di Andrea Romanazzi

This podcast explores in detail Italian folk magic, focusing on amulets and talismans, objects distinguished by their protective or attractive purposes and their linguistic origins. It illustrates the theories of sympathetic magic, based on the principles of similarity and contact, which explain how shapes, materials, or connections with people or places can influence events.

The survey includes specific examples of natural and artificial amulets, such as the fascinum or the cimaruta, highlighting their symbolism and historical use, as well as a discussion of practices like needle magic and counting magic, which reveal a profound syncretism between ancient beliefs and Christian influences. Finally, it examines historical figures such as Pietro d’Abano and the importance of word-magic and rituals involving sacred texts or formulas.