Traditional folk magic of Sicily is a unique and vibrant aspect of the island's cultural heritage. With its roots in ancient practices and beliefs, it has been passed down through generations, preserving the traditions and beliefs of Sicilian people. **One of the main aspects of traditional folk magic in Sicily is the belief in the evil eye, known as "malocchio" in Italian.** This belief stems from the idea that envy and jealousy can cause harm or misfortune to others. To protect against the evil eye, various amulets and charms are used, such as the "corna" (horns), which are believed to deflect negative energy. **Another significant element of Sicilian folk magic is the use of herbs and natural remedies for healing and protection.
Bruno attributes her healing powers to her Sicilian roots. The island’s cultural diversity through the centuries, she says, has made it fertile ground for magic. “At one time Sicily was a mix of Jews and Italians,” she reflects. “The Jews know all about bad magic, good magic. On the kabbalistic tree of light witchcraft exists in the first three triads. Low magic works with earth currents and herbs. When you want to learn more, you climb the ladder. My family learned more.”
A second-generation Italian whose parents hailed from Sicily and Naples, Bruno grew up in Brooklyn in the 1950 s in a neighborhood rich in cultural diversity. This witch is called Old Befana or Bella Befana Bruta Befana , Bella Befana or Vecchia Befana who is a good witch who lived alone in a small cottage.
**Another significant element of Sicilian folk magic is the use of herbs and natural remedies for healing and protection.** Sicilians have long relied on the power of herbs to cure ailments and ward off evil spirits. For example, basil is believed to have cleansing and purifying qualities, while rue is thought to offer protection against evil spirits and negative energy.
Witchcraft, Folklore, Polytheism
Hey! That’s wonderful! They’re surprisingly difficult to find any accurate information on!
My best resources are the article by Sabina Magliocco titled Witchcraft, healing, and vernacular magic in Italy, a less reliable article (that mixes witch-lore and folk magic all together) by J.B. Andrews called Neapolitan Witchcraft, and Carlo Ginzburg’s book The Night Battles about the benandanti in Friuli (Northeastern region of Italy).
If anyone knows any other sources feel free to list them!
Italian witch lore is very old, as there have been legends of witches in this region for a very long, accountable period. The word strega (witch) most likely comes from the Latin strix (screech owl) which witches were thought to take the shape of in the night. The practice of witchcraft is called stregoneria, a male witch is a stregone, and a female witch is a strega.
There are more legends of Italian witches in the south (particularly near Naples). One of the most famous is the story of the witches of Benevento, who convened beneath a walnut tree on a hill therein, and danced and worshiped the Devil. This tree was supposedly cut down.
There is a popular image of a witch who arises among Christian tradition in Italy, even still today. This witch is called Old Befana or Bella Befana(Bruta Befana, Bella Befana or Vecchia Befana) who is a good witch who lived alone in a small cottage. One day, three wise men knocked on her door. “Behold! The child of God is born, (yada yada) we’re going to find him and bring him gifts! Will you join us Old Befana?” Now, Old Befana was glad to hear the news and excited to meet the new babe and give it what gifts she could. However, she was not one to shuck her responsibilities so she said she would have to wait until her chores were completed. They agreed and she saw them off, before finishing her cleaning. Once her duties were completed, she packed up her presents for the babe, hopped promptly onto the broom she had just finished sweeping with, and flew out the chimney into the cold night. However, they had not told her how to find them again! Not wanting to deny the boy his gifts, she decided to give some to all the little children she passed on her way, as any might be the new born child of God. Every year on that same night, Old Befana rides out on her broom and deposits gifts for little children, in hopes that one day she will finally find the baby Jesus and give him the presents she has been holding all this time.
In southern Italy, many of the tales of witches (streghe) and folk healers (fattucchiere, or ‘fixers’) tell of the songs they sing to work their magic. Unfortunately, this seems to be all anyone knows on the subject, and I can’t find any references or information on these songs!
In lore, the witches of both benevolent and malefic natures are closely related or interchangeable with more faerie-like spirits. The Janare of Naples/Janas of Sardinia (lit. followers of Diana) are magical women said to live in Neolithic shaft tombs and are expert weavers and spinners. They sometimes intermarry with humans, but are very different from the cogas (or little cooks) of Sardinia, who are malefic witches that cook and eat their victims.
