Acornicello (Italian pronunciation:[korniˈtʃɛllo]),cornetto (Italian for 'little horn' / 'hornlet';[korˈnetto]),corno (Italian for 'horn"'), orcorno portafortuna (Italian for 'horn that brings luck') is an Italianamulet ortalisman wornto protect against theevil eye (ormalocchio[maˈlɔkkjo] in Italian) and bad luck in general, and, historically, to promotefertility andvirility. InNeapolitan, it is calledcurniciello or variants thereof. The amulet is also sometimes referred to as theItalian horn.
A cornicello is a twisted horn-shaped charm often made ofgold,silver,plastic,bone,terracotta, orred coral.[1] Cornicelli are thought to be modeled after aneland horn, to represent fertility, virility, and strength.[2] The shape and colour of the red cornicelli are reminiscent of achili pepper.[3] The evil eye is believed to harm nursing mothers and their babies, bearing fruit trees, milking animals, and the sperm ofmen—the forces of generation. In addition to being worn as jewelry, cornicelli are sometimes hung from the rearview mirrors of cars (based on the older custom of using them to protect draft horses), and in houses.[4][5]
The cornicello is also linked to Greek and Roman mythology. Thecornucopia became a symbol of fertility and the earth afterZeus broke a horn from a goat. He filled it with fruit and flowers and gave it to his caretaker.[6] The coral of which it is often made is sacred toVenus, goddess of love, fertility, sex, and prosperity. Silver, of which it is also often made, is sacred toLuna, goddess of the moon.[4] The phallic shape and red color is also a reference toPriapus, a male fertility god.[5]
A regionally popular amulet, they are most often worn by Italian men inSouthern Italy, and especially in the region ofCampania, as well asLazio,Apulia,Basilicata and to a lesser extent inSicily andCalabria.[7] It can also be found among descendants ofItalian immigrants in other countries.
Possibly related to the corno is themano cornuta or "horned hand." This is an Italian hand gesture (or an amulet imitative of the gesture) to ward off the evil eye.Mano means "hand" andcorno means "horn."[1] This gesture is performed with the hand levelled or pointing down, or at least slightly downward, usually with a swivelling or oscillating motion.