The Mystery of The Hamsa Hand

And the Idea of Evil Eye.

The Hamsa hand is one of the most beautiful and ancient symbols in the world, and became a symbol of peace in the Middle East in recent years.

Its symbology is believed to date back further than most modern religions, and it believed to be protecting from evil eye, in many cultures and religions.

The Hamsa has been used for centuries by different cultures around the world, all of them agree that it represents the hand of God and is used as a protection against evil.

Amulet Against “Evil Eye”

The Hand, particularly the open right hand, is a sign of protection that also represents blessings, power, and strength, and is seen as potent in deflecting the evil eye.

No arguments about The Hamsa being a powerful symbol that can be used to protect against negativity and bring positive energy into your life.

Either Islam, Christianity or Judaism, all major religions saying it’s also said to represent the five senses of the human body.

In all religions and cultures, there are mystical symbols whose purpose is to create in the hearts of believers a sense of security and subjective control.

Thus, throughout the ages, many objects were born to which people attributed spiritual powers and which they consider effective for achieving success, preservation, and abundance.

Whether you believe in the power of the Hamsa hand or not, there is no denying that it is a beautiful and ancient symbol with a rich history.

hamsa hand studio

The Hamsa Symbol

The Hamsa hand is symbol is a palm-shaped amulet that is often decorated with an eye, or different symbols and inscriptions meant to bring good luck or ward off evil. This amulet has been created and continues to be created in endless different variations for thousands of years.

Some Hamsa’s are simply the basic shape with no decoration – while others can be quite intricate and colorful and made out of metal, carved wood, ceramics, cloth, body tattoos and much more.

The Hamsa symbol is said to bring its owner good luck, health, and happiness on one hand, and on the other hand, it has been used for protection against evil for many centuries by different cultures around the world.

It was used a as powerful symbol that protects against negativity and for attracting positive energy in your life.
You can say that an ancient way to improve your life and luck, is by wearing or hanging a Hamsa in your home. 

The Origin of Hamsa

The origin of Hamsa hand originated in ancient Mesopotamia.

Some say that the Hamsa symbol was found even earlier as the “Sign of Tanit”, an ancient symbol of “The Moon Goddess of Carthage” 

Carthage, Modern day Tunisia, was a revered figure in the ancient world, and her symbol appeared on coins and temples throughout the region.

Tanit was associated with fertility, childbirth, and protection.
Inscriptions found at Carthage indicate that she was also worshipped as a goddess of the sea.

Sign of Tanit
Sign of Tanit

(As a matter of fact, the original “symbol of Tanit” was not a palm, but a triangular body shape with two horizontal hands)  With the development of monotheistic religions, Tanit gave way to another, Fatima.

Hamsa Pronunciation

If you were Muslim or an Israeli, you would pronounce it as ‘Cham-Sa,’ with a hard “ch”, according to Dr. Ellen Frankel, former CEO and editor-in-chief of the Jewish Publication Society and co-author of “The Encyclopedia of Jewish Symbols,” but “Ham-Sa” is also correct. 

Listen:
Hamsa Wall Art
Wall Hamsa Art

Hamsa Hand Meaning

The meaning of “Hamsa” in Arabic is five. It is derived from the word “khams”, which means five.
The Hebrew word for hamsa is Hamsa too, as in the Arabic language. (as many other words in Hebrew that were borrowed from Arabic).

The Hamsa Hand in Islam: Hand of Fatima

Hand of Fatima Jewelry

The Hamsa is known in Islam as the Hand of Fatima and is said to represent the five pillars of Islam (faith, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage).

Legend has it that Fatima burned her hand in a boiling pot after she saw her husband bringing another woman into their home. Her tears fell through a crack in the wall and hit her husband’s shoulder. which prevented him from realizing his marriage to another. Hence the Muslim belief in Hamsa or its synonym “Hand of Fatima” is explained and the eye painted on Hamsa is explained in the story of the tear.

The story of Fatima’s life is full of tragedy and triumph, and despite the many difficulties that she faced, Fatima remained a strong and faithful Muslim throughout her life. She was known for her piety and her generosity, and she is considered a role model for all Muslim women.

In Islamic culture, the five fingers of the hand are associated with the Five Pillars of Islam. It is believed that it can bring power, blessing, and good luck.

The Hamsa in the Buddhism

The Hand symbol is also prominently featured in Hinduism and Buddhism as a sign of protection. In Hinduism, the hamsa is often associated with the god Vishnu, who is often depicted holding a hamsa in his hand. The hamsa is also considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. In Buddhism, the hamsa is seen as a symbol of wisdom and compassion.

There are ones who will say that the Hamsa Hand represents five chakras:

Hamsa in Buddhism

The Hamsa in Judaism

In Jewish culture, the Hamsa hand is often associated with Moses’ sister, Miriam, and it’s called “The Hand of Miriam” and 
Associated with the fifth letter, which is suggestive of god. 

Hamsa and the Kabbalah

Madonna has been increasingly interested in the Kabbalah over the past few years, and there is no doubt that she has had a significant impact on popular culture’s perception of the Kabbalah. Her celebrity status has helped to bring the once-obscure tradition into the mainstream.

The Kabbalah teaches that there are ten “Sefirot”, or divine emanations, which make up the whole of reality. The first sefirah is called “Kether” and corresponds to the Hamsa.

“Kether” is the highest point on the Tree of Life and represents the divine will or purpose. The Hamsa is a symbol of this divine will, and reminds us that we are all connected to the source of all creation.

Whether or not Madonna truly understands the Kabbalah, her public embrace of it has helped to demystify an often-misunderstood tradition.

Different Religions

Famous people who have worn or promoted the Hamsa hand include Madonna, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Demi Moore, Scarlett Johansson, Rihanna, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and More

The Hamsa in Christianity

The Hamsa has been adopted by Christianity, as the Hamsa hand symbolizes Mother Mary, and is called the “Hand of Mary.”

In the Christian tradition, the Hamsa is often depicted with the sign of the cross in the center, which is believed to represent the five wounds of Jesus Christ, and is worn as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and also as a way to ward off evil.

Some Christians believe that the Hamsa hand can protect them from the evil eye, and it is often worn as a talisman. 

Read More about the Evil Eye in Christianity >>>

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In conclusion,

The Hamsa Hand is a symbol of protection and good luck. It has been adopted by many cultures and religions, each with its own interpretation of its meaning. The hand has five fingers, each of which represents a different facet of life. Whether you believe in the power of the hamsa or not, it’s a beautiful symbol that represents unity and compassion.