Disclaimer: This story was originally published on my Instagram (@FoxDenCurio) on March 9, 2022
In Neapolitan folklore, there are different origin stories and variations for La Bella 'Mbriana so I'll stick to the most common tale. La Bella 'Mbriana is the story of a beautiful girl who was driven mad by grief at the loss of her beloved. She began to wander through the streets of the city, wearing her white dress. In her despair, she slipped from house to house in order to see what family life could have been like for her. The humble people of Naples are always hospitable and immediately welcomed her into their homes, offering her food and drink and letting her rest. The girl's father followed her journey discreetly. Grateful for the welcome given to his daughter, he sent gifts to the families to show his gratitude. Thus, she continues to walk from home to home and those who welcome her often find themselves the recipient of good fortune.
It is said that 'Mbriana is an excellent judge of character, and if you find yourself host to her spirit, count yourself blessed. The spirit of ‘Mbriana only resides with honest people and brings good fortune to their home. This is why the people of Naples, Italy regard her as a protector of home and family. Her apparition is an unidentified figure that can only be viewed in your periphery. As soon as you turn to see her, she quickly disappears. 'Mbriana prefers to visit people’s houses only during the hottest hours of the day and hides in between curtains blowing in the wind. Due to her fuzzy appearance, she is said to resemble a gecko. This is why it is believed that when one sees a gecko in the house, it should not be chased away because it brings good luck.
It was once custom to greet Bella ‘Mbriana when entering and leaving any household, to make her feel welcome and appreciated. A chair was always left free for her at the table so that she could sit and rest at any time. There are some elders in Naples who still greet 'Mbriana every morning. According to Neapolitan folklore, La Bella ‘Mbriana, is a good ghost until you upset her. Similar to the house brownie, she can be very mean and punish those who offend her, keep dirty homes, or complain about their homes. It is believed that if she hears about renovations or sees any work being done, she might cause the death of a family member. It was also forbidden to talk indoors about relocating.
In the rich tapestry of Neapolitan folklore, La Bella 'Mbriana emerges as a captivating embodiment of both sorrow and benevolence, weaving through the streets of Naples in her eternal wanderings. As a symbol of hospitality and guardian of home and family, her legend transcends time, offering glimpses into the city's cultural fabric. The customs associated with her presence reflect a deep-rooted belief in the interconnectedness between the human and spirit realms. Yet, beneath the veneer of her gracious visits lies a cautionary note, reminding us of the consequences of neglecting tradition or disrespecting the sanctity of hearth and home. La Bella 'Mbriana, with her enigmatic presence and mysterious ways, continues to inspire reverence and apprehension, keeping Neapolitan society's age-old traditions and values alive for generations to come.
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