Kohl Rimmed Eyes…

M.A. Guglielmo — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 18:19:30 +0000

A popular cosmetic, eye medicine and protective ward against the evil eye, kohl (كحل in Arabic) has been in use since 3100 BC. It was used by by Egyptians of noble rank to cover the upper eyelid, while green malachite was used for the lower. Its use spread throughout the Middle East and South Asia, along with North Africa.

Literary references to kohl abound, and sections in 1001Arabian Nights describe feminine beauty with terms such as “kohl-dark eyes” which set off long hair, a slender waist, and of course “heavy buttocks”.

Male heroes in the Arabian Nights are no stranger to eye makeup either. Several noble princes in the tales are described as being smeared with kohl as infants. This practice continues throughout the world today, to protect the infant from the Evil Eye. Although the use of traditional kohl on infant’s eyes today is not recommended, there’s some evidence that ancient kohl preparations may have had some anti-microbial effects against conjunctivitis.

Kohl is prepared in North Africa traditionally by grinding galena (lead sulfide) and adding various botanical products. Although this traditional preparation is believed to be superior to modern cosmetics versions, the use of galena has raised concerns about lead poisoning. The photo above shows a small quantity of traditional kohl I purchased at a roadside shop. It came wrapped in a small piece of newspaper secured by a rag strip:

Given the lead concerns, I think I’ll stick to less exotic cosmetics, like this:

But I have doubts that the latest mass produced eyeshadow offers the same protection against the Evil Eye as my newspaper wrapped treasure.

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The Hand of Fatima

M.A. Guglielmo — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 18:47:28 +0000

Now that you’re tossing and turning at night, worrying about the Evil Eye, you’re probably eager to hear about ways to protect yourself from it. In Italy, you might ward off Il Malocchio with the mano cornuto or sign of the horns :

The gesture also became a popular salute in heavy metal, and gained Satanic associations.

In Middle Eastern cultures, a similar hand protection symbol is the Hamsa (خمسة) also known as the Hand of Fatima, the Hand of Miriam, or the Hand of Mary, in Muslim, Jewish and Christian traditions. It’s an open right hand with the palm facing forward, sometimes with an eye in the center.

عين زرقاء the blue eye symbol that protects against the عين السد, the Evil Eye or Eye of Envy

The Hamsa is thought to predate all of these three religions and to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia. In Islam, the number five has added significance, and the five fingers may represent Mohammed and his household members, or the five pillars of Islam. Stylized versions are popular in design and jewelry. Traditionally, silver might used for the amulet, with its associations of purity.

So, if you’re looking to hedge your bets about the Evil Eye and perhaps add some luck, a beautiful Hamsa charm might be the perfect thing to shop for…

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Evil Eye Archives - M.A. Guglielmo

Kohl Rimmed Eyes…

The Hand of Fatima