Like the Horn as good luck or worn off the evil eye. Are there any symbols for courage, strength and wisdom?

This is translated from an Italian page, so pardon any misspellings and such.

Italian amulets:

1) The Horn: Between the amulets, the most popular one that we find the horn. Its origins go back to the ancient times when it was used as an auspice for the fertility. Also its shape to tip has very precise meaning: it is believed, in fact, that it can defend from bad influences and the evil eye. For being able to carry fortune the horn must be red because back in the Middle Ages, the red talismans symbolized victory against their enemies.

2) Clover: For its reputation and its rarity, the four-leaf clover is considered an effective good luck charm. Its positive influence has been famous from more than 2,000 years and each of the four leaves represents one quality: Wealth, health, love, and respect.

3) Horseshoe : As far as the horseshoe goes, the origins as an amulet is because of two different parts: the shape to half a moon and the metal with which it is produced, which is iron. Already the ancient Romans used the horseshoe as an amulet in order to defend themselves from the plague and, in the Middle Ages, it was used doctors for its supposed healing power. Today the horseshoe is used all over the world like a talisman against the evil eye, with the only warning to hang it with the turned tips up.

4) Ladybug: The lady bug assures fortune for a number of equal months to the number of the dots that are present on its body. The fortune will be increased if the bug its put down for the time necessary in order to count until 22. At this point the lady bug it is considered a good luck charm to all effects.

5) Griffon: The griffon is the symbol of strength, courage and wisdom and is a very popular symbol in Roman paintings, which portray the Griffon often.

Italian amulets - good luck charms

Thank you very much.
The horn and horseshoe are not suppose to be worn together correct? If the horseshoe points face down that is a bad sign?

Hi Sal,
I don't know if it is an Italian tradition but when it comes to lucky horseshoes they need to be face up, like the letter "U". If not the luck will drip out the bottom.

As far as the horn (corno) I only know it as a ward against the Evil Eve (Malocchio). I don't know if wearing two amulets cancells each other out.

I wrote an article on Italian and Italian-American superstitions if you are interested:
http://www.lifeinitaly.com/heritage/superstition.asp

I guess you would call me superstitious, I just like to keep my bases covered. My lucky amulet is a scapula of the Virgin Mary that my grandma gave me before my last trip to Europe. It was blessed by John Paul II during a Papal Audience and even though my religious views are complicated, I feel it does help. Well, at least it does not hurt :)

Interesting, I will read the article. I was curious cause I want to get a tattoo in honor of my grandmother, when I think of her I think great wisdom and strength.