Homonym: Malocchio (Evil)
Malocchio, or the "evil eye," is a belief in various cultures that a person can cause harm or misfortune to another through a malevolent glare or envious look. This concept is often associated with jealousy and is thought to bring bad luck or illness to the victim. Many cultures have developed protective measures against malocchio, such as amulets or rituals.
In Italian folklore, malocchio is particularly significant, with various charms, like the corno (horn) or the mano cornuta (horned hand), used to ward off its effects. The belief in malocchio has also influenced art, literature, and popular culture, reflecting deep-rooted fears of envy and its consequences.