THE HEADS OF MORO: THE LEGEND THAT EXPLAINS WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER BETRAY A SICILIAN GIRL

You may have come across the famous Caltagirone ceramics at some point — beautiful vases that adorn the flower-filled balconies of homes in Sicily’s historic town centers.

What you may not yet know is the story behind those vases.

“In the Arab quarter of Palermo, the Kalsa, there lived a beautiful young woman devoted to caring for the flowers in her garden. One day, a young Moor passing along her street noticed the girl and, smitten, declared his love for her. Surprised by such boldness, the young woman gave him her heart. Swept away by the fire of passion, the two immediately consummated their great and visceral love. Only after giving herself to him did the woman discover that her handsome Moor was already married, with a family waiting for him, to whom he was preparing to return…
At that point, blinded by jealousy, during the night, while the man was sleeping, she cut off his head and decided to use it as a vase for basil. Of course… she proudly displayed it among the plants on her balcony.
The inhabitants of the Kalsa immediately noticed this unusual vase and, not wanting to be outdone, they too got themselves some Moor’s Heads… but made of terracotta!”

This somewhat noir story reminds us that it is better never to betray a Sicilian woman, because you never know how it might end.

It is not a story with the usual happy ending, but one that fills the balconies of every square and palace with color — a story of passion, jealousy, and creativity, all enduring notes in the customs of our beloved Sicily.

Photo credits: http://www.terracottasicilia.it/