful not to turn a loaf bottom side up and please, do not cut your bread with a knife.
Watch the Broom:
Be careful when you clean! Italian folklore says if you are single and a broom sweeps over your feet you will remain single. (For some, this might be considered good luck.)
Avoid 13 at the Table:
According to the Bible, Jesus’ Last Supper had 13 people at the table. An invitation for a “plus one” for Guest 13 can help avoid this unlucky dinner party number.
Don’t Spill the Oil or Salt:
Spilling salt or oil is considered bad luck because they were expensive commodities necessary for cooking and food preservation and spilling them was costly.
The Evil Eye:
“Il Malocchio” or Bad Eye is a curse caused by an envious glare. The Italian horn or “cornicello” (sometimes mistaken for a chili pepper) is said to protect against negative energy or bad intentions. There are other charms (as well as people) that remove the evil eye when it is stuck.
Bird Lovers Beware:
Feathers are said to bring sickness, so hanging a picture of a bird in the house is considered bad luck.
So, for today, (and if you are like me - - every day!) put on a protective amulet or be ready with a precautionary hand gesture – or anything else that you feel offers you good energy. And if you are a non-believer, you can (ironically) consider yourself lucky!