In 2020 we experienced what our Latin ancestors called "annus horribilis": the year that will be perennially remembered as the year of the COVID pandemic.
The Famous Gold Horn Charm and other Italian amulets really bring good luck?
Today we'll speak about the "Bel Paese" lucky charms with a special focus on the Italian Horn Necklace in gold.
In a previous beautiful blog article, my mother told you the story of the coral horn, ending her arguments with an ironic “it's not true, but I believe in it!”.
It is precisely the meaning of this article: we are the first to say that everyone is the creator of his/her own luck, but what harm can it do to make friends with fate? Maybe it will be the right time!
What is definitly the Cornicello?
The “cornicello,” which is also often called a “cornetto” or “corno,” is one of the oldest Italian talismans and is shaped like the twisted horn of an animal but in a wearable size. It is considered to all intents and purposes the most powerful antidote against bad luck and envy, and in its positive meaning it is the tool for calling wealth, health and fertility.
Italy and the Neapolitan superstition
Since Roman times, we, Italians, have been lovers of chasing amulets because, let's face it, we are a bit superstitious and our magical center is certainly Naples.
Back to us, the origins of the Italian horn necklace are in fact ancient and go back to the wonderful Pompeii (it's not a case the tradition later developed in the south of Italy) where apotropaic symbols have been found that are, for better or worse, considered the first cornos in history. I'll tell you something more: recent studies trace this superstition back even to Neolithic times when primitive men saw in the horns of animals symbols of strength and prosperity.
Here are the Italian good luck charms that have marked the "Belpaese" tradition.
Traditional Italian amulets
Today I will tell you in a "politically incorrect" way, and without useless modesty, the truest meaning of the most famous Italian good luck talismans
• Coral Good Luck Horn
• Gold Horn against Evil Eye
• Horned hand
• The “Figa” Good Luck Pendant
• The hunchback
• The "Evil Eye" Talisman
The Coral Good Luck Horn and the Gold Horn against Evil Eye
The horn necklace can be made of different materials, and each has its own characteristics and magical powers.
Let's see the main differences below. Let us make an initial distinction between the two most commonly used materials: gold and red coral
The meaning of the two amulets is very similar but the materials are different so there are details you need to know to get the perfect one for you!
Let's start with the traditional coral horn called cornicello!
Meaning of this Magic Amulet
Let's try to clear things up and see what they have in common. First of all it is a horn not a chili pepper, thing that many get wrong. let's get in deep with the horn meaning
The cornetto is undoubtedly a (phallic) symbol of fertility and therefore a good omen and has its origins from its ancestor: the cornucopia!
Cornucopia literally means "horn of plenty" and Italian Horn Jewelry talks about wealth and ealth!
Abundance and fertility are often represented by Western iconography with a woman holding a horn overflowing with fruit and flowers in her arms.
The Coral Good Luck Horn
In my opinion it is the most traditional one, because it marries the concept of lucky charm with a totally Italian material: red coral. I will tell you more: the red horn has magical meanings, since its color recalls the blood that has always been synonymous with well being. In Italy there is even a proverb that says: "red wine makes good blood".
Blood is therefore essential for the well being of every person. I will give you one last though: think of a coral branch; doesn't it remind you of the human circulatory system? Think about it!
In Italy everything has historical or mythological roots and by understanding them, everything takes on a more complete meaning!
Gold Horn against Evil Eye
The 18 karat gold Italian horn is nothing more than an evolution of the red horn with materials considered even more precious (although sometimes coral costs more than the coveted yellow metal). The gold horn like the red version is traditionally effective against the "evil eye" and "jinxing".
In this case, the precious material, traditionally associated with wealth, would amplify its thaumaturgical power.
Cornicello and Horn of Plenty
Curiosity: Some researchers associate the curved shape of the cornicello with the mythological cornucopia, the horn of plenty in the mythology of our Greek and Roman ancestors, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
Horned hand Amulet
Another version is the hand making the horns: doubled power since there are two horns in this case! Closely related to the cornicello is the horned hand gesture, also known as “making horns.” This gesture, widespread especially in southern Italy, consists of pointing the index and middle fingers upward while holding the other fingers closed into a fist. This gesture is considered an apotropaic form useful for keeping bad luck and envious people away. Of course, there is also a portable version of this amulet and pendants or charms can be found in gold, coral and silver that are meant to protect the wearer.
In a recent post of our Blog we explained how Ronnie James Dio used his grandma gesture and created the iconic Metal Hand Sign
The “Figa” Good Luck Pendant
What is it? It is an amulet in the shape of a small hand closed, with the thumb enclosed between the index and middle finger.
Figa is a lucky charm present in various cultures and in Italy it is called "mano fico" because the position of the hand is very reminiscent of this fruit.
For the ancient Romans this fruit represented the female sexual organ and was therefore associated with fertility and abundance. In practice, it is the alter ego of the phallic symbol of the horn.
The materials: once again gold and coral to encourage the multiplication of the beneficial effects of the amulet.
This gesture is totally different by the Devil Hand Sign: both are ancient apotropaic gestures, but they differ significantly in the position of the fingers. In the mano figa the thumb is placed between the index and middle fingers, which are slightly curled over it.
The hunchback (O’ Scartellato) goes with the horn
The Hunchback Charm: having the “scartello” means having a hump.
The word derives from the Greek "kartos" which in ancient Neapolis (once again Naples) indicated the basket that was believed to be full of precious objects and therefore a harbinger of well being.
This speech reminds you by chance of the "cornucopia" we were talking about earlier?
Here the “scartello” the person bent and humped under the basket, has become a traditional symbol that people want to touch to get some of that good luck.
Do you want a lucky number? For the "Neapolitan grimace" the hunchback corresponds to the number 57 and chases away all troubles!
Often the hunchback is represented on the top of the lucky horn or holds a horn in his hand. The meaning: simply a fortune raised to the square!
The Nazar Evil Eye Talisman
The eye of Nazar is a powerful talisman that traces its origins to ancient Egypt (the miraculous eye of Horus) and has since spread throughout Mediterranean culture making stops in southern Italy as well.
It represents an eye that is supposed to act as a counterbalance against the spitefulness of those who are looking at you with an evil gaze.
It is a passive amulet (so not like the cornet that must be activated) that protects against the Evil Eye by absorbing negative energy and reflecting envy.
Today it is valued both as an auspicious amulet and as a stylish detail, often included in handcrafted jewelry and contemporary furnishings.
Italian Good Luck Charms | Q & A
Q: What is the good luck charm in Italy?
A: The Italian horn (also called Cornicello) is for sure the most powerful and mighty remedy against "evil eye". Since millennia it's believed to be the best ward against envy and bad luck. It must be (possibly) twisted, red and gifted. There is a specific ritual to activate it!
Q: Do you need to be Italian to wear a Cornicello?
A: Absolutely no! You can wear your lucky horn without any problem, it will bring positive energies and attitudes. You don't need to be Italian, "luck is blind" as our ancestors were used to say!
Q: What do Italians consider good luck?
A: We can make a list of good luck Italian amulets: the lucky horn, the mano cornuta, the Figa hand, the hunchback, the quatrefoil, the number 13 etc.
You are free to do as you wish, but for me a little luck never hurts so ... it won't be true, but I believe in it!
On the other hand, mom is always right
I will leave you with the biggest hug in the world
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