Italian Horn: Meaning, History and Tradition - Eredi Jovon Venice (2024)

We have already talked generally and recently aboutItalian talismans in a long post in our Blog.

Today we are going to talk specifically about the most powerful of them: the Hornlet and what it means in the Italian tradition.

The Italian horn, also known as the "cornicello" or "corno," is a popular amulet or charm in Italian folklore. The Italian horn is often worn as jewelry and is believed to bring good luck and protection against the evil eye. It is typically depicted as a twisted horn-shaped pendant, often made of gold, red coral or silver.

The History of the Cornicello Necklace (legends and origins)

The Gold Italian Horn Necklacehas been considered to be the best and more powerful amulet for centuries, we could say millennia (somebody says since the Neolithic Era).

What it symbolizes and why it is a good luck amulet

The Italian horn has several symbolic meanings, including:

• Protection:

The Italian horn is believed to ward off the evil eye, a malevolent gaze or curse believed to bring harm or misfortune. It is seen as a talisman that provides protection and guards against negative energy or ill intentions.

As seen in the image below, some believe that it can also handle COVID as a sort of funny vaccine.

• Good Luck:

The Italian horn is associated with good luck and the prevention of bad luck or negative influences. It is believed to bring blessings, fortune, and positive outcomes in various aspects of life.

• Fertility and Virility:

The Italian horn is also linked to fertility and virility. It is sometimes worn as a symbol to enhance fertility, promote the birth of healthy children, and ensure a successful reproductive journey.

• Italian Heritage and Identity:

The Italian horn is a cultural symbol that represents Italian heritage and identity. It is often worn by individuals of Italian descent or as a way to connect with Italian traditions and customs.

Historical roots of this Powerful Amulet

What it represent? Where and when does it originate?

First of all, it does not represent a pepper: there is no point hiding the fact that thisItalian lucky charmsymbolizes an erect phallus.

Let’s get back to ancient Roman times and specifically in Pompeii and its archeological finds.

The collection, actually in the MANN Museum of Naples, shows a large part of personal amulets usually in the form of pendants.

let's get in deep with it essential features that make this talisman working at its best.

Essential Features of the Italian horn: Shape and Materials

1 - Shape: Sex as talisman against Evil Eye

As just said, the shape of those trinkets was very important for the protection intent: sexual iconography featured widely, as in the amulet pendants in the form of phalluses or male genitals.

For ancient Romans the male organ (known as the “fascinum”, deriving from “fas” and meaning “propitiatory”) was regarded as a talisman of fecundity and prosperity, which could keep apart from evil influences.

That is why in Pompei, for its talismanic power in bringing prosperity and warding off envy, the phallic symbol was inscribed on walls, pavements or hung up on tablets in the corners of houses.

2 - Materials for Italian Horn: Gold, Coral and Silver

These apotropaic symbols were made of materials believed to have special powers against diseases and evil eye: coral, amber, silver, sometimes gold.

More in depth:

• Red Italian Coral has always related to blood, life, love and sexuality, fertility and protection.It is believed to ward off negative energies, evil spirits, and accidents. Coral is considered a talisman of good luck and is often worn as a protective amulet.

• Yellow Gold has always related to richness, luck, wealth and power. It symbolizes financial prosperity, success, and luxury. Gold has been highly valued throughout history and is often associated with riches, opulence, and financial security.

That is why the “Hornlet” lucky charm is still produced with these apotropaic materials: let’s say that coral is more powerful for health and gold is, instead, meant to bring wealth closer to you.

Different Kind of Hornlet and other Amulet Evolutions

• RedCornicello with Gold Crown

Have you ever seen ared Italian horn with a golden crown? This talisman has both the powers of those lucky materials: it will make you wealthy and healthy!

A billionaire in the body of a healthy and cool top model ... what you would like more?

• The Traditional hand that makes horns

If the horns are two, like in the “Mano Corno”, the lucky power will be doubled

The meaning and significance of the corna gesture can vary depending on the cultural context. In some cultures, particularly in Italy and parts of Europe, the corna gesture is believed to ward off the evil eye or bring good luck. It is often used to express protection or to mock superstition.

• The Mano Fico

A great and powerful talisman was the gesture of putting the thumb between the index and middle fingers, alluding to copulation: the hands making that gesture is actually called “Mano Fico”.

It is believed to be a protective or apotropaic gesture used to ward off the evil eye or to bring good luck. It is also associated with fertility and is sometimes used in folk traditions related to childbirth or the prevention of infertility.

Lucky Horn and Christian Religion

For these reasons it is not something religious, but something more related to superstition: it is not bad luck at all, anyway, wearing an Italian horn with a cross together.

We could speak more in depth about the relations between religion and superstition since they often go hand-in-hand, but I will leave this argument for a future post.

Just know that Italians have horns attached to the driving mirrors of their cars, on their keychains, in some corners of their houses, somebody put this talisman in his baby’s crib.

Legend and traditional beliefs say it should be gifted since you can’t buy health.

My suggestion is: buy yourself a “Cornicello”, maybe it’s just superstition … Maybe it just works!

the biggest hug in the world

Marco Jovon

here you can downlaod my ebook on corals

If you loved this post, maybe you would like to go in depth with:

1. Old Italian Coral
2. The History of Lapislazzuli
3. The beauty of turquoise
4. Why is coral expensive?