Superstition may be strange to many of us, in Italy this perspective is as normal as the sun rising. It is one in which history, religion, death and mystery all happily merge into one. Here, new author Ingrid from Rome lifts the veil on this age-old way of seeing life.
Image courtesy of Pexels, Dimitri Kuliuk
Number 1: You should never wear purple to the theatre!
Purple is the colour of sacred vestments. Roman Catholic priests wear it during Lent, a religious observance that starts some six weeks before Easter. For those of you who don’t know, Roman Catholic priests wear different colours, for special occasions.
Around the time that the general population could not read, instead of being able to read the bible they relied on the colours of the robes to understand what religious event was taking place.
And so, the Church would use purple during Advent and Lent. White and gold were for Christmas and Easter. Red meant 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, it would be used to honour Mary, the mother of Jesus.
But what has this got to do with the theatre? Well, during Lent, the church expected believers to fast. They would also have to withhold from enjoyment and entertainment, and this included going to the theatre. During Lent, actors found themselves therefore without employment and income, unable to buy food and drink. Thus, theatre actors became irate about the influence of the Church on their livelihood! And therefore, forbade the wearing of purple in the theatre.
So, whilst in Italy and you decide to visit the theatre, avoid wearing that purple dress or scarf. Artists and actor consider purple very unlucky. They will not kick you out or anything, but be prepared for some cross looks!
Number 2: In Italy, be wary of number 17, or Diciassette!
The Western World considers the number thirteen as unlucky, and especially Friday the thirteenth. Not so in Italy. Here the number Diciassette, or Seventeen is considered nothing but trouble. And particularly Friday the seventeenth!
Friday is used, because it was the day Jesus died. As for the significance of seventeen, well, there are several possible explanations. One of which is as follows: In Roman numerals, the number seventeen (XVII) is an anagram of the Latin phrase vi xi (or: I have lived). The use of the past tense suggests death, and therefore bad luck.
So, don’t be surprised if, next time you are in Italy and Friday the seventeenth rolls around, you notice some shops and offices closed per scaramanzia (or good luck).
“So don’t be surprised if, next time you are in Italy and Friday the seventeenth rolls around, you notice some shops and offices closed per scaramanzia (or good luck).”
Number 3: The bad omen of the little Black Cat
The ill-omen of a black cat in Italy: it is one of the most common superstitions. However, I don’t think many people know exactly why people chose this poor animal to represent something evil. Nor what the link is with Italy!
For that, we go back to the Middle Ages, which is when it all started. It is said that around that time, horses pulling carriages got spooked at night by black cats crossing the road. Being a great horse lover myself, I am sure that would have happened. A horse is an animal that is easily frightened, after all.
But why did this lovely cat get such a bad name? Meet Pope Gregorio IX. In 1200 CE, this Pope pronounced the black cat as a close friend of witches. This gave green light to a hunting season on these poor, fascinating creatures. During mediaeval times, the theory went even further. The public believed the black cat to be a demon and a devoted companion of the devil. Various Popes burned black cats alive during festivities. The black cat in Europe was undergoing a dreadful time!
It should be added that meanwhile in ancient Rome, city dwellers had a different perspective. Romans regarded the black cat good luck and they treated it with almost Godlike reverence. After a cat had passed away, they would cremate it. They would scatter its ashes scattered around to ensure a good harvest.
In any case, in many European legends, a black cat crossing someone’s path brought with it misfortune. Around that time, people considered black cats as companions of witches. I once had a black cat called Blacky (I wasn’t terribly creative at that time!). She trusted me so much that one time she 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, you should bring flowers when visiting family or friends. The type of flower is of no importance and people consider this a friendly gesture. In Italy however, people may only give the Chrysanthemum (meaning Golden Flower in Greek) on All Souls Day.
This day, Il Giorno dei Morti (the Day of the Departed) on November the 2nd, 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.
Why the Chrysanthemum?
But why do people in Italy associate the Chrysanthemum with mourning? For this, we have to go back many centuries to early Christianity. To a time when Early Church Fathers saw that some pagan or Druid celebrations were still very popular among country folk.
As a result, they integrated or accepted these kinds of festivities into their own liturgy; their own service. In this way, All Saints’ Day became the first of November. Saints would honour this special day. That way it could merge with the ancient Druid rituals of October 31. This was the Eve of New Year’s Day in the Celtic calendar.
The second of November, the Day of the Departed, coincides with the flowering of Chrysanthemums in Autumn. Hence in Italy it became associated with sorrow and death. People in Italy have practiced the tradition of this day for many centuries and it has made this flower unpopular with many. So, when in Italy, people should never ever offer a bouquet with Chrysanthemums!
“This flower represents mourning, and in Italy it should never be given as a present to a living person!”
Superstition in Italy: black cats, colours and numbers
And….just to underline the seriousness in the Italian superstitious perspective on daily life, I leave you with two more examples:
There is a Neapolitan saying: “Né di venere, né di marte ci si sposa, né si parte, né si da principio all’arte!” Which means: “Neither on a Friday nor on Tuesday does one marry, leave, or start something new!”
Thirteen is lucky in Italy, especially when gambling. It is where people also associate the number Thirteen with the Goddess of Fertility and the lunar cycles. It is where people feel that this number brings prosperity and abundant life.
Although most people in Italy consider thirteen to be lucky, sitting down to a table with twelve others is an ill omen. For at the Last Supper Jesus ate with his twelve apostles before one of them, Judas Iscariot, betrayed him.
About the author
Ingrid Everts-van Wouderberg is a new author and painter. Born and bred in the Netherlands, she has lived in England and South Africa. In her writing and art she draws on all of these experiences. Ingrid now resides in one of the most beautiful cities in the world; Rome, with her Roman husband, and Golden Retriever named Texel, who was named after Ingrid’s favourite Dutch island.
Instagram: @ingrid_van_woudenberg