The Coral Twig Pendant

Description

The cornuto, corno, or cornicello is an Italian amulet of ancient origin. Corno means “horn” and Cornicello means “little horn”. These names refer to a long, gently twisted horn-shaped amulet worn in Italy to protect against the evil eye. Cornicelli are usually carved out of red coral or made of gold or silver. Over the years they have become rather stylized and now look less like a natural animal horn than they once did. This regionally popular amulet is primarily found in Italy and in America among descendants of Italian immigrants.

These little horns are presumed to have been sacred to Old European moon goddess, before the rise of Christianity. Some modern evangelical Catholics disparage the continued use of cornicelli among Italian Catholics and refer to them as “Satan’s horns” or “Lucifer’s horns”.

“The use of the Corno, or Devil’s Horn, is a curse of impotency or of the cuckold. The twisted phallic red coral, gold or silver amulet (Cornicello) is often worn or carried by men to ward off curses on their “manliness” or virility. Although many claim the amulets represents one of the horns of the devil, the Corno predates Christianity by thousands of years. The horned god Faunus was known for his wild nature and interest in fertility. The ancient Romans knew well Cernunnos, the horned Celtic god of fertility, life, animals, wealth, and the underworld. The horns of an African eland most resemble the original amulets.

Related to the Corno is the hand gesture (extending only the pinkie and index finger like a pair of horns) known as the Mano Cornuta, which can be used (pointing upwards or directly at the victim (Cornuta) to curse another or not so subtly send the message that a man’s wife or girlfriend is straying. This gesture can also be used to ward off the Evil Eye (pointing fingers down).”

~ http://tuscantraveler.com/2014/florence/italian-life-rules-superstitions-familiar-and-strange/

Each piece of coral is unique and has a hole drilled at the top so you may wear it as a pendant amulet.