Italians and The Scarf

The first time my Italian cousin Angela told me that she had to wear a scarf or else she would get sick I didn’t understand. But now that I’ve been to Italy so many times and gotten to know quite a few Italians, I realize that superstitions are part of their culture. And there are plenty of them. But today I am focusing on one that is definitely ingrained in the Italian lifestyle and culture. Let’s talk about their obsession with the scarf. This phenomenon is known as colpo d’aria. Translated, it means “a hit of air,” or a draft or breeze. Most Italians are serious about the health consequences from colpo d’aria. Allow me to elaborate. They believe that all sorts of sicknesses and ailments can be attributed to this “hit of air.” They tell me that a draft will cause the dreaded la cervicale, or neck pain, and can include headaches, earaches and possibly a fever. I’ve also come to understand that colpo d’aria is responsible for indigestion too. Apparently it can be the source of any illness in Italy. And wearing scarves is not limited to women. Men in Italy espouse this same belief, which has been handed down over generations through their mothers and grandmothers. And Nonna certainly knew best. So this idea of colpo d’aria is the main reason Italians will wear scarves even when the temperature is warm enough to go to the beach. The air-conditioning in restaurants can prompt worries about getting sick as well. This is why Italians wear scarves, not only to add to the bella figura, but predominantly to protect from colpo d’aria. Ten years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Maria Grammatico, renowned Sicilian pastry chef and owner of Pasticceria Grammatico in Erice. A lovely woman, who dressed in the Italian tradition of la bella figura, even at work. I did not ask whether she believed in colpo d’aria. So, as you might expect, whenever I travel to Italy, I always pack several scarves, and so do my friends. For us, though, it’s more in line with la bella figura, rather than colpo d’aria. So what do you think? I’d love to read your comments. Grazie and Ciao.