SYNOPSIS

The word “mafia” was taken from the Sicilian adjective mafiusu. In the 19th century, this term was used to describe an ambiguous, arrogant, fearless person; but also to refer to someone who is entrepreneurial, proud, courageous, daring, who was recognized for his own merits, qualities or talents, and, above all, for the supremacy of blood.

Meanings aside, it was in mid-1865, in Sicily, that the term “mafia” was first used to describe a criminal association with ramifications in the local government.

There are those who argue that these organizations have medieval origins, that their members were farmers and small landowners who came together to defend their goods from feudal lords; and some argue that the mafia emerged from the union of peasants in order to protect their lands from foreign invasions.

Regardless of the origin, it is certain that “mafia” is used to designate a criminal organization that uses unscrupulous means to defend its assets and, mainly, its people; and those requesting protection are required to pay taxes under pain of harsh reprisals.

Although the word "mafia" is derived from a Sicilian adjective, the term is not exclusive to Sicily. Italy is the country of origin of the various mafia organizations, the best known being the Cosa Nostra, which are the Sicilian buggiardos, the Camorra de Napoli, the Ndrangheta of Calabria, and the bloodthirsty Società Foggiana.

But it was in Vennidit, the birthplace of the most feared families in the mafia, and believe me, no organization was as feared and respected as the "Titolari dei segreti"
Anyone can wield a weapon and impose themselves on the other by force, but only those who know what everyone is trying to hide are able to make their knees voluntarily bend.
Men bow to arms, but governments bow to men's secrets.

My name is my legacy. I'm Ricardo Venni, the heir to the mafia.

VENNI - HEIR TO VENGEANCE

Planning a traditional Italian wedding was no easy task. Authentic Italian weddings are marked by centuries of tradition. From the engagement to the wedding. And in my case, they still had the mafia traditions that are a world apart. 


The tradition of the marriage proposal was broken by the fact that my parents were no longer with us, but Riccardo followed as he could. After the marriage proposal was accepted, but before it was announced, he put a diamond ring on my ring finger. 


Church wedding and invitations made by hand or engraved are indispensable traditions that I made a point of honouring, my invitations were a small pad with blank sheets and a small silver pen. 


We obey popular Italian wisdom regarding metals. Riccardo would carry a small piece of iron in his pocket to chase away evil spirits, while I was forbidden to use any gold object until it was time to exchange rings. 


Chapter 60