A-Z 2013 the letter E

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Do you believe that envious and malicious glances can bring you bad luck or even cause you physical harm? 

Sounds kind of silly huh? 

Or is it? 

Would you be surprised to know that there are many cultures who believe just that? And that it is in fact deeply ingrained within many of their cultures. 

Let me tell you a bit what I've chosen for my "E" words.

Have you ever heard of the EVIL EYE?

Often the harm inflicted by the evil eye is linked to the envy of the person who is doing the hurting. The possession of an evil eye was often thought to reside in persons who had tendencies toward antisocial behaviors, (i.e.; meanness, selfishness & envy). 

This belief was found in many cultures (list below), and it has persisted into modern times. You'd be amazed just how many cultures actually believe in the evil eye. Each culture called it by its own name.

·         Hebrew Evil Eye – Ayin Ha’ra

·         Turkish Evil Eye – Nazar Boncugu

·         Italian Evil Eye – Mal Occhio

·         Farsi – Bla Band

·         Arabic – Ayin Harsha

·         Scotland – Droch Shuil

·         Spanish – Mal Ojo or El Oja

·         France – Mauvais Oeil

·         Germany – Böser Blick

·         Romans – Oculus Malus

Cultures also adapted and had ways of guarding and protecting against the evil eye. There were many methods and it was widely believed that children, the elderly, animals and people in transition were especially vulnerable.

EVIL EYE METHODS OF PROTECTION

They used amulets, crosses, incense were widely used as methods of protection but they were not the only methods. New mothers would put objects under the pillows of their newborns. Some of the objects used were gunpowder, nails, indigo and salt; each had its specific meaning. 

Gunpowder symbolized an ability to fight back against the evil eye. The nail was the symbol of strength, the indigo's blue color held power and salt was a symbol of strength.

EVIL EYE REMEDIES

The remedies are as varied as the cultures. In Bangladesh a child is adorned with a black dot on its forehead for protection.  In Greece, Armenia, and Assyria, it is thought that a good pinch in the butt will cure you of the effects of the evil eye (no joke). In some European countries they do the sign of the cross while at the same time pointing their index and pinky finger at the source of the evil eye.

EVIL EYE TALISMANS AND AMULETS

Wearing evil eye talismans, jewelry, and amulets are the modern way of reflecting back the harmful power of the evil eye.

EVIL EYE IN MODERN LIFE

It is hard not to imagine that the evil eye would not somehow become part of popular culture here in America. In fact many Hollywood stars can be seen wearing jewelry and other fashions adorned with the evil eye. And it’s no wonder in one Google search I found tons of evil eye products…. IPhone covers, jewelry, T-shirts, posters, key chains, coffee cups, refrigerator magnets, pacifiers, bumper stickers and greeting cards. Go Figure!

Wink ;  

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