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Italian Folklore: Rituals, Celebrations, and Ancient Traditions
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26Explore the rich and mystical world of Italian folk traditions, where saints walked with witches and magic was found in the smallest of items.
Did you grow up hearing stories of “the evil eye?” Or perhaps, you’ve always wondered why Italian culture lights candles for saints. In Italian Folklore, Dr. Gina Miele weaves scholarly expertise and cultural passion into a rich tapestry of storytelling, history, and ritual practice to explore folk traditions from the old world. This beautifully illustrated, comprehensive book, told through fictional stories of everyday Italians, examines and honors Italy’s mystical heritage, where saints, healers, and peasants kept spiritual traditions alive through daily acts and seasonal rites.
In a world where identity can feel fractured, Italian Folklore offers authenticity—a way to reconnect with the spiritual and cultural traditions that once held communities together. Combining folktales, herbal wisdom, and a sprinkle of magical beliefs, this book covers a range of Italian cultural touchstones. Learn all about the mysteries of the old world, in the chapters of:
What Is Italian Folk Tradition?
The Land Where Saints Walk with Witches
Threshold Keepers: Women as Guides Through Life’s Passages
When Ancestors Return: Italy’s November Vigil
Italy’s Ritual Year: Living Traditions Through the Seasons
Saints Among Us: Voices from Italy’s History
The Names of the Witch: Regional Voices of Power
Mountain Mysteries: Witches of the Northern Peaks
The Heart of Mystery: Central Italy’s Mystical Towns
Where the Janare Dance: Magic in the Mezzogiorno
L’Acqua Tofana: Poison, Power, and Survival
IlMalocchio and the Arts of Protection
I Giardini dei Semplici: Sacred Herbs
The Healer’s Gift: Italy’s Folk Medicine
Folk Altars: From Street Corners to Kitchen Tables
Whether you have Italian ancestry or are a fan of ancient folklore, Italian Folklore will help you find meaning in the traditions of generations past. With a custom map to show the locations of the Saints, divine figures, and important places in Italy, dive into this accessible and gorgeous guide and find folklore, legacy, healing, and belonging.
Did you grow up hearing stories of “the evil eye?” Or perhaps, you’ve always wondered why Italian culture lights candles for saints. In Italian Folklore, Dr. Gina Miele weaves scholarly expertise and cultural passion into a rich tapestry of storytelling, history, and ritual practice to explore folk traditions from the old world. This beautifully illustrated, comprehensive book, told through fictional stories of everyday Italians, examines and honors Italy’s mystical heritage, where saints, healers, and peasants kept spiritual traditions alive through daily acts and seasonal rites.
In a world where identity can feel fractured, Italian Folklore offers authenticity—a way to reconnect with the spiritual and cultural traditions that once held communities together. Combining folktales, herbal wisdom, and a sprinkle of magical beliefs, this book covers a range of Italian cultural touchstones. Learn all about the mysteries of the old world, in the chapters of:
What Is Italian Folk Tradition?
The Land Where Saints Walk with Witches
Threshold Keepers: Women as Guides Through Life’s Passages
When Ancestors Return: Italy’s November Vigil
Italy’s Ritual Year: Living Traditions Through the Seasons
Saints Among Us: Voices from Italy’s History
The Names of the Witch: Regional Voices of Power
Mountain Mysteries: Witches of the Northern Peaks
The Heart of Mystery: Central Italy’s Mystical Towns
Where the Janare Dance: Magic in the Mezzogiorno
L’Acqua Tofana: Poison, Power, and Survival
IlMalocchio and the Arts of Protection
I Giardini dei Semplici: Sacred Herbs
The Healer’s Gift: Italy’s Folk Medicine
Folk Altars: From Street Corners to Kitchen Tables
Whether you have Italian ancestry or are a fan of ancient folklore, Italian Folklore will help you find meaning in the traditions of generations past. With a custom map to show the locations of the Saints, divine figures, and important places in Italy, dive into this accessible and gorgeous guide and find folklore, legacy, healing, and belonging.
256 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I genuinely enjoyed Italian Folklore: Rituals, Celebrations, and Ancient Traditions. It is a fascinating and deeply researched exploration of the beliefs, customs, rituals, and stories that have shaped Italian culture across generations.
What I appreciated most was the richness of the information. The book moves through folklore, spiritual practices, celebrations, protective rituals, folk magic, regional traditions, and beliefs that continue to survive in Italian families and communities. It reminded me how incredibly varied Italy is, and how every region carries its own identity, history, and relationship with the sacred and the supernatural.
The author’s academic background is very evident, and the book is detailed, carefully researched, and full of cultural context. It is not a light or superficial introduction to the subject; it takes Italian folklore seriously and treats these traditions with the respect they deserve.
I especially enjoyed learning about the connection between religion, superstition, family customs, healing practices, herbs, rituals, and the unseen world. Many of these traditions exist in the space between faith, history, fear, protection, and memory, and I loved seeing them explored with such depth.
The writing is scholarly and sometimes requires concentration, but I found the subject so interesting that I remained completely engaged. This is the kind of book that encourages you to stop, think, take notes, and search for even more information afterward.
As an Italian, I found it particularly meaningful. It made me reflect on how many traditions are passed down quietly through families, sometimes without people even knowing where they originated. It also reminded me how much history can be preserved through gestures, celebrations, stories, and beliefs.
A fascinating, informative, and beautifully researched book for anyone interested in Italian culture, folklore, anthropology, spirituality, folk religion, witchcraft, and ancient traditions.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Gina M. Miele, and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
What I appreciated most was the richness of the information. The book moves through folklore, spiritual practices, celebrations, protective rituals, folk magic, regional traditions, and beliefs that continue to survive in Italian families and communities. It reminded me how incredibly varied Italy is, and how every region carries its own identity, history, and relationship with the sacred and the supernatural.
The author’s academic background is very evident, and the book is detailed, carefully researched, and full of cultural context. It is not a light or superficial introduction to the subject; it takes Italian folklore seriously and treats these traditions with the respect they deserve.
I especially enjoyed learning about the connection between religion, superstition, family customs, healing practices, herbs, rituals, and the unseen world. Many of these traditions exist in the space between faith, history, fear, protection, and memory, and I loved seeing them explored with such depth.
The writing is scholarly and sometimes requires concentration, but I found the subject so interesting that I remained completely engaged. This is the kind of book that encourages you to stop, think, take notes, and search for even more information afterward.
As an Italian, I found it particularly meaningful. It made me reflect on how many traditions are passed down quietly through families, sometimes without people even knowing where they originated. It also reminded me how much history can be preserved through gestures, celebrations, stories, and beliefs.
A fascinating, informative, and beautifully researched book for anyone interested in Italian culture, folklore, anthropology, spirituality, folk religion, witchcraft, and ancient traditions.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Gina M. Miele, and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews