Italian Paganism

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Italic Paganism or Italic polytheism is the different traditions and pagan practices based only around divine pantheons and folk magic of Italic populations.

It is based upon Cultus Deorum Romanorum (Cult of the Roman Gods) and the Vecchia Religione traditions. Italicorum practitioners believe in the worship and study of Gods belonging mainly to the Latin, Sabine and Etruscan pantheons, but there’s an ongoing interest and open worship of the less known Italic populations, such as Oscans, Samnites and Veneti.

## Contents

* 1 Amulets
* 2 Symbols
* 3 Festivals
* 4 Sources
* 5 References
* 6 External links

## Amulets[edit]

Italian religion is represented by different symbols, mostly relating to pagan symbols and italian folk amulets:

Cimaruta

The cimaruta is an ancient Italian folk charm rooted in the traditions of Southern Italy, particularly associated with the region of Campania.

The term "cimaruta" comes from the Italian words "cima" (sprig or top) and "ruta" (rue), referring to the rue plant. It is usually a silver amulet in the form of a stylized rue sprig, often featuring three main branches.

Each branch can bear a variety of symbols, such as a crescent moon, a key, a serpent, a flower, a hand, or a fish. These symbols are intended to offer protection and ward off evil.

The cimaruta is traditionally used as a protective charm against the evil eye and other malevolent forces. It is often hung in homes or worn by individuals for protection.

Cornicello

The cornicello, also known as the Italian horn or corno, is another traditional Italian amulet, especially popular in Southern Italy. “Cornicello" means "little horn" in Italian.

It resembles a twisted horn or chili pepper and is usually made from gold, silver, or red coral. The cornicello is believed to protect against the evil eye (malocchio) and bring good luck. Its shape is reminiscent of a horn, which is associated with fertility, strength, and protection in many cultures. Worn as a necklace or kept as a talisman, the cornicello is a popular charm to ward off envy and bad luck.

Manu Fica

The manu fica (also known as the fig sign) is an ancient gesture and amulet with roots in various Mediterranean cultures, including Italy.

“Manu" means hand in Latin, and "fica" refers to the fig, a slang term for female genitalia, due to the hand gesture's resemblance. The amulet depicts a hand with the thumb protruding between the index and middle fingers, resembling the fig gesture.

Historically, the gesture is an obscene symbol used to ward off the evil eye and other negative influences. It has connotations of fertility and is sometimes considered a symbol of female power. The manu fica is used as a protective charm against evil spirits and bad luck. It can be worn as jewelry or carried as a talisman.

Fascinus

The fascinus is an ancient Roman symbol and amulet, deeply rooted in Roman and earlier Italic traditions.

The term "fascinus" comes from the Latin word for "spell" or "witchcraft" and is closely related to "fascinare," meaning to enchant or bewitch.

The fascinus typically takes the form of a phallus or phallic symbol. It can be found as a standalone object or incorporated into various designs, such as pendants, rings, and sculptures.

The phallus was considered a powerful symbol of fertility, virility, and protection in ancient Rome. The fascinus was believed to ward off the evil eye (malocchio) and bring good fortune. It was also thought to have the power to avert harm and bad luck. The fascinus was used as an apotropaic (protective) charm. It was worn by individuals, especially children and soldiers, to protect against envy, harm, and evil spells. It was also displayed in households, fields, and public places for communal protection. The fascinus could be found in many forms, such as jewelry, reliefs on buildings, and even as pendants on chariots.

The fascinus was often associated with the deity Fascinus, a minor god who embodied the protective power of the phallus. This deity was particularly venerated in rituals and ceremonies aimed at safeguarding individuals and communities from malevolent forces. The Vestal Virgins, for example, played a key role in guarding the sacred fascinus during public rituals.

## Symbols[edit]

Vesta’s Fire

The sacred, eternal flame kept burning in the Temple of Vesta by the Vestal Virgins.

The fire symbolizes the hearth, home, and family. It is also a symbol of the continuity and eternal life of Rome.

The eternal flame was believed to protect the city and its inhabitants. It represented the presence of Vesta, the goddess of hearth, home, and family. The Vestal Virgins were responsible for maintaining this flame and performing rituals to ensure its perpetual burning.

The flame of Vesta was central to Roman religion and was considered a symbol of Rome's safety and eternal life. Extinguishing the flame was considered an ominous sign, potentially heralding disaster for the city.

The Star of Hope

The Star of Hope is the ancient symbol for the italian land (even before the romans were The Romans), it is meant to be Venus and comes from the ancient name Greeks used for Italy, "Esperia".

Wheel of Fortuna

In Roman mythology, the Wheel of Fortune (or Rota Fortune) was believed to be spun by the goddess Fortuna, the goddess of luck, chance, and fortune. As she turned the wheel, it would bring either good or bad fortune to individuals, symbolizing the unpredictable and capricious nature of life.

## Festivals[edit]

The celebration of italic festivals is centered around Roman festivals:

1\. Saturnalia 2\. Lupercalia 3\. Lemuria 4\. Vulcanalia 5\. Floralia 6\. Ludi Romani 7\. Feralia 8\. Matronalia 9\. Parentalia 10\. Consualia 11\. Vinalia 12\. Robigalia 13\. Liberalia 14\. Neptunalia 15\. Terminalia 16\. Equirria 17\. Opalia 18\. Carmentalia 19\. Vestalia 20\. Megalesia

Vecchia Religione Religio Romana Aradia

## Sources[edit]

Aradia or the gospel of the witches Reconstructionist Roman Religion Stregheria Etruscan religion

## References[edit]

## External links[edit]

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