'A Bella 'Mbriana, between history and legend

For many, however, she remains an unknown figure, despite being one of the oldest and most distinctive Neapolitan legends, alongside those of the Munaciello and the Janara.

by Silvia Semonella

“Bonasera bella 'mbriana mia

ccà nisciuno te votta fora,

rieste appiso a 'nu filo d'oro”

(“Good evening, my beautiful 'mbriana, no one here will drive you out, you remain hanging by a golden thread”)

Anyone who has, at least once in their life, listened to this song by Pino Daniele will certainly be aware of the existence of the Bella 'Mbriana, mentioned, indeed, by the singer.

The legend

The name is said to derive from the Latin “meridiana” (meridian, midday), referring, therefore, to the times of day when she is most likely to appear, that is, the brightest hours, those of early afternoon. Another tradition holds that the term comes from the adjective “mariana” (Marian), referring to a protective spirit or her benevolent nature.

The history of Naples is steeped in legends and myths, blurring the line between reality and fantasy, between streets and alleyways, between light and shadow. One of these, sad and melancholic, concerns precisely the birth of the myth of the Bella 'Mbriana.

The figure of this benevolent spirit originates from an ancient story; a story of unrequited love: in an unspecified kingdom, a princess was hopelessly in love, without her feelings being returned, with a brave and fearless knight, hero of a thousand battles, from which he had always returned victorious. One day, however, despite the princess having waited for him for a long time, the knight never returned…

The young woman fell into a deep despair, so profound that she lost her mind, and began wandering through the alleyways of the city, staying with whoever offered her hospitality. Her father, the king, desperate to protect her and ensure she always had a safe place to sleep, decided to offer a reward to anyone who opened their doors to his poor daughter.

Thus was born the legend of this mysterious female figure, who dwells in the homes of the Neapolitan people and protects them; it is said that this benevolent spirit is difficult to see and that it is very unlikely to witness one of her “appearances”: however, one might happen to glimpse her in the reflection of a window or in a curtain stirred by the wind.

Ethereal and almost evanescent, the few who claim to have seen her describe her as a beautiful woman, with a gentle and sweet face, well dressed, and neatly groomed; more of a good fairy to children than an evil spirit, as many might think.

One must be careful, however, not to meet her gaze! Tradition, in fact, tells that she could transform into a butterfly or a gecko (an animal similar to a lizard) which, perhaps for this very reason, is considered a good luck charm by the Neapolitan people.

The bella 'mbriana loves order - woe betide anyone with a messy house! - and protects the inhabitants of the home; indeed, in times of financial hardship or family troubles, it was once customary to exclaim: “Scètate bella 'mbriana!” ("wake up, beautiful 'mbriana!"); as a “reward” for this companionship, legend has it that she must always be kept informed of what happens in the home where she is hosted. In the past, in fact, when a move was being planned, people would try to discuss it outside the house, so as not to let her know anything, in order not to draw her wrath.

Such an occurrence must be avoided at all costs, in fact: the Bella 'Mbriana does not forgive and could even cause the death of a loved one! The spirit's wrath is often caused by renovation work she does not welcome - a proverb on this matter goes: “Casa accunciata, morte apparecchiata” ("house renovated, death prepared") - or by the lack of a chair for her to sit on or of the place at the table reserved for her.

Even today, the elderly often greet her, paying their respects, when entering and leaving the house, exclaiming aloud “Bonasera bella 'mbriana mia!” ("Good evening, my beautiful 'mbriana!").