Posted by Joshua Finkelman-Mahoney '23
During an interview in 1999 for the West Side Oral Narrative Project, Josie Bencivenga Fiore shared with Leona “Lee” Casey Signor that: “When I was a…little baby. [My mother] used to put me to sleep at night, in the crib in her room. And every morning when she got up, she would find me under the bed.” From a young age, Josie learned about the powers of witchcraft from Italian immigrant family members. The interview between Josie and Lee further reveals a generational shift that occurred later in the Bencivenga family, away from their original Italian practices of removing the evil eye.
The story begins at 42 Oak St., the Bencivenga family childhood home. Josie’s mother learned the practice of removing the evil eye from her own mother. In turn, Josie’s mother taught the custom to Josie and her sisters. Throughout her time on the West Side, Josie and her sister, Louise Bencivenga Signor, became well known among neighbors for their ability to remove the evil eye. Italian-Americans and probably other people from the neighborhood sought out their help. Josie and Lousie practiced Catholicism, and they believed that removing the evil eye helped them serve their community. Even though some younger members of the Bencivenga family believed that the practice went against the values of the Catholic Church, Josie and Lousie thought that their abilities aided the community.
The story begins at 42 Oak St., the Bencivenga family childhood home. Josie’s mother learned the practice of removing the evil eye from her own mother. In turn, Josie’s mother taught the custom to Josie and her sisters. Throughout her time on the West Side, Josie and her sister, Louise Bencivenga Signor, became well known among neighbors for their ability to remove the evil eye. Italian-Americans and probably other people from the neighborhood sought out their help. Josie and Lousie practiced Catholicism, and they believed that removing the evil eye helped them serve their community. Even though some younger members of the Bencivenga family believed that the practice went against the values of the Catholic Church, Josie and Lousie thought that their abilities aided the community.
As generations proceeded, fewer individuals of the Bencivenga family embraced aspects of removing the evil eye. The two generations following Josie and her sisters had less interest in learning the rituals of protecting people from witchcraft and all it encompassed. There are many reasons why—whether it was because they no longer believed in the tales surrounding removing the evil eye, or because they believed the practice of witchcraft went against the Catholic Church. Nevertheless, the traditional practices and beliefs seemed to die out in the Bencivenga family, despite Josie’s best efforts to keep the practice alive.
Josie, who was always a community oriented person, participated in many civic and religious organizations, believed that being an upstanding member of the community always came first. Even in her later years, Josie wanted to teach anyone who was willing to learn. Sitting in the living room of 54 Oak St. during the interview, Josie offered to teach Lee, who was Louise’s daughter-in-law, the practices of removing the evil eye, but only on Christmas Eve.
Josie, who was always a community oriented person, participated in many civic and religious organizations, believed that being an upstanding member of the community always came first. Even in her later years, Josie wanted to teach anyone who was willing to learn. Sitting in the living room of 54 Oak St. during the interview, Josie offered to teach Lee, who was Louise’s daughter-in-law, the practices of removing the evil eye, but only on Christmas Eve.
References
Realtor.com. 2021. “54 Oak St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, presented by Alyssa Prehoda,” Realtor.com. Accessed December 2021. Online: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/54-Oak-St_Saratoga-Springs_NY_12866_M34171-81685
The Saratogian. 2002. “Obituaries: Josephine Mary Fiore” Aug. 3, 2002. The Saratogian. Accessed: December 14th, 2021. Online: https://www.saratogian.com/2002/08/03/obituaries-aug-3-2002/
Realtor.com. 2021. “54 Oak St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, presented by Alyssa Prehoda,” Realtor.com. Accessed December 2021. Online: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/54-Oak-St_Saratoga-Springs_NY_12866_M34171-81685
The Saratogian. 2002. “Obituaries: Josephine Mary Fiore” Aug. 3, 2002. The Saratogian. Accessed: December 14th, 2021. Online: https://www.saratogian.com/2002/08/03/obituaries-aug-3-2002/