The history of this symbol, and our extensive research, proves that historically, it is a horn, but for economic reasons, the horn was replaced by chili peppers, particularly in Sicily and Calabria. In Naples and almost throughout Italy, the term Corno or Cornicello is used to describe this horn.
We'll give you the complete history of this symbol and its interpretation over time.
Since the Neolithic era, cabin dwellers hung animal horns on their doors, symbolizing power and fertility. In Roman times, the horn was believed to symbolize the phallus, a metaphor for prosperity and luck.
In the Middle Ages, the horn took on a magical dimension, symbolizing luck and the ability to ward off evil. It became customary to wear a crescent made of clay, silver, and for the wealthy, red coral.
When chili peppers were imported from South America to Southern Italy, they were immediately associated with the lucky crescent. In addition to being used in cooking, they began to be hung in homes and shops to ward off the evil eye, quickly becoming a cheap substitute for the horn. They were also widely used to protect against infidelity, and if one spouse suspected the other of betrayal, they would place two dried red chili peppers under the pillow to regain their fidelity.
Furthermore, if they were tied in a cross shape with a red ribbon, it was believed that the protection was greater.
Chili peppers were spread, by the handful, in homes to protect someone believed to be cursed.
In peasant tradition, necklaces of chili peppers were given to newlyweds by their parents as a promise of help in times of need. To ward off bad luck in the Middle Ages, women would hide a piece of chili pepper in a personal item or in their pocket. Over time, the natural chili pepper and the old red crescent merged into an amulet that, regardless of the material it is made of (gold or plastic), became a hybrid of the two and, for those who believe in it, acquired the strength of both.