Have you ever thought about how many ways there are to wish your best friend, girlfriend or someone you love, “Good Luck!”
How many Ways can you say it? What is the most commonly used Italian expression?
Basically how to say Good Luck in Italian so let's start ...
What’s the Italian for Good Luck
Let's take a few examples talking about Italian tradition so we'll understand better what the Cornicello is meant for ...
In Italy to wish good luck to a loved one we use phrases such as:
- “In Bocca al Lupo” (literally: “In the jaws of the wolf”) to which we reply “Crepi il Lupo.” (“The wolf will die”)
Ideally, when a loved one is about to do something risky and difficult, he or she is reminded that he or she is going into the jaws of an enemy and therefore he or she responds that he or she wishes such danger to cease to exist.
So why Italians says “In bocca al Lupo”?
This sounds like nonsense, but in common understanding this phrase has a strong apotropaic value that is indeed meant precisely to ward off that evil.
Simply put: to ward off the possibility of an undesirable event, it is expressed in the form of a wish
It is certainly the most widely used way in Italy to wish good luck, and it is frequently used in different contexts.
- A more scurrilous, goliardic and “college-age” version of this expression is definitely “In culo alla Balena” (literally: ”In the Whale’s Ass”) to which one replies “Speriamo che non scorreggi” (“let's hope it doesn't fart.”) I think there is not much to explain!
It is easy for such an expression to be used to wish the success of a university examination
- The Latin phrase “ad maiora” has a more academic meaning and literally means “toward greater things.” This phrase is responded to with a euphoric “Semper.” (Always)
If we want to be picky in this case, luck is put aside a little bit and the present is celebrated while also placing the focus on possible future achievements to come.
It is a saying that can be used after a successful graduation discussion or in case of professional and institutional celebrations.
- Tanti Auguri it’s a phrase used mostly for birthday wishes
So what is the best wish in Italian? We can definitely say that “In bocca al lupo” is the most used Italian way to wish good fortune.
Would you wish to an Italian good luck, simply say that, he will 100% appreciate!
Curiosity: Just think that the earliest writings containing this phrase date back as far as the 13th century.
Italian Good luck symbols
The following is a list (not exhaustive of the proncipal Italian lucky charms, their symbolic meaning and history):
- Cornicello rosso (or Neapolitan cornetto) - Scaramantic symbol par excellence, especially in southern Italy. It serves to actively protect as I have said repeatedly in this blog against the evil eye, envy and bad luck. This is basically the most famous, mighty and iconic Italian horn necklace.
- Horned hand - An apotropaic gesture or amulet, it is used to “ward off the evil eye” and attract positive energies. It often accompanies the red cornicello and, failing that, takes on the value of a double horn (so mighty powered).
- Horseshoe - To be hung on the front door with the tips pointing upward, it is one of the best-known good luck symbols in Italy and around the world. The iron in its typical position reminiscent of the moon's benevolent influences has its arms outstretched to gather good fortune.
- Ladybug - If it rests on you it brings good luck! It is associated with good news, love and prosperity, and is a popular good luck charm even among children. in this case the number of dots the insect presents is important and that must always be odd.
- Four-leaf clover - Very rare to find, it is a symbol of pure luck. Its four leaves represent hope, faith, love and. luck! It is rare so precious!
- Number 13 - Unlike many other countries, in Italy the number 13 is considered a lucky number, especially in the lotto game. For us in the Belpaese, the unlucky number is 17 and we’ll tell you why if you keep reading at this post. The number thirteen is also considered the best Italian good luck charm for those who play Totocalcio, a traditional Italian football betting game where you had to predict the outcome of thirteen matches by marking 1, 2, or X on the ticket. That’s why, in Italy, when something turns out perfectly, people often say: "Ho fatto Tredici!" — meaning "I hit the jackpot!" or "Everything went just right!"
- Manofico ✊ - Ancient gesture, similar to a clenched fist with the thumb between the index and middle fingers. Used against the evil eye and to protect against negativity. It is a gesture with sexual connotations therefore auspicious for fertility and good health.
- Lucky gobbet - Small figurine or pendant depicting a hunchbacked man, often with top hat and staff. Symbol of good luck, wealth and protection. The “Scartellato” as it is commonly called is reminiscent of sack carriers who were crushed and thus “hunchbacked” by the weight of the delicacies and abundance they carried.
