My friend's elderly Italian father asked for a quarter before "giving" him a set of beautiful cooking knives. He couldn't say why-just that it was a tradition. Anyone know why?
2007-05-18 05:08:06 · 8 answers · asked by martinshundred 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Because if one was to give a person a knife and that person killed someone with the knife you would feel that it is your fault.
There for they should give you a small payment even a penny so if they was to kill someone it was with a knife they bought and you won't have to feel as if it is your fault.
2007-05-18 05:13:30 · answer #1 · answered by Always-Wonderin 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am from an Italian family and had never heard of this custom. A friend of mine just told me about it - not that it was Italian but that one should always request payment for a knife given as a gift. This friend's son collects certain knives and when she buys them for him for Christmas or birthdays, she always has him pay her something (nickel, dime, quarter). She said she has always heard that the person could hurt themselves with a knife as gift but a purchased knife was different.
One of your answers states that her family always puts something in a wallet or purse given as a gift. I have heard of that too; never give an empty purse or wallet to someone.
2007-05-18 06:30:00 · answer #2 · answered by Patti C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I've been living in Italy for awhile now. Well, I've heard from Italians that it's not a good idea to give anything with a sharp end (knives, scissors, etc) because it could ruin a friendship....say "cut" the friendship. In order for this not to happen, the person receiving the gift must give the gift-giver some money...small pocket change. It's a superstition.
2007-05-18 08:51:22 · answer #3 · answered by Mari76 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It cuts (no pun intended) across all cultures in all parts of the world. The basic thing in all is that if you don't exchange a coin "it will cut the friendship".
There are many theories as to why this is so but one has to wonder why it is so widespread in so many cultures throughtout time. It has to do with something about a knife being a weapon.
You give a person a weapon and you would be giving that person power to even do you harm. With the exchange of money you say all are equal and nobody owes anybody.... it is a gesture of friendship.
2007-05-18 06:44:28 · answer #4 · answered by jackson 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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2016-12-11 13:08:43 · answer #5 · answered by kobayashi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually, i've heard this is for any sharp instrument given (i.e. scissors). I've seen it done at bridal showers.
2007-05-18 05:16:20 · answer #6 · answered by irvingfan 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've never heard this! I'll be interested to see what people have to say.
2007-05-18 05:10:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Hmm....maybe just google it!
2007-05-18 05:23:33 · answer #8 · answered by TropyWife 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