The Florentine proverb “San Giovanni un vole inganni” (literally: Saint John does not want deceptions) is a powerful reminder that honesty is non-negotiable and that cheating or lying is never acceptable.
The Origin: The Golden Florin
This saying is not just about religion; it has deep roots in the economy of Medieval Florence. In the 13th century, Florence minted the Gold Florin, which became the “dollar” of its time.
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On one side of the coin was the image of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of the city.
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This image was a guarantee of purity. It told the world that the gold was real and the weight was correct.
Because the Saint’s face was on the coin, counterfeiting or “clipping” the gold was seen as a sin against the Patron himself. To cheat with a Florin was to lie to Saint John.
Modern Meaning
Today, the expression has moved from the market to everyday life. Florentines use it to demand transparency and sincerity. It is a firm way to say: “Don’t try to trick me; let’s be honest and clear with each other.”
