Cimaruta Symbol – History And Meaning
The Romans had a talisman worn as a necklace or hung above a baby’s crib or bed to ward off malevolent magic and the evil eye. It was called the cimaruta, also known as “sprig of rue” and “witch’s charm.”
Some of today’s versions of this Roman symbol are cast in silver, pewter or bronze. However, back in the ancient Roman times throughout Southern Europe, this talisman consisted of rue branches worn or hung for spiritual protection to the owner.
If you want to learn more about the Cimaruta symbol, read on to find out the meaning, history, and significance of this Roman symbol.
History
In the late 19th-century writings on Italian folklore, cimaruta is referred to as black magic and a charm against the “evil eye” or “jettatura,” particularly for young babies.
Rue branches have been hung in homes or worn around the neck since ancient times in most of Southern Europe. They are clad with protective charms believed to stave off the curse of the evil eye and provide spiritual protection to the owner.
The rue branches evolved into silver amulets worn for the same purpose. Silver was considered the metal of the moon as its luster is reminiscent of moonlight. Wearing silver was believed to evoke the goddess Diana. Her worshippers wore the cimaruta (“sprig of rue”) as a form of identification among each other, as well as invoke her protection.
The cimaruta charm was also said to be the emblem of an organization of witches called the “Society of Diana.” It has been argued as originally a witchcraft charm employed by witches before it became associated with Italian folk magic. Just like many other surviving ancient symbols and beliefs, the cimaruta eventually took on certain symbols of Catholicism.
The cimaruta is believed to have evolved from ancient Etruscan or early Phoenician amulets that the Romans adopted later. The symbol remains to be a popular accessory today.
The Cimaruta Symbol
The cimaruta is a protective talisman, also known as the witches’ charm. It is traditionally fashioned after the sprig of an herb of spritual cleansing and protection called rue. The sprig of rue is hung with a range of other charms believed to possess protective and spiritual power.
Rue was believed to be a sacred herb for Diana. The rue branch in the cimaruta symbol is divided into three stems as a representation of the “Diana Triformis” or the three forms of Diana.
The most popular symbols of protection in cimaruta variations are crescent moon, serpent, key, flower, hand, horn, fish, rooster, and eagle. There may also be a dagger and an owl. However, the main symbols are the moon, the serpent, and the key.
The moon symbolizes protection of the feminine, represented by the divine feminine Diana.
The serpent, which signifies the devil and is associated with witchcraft, becomes a representation of healing and health when worn by babies.
The key charm denotes the key to the gates of heaven.
Cherub, heart, serpent, and cornucopia symbols are newer additions to the cimaruta. The cherub and heart – as in, the “sacred heart” of Jesus – are believed to have been added as a reflection of Catholicism.
We can assume that the cimaruta was the inspiration of charm bracelets that are popular today.
Cimaruta Symbol Meaning
Cimaruta is named after the medicinal herb called “rue.” The word “cimaruta” is a Neapolitan variation of the Italian “cima di ruta,” which means “sprig of rue.”
Its main charms are the moon, the serpent, and the key.
The cimaruta is viewed as a good luck charm in Italy. It is commonly featured in jewelry, worn more by women than men.
