Superstitions: An Italian Perspective On Life
- Guest Writer
- Oct 1
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Italian superstitions intertwine history, religion, death, and mystery. Rome-based Dutch writer and painter Ingrid delves into these beliefs, discussing topics such as black cats, the colour purple in theaters, and choosing the wrong flowers. So, we present: Ingrid's Italian superstitions.
Number 1: Never, Every Wear Purple To The Theatre!
In case you're not familiar with this, Roman Catholic priests wear different colours for different special occasions. Around the time that most people were illiterate, they relied on the colours of the robes to understand religious events instead of reading the Bible. Purple, then, is known as the colour of sacred vestments or attire for reconciliation and preparation. Roman Catholic priests wear it during Lent, which kicks off about six weeks before Easter.
In case you're not familiar with this, Roman Catholic priests wear different colours for different special occasions. Around the time that most people were illiterate, they relied on the colours of the robes to understand religious events instead of reading the Bible. Purple, then, is known as the colour of sacred vestments or attire that would represent a time of reconciliation and preparation. Roman Catholic priests wear it during Lent, which kicks off about six weeks before Easter.
And so, the Church would use purple during Advent and Lent. White and gold were for Christmas and Easter. Red symbolised fire and represented the colour of the Holy Spirit. Green was the colour of growth. Blue represented the hue of the sky and, in some rites or ceremonies, it would be used to honour Mary, the mother of Jesus.
But what does this have to do with theater? Well, during Lent, the church expected believers to fast. They were also required to abstain from pleasure and entertainment, including theater attendance. This meant that during this time, actors were without work and income, unable to buy food and drink. Theater actors were furious about the church's influence on their livelihoods! And so, wearing purple in the theater was banned.
So, if you decide to go to the theater in Italy, avoid wearing that purple dress or scarf. Artists and actors consider purple to be bad luck. They won't throw you out or anything, but be prepared for angry looks!
"So, when going to the theater in Italy, avoid wearing that purple dress or scarf. They won't throw you out or anything, but be prepared for angry looks!"
Number 2: Be Wary Of Number 17, or Diciassette!
In the Western world, the number thirteen is considered unlucky, especially Friday the thirteenth. This isn't the case in Italy. Here, the number Diciassette, or Seventeen, is considered nothing but trouble. Especially Friday the seventeenth!
Friday is used because it was the day Jesus died. As for the meaning of seventeen, there are several possible explanations. One is this: in Roman numerals, the number seventeen (XVII) is an anagram of the Latin expression vi xi (or: "I have lived"); indicating a life that has ended, thus a bad omen.
So don't be surprised if the next time you're in Italy and it's Friday the 17th, you find that some shops and offices are closed, as a matter of scaramanzia (or luck).
"So don't be surprised if the next time you're in Italy and it's Friday the 17th, you find that some shops and offices are closed."
Number 3: The Bad Omen Of The Little Black Cat
The ominous omen of a black cat: it's one of the most common superstitions. However, I don't think many people know exactly why people chose this poor animal to symbolise something evil. Nor do they know its connection to Italy!
For that, we go back to the Middle Ages, where it all began. Legend has it that horses pulling carriages around that time were startled at night by black cats crossing the road. As a huge horse lover, I'm certain that must have happened. After all, a horse is an animal that is easily startled.
But why did this sweet animal get such a bad name? Meet Pope Gregory IX. In 1200 AD, this pope declared the black cat a good friend of witches. This gave the green light for a hunting season for these poor, fascinating creatures. In the Middle Ages, the theory went even further. The public believed the black cat was a demon and a devoted companion of the devil. Several popes burned black cats alive during festivities. The black cat in Europe went through a terrible time!
It should be added that the city dwellers in ancient Rome viewed it differently. The Romans considered the black cat a good luck charm and treated it with almost divine reverence. After a cat died, they cremated it and scattered its ashes to ensure a good harvest.
In any case, in many European legends, a black cat crossing someone's path brought bad luck. Back then, people considered black cats the pets of witches. I once had a black cat named Blacky (I wasn't very creative back then!). She trusted me so much that she once had a litter on my lap. Could I be a witch?
"I once had a black cat. She trusted me so much that one time she had a litter on my lap. Could I be a witch?"
Number 4: When in Italy, Never Ever Buy The Wrong Flowers!
In the Netherlands, where I was born, people are expected to bring flowers when visiting family or friends. The type of flower doesn't matter, and people consider it a kind gesture. In Italy, however, on the Day of the Dead, on November the 2nd, the only flower allowed is the chrysanthemum (Greek for "golden flower").
This day, Il Giorno dei Morti, is when Italians visit a loved one at the cemetery. So, by the end of October, Italian florists pack their stores with chrysanthemums. This flower represents mourning and in Italy people should never give it as a present to a living person.
But why do people in Italy associate the chrysanthemum with mourning? For that, we have to go back centuries, to early Christianity. To a time when the early Church Fathers observed that some pagan or Druidic celebrations were still very popular among the rural population.
As a result, these Fathers integrated or accepted these kinds of festivities into their own liturgy; their own service. Thus, All Saints' Day became the first of November. Saints honoured this special day. This allowed it to merge with the ancient Druidic rituals of October 31st. This was the eve of New Year's Day in the Celtic calendar.
November 2nd, the Day of the Dead, coincides with the autumn blooming of chrysanthemums. Therefore, in Italy, it was associated with grief and death. Italians have celebrated this day for centuries, but it has made the flower unpopular with many. Therefore, in Italy, one should never offer a bouquet of chrysanthemums!
"This flower represents mourning in Italy, and it should never be given as a present to a living person!"
Number 5: Never Marry Or Start Something New On This Day
And just to underline the seriousness in the Italian superstitious perspective on daily life, I leave you with one more example.
There's a Neapolitan saying: "Né di venere, né di marte ci si sposa, né si parte, né si da principio all’arte!" It means: "Neither on Friday nor on Tuesday does one get married, leave the country, and start something new!" It's a well-known superstition in Italy, and legend has it that these days are associated with evil spirits and the god of war and conflict.
About The Author:
Ingrid Everts-van Wouderberg is an author and painter. Born and raised in the Netherlands, she lived extensively in England and South Africa. Her writing and art draw on all these experiences. Ingrid now lives in one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Rome, with her Roman husband and her Golden Retriever, Texel, named after Ingrid's favorite Dutch island.
Find some of Ingrid's latest paintings on Instagram: @ingrid_van_woudenberg
