ITALIAN SUPERSTITIONS I promise, we’re not crazy

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Sugar coated almonds: five are given to each wedding guest. They are good luck, and signify fertility, good health, fortune, happiness, and longevity. Green is worn to weddings for good luck, both for the wearer and the newlywed couple.

Birds of all kinds are bad luck, to Italians. Peacocks especially, as the “eye” pattern on their tail feathers can give the evil eye. A bird in the house is extremely bad luck, and is believed to be the first sign that someone in the family will pass away.

WHAT IS THE EVIL EYE? The Evil Eye is a curse believed to be laid on a person when they are given a particularly nasty glare or look from someone else. It is a superstition that spans many cultures, including Italians. The Evil Eye is most often affected by a look or glare, but can also be given from various other things, like peacock feathers.

REPELLING THE EVIL EYE Mano FicoMano Cornuto Cornicello Wearing any of these, or making either of the gestures, is a surefire way to ward off the Evil Eye

If a black cat is crossing the road, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing. Stop and wait for some other unlucky person to cross their path first. However, Italians believe it is good luck to hear a cat sneeze. When having a toast, always clink glasses with every person at the table. Missing even one is bad luck. Also, never have crossed arms while toasting or shaking hands.

VARIOUS WEDDING SUPERSTITIONS No one can see the bride in her dress before she approaches the altar, even herself (unless she first removes one shoe) Never get married on a Tuesday, Friday, or the 17 th. Never try on someone else’s engagement/wedding ring, otherwise you will never get married. Never sweep someone’s feet with a broom, otherwise they will never be swept off their feet by someone else.