Walk through Naples and you'll spot them everywhere: a twisted red horn hanging in a shop doorway, swinging from a rear-view mirror, sitting on a gold chain around a nonno's neck. It's the cornicello, corno for short, and its job is to keep bad luck away.
What it is
A cornicello is a small horn-shaped amulet, twisted and pointed. It has been worn for generations across southern Italy, especially in Campania, Calabria and Sicily, and it travelled with Italian families wherever they settled, Melbourne included. Traditional ones are made of gold, silver or red coral.
What it's for
The corno guards against the malocchio, the evil eye: the bad luck that envy or a jealous look is said to bring. It has long been linked with strength and fertility too, which is why one so often turns up at a christening or a wedding.
A corno should be given, never bought for yourself.
Why it's always a gift
One of the strongest beliefs about the horn is that it should come from someone else. In Naples, buying your own is thought to be unlucky. The luck comes from the person who gives it.
That's why every Piccolo Corno bracelet comes with a corno on us, and every order is gift-boxed with a card that tells this story. Buying one for yourself? We'll add a card that says it's a gift from us, so the luck still counts.
When to give one
- A new babyThe classic. A corno for the cot, the pram or a first bracelet.
- Christenings and communionsA keepsake that means something, from godparents or as bomboniere.
- A new car or a first licenceFor the keys, or for the car. Hang it where it won't block the view.
- A new homeTraditionally near the front door, to keep bad luck on the step.
- Exams and new jobsA bit of extra luck in the pocket for the big day.
- A big tripClipped to a bag or a bracelet, all the way there and back.
How to wear it
On a chain, on your keys, in the car, or clipped into a charm bracelet next to the people and places you love. There's no wrong way, as long as somebody gave it to you.
Our horns, honestly
Piccolo Corno is a Melbourne business. Our charms are Italian-style: they're made overseas from stainless steel and enamel, then chosen, checked and hand-assembled here by Jo. The tradition is the real thing. The price is friendlier than coral and gold.