SummerSimo Travel Troubles Notes and The Purring Page

Are you superstitious?

In the heart of Northern Italy, where the Alpine breeze mingles with the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, lives a person whose life is intricately woven with threads of superstitions inherited from Greek and Turkish ancestries. This unique blend of cultures has bestowed upon them a rich tapestry of beliefs and rituals that color their daily existence with a fascinating complexity.

From the moment the first rays of the sun kiss the earth, their day begins with rituals passed down through generations. In the kitchen, a small cup of coffee simmers on the stove, its aroma mingling with the scent of burning sage. This ritual, a blend of Greek and Turkish traditions, is believed to ward off the evil eye and bring good fortune. As the coffee bubbles, they whisper a prayer to Hestia, the Greek goddess of the hearth, seeking her blessing for a day filled with warmth and protection.

Stepping out into the cobblestone streets of their town, they are careful to avoid crossing paths with black cats, a superstition deeply rooted in both cultures as an omen of bad luck. Instead, they look for a chimney sweep, believing, as the Turks do, that seeing one can bring good luck. Their gaze also searches for a coin on the ground, a sign of prosperity and good fortune, a belief shared by many cultures but felt deeply in their Greek roots.

The influence of their heritage is never more apparent than in moments of decision-making. When faced with a significant choice, they consult a cup of Turkish coffee, turning the cup upside down and letting the grounds settle to reveal patterns that might hint at the future. This practice, a blend of divination and tradition, offers comfort and guidance, a link to their ancestors’ wisdom.

Their home, too, is a testament to their beliefs. Blue eye-shaped amulets, known as the evil eye or “nazar,” adorn the walls, a protective charm against jealousy and ill will. These amulets, common in both Greek and Turkish cultures, serve as a constant reminder of the invisible forces at play, shaping their perception of the world around them.

Even in the joyous moments of life, superstitions play a pivotal role. Weddings, for example, are occasions where these beliefs surface most prominently. A pinch of sugar in the bride’s glove ensures a sweet life, while the groom carries a piece of iron in his pocket to ward off evil spirits. These rituals, blending the mysticism of their Greek and Turkish heritage, add depth and meaning to the celebrations.

Living with such a rich array of superstitions might seem overwhelming to an outsider, but for them, it is a way of life that connects them deeply to their roots. It offers a sense of continuity with their ancestors, a way to preserve their history and identity in the ever-changing tapestry of modern life.

As the sun sets over the rolling hills of Northern Italy, casting a golden glow on the ancient buildings, they reflect on the day and the myriad ways in which their superstitions have guided their actions. In this beautiful, complex world, these beliefs are a source of comfort and connection, a bridge between the past and the present, and a unique lens through which they view the tapestry of life.