article

Meaning and morality: a semiotic approach to evil eye accusatiobns in a Greek village

American ethnologist • 8 (3) • Published In 1981 • Pages: 560-574

By: Herzfeld, Michael.

Abstract
In this article, Herzfeld analyzes evil eye (THIARMOS) as an expression of social deviancy and nonreciprocity. Evil eye accusations are leveled at members of the village who shun or igore the everyday acts of reciprocity that constitute the moral and social life of the village. Such people are considered defective in character (GRUSUZIA) and victims of bad fate. Herzfeld analyzes the terms for fate (MIRA) and personal character (FISIKO) and gives four cases of GRUSUZIA. He concludes that 'deviants'systematically violate social boundaries within and between communities.
Subjects
Status, role, and prestige
Community structure
Luck and chance
Magic
Ethnopsychology
culture
Greeks
HRAF PubDate
2003
Region
Europe
Sub Region
Southeastern Europe
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2002
Field Date
1973-1974
Coverage Date
1949-1974
Coverage Place
'Pefko', Rhodes, Greece
Notes
Michael Herzfeld
Includes bibliographical references (p. 572-574)
LCCN
74644326
LCSH
Greece