Our guide will help you learn everything you need to know about the Evil Eye. This includes what it is, what it means, the purpose of the Evil Eye in bracelet form, its origins and cultural significance, any modern interpretations it might have, and finally, common misconceptions about it.
What is the Evil Eye?
The Evil Eye is a symbol represented as a large eyeball, usually with the colours dark blue, white, and black. However, there are other variations of the Evil Eye, including different colour schemes.
The Meaning of the Evil Eye
There’s a superstitious belief that when someone with bad intentions looks directly into the Evil Eye, it curses or brings karma to them. For that reason, it’s commonly used as a good luck charm or as a means of protecting oneself from negative influences or bad energy.
Colour variations of the Evil Eye can connote different meanings:
● Turquoise or Light Blue: Overall protection, expands your horizons, enhances your understanding of things
● Green: Improves success, health, and relaxation
● Yellow: Boosts health, eliminates anxiety and depression, and improves memory
● Orange: Enhances happiness, boosts motivation, improves creativity
● Brown: Improves your connection with nature, protects from the elements
● Purple: Provides balance, removes roadblocks in life
● Black: Protection over your prosperity, preparation for the unknown
● White: Fresh beginnings, mental clarity
● Grey: Fends off sadness, improves adaptability to new situations, counterbalances the effects of other colours
● Red: Safeguards your courage, boosts confidence, eliminates fears
● Pink: Protects friendships, neutralises chaos
The Origins of the Evil Eye
Experts believe the Evil Eye first emerged in ancient Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago, in 5000 B.C. Evidence of its long history lies in Sumerian texts referring to the “eye ad-gir” as well as the findings of ancient eye-like charms.
The concept of the Evil Eye rapidly spread to adjacent regions, impacting various cultures.
The Evil Eye Across Different Cultures
For thousands of years, the Evil Eye has been present in many cultures.
In Turkey, an amulet of the blue Nazar Boncuk is believed to protect successful people from jealous energy. It can cause envious people to suffer from situations like financial loss, illness, or eye problems.
The Jewish people believe the Ayin Ha’ra represents the evil intentions of others and that an evil glare can inflict harm upon another. In their culture, there are ways to fend off the curse of the Evil Eye, such as spitting, reciting certain phrases, or using a Hamsa Hand Evil Eye amulet.
The Evil Eye is known as the Mati in Greek culture. They believe blue-eyed people are capable of casting bad energy through a glare, which can trigger symptoms like disorientation, bad headaches, or misfortune.
In Islamic countries, an intentional or unintentional jealous look, called al-ayn, can lead to a dry milk supply in nursing mothers, pregnancy-related issues, menstruation disorders, or sexual problems. The bad effects can be eliminated through certain prayers or protective phrases.
Italians also believe in the Evil Eye or Il Malocchio. Due to their belief in the Evil Eye, Italians are careful who they tell their successes or good news to, for fear that they will be cursed out of jealousy.
In Latin America and Spain, the Oculus Malus or Mal de Ojo has similar connotations. They are firm believers that the vulnerable and young, such as infants, are at the highest risk of being cursed by the Evil Eye. Rituals to rid of Evil Eye curses range from tying a red ribbon around the affected person or thing, using garlic cloves, or placing raw egg on the body.
These are just some of the many cultures and countries that believe in the Evil Eye. They each hold similar beliefs, yet refer to the Evil Eye by different names and have different rituals when warding off the Evil Eye curses.
Modern Purpose of the Evil Eye
Even in modern times, the Evil Eye is used as a symbol of protection. Some people today still use it as part of their culture or religion. Others, however, use the Evil Eye as a fashion statement or a decorative item, viewing it as a modern fad.
Regardless of the purpose, the Evil Eye is a common symbol found on clothing, home decor, items like blankets or phone cases, and jewelry today.
Purpose and Uses of Evil Eye Bracelets
Evil Eye bracelets can be worn with the intent of helping the wearer:
● Reflect negative energy from people, animals, or things
● Feel a sense of protection
● Grow or expand in life
● Feel closer to their culture or religion
● Improve their mental health
● Get through difficult situations and overcome hurdles
For others, wearing an Evil Eye bracelet may simply be a form of decoration.
Common Misconceptions About the Evil Eye
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the Evil Eye is a one-time fix - that you just wear it once and always achieve the benefits of it. In reality, it’s something that must be worn ongoingly to remain protected.
Another misconception about the Evil Eye is a universally accepted symbol. While it has, and continues to be, a prominent part of many cultures, it isn’t present in every single one.
Lastly, many believe that the Evil Eye only curses the person at fault. The truth of the matter is, it can also impact the people or things that person is tied to: their family, close friends, and even their belongings.
Conclusion
The Evil Eye is a popular and common symbol in multiple cultures. Even in modern times, the Evil Eye plays a big role. But before getting an Evil Eye bracelet, it helps to learn about what it means and the background behind it to ensure it’s a symbol relevant to you and your life.
Interesting - i didn't know all this!
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