Beliefs from Home

A personal reflection on family traditions, faith, and cultural beliefs passed down through generations. Through a simple everyday ritual, this story explores the enduring connection between memory, protection, and identity.

STORIES FROM ITALY

6/24/20261 min read

One of the memories that has stayed with me comes from my grandmother. She used to tell me about an old belief: if the oil on a plate separates, it may be a sign of the evil eye, a symbol that someone is speaking about you or looking at you with envy. Whether understood as faith, superstition, or cultural heritage, this tradition was always shared with care and a desire to offer protection.

In my drawing, I captured this familiar scene through images of bread, oil, and a protective presence watching over the moment. The words accompanying the image evoke prayers and expressions of faith, reflecting the ways people seek comfort and strength when faced with things they cannot see or fully explain. What appears to be an ordinary moment at the table becomes a space where memory, belief, and family history come together.

Through this work, I carry with me my grandmother’s voice and the values she shared. Her stories continue to accompany me, reminding me that cultural traditions are more than customs, they are a way of preserving identity, creating a sense of belonging, and finding protection in everyday life, no matter where we are.

I come from Portugal, where everyday life is often shaped by traditions, symbols, and beliefs that have been passed down through generations. Even the simplest gestures can carry deep meaning, connecting the present to stories and wisdom from the past.

HERS

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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hers@odyssea.com