The Mafia
Author: Juliana de Angelis
The Mafia or 'Cosa Nostra' (translated meaning 'our thing')
originated in Palermo, Sicily mid 19th century after the
unification of Italy. It was originally formed to protect the
commoners from the police, government organizations, and
criminals. Because of this, they were regarded as heroes,
protecting their own people. There was (and still is) one strict
rule for 'mafiosi' and all those associated with them : the code
of silence.
Anyone that breaks this rule, would suffer the
consequences and fear for their (and their family's) life. The
name 'Mafia' comes from the word 'mafioso' which in a Palermo
dialect is used to describe someone who is 'beautiful' and
'bold'.
The Mafia is specific to Sicily. There are also other crime
organizations such as the Camorra from the Naples, the
'Ndragheta from Calabria, and the Sacra Corona Unita from Apulia.
Camorra - some say that the Camorra could have originated from
the Spanish crime group Garduna in the middle ages. It reached
it's peak of success in the 19th century when Naples was under
the rule of the Bourbon Monarchy, and many of it's members were
in the army, police force and civil service. After Naples became
a part of United Italy in 1861, many camorra members
(camorristi) went to the USA to join the Mafia.
'Ndragheta - The name 'Ndragheta comes from the Greek word
'andragathia' which means 'heroism' and 'virtue'. They are a
very powerful and ruthless organised crime group. They differ to
the Mafia, in that the groups are made up from blood families,
and they tend to keep a low profile. They operate worldwide
including in the USA, France, Spain, Australia, Argentina and
Germany.
The Sacra Corona Unita Formed in the early 1980's, this
organised crime group from Apulia, mainly Bari.
The Mafia arrived in America in the early 1900's organised by
several leaders, through recruiting Italian immigrants or
already existing Mafiosi from Italy. These leaders included
Giuseppe 'Joe the Boss' Masseria, and Salvatore Maranzano, who
was sent by Sicilian boss Don Vito Cascio Ferro, who dreamt of
all American crime families being ruled by one leadership. Some
others to arrive by these means were Carlo Gambino and Stefano
Maggadino. The Unione Siciliana was set up in America to help
immigrants from Italy find housing, identities and protection.
It came under criticism for just being a masquerade to help and
aid the Mafia, although they also helped law abiding citizens
too.
About the author:
Juliana de Angelis is a travel writer about Italy...read more
articles, travel guides and information about Italy, its people
and culture at her website: http://www.madaboutitaly.com/ Book
flights, hotels and shop for Italian products at
http://www.italianshopsonline.com/
Copyright © 2006 Juliana de Angelis - please inform author if using any articles.
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