Mal'uocchiu: The Sicilian-Canadian Evil Eye Complex

Abstract

<p>Throughout the thesis, I examine the interrelationship between illness and the Sicilian-Canadian notion of evil eye (mal'uocchiu). Based on an analysis of evil eye beliefs and actual case histories of victims of mal'uocchiu, I arrive at the following conclusion: the illness/evil eye interrelationship involves a stress generating discrepancy between an individual's personal expectations and what actually takes place. This discrepancy may, in certain cases, cause physical symptoms. I discuss the implications of my work for evil eye, witchcraft and folk illness studies.</p>