Italy is a country rich in history, culture, and, believe it or not, superstitions. Passed down through generations, these beliefs still influence daily life, from avoiding bad luck to ensuring good fortune. Even today, many Italians follow these traditions, sometimes without even realizing it. 

Let’s explore some of the strangest and most fascinating Italian superstitions that are still alive today.

The belief in Malocchio, or the evil eye, is one of Italy’s most ancient and deeply rooted superstitions, dating back to pre-Roman times and originating from older Mediterranean civilizations like the Greeks and Mesopotamians. It was believed that an envious or admiring glance, especially from someone with piercing or unusual eyes, could cause illness, misfortune, or even death. The Romans adopted and expanded this belief, with writers like Pliny the Elder documenting its dangers, from withering crops to unexplained sicknesses. Over time, Italians developed various ways to protect themselves, many of which are still widely used today!

The most recognizable symbol is the corno, a small, curved red horn worn as an amulet, which derives from ancient fertility and protection symbols (you have definitely seen them if you have visited Naples!). Another common defense is the le corna hand gesture, where the index and pinky fingers are extended to ward off bad luck, a custom still widely seen in southern Italy (but beware: in some regions, this gesture is considered offensive so use it wisely!)

Many Italians also turn to folk prayers and rituals to counteract Malocchio, particularly the practice of dripping olive oil into water: if the oil separates into large drops, it confirms a curse, and a secret prayer (often passed down through generations, usually by women) must be recited to remove it. The Mano Fico, a hand gesture with the thumb tucked between the index and middle fingers, has also been used since Roman times as a talisman against the evil eye.

Even in modern Italy, Malocchio continues to influence daily life; many avoid openly complimenting babies or young children without adding "Che Dio ti benedica!" (May God bless you) to prevent attracting envious energy, and it’s not uncommon to see athletes or celebrities discreetly making the le corna gesture for protection. Whether seen as a serious threat or simply a charming tradition, the fear of Malocchio remains deeply embedded in Italian culture, proving that even in an era of science and modernity, some ancient superstitions refuse to fade away.

The belief that placing a hat on a bed brings bad luck is one of Italy’s more curious superstitions, deeply rooted in historical and cultural symbolism. While today it may seem like a simple superstition, its origins date back centuries, likely tied to the strong religious and ritualistic traditions of the country.

The most widely accepted explanation links this belief to Catholic priests, who were often called to the bedside of the dying to administer last rites. These priests, dressed in their traditional garments, would remove their hats and place them on the bed while performing the ritual, creating an association between a hat on a bed and death itself. Over time, this connection grew into a widespread superstition, with many Italians instinctively avoiding the act, fearing that it might invite misfortune, illness, or even death into the household.

Some also suggest that the superstition could have older roots in medieval and Renaissance-era beliefs, where the bed was seen as a sacred space associated with both birth and death, making it an unsuitable place for everyday objects like hats, which were exposed to the outside world and carried unknown energies. Even beyond Italy, variations of this superstition exist in other cultures, reinforcing the idea that objects closely associated with a person’s head, often seen as the seat of wisdom and spirit, should not be carelessly placed in spaces linked to rest and vulnerability.

Today, while younger Italians may dismiss the idea as an old wives' tale, many still follow it unconsciously, choosing to place their hats anywhere but on a bed - just in case.

The superstition surrounding spilled olive oil and salt in Italy is deeply connected to both historical beliefs and the cultural significance of these ingredients. Olive oil, often referred to as “liquid gold,” has been a cornerstone of Italian life since ancient times, symbolizing prosperity, health, and divine blessing. In Ancient Rome and Greece, oil was used not only for cooking but also in religious rituals, healing practices, and even as an offering to the gods. Because of its sacred nature, spilling it was seen as wasteful and disrespectful, leading to the belief that it could bring misfortune. Even today, many Italians react with a frown or a muttered curse when oil is accidentally knocked over, treating it as an omen of financial loss or bad luck.

