Smorfia

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The smorfia (smorfia means "grimace" in Italian) is a traditional Neapolitan practice used to interpret dreams as numbers from 1 to 90. According to superstition, betting on these numbers can lead to winning the lottery. Whilst originating in Naples, the Smorfia is used throughout Italy. Whilst it has it has uncertain origins, its name is said to derive from the Greek god of dreams and sleep, Morpheus. Other theories state that its name comes from the Greek word "morphos", which means structure or form. It may have origins in the Jewish mystical practice of Kabbalah, particularly through gematria. The Neapolitan definition of cabala, however, differs from the traditional meaning and refers to wider supernatural practices. The 16th centruy Kabbalist Israel Saruk is credited with influencing the Neapolitan's usage of the word cabala in relation to smorfia. It originated as an oral tradition before being transcribed into books. These books often contain illustrations to accommodate the illiterate. Whilst the traditional Neapolitan smorfia only contains 90 dream interpretations, modern smorfia books often contain thousands.