What Is an Italian Malocchio Prayer?
An Italian malocchio prayer is part of a ritual to get rid of the malocchio, also known as the “evil eye” in Italian folklore. According to the superstition’s tradition, the prayer is most effective on Christmas Eve.
Before the prayer, a diagnosis must be made as to whether a person has been cursed by someone else with the malocchio. A friend may diagnose malocchio by dropping three drops of olive oil into a bowl of water. If the oil forms an eye shape, the evil eye is present. As the drops separate, those present make the sign of the cross and recite the words “in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Participants then make the sign of the cross on the afflicted person’s hands and recite three times the prayer: “Father, this prayer is being said for (name), and I pray it works in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