Salt, on the other hand, carries an even older and more widespread superstition. In ancient times, salt was an incredibly valuable commodity, used for preserving food, as a form of currency, and in religious rituals. Spilling it was considered not only wasteful but also dangerous, as salt was believed to have protective properties against evil spirits.

The tradition of throwing a pinch of spilled salt over the left shoulder comes from an old belief that the devil lurks behind a person’s left side, waiting for an opportunity to bring misfortune. By tossing salt in that direction, one blinds or wards off the evil presence.

Even in modern Italy, these superstitions persist. While many people no longer take them seriously, the habit of reacting to spilled oil or instinctively throwing salt over the left shoulder remains ingrained in daily life. Whether out of tradition, cultural memory, or a simple “better safe than sorry” attitude, avoiding the bad luck of spilled oil and salt is still part of the unspoken rules of an Italian household.

The superstition surrounding the number 17 in Italy is one of the country’s most unique and enduring beliefs, with roots stretching back to ancient Rome. Unlike many other cultures that fear the number 13, Italians have long associated 17 with bad luck due to a linguistic and numerical coincidence found in Roman numerals. When written as XVII, the number can be rearranged to spell VIXI, which in Latin translates to “I have lived”: a phrase commonly found on tombstones in the Roman era, implying that life has ended. This connection between the number 17 and death led to its widespread avoidance, particularly in contexts where luck and fate are taken seriously.

The fear of 17 is so ingrained in Italian culture that many hotels, apartment buildings, and airlines purposely omit the 17th floor or row, similar to how the number 13 is skipped in other parts of the world. For instance, the Italian airline Alitalia once removed seat number 17 from its planes and even in hospitals, some rooms numbered 17 are changed to 16B or simply skipped altogether to avoid unsettling patients.

The superstition is particularly strong in regions with deep historical and religious traditions, where numerology and symbolism still play a role in daily life. Although younger generations may be less affected by it, the number 17 continues to carry an air of unease, especially when combined with Fridays, and many Italians instinctively avoid it when choosing lottery numbers, booking hotel rooms, or making important decisions. Whether taken seriously or just followed as an old habit, the fear of 17 remains a fascinating example of how ancient beliefs still shape modern Italian culture.

The superstition against toasting with water in Italy is one of the most strongly observed customs, deeply rooted in history and tradition. While in many cultures a toast is simply a gesture of celebration, in Italy it carries a deeper meaning, symbolizing good fortune, health, and happiness. The belief that toasting with water brings bad luck, and even condemns someone to misfortune in the afterlife, stems from ancient times, particularly from Roman traditions and naval customs.

In Ancient Rome, toasts were often made to honor the gods and the deceased, with libations of wine poured as offerings. Since water was associated with the underworld and the River Styx, where souls of the dead were believed to travel, drinking it during a toast was considered an ominous act, as if one were symbolically toasting to death rather than life. This idea continued through the centuries, particularly among sailors, who viewed toasting with water as a bad omen, suggesting they would meet their fate at sea.

Even today, this superstition remains widely respected across Italy. Whether at a wedding, a family gathering, or a casual dinner, raising a glass filled with water is frowned upon, and many Italians will actively remind guests not to do it. Instead, wine or another beverage is always preferred, ensuring that the toast is made with good intentions and in line with tradition. Some even believe that breaking this rule could bring bad luck not just to the person making the toast but to everyone at the table. So, if you find yourself dining in Italy and someone calls for a toast, make sure your glass holds anything but water: just to be on the safe side!

The superstition surrounding black cats in Italy, as in many other cultures, has deep roots in medieval beliefs and fears. While cats were once revered in ancient civilizations like Egypt, their reputation took a dark turn in Europe during the Middle Ages, when they became linked to witchcraft and the supernatural. Black cats, in particular, were believed to be familiars: spiritual companions to witches, sometimes thought to be witches themselves in disguise. This association led to widespread persecution, with black cats often killed alongside women accused of sorcery. The fear of these animals crossing one’s path likely comes from the belief that witches or demons could be using them to interfere with a person’s fate, bringing misfortune or even death.

