Author Archives: Maggie Zito

Frozen Faces

Text:

Parents would tell their children that if they make funny faces too much, their faces will be stuck like that forever.

Context:

The informant was told this as a child, and noted that it was said generally either in jest or as a light way to discourage them from being immature/disrespectful and making faces all the time. They also carried this on and said it occasionally to their own child, though mostly in teasing.

Analysis:

This phrase was and is used by parents as a funny but somewhat “scary” way of keeping their children from making faces all the time. It shows how certain beliefs are born from ways of keeping children in check rather than innately from fact or fear.

Trevi Fountain

Text:

If you ever visit Trevi Fountain in Rome, toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain. This is so fate will bring you back again.

Context:

This is a commonly referenced tradition for tourists to do when visiting the Trevi Fountain. The informant for this article was told this in preparation to visit, and again when at the fountain.

Analysis:

This is a fun and very specific tradition that brings tourists together and makes them feel more connected to the Trevi Fountain. It also connects them to one another, as they see others doing it, they tell their friends who have done it before and trade stories, etc.

Smelling Flowers

Text:

If you smell flowers, but there are none around, it is a sign that death is near.

Context:

This is a superstition the informant was told often at various points in their life, and still moderately believes to this day.

Analysis:

This superstition is actually a variation of a similar superstition, in which smelling flowers when there are none means a departed loved one paid you a visit. It is likely they originate from similar points, as they both relate to the same action and to death in some way.

Swallowing Gum

Text:

If you swallow gum, it will stay in your system for 7 years.

Context:

This was told to the informant as a child, and it caused her to be very aware and cautious whenever she chewed gum.

Analysis:

This is a common thing told to children, and can sometimes be believed well into adulthood. It is used to dissuade children from swallowing gum rather than spitting it out. The informant also mentioned how she was told this to prevent her from swallowing gum in her sleep, as she would chew it late at night sometimes. It was more out of safety than anything else.