Introduction
Italian mothers are known for their unwavering love, delightful cuisine, and a treasure trove of advice that has been passed down through generations. Often, this advice includes warnings about seemingly innocuous habits that they believe could harm us. While these beliefs are rooted in love and care, many of them are more myth than reality. Let’s explore ten such habits that Italian moms frown upon, which are, in fact, not harmful at all.
1. Going Out with Wet Hair
Italian moms often insist that going out with wet hair will surely lead to catching a cold. However, colds are caused by viruses, not by chilly hair. So feel free to dash out after a quick shower, your health won’t be at stake!
2. Walking Barefoot in the House
“Mettilo le pantofole!” (Put on your slippers!) is a common refrain in Italian households. Contrary to the belief that walking barefoot causes illness, it can actually strengthen your feet and improve balance.
3. Showering During Lightning Storms
While the idea of lightning striking while you’re in the shower sounds frightening, the reality is modern plumbing and electrical systems are well-equipped to handle storms, making this a very unlikely danger.
4. Breaking Spaghetti
Nonna might gasp at the sight of spaghetti being broken before it’s boiled. Yet, this doesn’t affect the taste or quality of the pasta. It’s more about tradition than culinary science.
5. Buying School Lunches
Many Italian moms believe homemade food is the only way to go. But occasionally indulging in school lunches won’t derail a healthy diet. It might even broaden your palate!
6. Making Plans Two Days in a Row
The belief here is that too much fun can be exhausting or lead to reckless behavior. In reality, socializing and enjoying activities are beneficial for mental health and well-being.
7. Sitting Too Close to the TV
Despite warnings that it will ruin your eyesight, sitting close to the television doesn’t cause permanent eye damage. It may cause temporary strain, but glasses won’t necessarily be in your future.
8. Having the Light on in the Car
Many of us have heard, “Spegni quella luce! È illegale!” (Turn off that light! It’s illegal!), but using the car’s interior light while driving is neither illegal nor particularly dangerous.
9. Hats on the Table
An old superstition holds that hats on tables bring bad luck. In reality, it’s just a hat on a table. The only risk might be a gentle scold from mamma.
10. Shoes on the Bed
Shoes on the bed are seen as a sure way to bring in dirt and bad luck. While it’s definitely not hygienic, the only real harm is to your bedspread, not to your health.
Conclusion
In the heart of every quirky belief from an Italian mom is a kernel of love and concern. While science may debunk these habits as harmful, they remain a charming and endearing part of Italian family life. So next time mamma warns you about going out with wet hair or eating school lunches, smile, know it comes from love, and remember – it’s really not so bad after all!
