The evil eye symbol is one of the most potent images in the world.
The evil eye is a malicious look given by one person to another to inflict harm, suffering, or some form of bad luck.
Superstition holds that the look is powerful enough to bring about actual disaster for the unfortunate person that is the receiver of the glare.
Many believe that the evil eye is a threat to anyone who had been praised too much or received admiration beyond what they truly deserved. And we all know we want to protect our loved ones, and ourselves from the harmful effects of the evil eye.
In some cultures, the belief is focused on children, where someone can inadvertently give a child the evil eye by paying a compliment, which draws in negative energy.
To counteract the effects of the evil eye, one is supposed to say that “God has willed” the child’s good luck, or else risk endangering the child.
Ashkenazi Jews also believe that excessive praise causes a vulnerability to the evil eye, and will repeat a Yiddish phrase, “Keyn aynhoreh!” meaning “no evil eye” to protect against it. In fact, there's an entire blog about this funny-sounding word you can read here.
The most popular method of escaping the evil eye’s effects is evil eye talismans, amulets, symbols, and jewelry.
These are meant to “reflect” the power of the evil look and are affixed to anything that is perceived to attract greed, envy, or ill-will.
The most basic design of the evil eye, the Nazar is prevalent in the Middle East.
Its concentric blue and white circles symbolize the evil eye.
One of the most potent evil eye amulets is the hamsa, an open hand-shaped symbol with an evil eye on the palm.
The hamsa is also known as the Hand of Miriam (sister of Moses), and the Hand of God.
A hamsa symbol will ward off negative energy projected at you and protect you from evil thoughts or harm.
The Hamsa symbol also represents the Hand of God, is believed to promote health, happiness, good luck, and fortune.
Today, the evil eye and hamsa still have a powerful influence on modern life and pop culture. They are popular elements in many jewelry designs and home décor accessories.
Hamsa & Evil Eye Charm Bracelet
Whether you choose to wear the evil eye or hamsa as a fashionable accessory or as a true believer in their power of protection is up to you.
But who knows?
A little extra defense against misfortune never hurt anyone!