Most folk magic in Italy has died out, even in many of the rural areas. What is documented and what remains is all, unsurprisingly, Catholic magic. Much of it draws to saints, prayers, and Catholic holy tools. One name for this form of magic is benedicaria. However, much of it seems more agricultural or magical and less religious in nature. There is no point assuming this other source is pagan, because we could never prove where almost of any of it originated.
Most witchcraft you will find today in Italy, especially in urbanized areas, is of a New Age or Neo-pagan persuasion. Neo-Wicca is about the best you can hope to find, and even that is comparatively rare to that found in Great Britain, Australia, and the U.S.
In conversations about Italian magic and witchcraft, Raven Grimassi’s book Italian Witchcraft tends to come up. THIS BOOK IS UTTER BULLSHIT. HOGWASH. STUFF AND NONSENSE. It’s almost literally just Neo-Wicca with different names and some made up information. I’m not exaggerating. If you have this book, it’s better off as kindling than on your bookshelf. Just saying.
Charles Leland’s book Aradia: The Gospel of the Witches is a pretty piece of poetry, and perhaps has some truths in it, but it can never be relied upon. His source is not credible, and the information doesn’t add up well. It is a beautiful book, but not an accurate account of Italian magic or witchcraft.
Here are a few blog posts I have made relating to Italian witchcraft and folk magic:
When my editor at Italian America recently assigned me a story on La Befana I joked that I knew the real-life Befana and offered to call her up. An online search yielded Bruno’s phone number, and soon we were chatting like no time had passed. These days- after a covid-induced hiatus- the eighty one year old witch is back to giving psychic readings and running her Salem shop Magika that sells books, candles, and other new age merchandise.
**Divination and fortune-telling play a prominent role in Sicilian folk magic as well.** This practice often involves the use of various objects, such as playing cards, coffee grounds, or egg whites, to gain insight into the future or to seek guidance in making decisions. These divination techniques are often passed down within families or practiced by trusted individuals within the community. **Sicilian folk magic also includes rituals and ceremonies performed on specific occasions, such as weddings, births, or harvest festivals.** These rituals are meant to bring good fortune, protection, and blessings to those involved. They often involve the use of sacred objects, prayers, and incantations passed down through generations. **Overall, traditional folk magic in Sicily exemplifies the rich cultural heritage of the island.** It serves as a means for individuals to connect with their ancestors, express their beliefs, and seek protection and guidance in their daily lives. While many aspects of Sicilian folk magic have evolved over time, the core beliefs and practices remain an integral part of Sicilian identity..
Reviews for "The Integration of Catholicism and Folk Magic in Sicilian Tradition"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Traditional Folk Magic of Sicily". I was expecting a comprehensive guide to the magical traditions of Sicily, but instead, I found the book to be lacking in depth and substance. The content felt superficial and didn't go into enough detail about the practices and rituals. Furthermore, the writing style was dry and unengaging, making it difficult to stay interested. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone seeking a genuine and comprehensive exploration of Sicilian folk magic.
2. Michael - 1 star - "Traditional Folk Magic of Sicily" was a complete letdown for me. The book promised to delve into the rich cultural heritage of Sicily and its magical traditions, but it fell flat on its face. The author barely scratched the surface and failed to provide any real insights or valuable information. The lack of depth in the content was shocking, and I was left feeling like I wasted my time and money. There are much better resources out there for exploring the authentic folk magic practices of Sicily, so I would advise anyone interested in the subject to look elsewhere.
3. Emma - 2 stars - As an enthusiast of folk magic and witchcraft, I was excited to read "Traditional Folk Magic of Sicily". However, I found the book to be quite misleading. It claimed to cover traditional practices, but the information provided was basic and lacked any real depth. I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of the unique magical traditions of Sicily, but this book failed to deliver. I would recommend looking for alternative sources if you are genuinely interested in understanding the intricacies and richness of Sicilian folk magic.
4. John - 1 star - "Traditional Folk Magic of Sicily" was a disappointment. The book seemed promising, but it lacked substance and depth. The information presented was basic and lacked any real insight into the cultural context of Sicilian folk magic. It felt like a superficial overview rather than a comprehensive exploration. The writing style was dull and failed to engage the reader. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone seeking a thorough understanding of Sicilian folk magic.