Hamsa Archives - M.A. Guglielmo http://maguglielmo.com/tag/hamsa/ Writer. Neurosurgeon. Single Mom. Chocolate Lover. Tue, 03 May 2016 18:05:51 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 Magic in Marrakech http://maguglielmo.com/magic/magic-in-marrakech/ Sun, 20 Oct 2013 17:39:08 +0000 http://maguglielmo.com/?p=56 Koutubia mosque View of the Koutubia mosque from the roof-top restaurant of our hotel. The hand of Miriam This is a beautiful example of a Jewish Hamsa, in an ancient synagogue in the traditional mellah, or Jewish quarter, of Marrakech.  The Star of David, not an  eye, is centered in the palm.  Our guide told us […]

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View of the Koutubia mosque from the roof-top restaurant of our hotel.

The hand of Miriam

This is a beautiful example of a Jewish Hamsa, in an ancient synagogue in the traditional mellah, or Jewish quarter, of Marrakech.  The Star of David, not an  eye, is centered in the palm.  Our guide told us that although the small Jewish community of Marrakech resides largely in the ‘French’ quarter these days, every Saturday the local rabbi holds services in this ancient temple.  The box these were in also held polished animal horns:

Sometimes the Evil Eye itself can be a positive symbol, as seen in this close-up of a hand-knotted rug below.  Although we enjoyed the dramatic presentation of the rugs and the delicious mint tea, we didn’t give into temptation and buy a carpet.  But we still have a free shopping day in Marrakech at the end of the trip….

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]]> The Hand of Fatima http://maguglielmo.com/occult/the-hand-of-fatima/ Thu, 10 Oct 2013 18:47:28 +0000 http://maguglielmo.com/?p=37 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 […]

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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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