Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Take Three Meatballs By Lorraine Carey at #OurAuthorGang

 Take Three Meatballs and See Me in the Morning
 by Lorraine Carey

This may have been good advice if you are a great Italian cook, but is not considered the standard remedy for the Malocchio, or the Maloik— the old ‘evil eye’. Just ask your local Strega—that is if you can find one.


In Italy the Strega is the village witch, medicine woman and all around ‘Seer’. Old traditional Italians had deep-seated roots in Stregheria, which refers to witchcraft as a religion. Stregoneria is linked to a magical system or a form of sorcery, which is carried out by the Strega or practitioner of such magic. And you will find this practice differs depending on what region you or your ancestors hailed from in Italy just as their recipes are.

Now you won’t have to travel to Italy to find a Strega—they have been passed down into generations within many Italian-American families. There are lots of Stregas located throughout the country.

The Terrible Evil Eye~

Italians believe the evil eye is caused by another person being envious our jealous of you—so watch out! Better take extra precautions if you are too good-looking or too rich. It’s another way of someone putting a curse on you that usually causes a severe headache that can last for days and other physical pain such as stomach distress and bad luck.

Grandma Was Always Right~
Yes, I do hail from an Italian background and my grandmother was trained in Italy from the village Strega how to remove the evil eye. I remember many times seeking her treatment after a bad headache as well as other members of my family. She was supposed to teach me how to perform this ritual but I never got around to learning. All I have to say is that it worked every time I had one of those terrible headaches. I always felt so silly sitting in her kitchen with a bowl on my head but it was well worth it.

The Treatment~
The victim should sit in a chair with a bowl of water on their head as the practitioner places three drops of olive oil into the bowl and watches to see if the oil forms into the shape of any eye as it separates.  An intention is said by saying, “Father, this prayer is being said for (person’s name). The practitioner dips his or her fingers in the water then makes a sign of the cross on the victim’s head. The two individuals say specific prayers at the same time, such as an Our Father, Hail Mary, and prayers to the Holy Spirit. This is to be repeated three times.

The Horn~

Many believed wearing a horn, or cornetto, which resembles a chili pepper, made of gold or other precious metals would ward off evil spirits. This tradition dates back to Old Europe with reference to the moon goddess.

I received a very small gold one when I was a baby from my godfather. I still have it to this day. Maybe it’s time to upgrade to a larger one. I’m sure you’ve seen the large red ones hanging from car rearview mirrors. The horn has actually become a symbol of Italian pride.
No horn or chili pepper on hand? Not to worry. Using your hand extending your index and pinkie finger with the thumb over the middle fingers folded into a fist is a quick fix.

The Strega is mentioned in Tomie de Paola’s famous Strega Nona, which is a classic and favorite children’s book. The village Strega and her magic cooking pot overflow and pasta fills the entire village.

The Malocchio was also mentioned in one of the episodes of All in the Family, the famous 70s sitcom when actor Vincent Gardenia gives Archie Bunker the curse. You will find many references to this malady in Italian literature and several films.


The village Strega takes center stage in Beloved Sacrifice, one of my paranormal thrillers, which takes place in the actual village, my mother’s family is from. This tale is based partly on a real family curse. Not all Stregas have good intentions.





There is a lot going on in our Facebook group:
Join us


 Our Facebook page where we share blog posts and offer promos:
Like and follow us


COMMENTS

Erika M Szabo

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
The title sounded like a weird medical advice like "take 3 aspirins and call me in the morning" but reading the post gave me chills and made me think of grandma's ritual of removing the evil eye curse. She dropped a small piece of burning tree branch into a glass of water and made us drink it while she was saying a prayer. Worked or not? It always made me feel better :)
+
4
5
4
 
 · 
Reply

Erika M Szabo via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Take Three Meatballs and See Me in the Morning? Now that should be interesting :) Read Lorraine's post #OurAuthorGang
+
3
4
3
 
 · 
Reply

Chris Weigand

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Interesting info. I was happy to see the prayers listed to aid the situation. When it comes to witches you don't often find prayers to go with them.
 
 · 
Reply

Varun Shah

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
I loved to read all your post
https://bit.ly/2QZLvL4
+
1
2
1
 
 · 
Reply

Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Oh my goodness, Lorraine Carey shares some Italian lore about the evil eye and stregas! Fascinating!! Stop by #OurAuthorGang and check it out!
 
 · 
Reply

Ruth de Jauregui

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
I had no clue of any of this and thank you sooooo much because my next Bitter book will be set in Las Vegas with hints of the mafia, Italy and bridge trolls.... More information to percolate through my subconscious!! Thank you!!
 
