The Meaning of the Evil Eye
The Meaning of the Evil Eye - Protection and Symbolism 🧿
You've probably seen it, but you didn't know the name: the Evil Eye, also known as Nazar. This well-known symbol has a rich history and meaning that is deeply rooted in various cultures worldwide. Let's take a closer look at what exactly the Evil Eye is, where it comes from, and how it is used to provide protection.
The Evil Eye is a talisman intended to provide protection against evil intentions and negative energies. The belief in the power of the Nazar symbol is widespread and has existed for thousands of years. People wear it in the form of jewelry such as nazar pendants, bracelets and earrings, but it is also often used as decoration in homes and vehicles.
Where does Nazar come from?
The origins of the Evil Eye date back to at least 5000 BC in Mesopotamia, one of the oldest civilizations in the world. However, the concept is not limited to one region; it has roots in various cultures and religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. By the way, archaeologists have found Evil Eye amulets in various excavations, including those in ancient Greek, Roman and Phoenician settlements. This has shown that the belief in the Evil Eye spread across different civilizations and persisted throughout the ages. In all these different traditions, the Evil Eye is and has been seen as a “look” that brings bad luck to the person it is aimed at. This unhappiness may arise from jealousy, envy or negative intentions. In some cultures, people with bright blue eyes in particular were considered to have this unlucky look, because blue eyes were rare and therefore more noticeable.
Cultural Variations of the Evil Eye
The way the Evil Eye is displayed and used varies from culture to culture. In the Middle East and the Mediterranean (particularly Turkey), the Nazar, usually a blue eye, is the most common amulet. In Greece it is called “Mati”, while in Turkey it is known as “Nazar Boncuğu” and in Iran “Cheshm Zakhm” where in the latter country the negative energy is often combated by reciting specific prayers or wearing talismans with verses from the Quran.
In South Asian cultures, such as India and Pakistan, the Evil Eye is often represented by black dots or symbols on objects and vehicles to ward off evil eyes. In Latin American countries the concept is often associated with the “Mal de Ojo” and children are often protected with special amulets. In ancient Greece, it was believed that certain gods and heroes had the power to ward off the Evil Eye, such as Athena who used her shield to deflect the eye. Today, the Evil Eye remains popular, not only for its protective properties, but also as a fashion accessory. According to believers, wearing Nazar accessories is a way to protect yourself from negative energies and attract positive vibes. It is also seen as a reminder to be mindful and express positive intentions. With the rise of social media, the concept of the Evil Eye has been given a modern twist. Some people use emojis and digital stickers of the Evil Eye in their messages to protect themselves from “digital envy.”
Source: Symbol of the Evil Eye: Nazar and its meaning - Volk Dingen ( https://dingen.volkabculaire.nl/symbool-van-het-boze-oog-nazar-en-diens-betekenis/ )