The induction ceremony of the mafia members has been a well guarded secret for several decades. However, the general public had discovered it after few defectors like Tommaso Buscetta and Joseph Valachi had leaked to the FBI, police and the media valuable information about the different activities of the Mafioso. The ceremony of induction was carried out by many Sicilian and American Mafia families. However, the ceremony could be altered which depended upon the particular circumstance. For instance, it could be done without the rituals swiftly, if the group is engaged in a gang war.
The ritual
It is with the dressing of the potential inductee that the actual ceremony begins. Once he gets ready, the person is taken into some private home. There he is seated just next to Don at a table. The other members of the mafia family present in the ritual join hands to chant oaths of honor, loyalty and respect to the mafia family. Then a burning paper piece is to be held by the inductee, who has to withstand its heat and pain and is required to pass it to the others, until the paper consumes completely. While performing this action, he is to swear loyalty and uphold the group’s principles. He is also to make a promise to become the family’s member for life. For this oath, he is expected to place drop of blood from the trigger finger. The inductee, in some families may get paired with other member of the group of higher rank and experience, who would guide and help him to become a successful Mafioso.
Other important aspects
Besides the drop of blood, ceremony and the oath, the potential candidate needs to belong to Italian heritage for joining any of the conservative families. Few may require just the father to be Italian, while others need both parents. At the same time, the potential candidate is expected to display uncanny skill towards making huge money or inclination towards committing violent acts, if ordered to. A test is to be qualified by the inductee and qualified for joining the group. They are required to commit a murder act of enemies of the Don to become Made Men. Furthermore, The Commission has to consider them.
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