5 Neapolitan legends and superstitions

Naples is generally regarded as the Italian capital of superstition and, having been born there, I can only confirm the stereotype. My family is a very superstitious one. Their approach to superstition - like that of the majority of Neapolitans - can be summarized in a quote by famous Neapolitan playwright Eduardo de Filippo: "Being superstitious is stupid, but not being superstitious is bad luck".

Neapolitan tradition is rich in legends, common beliefs and rituals to ward off evil. I try to tell myself that superstitions have no effects on me, but if I drop a little bit of salt on the table, I automatically throw some over my shoulder.

Here is a list of my favourite legends and superstitions:

• Spilling olive oil This belief probably derives from the fact that olive oil used to be really expensive until a few decades ago, so dropping it was considered a great loss. Therefore, be extra careful while handling it!

• Sitting at the corner of the table Even if the table you're sitting at is very crowded, avoid sitting at its corners, because, if you do, you won't get married. If you don't believe in marriage you're all set, but to be on the safe side, you could always buy a round table.

• Munaciello This little spirits live inside Neapolitan homes, they can be good or bad. In the first case, they will give you little gifts or they will tidy up your home, in the second they will often tease you, they will prevent you from sleeping at night by blowing behind your hears or they will empty your pantry. Fortunately, it takes very little to please them, simply remember to greet them when you're coming back home, even if your house is empty.

• Bella 'mbriana This spirit belongs to a young girl left at the altar, mad with grief, who enters other people's homes to spy on them. She brings good luck to those she judges honest and she is considered the protector of the house and family. She is a good spirit but a messy home or a house renovation will make her angry to the point where she could even decide to kill a member of the family. Here, you can listen to a famous song dedicated to her from Neapolitan singer and author Pino Daniele.

• Opening an umbrella inside a house Perhaps this is the most common superstition of all. It says that you should never open an umbrella inside a house. If it seems too crazy and you don't believe me just try to do it, you will be immediately disarmed of the umbrella and everyone will yell at you. The origin of this belief dates back to Ancient Rome, when umbrellas where used to shelter not only from the rain but also from the sun and opening one in a closed space meant disrespecting Sol, the god of sun.