The little bell of Saint Michael, the lucky charm of the island of Capri

Between fairy tale and legend, the little bell of Capri is a much-loved lucky charm on the splendid island, and beyond. Here is how Saint Michael made it a special gift for the first time

It often happens that forms of worship and devotional practices arise from stories and legends. Especially in a country like ours, rich in history, which over the centuries has experienced different civilisations and cultures that have alternated across its territory, leaving behind impressions and influences. There are also tales linked to the Virgin Mary, the Saints, and the angels that truly seem like wonderful fairy tales. This is the case with the story of the little bell of Capri, also known as Saint Michael’s bell. For centuries, this small trinket has been the island’s lucky charm par excellence, and it is said that if it is given as a gift to a special person, all their wishes and dreams will come true. This has made the lucky bell of Capri a highly appreciated gift item, both as a souvenir for those who visit the splendid island and want to let someone dear to them know that they thought of them, and as a gift for important occasions, such as a Baptism, First Communion, and so on. In fact, it is possible to find countless variations of the Capri bell, sold in the many shops on the island in the form of pendants, brooches, earrings, and ornaments. Our online shop also offers several particularly refined models, for an original and meaningful gift.

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Saint Michael Archangel carved wood statue

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Some curiosities about Saint Michael’s bell. During the Second World War, soldiers often wore it as a pendant around their necks, hidden in the folds of their uniforms, or even used it as a pull for their jacket zips. On the occasion of the Allied victory, the island of Capri gave American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt a bronze bell as a lucky charm and a sign of gratitude. The Capri bell was donated to President Roosevelt at Christmas 1944, accompanied by this message: “The people of Capri, proud to have been able to host the brave men of the American Air Force, offer the President of the United States the bell of Saint Michael, the supreme symbol of Fortune, Faith and Glory; may it ring on Victory Day for eternal peace and freedom throughout the world.” The Bell was rung on the occasion of V-E Day, the day of victory over Nazism and Fascism in Europe and the end of the Second World War (8 May 1945), and V-J Day, Victory over Japan Day (2 September 1945). It was displayed at the National Archives in Washington DC and later became part of the permanent exhibition at the Museum of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in New York, where it can still be admired today.

The story of the Little Bell of Capri

As we mentioned, the origin of the Capri bell is linked to a legend with the flavour of a fairy tale. It tells of a young shepherd boy who had lost his father and lived with his mother on the island a very long time ago. Since he was very poor, he owned only one little sheep, which was his only consolation and also his friend and playmate. One day, while he was lingering to pick flowers in a meadow, he did not notice that the little sheep had wandered away. When he finally realised, he began to cry and despair. Determined to find it, he started running across the uneven ground, heedless of the stones that hurt his feet and the brambles that scratched his legs. All he wanted was to find his sheep again. At a certain point, while the evening shadows were already gathering over the island, he seemed to hear a distant tinkling sound and thought it was the bell the sheep wore around its neck. Filled with renewed hope, he began to run in the direction from which the sound came, but he did not realise that his steps in the darkness were leading him to the edge of a ravine. Just before falling into the void, however, the child was dazzled by a brilliant light. Within that light appeared Saint Michael the Archangel, splendid in his silver armour, riding a white horse. The beautiful angel smiled at the child, removed the little bell he wore around his neck and offered it to him as a gift. “From this moment on, all your dreams will become reality and you will be protected from every danger,” the angel told him with a gentle voice. The little shepherd took Saint Michael’s bell and set off towards home, immediately finding his beloved sheep again. But it was only the first of his wishes to come true. Once he returned to the little cottage, he gave the bell to his mother and from that moment their life improved and they no longer had to worry about anything.

In the place where, according to legend, Saint Michael the Archangel appeared, a small votive chapel was built. In 1895, a Swedish doctor visiting Capri, Axel Munthe, fell in love with that picturesque place and decided to restore the chapel and have his house built beside it. He discovered that an ancient Roman villa had once stood there and, inspired by this discovery, he also incorporated the archaeological remains into the restoration work. The result is what is now known as Villa San Michele, owned by the Swedish government, today a much-visited museum that is part of the Great Italian Gardens. Axel Munthe also recounted the story of the restoration and the charm of that place in a book entitled *The Story of San Michele*, which was widely read and appreciated in the twentieth century.

The Capri bell in our store

If you wish to give a truly original and unique gift to someone special to you, Capri’s lucky bell can be a delightful choice.

In our shop you can find the bell in various versions, such as the beautiful pink 925 sterling silver necklace embellished with a bell-shaped pendant finished with black zirconia stones. With an adjustable length, the necklace is made by Amen, an Italian company specialising in the creation of high-quality religious jewellery.

Also produced by Amen is the 925 sterling silver necklace with a silver bell-shaped pendant featuring zircons forming a heart, or the pink silver version embellished with white zircons shaped like an angel.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to give something that can be hung in the home, the pink Angel Playing the Bell from the Fontanini collection is perfect for you. Made of porcelain and hand-painted, it is an entirely Made in Italy product.

Whether you choose to give it as a piece of jewellery or as an object to keep in sight every day, the Capri bell is a precious lucky charm for someone who is truly important to you.