The mafia is a catch-all term for organized crime organizations.
Overview[]
Historically, the term "Mafia" didn't come to refer to organized crime until the 20th century. As to its origins, I've heard a few explanations. One is that the word dates from a French invasion of Italy in 1282. Supposedly, "Mafia" is an acronym for "morte alla Francia Italia anela" - "death to the French is Italy's cry." Another, also referring to that invasion, is a bit more romantic. It holds that a French soldier raped a Palermo girl on her wedding day, and that the citizens rose up and murdered a French troop. The fever spread, with the revolt's battle cry stemming from the poor girl's mother running through streets shouting "ma fia" or "my daughter."
Gallery[]
References[]
- WOD World of Darkness: Mafia, p. 15-23.