Italian Horn Cremation Pendant and the Superstition Behind It

by Jerri Haaven

Have you ever heard someone say, “Don’t step on a crack, you’ll break your mother’s back?” Or, “Find a penny, pick it up and all day long you’ll have good luck.” These sayings are among many that represent one’s intention of adding protection against bad luck.

Superstition behind the Italian Horn Cremation Pendant

In Italy the Cornicello (Corno) is the most popular and ancient superstition in the region. Also known as the Italian Horn, this gently-shaped horn in red, gold or silver amulet, is symbolic of animal horns said to belong to the sacred Moon Goddess of Europe. The symbol bears protection for the wearer from the dreaded Evil Eye.  In many cultures the Evil Eye is taken seriously. We might be familiar with the associated harsh and glaring scowl. Jealousy and envy underlie the Evil Eye’s cultural association with superstition. It is well known that human reproduction, in particular, is at risk and in need of great protection. Therefore, mothers and their nursing infants are vulnerable.  But the Italian Horn is also said to protect bearing fruit trees, milking animals and even a man’s masculinity. The American reality television star, actress, and singer Brooke Hogan, began a new jewelry trend by wearing a diamond Italian Horn pendant to protect her against the Evil Eye.

Italian Horn Pendant as a Cremation Keepsake

The Golden Italian Horn Pendant keepsake has found its niche in the cremation jewelry industry. Pendants and necklaces of many variations are popular. For instance, The Italian Horn Cremation Pendant offered on the OneWorld Memorials site is made of sterling silver and gold vermeil, and is a creation of the Madelyn Co.™ leading innovators and manufacturers of Keepsake Pendants. With this Italian horn pendant, cremation ashes can be added thus symbolizing protection for your deceased loved one.

My brothers and I decided to share our father's ashes when he passed away. We each chose an urn that represented individual memories of him. Other families share ashes of a loved one and choose cremation jewelry to keep the ashes. One member might choose the Silver Fleur de Lis urn necklace; another the Victoria’s Cremation Necklace in stainless steel and gold. The Celtic Cross Cremation Pendant is another necklace often chosen for its symbolism.

The option to carry a very tiny portion of cremated ash - less than one cubic inch in a special pendant - affords the chance to know that your loved one is never far from your heart. And cremation jewelry has become a very popular trend that continues to grow. Take a look at the steady rise in searches on Google over the past 10 years as shown in this screen capture taken from Google Trends:

It looks like a growing body of people are seeking ways to maintain some closeness and contact with their departed loved ones. An item like the Italian Horn Cremation Pendant does all that and adds a deep social tradition as well.

Jerri Haaven is a freelance writer, and a certified Grief Recovery Specialist and Celebrant. When caring for her dad, who suffered from dementia and COPD, Jerri struggled with the negative side effects of his illness. She developed positive outlets to express herself and recover from her loss. Today as a certified Grief Recovery Specialist and Celebrant, she uses her skills to help people who are in the midst of their own personal story of grief and loss.