When it comes to superstitions, I have always been more on the “better safe than sorry” side. I avoid spilling water backward, placing hats on beds, or sweeping someone’s feet – why take the risk of bad luck, right? But beyond avoiding misfortune, I have always been drawn to good luck charms, objects, and traditions believed to bring protection, hope, and optimism. In many ways, they are a way of connecting to something bigger, a way of saying, “I believe things can get better.”
Here is a collection of good luck charms and traditions that have shaped my life, my culture, and my sense of hope.
The four-leaf clover
One of my earliest memories of luck is tied to my grandmother. She had a garden, and every spring, she’d collect wild violets while scanning the grass for four-leaf clovers. She was so lucky, she found them often! Inspired by her, I have spent countless hours in fields of clover, searching for that elusive four-leaf treasure.
Statistically, there is one four-leaf clover for every 10,000 three-leaf clovers. The odds are terrible, but I still look – because it is not just about finding one; it is about believing in the possibility.
Each leaf symbolizes something precious: faith, hope, love, and luck. And for me, they are also a reminder to stay optimistic, even when the math isn’t in my favor.
The Neapolitan red horn
During a trip to Naples, I stumbled across a jewelry shop filled with red coral horns – cornetti rossi. They were vibrant, eye-catching, and irresistible. Naturally, I bought one (and a lemon charm for good measure). The shopkeeper explained that to work its magic, the cornetto must be red, pointed, and given as a gift. So, I made sure Pietro “gifted” it to me.
If the tip breaks, it means the charm has absorbed all the bad energy meant for you. The finest ones are made of coral, though they can be pricey.
To me, the cornetto represents boldness and resilience, a little piece of Naples tucked into my pocket.
Rainbows
Rainbows have always fascinated me. After a storm, they appear like magic – half-circles of vibrant color that make the world feel full of possibility. In Italian folklore, rainbows are believed to bridge two worlds, symbolizing harmony, fertility, and new beginnings.
Whenever I spot one, I feel lucky, as if the universe is sending me a little message: “Keep going. Something beautiful is just around the corner.”
Ladybugs
When Elisa was a toddler, I called her my little ladybug, coccinella. These tiny creatures are more than just adorable – they are considered signs of good fortune. If a ladybug lands on you, you can make a wish, and when it flies away, it is said to carry your wish to the heavens. The luckiest ones have seven spots and are fiery red, symbolizing vitality and health.
I remember Elisa’s delight whenever we spotted one. To this day, whenever I see a ladybug, I smile and take a moment to make a wish, no matter how small.
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The horseshoe
A classic symbol of luck and protection, the horseshoe must be hung with the open end facing upward, like a cup to catch all the good fortune. In Naples, it os also believed to ward off malocchio (the evil eye).
In fact, Italians often say “Tocca ferro!” (touch iron) to counter bad luck. Whenever I see a horseshoe, I can’t help but feel a little safer.
Shooting stars
Every August, on the night of San Lorenzo, I’d go with friends or family to the darkest spot we could find to watch for shooting stars. The tradition is simple: see a star, make a wish, and trust it will come true. There is something magical about staring into the vast night sky, hoping for a flash of light to carry your dreams.
For me, it is always been a ritual of hope – a tiny spark in the dark.
New Year’s lucky traditions
In Italy, the New Year comes with a mix of quirky and heartfelt traditions, all meant to usher in good fortune:
• Red underwear: on New Year’s Eve, Italians wear red lingerie for luck, health, and strength. Some even wear it inside out until midnight, then flip it for the New Year.
• Throwing old things out: in Naples, it is customary to toss old plates or objects out the window at midnight – a symbolic way of discarding the past to make room for the future.
• Lentils for dinner: a classic New Year’s dish, lentils symbolize wealth and abundance because their shape resembles coins. I have never skipped a New Year’s lentil dish – they are delicious and full of promise!
• Date pits: on the first day of the year, we eat dates, save the pits, and place them in our wallets, swapping out the old pit from the year before. It is a quiet but meaningful way to carry abundance into the year ahead.
Rain on your wedding day
You have probably heard the phrase, “Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata” (a wet bride is a lucky bride). While I had perfect weather on my wedding day, a quick sprinkle later in the afternoon seemed like a little nod from the universe, just in case.
The rain symbolizes fertility and prosperity – a beautiful blessing for a new chapter.
Coins in fountains
Whether it is the Trevi Fountain in Rome or a small village well, tossing a coin into the water while making a wish is a universal gesture. I always carry a coin or two when I travel because you never know when you’ll find a fountain calling you to make a wish.
Unusual good luck beliefs
Finally, there are some unconventional charms and customs that still make me smile:
• Bird droppings: believe it or not, if a bird poops on you, it is considered a sign of good luck. As a child, I was once “blessed” while sitting on church steps with my parents – it wasn’t pleasant, but they reassured me it was a good omen.
• Dog droppings: similarly, stepping in dog poop is said to bring luck, though I suspect this might be a way of softening the blow of an otherwise unfortunate situation.
• Pomegranates: their many seeds symbolize abundance and fertility. Eating them during the New Year is another way Italians invite good fortune into their lives.
Why we believe
Ultimately, good luck charms are about hope. They are small rituals and objects that remind us to focus on the positive, to see the beauty in the ordinary, and to trust in the unknown. Whether it is a four-leaf clover or a ladybug, these symbols of fortune connect us to our roots, our culture, and our dreams for the future.
Thanks for hanging out with me today!
See you next time.
Valentina
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