 · 
Reply

P. J. Mann via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
a very interesting read!
+
3
4
3
 
 · 
Reply

Rick Haynes

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
I've always wondered what the golden horn meant. Nice to learn about your heritage, Lorraine.
+
1
2
1
 

Joe Bonadonna

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Excellent post, Lorraine! You know I can relate to this one. Brings back a lot of fond memories, too. I still use the Malocchio on people I don't like.
+
2
3
2
 
 · 
Reply

Joe Bonadonna via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today on #OurAuthorGang, Lorraine Kolmacic Carey​ talks about her Italian heritage and in particular the Malocchio, or the Maloik— the old ‘evil eye’. Just ask your local Strega—aka, witch.
+
3
4
3
 
 · 
Reply

Chris Weigand shared this via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
+
2
3
2
 
 · 
Reply

Toi Thomas via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today, Lorraine Carey offers insights into the ways and wonders of the Strega. #OurAuthorGang
+
3
4
3
 
 · 
Reply

Cindy Smith

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Interesting/
+
2
3
2
 
 · 
Reply

Cindy Smith shared this via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
+
2
3
2
 
 · 
Reply

Eva Pasco

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
A second-generation Italian-American, I related to everything you wrote.  I can also attest to the effectiveness of these methods--don't ask.
+
3
4
3
 
 · 
Reply

Lorraine Carey

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Since I wrote this post I have dug out my precious horn from childhood and started wearing it again.
+
2
3
2
 
 · 
Reply

Stephanie Collins via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
Erika M Szabo originally shared this
 
The title sounded like a weird medical advice like "take 3 aspirins and call me in the morning" but reading the post gave me chills and made me think of grandma's ritual of removing the evil eye curse. She dropped a small piece of burning tree branch into a glass of water and made us drink it while she was saying a prayer. Worked or not? It always made me feel better :)
+
1
2
1
 
 · 
Reply

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Book Promo Sunday at #OurAuthorGang

Book Promo Sunday

We have a new tradition at #OurAuthorGang.
Every Thursday we add a book promo post to our Facebook page:

Image may contain: phone and text

And we pick four books from the post to promote on our blog.
Enjoy this week's selection:
To one man she gave her virginity; to another, she gave her heart. One, she would mourn. With the other, she would share life's triumph and turmoil. With both, she would endure times of love, and passion and complete happiness as well as times of despair, confusion, and sorrow. One day at a time—each day, building unforgettable memories.
607 people go missing every single day without a trace.
Jeremy Samuelson an ex Canadian Security Intelligence Service agent is one of them.
Four months after his mysterious disappearance, Jeremy reappears, but in his mind no time has passed.
The government fear another country had taken him to use against Canada. They worry he's been implanted with a devious plan deep in his psyche, to active as needed. Through forced hypnosis he begins to remember things.
Strange otherworldly things, that neither himself or the government can believe, and other people. People who he remembers he cares about, and who he will need.
Jeremy sets off , against the governments wishes, to reunite his amnesic friends and bring back their memories, to prepare them for a fight to save the entire universe.
A collection of humorous anecdotes, heartwarming stories, and slice-of-life tales that evoke a wide range of emotions.

Some of the stories are from my years in nursing, Steve's clumsiness and my cooking disasters might make you spit out your coffee laughing. The stories of my pets will put a warm smile on your face, and the stories about life's darker moments might make you wipe a tear or two.
Rainbows and dark clouds are part of life,
Without darkness there can be no light.
Without moments that make us cry,
We can’t enjoy moments that make us smile.
Without moments that make us laugh,
We can’t get through moments that make us sad.

~Erika M Szabo
2011 Winner of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award in the Category of Children's Interest, 2012 International Book Awards Finalist, Children's Picture Book: Softcover Fiction Category, 2012 Gelett Burgess Award Winner, Fables, Folklore & Fairytales Category, 2012 Mom's Choice Award Winner, Juvenile Level 1 Books (ages 5-8): Fantasy, Myths & Legends Category, 2012 USA Best Book Awards Finalist, eBook: Children's Fiction Category, 2013 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honouree, Young Adult & Children Category, Indie Book of the Day for 5th May, 2013, the IndiePENdents' Seal of Good Writing, the 2016 Marriah Media Gold Award and the 2016 Book Excellence Award, Pegasus -- A Dragon's Tale is the delightful, heartwarming story of two young bear cubs and the dragon they find that changes their lives forever. Recommended for children from 3 to 103. Lovely full colour illustrations. 34 pages.

Meet the Author Gang members:
https://asmallgangofauthors.blogspot.com/p/the-author-gang.html


Join our Facebook group:

There is a lot going on on our Facebook page:
Like and follow us

COMMENTS

Erika M Szabo via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Book promo Sunday at #OurAuthorGang
+
2
3
2
 
 · 
Reply

Theresa Jacobs

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Thank you, shared everywhere!
 
 · 
Reply

Theresa Jacobs shared this via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
+
1
2
1
 
 · 
Reply

Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Another amazing group of books selected from the Thursday Our Author Gang Page post on Facebook! Come by #OurAuthorGang and check them out!

And don't forget, your book could be promoted on Sunday. Just stop by the FB page on Thursday and add your book with links to the Thursday promotion post AND share that post on your timeline!!
 
 · 
Reply

Ruth de Jauregui

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Another amazing selection of books! There's something for everyone!! Thank you!
 
 · 
Reply

Rick Haynes

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Delighted to share this post on Facebook. Best of luck to the four writers.
 

Toi Thomas via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
It's Book Promo Sunday at #OurAuthorGang
+
1
2
1
 
 · 
Reply

Eva Pasco

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Congratulations to the featured authors.  I've read and thoroughly enjoyed 'Rainbows and Clouds' by Erika M. Szabo.
+
1
2
1
 
 · 
Reply

Stephanie Collins via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
Erika M Szabo originally shared this
 
Book promo Sunday at #OurAuthorGang
+
1
2
1
 
 · 
Reply

Eva Pasco via Google+

1 week ago  -  Shared publicly
Erika M Szabo originally shared this
 
Book promo Sunday at #OurAuthorGang
+
1
2
1
 
 · 
Reply

Featured Post

Online Magazines