The initiation into the Mafia.
The ritual of initiation into the Sicilian "Cosa Nostra" is performed when one becomes a partner in the Mafia, and then, a soldier.
As described by Tommaso Buscetto to Judge Giovanni Falcone, the newcomer must be recommended by at least three Mafiosi, he is warned that the Mafia is created to protect the weak against the arbitrariness of the strong; then the initiate pricks the newcomer's finger and spills his blood on a sacred image, usually a saint. The icon placed in the novice's hand is lit. The novice must confront the pain by flipping the image from one hand to the other until the image burns. In doing so, he must solemnly recite the Cosa Nostra oath-"Let my flesh burn like this saint, if I am unable to abide by the rules of the mob."
Joseph Valachi was the first person to mention this custom in court.
Subscribe and share >> S E E
