What a Load of Bollocks

Crotch-grabbing is an ancient superstitious habit in Italy that is believed to ward off the evil eye; it is traditional for men to do it if passed by a hearse or when discussing serious illness or disasters. The phrase "Io mi tocco" ("I touch my") is as common as crossing fingers for good luck.

However, the Italian supreme court has outlawed men from touching their genitals in public, following a case where they had ruled that a man from Como had broken the law by "ostentatiously touching his genitals through his clothing". The court said his behaviour was an "act contrary to public decency" and that the rules "require everyone to abstain from conduct that is potentially offensive to collectively held feelings of decorum".

He was fined 200€ (~£152) and ordered to pay 1 000€ (~£762) in costs.




Many Italians are superstitious and common fears include the number 17, purple and black, which are colours of mourning, and leaving hats on beds - because a priest always leaves his hat on the bed while performing the last rites.