ITALY: GOOD FORTUNE

We are suckers for local traditions, especially when traveling. Throughout the years, we've tossed our fair share of coins, rubbed statues, and secured locks to ensure our good fortune, endless love, and return visit. This post highlights some of the local traditions we embraced during our time in Italy. What great memories and photo opportunities!

Trevi Fountain | Rome

Legend says if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return trip to Rome. Throw the coin using the right hand over the left shoulder. {The coins are later collected and the money distributed to charity!}

Il Porcellino | Florence

Put a coin into the boar's gaping jaws and let it fall through the underlying grating for good luck. Also, rub the boar's snout to ensure a return to Florence.

Mosaic of the dancing bull | Milan

Spin on the bull’s balls in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for good luck. Technically, the proper way to spin is to turn backwards on your heel three times.

La Via Dell'Amore | Cinque Terre
Lovers demonstrate their devotion by inscribing their names or initials on a lock, securing it on one of the many gates along the path and throwing the key into the sea so their love is locked forever.*

{*Note: We skipped the part about throwing the key into the water since we try to do our part to protect the environment.}

Statue of Juliet | Verona
Legend says if a person strokes the right breast of the statue, he/she will have good fortune.

Have you participated in any of these local traditions? Are there any traditions we missed?