What is the Italian horn?
The Italian horn is a horn or pepper-shaped amulet. The Italian horn is a small amulet that is meant to resemble a bull’s horn. It has a twisted shape that ends in a point, which gives it the appearance of a chili pepper. It is an important symbol for many Italians and people with Italian heritage. In Italian, the amulet is commonly called the cornicello, cornetto (little horn), corno (horn), and corno portafortuna (horn that brings luck). In Neapolitan, the amulet is called curniciello. Most Italian horns are made out of gold, red coral, and silver. The Italian horn amulet is primarily worn as a necklace.
Meanings of the Italian Horn
Good luck To many Italians, the Italian horn is a lucky talisman that is believed to bring you good luck, good fortune, and blessings. It is also thought to protect you from bad luck, negative energy, and malicious spirits. For instance, carrying an Italian horn might bring you financial success or help you find love.
Protection from the evil eye (malocchio) Many Italians believe in the evil eye (called malocchio in Italian), which is an evil gaze someone gives you that’s thought to bring you harm, misfortune, or illness. The Italian horn is believed to ward off the evil eye’s gaze and prevent the curse from affecting you. There are lots of ways to ward off the evil eye according to Italian superstition: Make the sign of the horns with your hand (corna or mano cornuta) by extending your pinky and index finger and holding your ring and middle finger with your thumb. Make the fig sign (mano fica) with your hands by forming a fist and placing your thumb between your index and middle fingers. Wear a horned hand amulet (mano cornuta). Wear a black or red brevi bag around your neck that’s filled with herbs, an Italian horn (or other amulet), and images of Christian saints.
Fertility The Italian horn was originally meant to resemble a crescent moon or phallus, both of which symbolize fertility and virility. Many people believe the Italian horn helps women conceive and ensure they have a healthy pregnancy and birth. It is also thought to help improve men’s fertility.
Italian heritage Because the Italian horn comes from Italy, it is often regarded as a symbol of Italian culture. Many Italians and people with Italian heritage wear the amulet to celebrate their identity and proudly represent their culture. For instance, Italian immigrants and people with Italian heritage might wear an Italian horn to connect with other Italians and keep their traditions alive. The Italian horn is more popular in Naples (Napoli) and southern Italy than in northern Italy, as it may have originated in the south.
The Symbolism of the Italian Horn’s Material
Red coral Italian horns are associated with love, fertility, and protection. Italian horns made out of red coral are believed to symbolize life, vitality, sexuality, and fertility—wearing one may help you feel full of energy, find love, and start a family. Red coral horns are also thought to protect you from negativity and bring good luck.
Gold Italian horns are associated with wealth, success, and power. An Italian horn made out of yellow gold is seen as a symbol of richness, prosperity, confidence, and good fortune. If you wear a gold horn, you might reach new heights in your career, come into some money, or find financial security. Many red coral Italian horn amulets have a gold cap, which can bring you the benefits of both the red coral and the gold.
Silver Italian horns are associated with the moon and femininity. Silver is widely regarded as a symbol of the moon, which in turn symbolizes change, the cycles of life, and fertility. Silver and the moon are also associated with feminine energy like empathy, intuition, and creativity. So, wearing a silver horn can be sign of transformation for you or help you cultivate divine feminine energy.
History of the Italian Horn
The Italian horn amulet dates back to ancient Rome. The Italian horn has been a popular symbol in Italy for thousands of years. The first amulet may have actually been a crescent moon to honor the pagan Moon Goddess, who represented fertility and prosperity. The amulet later became a phallic symbol, which was believed to ward off the evil eye and promote fertility. Later in history, the Italian horn became associated with a bull’s horns. Bulls (and their horns) are associated with strength, protection, and fertility in many cultures, which mirrors the Italian horn’s symbolism.
How do you use the Italian horn?
Wear the Italian horn amulet on a necklace, bracelet, or earrings. The Italian horn is primarily worn as jewelry. You might wear it on a necklace, bracelet, or earrings to receive its good luck and protection from the evil eye. According to superstition, if your Italian horn breaks, it means it successfully protected you from the evil eye.
Hang an Italian horn amulet in your car or house. Many Italians prefer to use the Italian horn as a talisman instead of wearing it. You might hang it on the rearview mirror in your car, place it above your front door, or carry an amulet in your pocket to ward off negativity and promote good fortune.
Can you buy yourself an Italian horn?
According to superstition, an Italian horn must be given to you. Many people believe that someone has to give you an Italian horn necklace or amulet in order for you to receive its luck and protection from the evil eye. If you buy it yourself, you may bring yourself bad luck. Other people believe that you can buy one for yourself, you just can’t pay for the whole thing. For instance, you might ask the shop owner to mark the price down by 1 cent. However, this is just superstition, and anyone can buy an Italian horn for themselves. It’s just up to you if you want to take the risk! If you want an Italian horn necklace or amulet but don’t want to buy it, ask for one for your birthday, a holiday, or an upcoming celebration (like a graduation or wedding).
Who can wear the Italian horn?
Italian horns are primarily worn by people with southern Italian heritage. Since Italian horns come from Italy and are more popular in southern Italy, they are typically worn by southern Italians and people with southern Italian heritage. People from northern Italy or who are descended from northern Italians might wear them, too. However, anyone can wear an Italian horn as long as they respect its symbolism and significance. It makes for a great gift or souvenir when visiting Italy. Some Christians, specifically Catholics, choose not to wear Italian horn jewelry because it is an amulet associated with the occult. Instead, they might wear a cross necklace for protection.
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