Omerta

The term 'omerta' originated from the Spanish word hombredad, meaning 'manliness'. The word was adopted by the Sicilian Mafia, who corrupted the word into 'omerta' with their Southern Italian dialects. The omerta is an oath of loyalty, silence, and honor taken by all members of La Famiglia Nostra. One must submit to the omerta if one wants to become a full member of the Family with all the rights and privileges it entails. Associates who have not taken an omerta are viewed with distrust and kept at arm's length by the rest of La Famiglia.

The Omerta Ritual
Individuals who seek to join La Famiglia must undergo a special ritual in order to become full members. The ritual involves the cutting of the right hand with a 15th-century Italian cinquedea - which is a short sword developed during the Renaissance and known for the five furrows along the length of its blade. The individual who wishes to join La Famiglia Nostra kneels before one of the higher-ups - typically an underboss or the Don / Donna - and presents their right hand palm up to their superior.

The person conducting the ritual - an underboss or the Don / Donna - will make five cuts along each of the supplicant's fingers. Each cut represents a promise that the supplicant will make, as well as each of the five families that compose La Famiglia. The five promises are as follows: The person conducting the ritual will then force the supplicant to grip the cinquedea by the blade, deeply cutting their palm. This symbolizes their oath and the blood they are willing to spill for the family.
 * 1) A member of La Famiglia will never share information with or seek help from the authorities on pain of death. If forced to speak to a member of law enforcement, they are to deny knowledge of any mob activity or lie.
 * 2) A member of La Famiglia will never willingly or knowingly act against the interest of the Family. Betrayal of the Family is considered the worst possible sin and is punishable with death.
 * 3) A member of La Famiglia will never turn his back on a brother in need.
 * 4) Members of La Famiglia do not forgive treachery. A betrayal against one member of La Famiglia is treated as a betrayal against all of La Famiglia.
 * 5) The omerta is for life. It is impossible to leave La Famiglia and membership is permanent until death.

The omerta ritual leaves a scar which is permanently visible on the right hand. Members of La Famiglia Nostra can be identified by this distinctive scar, which is why many of them take to wearing gloves.