The malocchio, or the evil eye, is a deep-rooted Italian curse believed to be cast by a look of envy or ill-will. In Southern Italy, traditions to ward off this malevolent force have been passed down for generations, none more sacred than the prayer to remove the malocchio. This ancient prayer is taught in secrecy, passed from elder to chosen family members on a single, magical night: Christmas Eve before midnight.
How the Malocchio Prayer Is Taught
The ritual is shrouded in mystery and tradition. An experienced family member, often a grandmother (nonna), teaches the prayer to just one chosen person at a time. This sacred transfer occurs on Christmas Eve, before midnight, in an intimate and often candlelit setting, usually at the family table.
It is said that the act of teaching the prayer must be done in total secrecy. The recipient of the prayer becomes its new guardian and is entrusted to carry forward the tradition. It cannot be written down but must be learned by heart, preserving the prayer’s purity and spiritual power.
Why the Prayer Is Taught This Way
The exclusivity of this tradition stems from the belief that the prayer’s power weakens if it is shared with multiple people at the same time. It is considered a gift to the chosen person — a responsibility to respect and protect the family from the malocchio. This practice reflects Italy’s reverence for family lineage, spirituality, and the unseen forces of envy and protection.
What Causes the Malocchio?
The malocchio is believed to stem from envy or jealousy, intentionally or unintentionally cast by someone’s gaze. Legends say that even a simple look of admiration can trigger the curse if not accompanied by goodwill. The symptoms of malocchio vary but can include headaches, fatigue, unexplained bad luck, and general unease.
Detecting the Malocchio
In Southern Italian households, a traditional method to diagnose the malocchio involves a bowl of water and olive oil:
- A few drops of olive oil are placed into a bowl of water.
- If the oil forms the shape of an eye, the presence of malocchio is confirmed.
Ways to Protect Against the Malocchio
While the prayer remains the ultimate cure, there are several other ways Italians traditionally protect themselves:
- Wearing Amulets: The cornuto (horn charm), mano fica (hand gesture charm), Madonna and St. Michael medals, or the cimaruta charm are believed to ward off evil.
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- Carrying Garlic: Hanging garlic at your door or wearing it around your neck is thought to repel negative energy.
- Wearing Red: Red is a protective color in Italian folklore, often worn to keep evil at bay.
- Throwing Horns with Your Hands: The gesture of forming “horns” with your index and pinky fingers can deflect the malocchio.
These traditions serve as daily shields, while the prayer remains the ultimate remedy for lifting the curse.
The Sacred Prayer to Remove the Malocchio
While the specific prayer may differ slightly depending on the region, the following version is one of the most recognized:
“Dio ti salvi, o Maria, piena di grazia, il Signore è con te. Benedetta sei tu fra le donne e benedetto è il frutto del tuo seno, Gesù. Santa Maria, Madre di Dio, prega per noi peccatori, adesso e nell’ora della nostra morte. Amen.”
Italian Translation: God save you, O Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
This prayer is often repeated while performing the ritual, which may include making the sign of the cross and dropping olive oil into the water to confirm the removal of the malocchio.
The Christmas Eve Connection
The choice of Christmas Eve for teaching the malocchio prayer is not coincidental. Christmas Eve is a sacred night of renewal and protection when the spiritual veil between worlds is believed to be thinner. It is a time to prepare for the birth of Christ and to safeguard the family against misfortune and negativity in the coming year.
Protect Yourself With Italian Traditions
The prayer to remove the malocchio is more than an ancient superstition; it is a testament to the enduring power of faith, family, and tradition in Italian culture. Whether recited in secret on Christmas Eve or through whispered remedies passed down generations, it remains a cherished practice that binds Italian families together, offering comfort and protection against the unseen forces of envy.
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