The Sicilian Evil Eye: Secrets of the Malocchio and the Protective Power of Corna
Ah, Sicily—a land of rolling hills, ancient ruins, mouthwatering arancini, and…superstitions. Lots and lots of superstitions! From the evil eye to lucky charms, Sicilians have an endless trove of mystical beliefs that add a little magic (and a little mystery) to everyday life. So, let’s take a look at the quirky world of Sicilian superstitions, where every sneeze has meaning, and no one leaves a hat on the bed…ever.
Let’s start with Sicily’s most famous superstition, the malocchio, or evil eye. It’s believed that a particularly envious look can send a curse your way, causing anything from bad luck to illness. In Sicily, everyone from the tiniest of toddlers to the eldest nonna*knows to watch out for that unmistakable glare.
The Dreaded Malocchio (Evil Eye)
How to Spot Malocchio
Feeling a sudden headache? A bout of nausea? It might just be a passing ailment…or it could be malocchio. And just in case, Sicilians have some tricks up their sleeves for protection. Many people wear amulets, such as the little red horn, corno rosso, or a small hamsa hand, to keep the curse at bay. Some even turn to the “oil and water” test, where a drop of oil is placed in water. If the oil forms an evil-eye shape, well, better grab that amulet!
The Power of Corna (Hand Horns)
If you ever catch a Sicilian flashing a quick two-fingered hand gesture, they’re not pointing at a rock concert—they’re warding off bad luck! Known as *corna*, this iconic gesture involves extending the index and pinky fingers to mimic horns. Sicilians whip out the corna in situations that might attract malocchio, or just to dispel general bad vibes.
When to Use Corna
Encountering a black cat, seeing a broken mirror, or hearing an ominous sneeze? Out come the corna! It’s like a magical “delete” button for bad luck. And if you’re really serious about avoiding curses, you can add a little twist—point the corna downwards to aim that bad energy right into the ground.
So, next time you feel an icy stare or suspect that someone’s been giving you the malocchio, remember: a quick flick of the corna might just do the trick! Whether it’s the power of tradition or a Sicilian sprinkle of magic, these gestures have been guarding Sicily’s best-kept secrets for centuries. So, keep that amulet close, your fingers at the ready, and when in doubt, just remember—no curse can stand up to a true Sicilian with a protective hand and a nonna’s blessing.
Buona fortuna! - Miss Trinacria xx
