Naples between myth and superstition

Life in Naples straddles the visible and the invisible. Stones, gestures, and objects can all be bearers of signs, omens, and ancient stories. Myth and superstition are integral to the present, not just remnants of the past.

In no other city is there such natural discourse about the evil eye, horns, curses, and protections. But in Naples, this isn't blind superstition; it's a form of dialogue with the unpredictable, a way to coexist with life's mysteries.

• 'O Curniciello Rosso: The quintessential good luck charm—curved, handmade, and always gifted, never bought for oneself.
• The Evil Eye (Jettatura): The "bad look" that brings misfortune. To defend against it? Superstitious hand gestures, horns in pockets, and touching iron. Horseshoes, Salt, Open Scissors: Everything holds meaning; everything can attract or repel.
• Never Gift Pearls or Handkerchiefs: The former symbolize tears, the latter mourning.
• Never Place Shoes on the Bed: It's considered bad luck.
•  Votive Shrines and Living Nativity Scenes: A blend of religion and urban magic.

'O Munaciello

An ambiguous and beloved figure, 'o Munaciello is a household spirit both cherished and feared. Small, hooded, and dressed like a monk, he's been part of Neapolitan imagination for centuries.

Historical Version: The Well-Diggers
Some believe 'o Munaciello represents the pozzari, slender men who entered homes through wells to clean underground cisterns. Their dark attire and sudden appearances sparked mystery, birthing the legend of a spirit from below, capable of bringing fortune or mischief.

Romantic Version: Caterinella Frezza
As recounted by Matilde Serao in Leggende napoletane, this tale tells of Caterinella, a young aristocrat in love with a servant, Stefano Mariconda. Their forbidden love ended with his death and her confinement in a convent, where she bore a deformed child. Dressed in a monk's habit to hide his appearance, the child disappeared mysteriously, becoming the subject of popular legend.

These differing origins both live on in the Neapolitan heart, with 'o Munaciello invoked whenever something inexplicable occurs.

Even secular and modern figures become mythical in Naples: Maradona redeems, Pulcinella reveals, Totò consoles.

Pulcinella
The quintessential Neapolitan mask—ambiguous, melancholic, wise, and comical. Pulcinella embodies the Neapolitan philosophy: mocking power, enduring hardship, hiding truths beneath a white hat, and laughing at fate to make it bearable. In superstition, he's also a good luck charm, often appearing in nativity scenes or as a household amulet.

Maradona
From footballer to folk icon. In Naples, Diego has become an urban myth, a secular saint. His image adorns shops, car dashboards, and votive shrines. Some swear that touching his likeness before an exam or important event brings good luck. Maradona's legend stems not just from his achievements but from what he represented: redemption, joy, and the realization of the impossible.

Totò
Antonio De Curtis, known as Totò, is more than an actor; he's the voice of deep Naples, one that suffers and smiles simultaneously. His verses, jokes, and expressions are part of the city's genetic heritage. Through his humor, he transformed superstition into poetry and emotional intelligence. Totò is a popular myth because he manages to be both cultured and common, tragic and comic, contemporary and timeless.

• Because superstition is a poetic form of protection.
• Because rationality isn't enough; hope is also needed.
• Because believing means belonging, sharing, and storytelling.
• Because in a city that feels everything, even the unspoken holds value.

Naples doesn't need to prove something exists. It's enough to know that, perhaps, it might truly exist. And just in case, a hand gesture is made, iron is touched, and the smile continues.