Who Was Aradia? The History and Development of a Legend

"Grimassi, the author of a series of popular books on Stregheria, or Italian-American Witchcraft, presents Aradia as a wise woman who lived in Italy during the 14th century, and who brought about a revival of the Old Religion. He claims to practice a tradition founded by Aradia's followers (Grimassi, 1995:xviii)."

"But who was Aradia? Was she the legendary figure of Leland's Gospel, or a 14th century teacher of the Craft, as Grimassi proposes?"

"Legends are typically told as true, with many features that root them in a specific time and place and lend them authenticity; but they are not necessarily believed by all who tell them. In fact, according to legend scholars Linda D"gh and Andrew Vazsonyi, it is the tension between belief and disbelief that keeps legends alive and circulating, as each new listener must decide "Is this true? Could this have happened?" (D"gh and Vazsonyi, 1976). Within any given community, there are legend believers and disbelievers; our community is, of course, no exception when it comes to this particular legend. The truth content of legends�that is, how closely they correspond to actual historical events� can vary widely; although some contain a kernel of reality, many legends are "true" only in the most metaphorical sense, in that they are an accurate reflection of popular attitudes, values and morality at a given time and place."

I've always thought Grimassi to be full of shit, but everyone is entitled to their opinion. All I have to say is that if you own one of his books, save your money. He's one of the authors guilty of recycling his work and republishing it with a new title and cover as I mentioned here. Caveat Emptor.

First generation Italians born either in Canada, America, Australia...etc, all have a nonna, zia, commara, someone who is consulted for things like having the malocchio (evil eye) removed or having their fortune told. No one would ever admit to casting any kind of spell. However in our culture it is a common occurence to claim that someone has cursed us. I guess that's why Italians don't live in glass houses. They're made of brick and furnished with granite, marble and ceramic. Incidentally, the only gospel I've ever seen anyone's nonna read was that of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Most probably because she was just done cursing her neighbors' tomatoes!

Ciao 'til next time.