MY LUCKY TRADITIONS
TRADITIONS SYMBOLS SUPERSTITIONS LUCK
The lucky horn
O’curniciell
amulet of Naples
“tuosto, stuorto e cu ‘a ponta”
Naples is a magical city full of miracles, mysteries and superstitions
– many of which have legends to tell from hundreds of years ago.
From Saints to throwing salt over your shoulder
– if you have been to Naples then you must have seen the red horn somewhere.
So, what’s it all about?
THE ORIGINS The red horn – commonly known as o’curniciell – corniciello or simply corno – resembles a hot pepper and is an important symbol and renowned amulet of Naples – regarding both tradition and superstition – with antique origins dating back to the Middle Ages when primitives associated the physical power of animals with the emblematic size of their horns… and to when populations of hunters hang bloody horns of large prey at the entrance of their homes to ward off enemies…
Well, there’s just a few of many explanations.