- Madonnina with scapular - A widespread devotional amulet, it protects the wearer from danger and misfortune, invoking the protection of Our Lady. I think there is no need for explanation on this one.
- Lucky dice - Symbol of chance and destiny, but also of daring and luck in taking risks. Often worn as a pendant or keychain. Julius Caesar's famous phrase read “Alea jacta est” ... “The dice is cast.” From this term derives the word “aleatoriness” typical of Fortuna (The Goddess Fortune).
All these amulets are available in our online store and are created respecting the Italian tradition.
Curiosity | Regional Superstitions in Italy
Below is a small list (but it would really be endless) of small Italian superstitions:
- eating lentils or grapes on New Year's Eve should ingratiate you with the Goddess Fortune for the coming year.
- you should never do important things on Friday the 17th (Friday is the day Jesus died, 17 because, written in Roman numerals XVII and anagrammed makes up the word VIXI, I lived, therefore I died)
- Especially in the South, dropping salt is considered an omen of misfortune and quarrels in the family. To avoid misfortune, a pinch of dropped salt is taken and thrown immediately behind the left shoulder. The ancients called salt the white gold and it was considered as precious as water.
- Opening the umbrella in the house can bring bad luck inside the dwelling.
- Accidentally sweeping an unmarried woman's feet with a broom: you condemn her to be a spinster forever. Remedy: make her take three steps backward!
- never sit down to dinner in 13-the answer is simple and reminiscent of “the Last Supper.” A new “Judas” is sitting at that table.
- Do not give handkerchiefs because they are supposed to bring tears. Remedy: give a coin so it looks like you paid out of your own pocket.
- Do not give knives as gifts because they cut off friendships. Same remedy above.
The best remedies for all this unlucky situations are still the just listed and mentioned Italian Good Luck Charms.
The History of Italian Superstitions
The origin of the Italian superstition can be traced back to pre-Roman times (Greeks and Etruscans) and they have a desire to counteract the typical phenomena of nature with rituals and sacrifices propitiatory of fertility and good luck using natural elements com horns, stones and shells.
In Roman times superstition evolved to become organized by integrating various local beliefs.
Here was born the primal horn necklace, the bronze mirror with the eye and the belief that 17 brings bad luck because anagrammed as we said before creates the word: VIXI.
Then comes Christianity and saints and relics take on protective functions previously attributed to local spirits or pagan amulets.
I like to say that everything settles and is then taken up again using new linguistic keys.
You want an example of a connection between Roman times and Christianity: the union between Friday (the day of Christ's death) and 17, which for the Romans was the most unlucky number.
Curiosity: This is why the horror movie Friday the 13th in Italy was translated as “Friday the 17th.”
A Cult Movie: different title but same thrills!
Modern times| Apotropaic rites today
Some superstitions have become global (such as the black cat and Friday the 13th or 17th), while others have remained specific to Italy. However, as has often been said, we live in an age of "a quick pill for everything," so how could there not be one against the bad luck that haunts everyone (or at least, that's what we believe)?
No one really believes in the evil eye anymore — but everyone still wants a good luck charm.
Italian Good Luck Charms From Eredi Jovon
In Venice, we have been working in this field for almost 100 years and have made the traditions of the beautiful land where we live our own. Our flagship is definitely the 18 karat gold cornicello, but our favorite is definitely the red coral horn, which besides good luck also brings well-being and physical health. Grandma always said that health is the most important thing in the world because “With health you make money but money, unfortunately, does not give health.”
That's probably the best horn meaning I can share with you all!
The "cornetto" is much more than just an amulet—it's a symbol of our country, and it’s our duty to honor a tradition that is thousands of years old and embodies Italian spirit in every way. The materials we use for our cornetti must be authentic and of the highest quality (such as 18-karat gold strictly made in Italy and genuine red coral harvested from our seas), avoiding the temptation of creating historically inaccurate replicas that wouldn't sit right with our conscience or with the watchful gaze of those who came before us in our family.
This careful selection of materials, combined with respect for traditional artisanal techniques, ensures you’ll receive an authentic handcrafted jewel that honors the cultural meaning behind our Italian amulets against the Evil Eye.
Only then will we know we’ve truly done our best, so your talisman will genuinely bring good luck into your life—and above all, ignite in your heart an even deeper love for our beautiful Italy.
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