1. A look at some...

3.  The number 17 is considered
unlucky for at least two
reasons, both having to do with
how it is written. When 17 is
written using Roman numerals
XVII, it can be rearranged to
spell the Roman word VIXI
meaning "I have lived" and was
found on ancient tombstones.
When written using Arabic
numerals 17 are still considered
unlucky since it resembles a
man hanging from a gallows.

4. XVII
In Italy, it is not uncommon to notice
that buildings do not have 17th
floor, hotels do not have a room 17.
The Italian airline
carrier, Alitalia, does not have a seat
17. Renault sold its "R17" model in

5.  Concepts of the Evil Eye are some
of the most ancient and prevalent
superstitions of the entire
Mediterranean. Every culture
seems to have their own version
of the Evil Eye and their own ways
to combat it. One thing they all
have in common is that the Evil
Eye is caused by jealousy and
envy. By coveting somebody's
possessions or more importantly
admiring another family's
newborn baby can cause a
curse, even if envious person did
not mean it.

6.  To test for the evil eye a
drop of oil is placed on a
plate. If the oil forms one
large drop in the middle of
the plate- it is a sure sign of
the Evil Eye, but after
chanting the right prayers
that only women are
allowed to know, the oil will
break up into tiny droplets
and spread out. The curse
will be broken.

7.  The Devil's Horn (Corno)
 An offshoot of the Evil Eye curse is the use of the Corno, or Devil's
Horn amulet. These twisted red coral, gold or silver amulets are
often worn as necklaces by men to ward off curses on their
"manliness" - very similar to a Mojo.
 Although most men who wear one will say it represents one of the
horns of the devil, the Corno (also known as Cornuto or Cornicello)
predates Christianity by thousands of years.
 Related to the Corno is the hand gesture known as the mano
cornuta, which also wards off the Evil Eye by extending only the
pinkie and index finger like a pair of horns and pointing it down.
When this gesture is made pointing upward (similar to the heavy
metal salute to the Devil) it is as an insult to somebody, meaning
their husband or wife is unfaithful.

8.  Never lay a loaf of bread upside down…. since bread is the body of
Crist,it’s disrespectful.
 Follow that up with never stick a knife into a loaf of bread…which
obviously doesn’t include cutting it.
 Never cross arms when shaking hands in a group or toasting in a
group…bad luck.
 Always look into the other person’s eyes when toasting…. 7 years
bad sex.
 Trimming your nails on certain days will bring bad luck.
 Right hand itching means money left means you will fight with a
friend.
 Never walk over a child that is laying on the ground or bring the
child bad luck.
 Never leave hanging clothes to dry over night, especially childrens
clothes, or a demon may have access to the person. If left out after
dark the sun of the next day must touch them before being brought
in.
 Sitting at the corner of the table means your will not get married.
 Broom upside down behind door means you will marry an old man.