The following article, written by Jerry Finzi, appears on GrandVoyageItaly.com.

The cimaruta is a very old Italian portafortuna (good luck charm) rooted in the lore of the ancient Pagan religions of Italy. It can be worn around the neck or hung above an infant’s bed to ward off any evil. Like many of the lasting ancient symbols and beliefs, the cimaruta design eventually took on certain symbols of Catholicism.

One example of a Christian addition to the design is the appearance of “the sacred heart” of Jesus.  However,  ancient Roman charms did include a heart symbol, which may indicate that the heart on the cimaruta isn’t an entirely new addition.

The traditional cimaruta is fashioned after the leafy sprig of rue, which is an herb that is highly featured in Italian magic and lore.  The branch of the rue is divided into three stems symbolizing the three forms of the goddess Diana.  Rue was a sacred herb for Diana.

Various charms appear on the rue design, each having its own meaning. The main symbols are the moon, serpent, and key.  These represent the goddess as Hecate (the key), Diana (the moon) and Proserpina (the serpent).

There may also be a rose; a hand holding either a wand or a sword; a flaming heart; a fish or dolphin (a nod to Diana); an owl (to flirt with the Devil); a plumed medieval helmet; a vervain blossom (a flower from Italian fairy ore); a cherub; a rooster (watchful guardian); and an eagle (able to see evil coming from far away).

One cimaruta, for example, might bear the collective imagery of a key, dagger, blossom and moon. The cimaruta is worn nowadays more by women than men.

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