Despite this ominous reputation, black cats have also been seen as symbols of good luck in some parts of Italy, especially among sailors, who believed that having one on board could ensure a safe voyage. Even today, while many Italians avoid crossing paths with a black cat, others believe that if the cat moves toward you rather than away, it actually brings good fortune. Anyways, we encourage nothing but love towards these loving animals!

The superstition about brooms also has roots in old beliefs about magic and spirits. In rural Italian tradition, placing a broom behind a door was thought to ward off evil spirits and unwanted guests (read more here). Some believed that witches could not cross the threshold of a home if a broom was placed upright behind the door, as they would be compelled to count the broom’s bristles before entering: an idea similar to other folk beliefs about witches being distracted by repetitive tasks. Even today, in some Italian countryside homes, you may find a broom positioned this way, not just as a convenient place to store it, but as a quiet nod to ancient protective traditions.

While modern Italians may not take these superstitions as seriously as their ancestors did, many still acknowledge them with a mix of humor and caution: after all, why take unnecessary risks when a simple broom or a little extra attention to a cat’s path might keep bad luck at bay?

The superstition that a pregnant woman’s cravings must be satisfied to avoid her baby being born with a birthmark shaped like the desired food is one of the most enduring and charming beliefs in Italy. This idea, known in Italian folklore as voglie in gravidanza (pregnancy cravings), has been passed down for generations, blending a mix of maternal care, old wives’ tales, and a touch of magical thinking.

The origins of this belief likely date back to ancient times, when pregnancy was surrounded by mystery and people sought explanations for unusual birthmarks. Without modern medical knowledge, it was widely thought that an expectant mother’s unfulfilled cravings could manifest physically on her child’s skin in the form of a macchia (spot) or voglia (birthmark). If a woman craved strawberries and was denied them, for example, her baby might be born with a red, strawberry-shaped mark. Similar superstitions exist in other cultures, but in Italy, where food is central to daily life, it has taken on special significance.

Even today, this belief is still respected, particularly in rural areas and among older generations. Many Italian families will go out of their way to ensure that a pregnant woman gets whatever she desires, whether it’s fresh figs, chocolate, or a plate of pasta at an unusual hour. While modern science has debunked any direct connection between food cravings and birthmarks, the tradition remains a way of showing care and attention to expectant mothers. And in true Italian fashion, it’s also a perfect excuse to indulge in delicious food, just in case!

The Italian custom of toccare ferro (touching iron) to ward off bad luck is a fascinating variation of the more widely known superstition of knocking on wood. While many cultures believe that wood has protective or mystical properties, Italians have long placed their faith in iron as a shield against misfortune. This belief likely dates back to ancient times, when iron was considered a powerful and almost magical material due to its strength, durability, and connection to weaponry.

In medieval Europe, iron was often used to forge swords and armor, making it a symbol of protection in battle. It was also believed to have supernatural properties, capable of repelling evil spirits, witches, and curses. Horseshoes, made of iron, were commonly hung above doorways to keep away bad luck, a practice still seen in parts of Italy today. The idea of toccare ferro may have evolved from these earlier traditions, with people instinctively reaching for something made of iron when discussing an unfortunate event or potential danger.

Even in modern Italy, this superstition remains widely practiced. If an Italian talks about illness, accidents, or bad luck, they will often touch a piece of iron: like a metal key, a belt buckle, or even a railing, to counteract any negative energy. It’s the same instinct that leads English speakers to knock on wood, but with a distinct Italian twist.

While many people today follow toccare ferro more out of habit than deep belief, it remains an enduring part of Italian culture, proving that even in a modern world, old superstitions still hold a special place in everyday life.

Did you enjoy these fascinating Italian superstitions? They are just a small glimpse into the rich traditions that make Italy so unique. From ancient rituals to everyday habits, these beliefs are still alive and woven into the country’s culture. But the best way to experience them is to see them firsthand and connect with Italians! 

Come to Italy, explore its charming towns, talk to the locals, and immerse yourself in the traditions that have been passed down for centuries. Come toast with us with a glass full of wine (not water!), check out our best tours and request a quote today.

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