All Eyes on You.
Updated: Jan 26, 2021
They say be careful with envy because it can consume you. It is one of the seven deadly sins after all. The evil eye is a common way that envy can be passed from person to person. We all give it to someone whether we mean to or not; but how do we protect ourselves from it? What damage can the evil eye really do to us?
The evil eye has a different origin story for each religion it comes from. However, for all of them it derives from envy. When the evil eye is given it can inflict harm to the one it is aimed at. The eye can lead to suffering, bad luck, and even when powerful enough disaster that could lead to death. There have been a few talismans and prayers that can be used to protect against it.
The idea of the evil eye dates back 3000 years ago in Ancient Greece. They would wear amulets in order to protect themselves from the envy of others. Although to them, it could be inflicted by themselves. It could be a threat to someone who was praised too much. They would become too prideful and produce their own evil eye to themselves. The Nazar is a talisman that is still used, and worn even to this day. It is used for protection against the evil eyes cast by those around them. It is also used to protect the rights of commerce against those who wish to destroy it.
Jewish Origin?
Judaism has their own origin story for the evil eye. The evil eye is referred to as ayin ha’ra in Hebrew. The popular story comes from the Torah. Sarah cast the evil eye on Hagar while she was pregnant. This caused her to suffer a miscarriage. Ever since then, the evil eye was something known one must be protected from. When someone is known to have been infected by it they spit three times after saying the name. The Nazar can be worn by those who practice Judaism for protection. However, they also use the hamsa (hand of Fatima) for protection.
Islam Has the Evil Eye Too?
Islam also believes in protecting oneself against the evil eye. The prophet Muhammad spoke a bit about the eye. The evil eye could bring bad luck in the form of mental illness and disaster. While they acknowledge the existence of it and damage that can be done he did not believe in the work of talismans for protection. In fact, Muhammad believed the only true way to protect oneself is by reciting certain versus and prayers from the Quran.
The Nazar is a popular talisman that was created to protect against the evil eye. Even today It is still worn, and is very popular in many cultures including Turkey. However, some look at it more as a peace of jewelry than a source of protection. The usual talisman is made to be blue. Due to the origin coming from the Mediterranean many of them have blue eyes hence the color. Though as time has passed and the use has grown more colors have been added to aid with protection, and other uses.
Types of Nazar Amulets:
Dark Blue- provides karma/ fate protection. Helps with calm and relaxation. Opens up the flow of communication.
Orange- provides happiness and protection. Helps being motivation for commitment. It also helps increase creativity and playfulness.
Light Blue- provides general protection. Also helps broaden your perspective and brings solitude and peace.
Dark Green- garners happiness. Helps bring balance in life and gives freedom to pursue new ideas.
Red- provides courage. Also helps the wearer become more enthusiastic/ energetic. Provides protection from fear and anxiety.
Purple- boosts imagination as well as helps to remove obstacles in order to rebalance life.
Yellow- helps sharpen one's mind and concentration. Can bring the wearer relief from exhaustion and protection of health.
As time continues, the use of these talismans has become more popular. Whether worn for protection, or other personal reasons they can be comforting. Sources of protection, the talismans are sold and seen in almost every marketplace. Whether you see it upon the wrist of a palm reader or the neck of a new age spiritualist, the tradition has carried on so strong to modern day. Maybe there is a reason something like this stays so popular in demand.
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Works Cited
Aws. “What Is the Evil Eye? - History of the Evil Eye - Double Bone Bracelets.” Designer Luxury Fashion Bracelets | Double Bone Official, 2 July 2019, www.doublebone.com/what-is-the-evil-eye/.
“Evil Eye in Judaism | My Jewish Learning.” Google, Google, www.google.com/amp/s/www.myjewishlearning.com/article/evil-eye-in-judaism/amp/.
“Evil Eye Meaning - What Does the Evil Eye Symbolize?” Evil Eye Collective, evileyecollective.com/pages/evil-eye-meaning.
Huda. “Do Muslims Believe in the Evil Eye?” Learn Religions, www.learnreligions.com/evil-eye-in-islam-2004032.
Tucker, Jeffrey. “Every House Needs a Nazar Amulet.” AIER, 3 June 2020, www.aier.org/article/every-house-needs-a-nazar-amulet/.
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