People who wear a Hamsa hand talisman or decorate their walls with the symbol most likely know it’s background. It’s a famous symbol with a rich history.

All of the current major religion has given it significance in some form. And it predates all, if not most, of modern-day religion.

What is the Hamsa Hand and the Evil Eye?

The Hamsa hand depicts a right open hand. Sometimes it has an eye in the middle of the palm, and the shape is symmetrical.

This talisman is believed to be able to bring good fortune and ward off evil or negative energy. In fact, it the evil eye is negated when it’s worn or displayed on walls, tapestries, etc.  For those of you that don’t know, the evil eye is an envious or malicious look from someone that brings with it a curse- bad luck to the receiver.

Origin of the Talisman

The Hamsa hand comes from the middle east, specifically Mesopotamia and Carthage, or Iraq and Tunisia in modern times respectively. They were also found on Egypt and through archaeology it was determined that they could be 2000 years old.

Given that it originated a long time ago, it had ample time to spread around the globe and be incorporated by different religions. Universally, it’s a spiritual symbol that brings positive things like fertility, good luck, fortune, etc.  And it counteracts negative energy.

Religion and the Hamsa Hand

There are slight differences to the interpretation of the Hamsa hand but the essence remains the same.

1. In Christianity, the symbol is associated with Mother Mary. The Hamsa also represents Mother Mary’s high place of honor. The Cross is the main symbol for Christianity but there are some that use the Hamsa Hand as well.

Should Christians, wear or decorate their homes with it? Well, some don’t use it. The main reason is that the Cross is the main symbol and that the Hamsa hand is not exclusive to Christianity. The symbol is associated with Judaism, and others would argue that this would make it valid.

The answer is it depends on how you feel as there are strong arguments from both sides. The important thing is that you know about its meaning, and how you feel about it.

2. In Islam, the Hamsa hand represents the Five People of the Cloak for the Shi’ites Muslims. The Sunni Muslims believes the symbol to represent the Five Pillars of Islam. Both religious groups associate the Hamsa hand with the Fatima, Mohammed’s Daughter.

3. In Buddhism, the Hand stands for the five chakras and five senses. There’s sacral, throat, root, solar plexus, and heart chakra. It also represents mudras, which are hand symbols that has something to do with the flow or redirection of energy.

4. In Judaism, the symbol is associated with the Five Holy Books of Torah- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers. It’s important to note that Hand’s five fingers is significant in Judaism. Also, the Hand is a reminder to worship and praise God with all of the five senses.

How Do You Wear It?

It’s mainly worn as jewelry in the form of Necklaces, and bracelets. The fingers could point upwards or downwards. The direction holds significance as it determines which half it would do. It was mentioned before that it brings good things, and wards off evil.

Up means protection against evil. From yourself or others, the evil eye. Down means attraction of positive things.

Conclusion

The Hamsa hand is a universal symbol that is adopted by different religions, and cultures. It represents some greater power in one way or the other.