The Other Faith

Reading Time: 1.5 minutes

Italian folklore is full of magic, witchcraft, and eyes that cast spells.  If you live anywhere near an Italian neighborhood ask around for the lady who can rid you of “malocchio” (the evil eye) and you’re bound to find one, tucked into some nondescript household, sitting queen-like amongst the madonnas and the family linens, with a grandchild or two watching a DVD in the next room. Be cautious.  These are ladies that are –  if not connoisseurs of spells and charms — then specialists in the ancient art of preying on peoples’ fears and anxieties to make a buck.

Along with ridding you of the “malocchio” — an evil eye that can be brought about by someone who is envious or jealous of you, and has the power to interfere negatively in your life — these women who deal in the ancient arts of superstition also claim to have the ability to cure illness.  Have a blocked intestine?  A sprained muscle? Infertility? Go see the seniora.

Bring money.

On my blog today: Read “William Steig Was A Piece Of Junk”. It’s about something that rarely happens. Reading Time is 4.5 minutes…. read it here.