Cimaruta

Cimaruta (Chee-Mah-Roo-Tah): Also called Witch’s Charm, and Cima di Ruta. An old protective charm dating back to the 19th century, depicting a variety of symbols or charms in protection against the Evil Eye.

Steeped in history and witchcraft, a version of the Cimaruta, or Italian Witch Charm, was mostly used in southern Italy. “Cimaruta,” means “sprig of rue” and the branches of the charm are the branches/blossoms of the rue plant. From the rue branches at each end is a sprout; out of the sprout comes forth symbols such as a key, dagger, blossom, and moon. All Cimaruta are different according to region of origin, and the symbols vary. Some of the variations include: a rose, a hand holding a wand or sword, a flaming heart, a fish, a crescent moon, a snake, an owl, a plumed Medieval helmet, a Vervain flower blossom, a dolphin, a cock, and an eagle.

The Cimaruta is traditionally made of silver, and often are double-sided. Some modern versions are seen in bronze or pewter. In folkloric practices the Cimaruta was often placed above the beds of infants, as protection against the "mal'occhio" or evil eye.

The Cimaruta charm speaks to the idea of the Society of Diana and the Old Religion of the Witches in Italy according to Charles Leland, although there is no proof to support this claim. Many Italian-American witches wear them. Because most Cimaruta charms are fairly large - some almost 4 inches across -not only can it be worn around the neck but it can also be hung above any door, on the wall, etc. However, jewelry of this type is rare and can be very difficult to find.

External links

• http://books.google.com/books?id=YEcKAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA132&lpg=PA132&dq=The+Cimaruta,+its+Structure+and+Development.+R.+T.+Gunther&source=bl&ots=TS13RofX2m&sig=c0PHJPoFZwnW2M-xDubcGopvgho&hl=en&ei=eZuLSdiYIoKUsQO3s4GLCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA132,M2
• http://www.fabrisia.com/cimaruta.htm