What is the meaning behind the Italian horn?
Also known as the Italian Horn, this gently-shaped horn in red, gold or silver amulet, is symbolic of animal horns said to belong to the sacred Moon Goddess of Europe. The symbol bears protection for the wearer from the dreaded Evil Eye. Jealousy and envy underlie the Evil Eye’s cultural association with superstition.
What is the ring called that holds a pendant on a chain?
A bail (also spelled “bale”) is a component of certain types of jewelry, mostly necklaces, that is used to attach a pendant or stone. The bail is normally placed in the center of the necklace where the pendant hangs.
What does the cornicello symbolize?
Most commonly, the Italian horn is a symbol of good luck. The Italian horn is known locally as “cornicello” (meaning little horn, or hornlet), “cornetto,” or simply “corno.” Often the horn is worn on a necklace, but it is also common to see it hanging inside a car for protection.
Why do Italians wear a cornicello?
“A cornicello, or corno portafortuna, is an Italian talisman worn to protect against the evil eye and bad luck in general, and historically to promote fertility and virility,” she says of the pendant, which is traditionally crafted from red coral, gold or silver.
Why is the cornicello red?
The red coral often used to make the charm is sacred to Venus, goddess of love, and silver is sacred to Luna, the goddess of the moon. The red color and phallic shape are also related to the male fertility god Priapus.
What is the Evil Eye Italian?
One of the more popular superstitions is the Malocchio (mal=bad occhio=eye) or the evil eye. It’s the look that one person gives to another if they are jealous or envious. According to Italian folklore, those giving the malocchio can cause harm to someone else.
What is the thing hanging from a necklace called?
Pendants are a decorative ornament that hangs from the necklace chain or chord. Pendants can be made of silver, gold and other metals and often feature a beautiful centerstone.
How do you keep a pendant from moving on a chain?
The solution to the problem is to add a counterweight such as a charm or decoration on the back of the necklace chain near the clasp to offset the weight of the pendant—putting them in balance. The size and characteristics of the counterweight can vary depending on the design of the jewelry.
What is the Evil Eye in Italian?
What does the chilli mean in Italian?
Cornicelli are thought to be modeled after an eland horn, to represent fertility, virility, and strength. The shape and colour of the red cornicelli are reminiscent of a chili pepper. The coral of which it is often made is sacred to Venus, goddess of love, fertility, sex, and prosperity.
What is a Sicilian curse?
Curse texts or defixiones are handwritten texts, often on thin plaques of lead, in which someone asks a god or demon to do evil to another person.