The evil eye is a famous symbol that is thought to provide protection, ward off evil, or impart wisdom. While the evil eye is found across many different cultures, the symbol has unique meanings and nuances within each culture. Exploring the variations of the evil eye provides insight into which evil eye is meant to bring good luck.
What is the evil eye?
The evil eye is a symbolic curse believed to be cast by a malevolent glare that can cause bad luck for the recipient. The evil eye is also known as the envious or invidious eye. The term comes from the Latin oculus malus meaning “evil eye.”
The evil eye is a look that is believed to have the power to bring harm to someone else – whether unintentionally or intentionally. The evil eye is a popular belief that can be found across many cultures around the world, dating back to ancient times. The main purpose of using an evil eye symbol is to reflect the curse back towards anyone giving the bearer the evil eye. The evil eye is thus meant to protect against envy and ill-will from others.
What are some common examples of the evil eye?
There are many variants of the evil eye symbol used for protection across different regions and cultures. Some of the more well-known examples include:
- The Hamsa – A hand-shaped amulet popular in the Middle East and North Africa. The hamsa is thought to ward off the evil eye. It often includes an eye symbol on the palm of the hand.
- The Nazar – A blue eye charm commonly seen in Turkey, Greece, and other Mediterranean countries. The nazar is used to ward off the evil eye.
- The Ojo de Venado or Deer Eye – Common in Mexico and Central America, the ojo de venado charm looks like an eye and is often made of animal bone, stone, wood, or glass.
Other examples include the eye shell charm in Hawaii, the evil eye bead found across the Levant, and the evil eye stone in parts of South America.
Which evil eye is meant for good luck?
While there are many different evil eye symbols used by various cultures, three main variants are most strongly associated with good luck:
The Turkish Nazar
The Turkish nazar, also known as the Eye of Medusa, is a common good luck charm in Turkey, Greece, and other Mediterranean countries. The nazar is a blue glass bead shaped like an eye. Blue is thought to be a color that wards off evil.
Some key facts about the Turkish Nazar:
- Typically colored blue or blue and white.
- Made of handmade glass featuring concentric circles representing the evil eye itself.
- Used to protect against the evil eye and ill intentions of others.
- Hangs in homes, vehicles, or on necklaces and keychains as an amulet.
- Given when one embarks on a journey, move, or new endeavor.
The Turkish nazar is one of the most widely recognized symbols of protection against the evil eye. When the glass beads are manufactured, the makers embed their intentions for good luck so that each nazar provides blessings.
The Hamsa Hand
The Hamsa hand is an ancient Middle Eastern symbol shaped like a palm with an eye in the center of the hand. Hamsa literally means “five” in Hebrew – representing the five fingers of the hand. It is also known as the Hand of Fatima or the Hand of Mary across the Middle East and North Africa.
Some key facts about the Hamsa Hand:
- Shapes include simple hands, hands with two symmetrical thumbs, or hands decorated with patterns.
- Popular motifs include fish, flowers, pomegranates, and a blue eye on the palm.
- Used as a protective amulet across Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist faiths.
- Adorns walls, objects, jewelry, and keychains to ward off the evil eye.
- Provides a blessing to households in which it hangs.
The Hamsa Hand is believed to provide protection, luck, fertility, and wisdom. It helps ward off bad energy and ill intentions from others. As a result, it is a powerful good luck symbol.
The Ojo de Venado
The Ojo de Venado or Deer Eye charm is common in Mexico and Central America. It resembles a simple eye or oval shape with designs in the middle meant to represent an eye.
Some key facts about the Ojo de Venado:
- Often made of animal bone, wood, stone or beads.
- May include a small red bead or knotted strings in the center to ward off bad energy.
- Worn by all ages – children wear it pinned to clothing as protection.
- Placed in homes or hung in cars and offices.
- Given as gifts to wish good luck for major life events – weddings, births, graduations.
The Ojo de Venado protects against ill-wishing, gossip, and the evil eye. It is thought to have protective energy and bring good fortune.
Conclusion
There are many variants of the evil eye symbol used by cultures around the world to provide protection and ward off harm. The Turkish Nazar, the Hamsa Hand, and the Ojo de Venado are three of the most prominent evil eye amulets strongly associated with luck. With its striking blue color, the Nazar is one of the most identifiable and famous good luck charms. The Hamsa Hand is a universal sign of protection across many faiths and regions. And the Ojo de Venado has enduring symbolism for Latin American cultures seeking to ward off ill intent. Each of these ancient symbols contains positive energy and their own rich histories of bringing good fortune.