The evil eye pendant, ring, bracelet, and other jewelry are trendy and fashionable in many cultures. I tend to shy away from such jewelry that is connected to superstition. The name Evil Eye is associated with black magic, evil spirits, witchcraft, and other mystical notions.
Has anyone ever given you the evil eye, an angry or raging bull stare? Have you received a bone-chilling glare, a fiery glower of disgust as if to say, ‘Be gone!’ Worser looks are even possible. No one knows the thoughts of someone who glares so intensely, but they cannot be friendly. The piercing Kryptonite glare says it all. No, siree, it’s not a stare of adoration and well wishes.
Back in the day, an unfriendly neighbor might cast such a fixation upon kids who broke a window while throwing rocks. In addition to children, those thought to be victims of the evil eye included pregnant women.
An evil eye is one of revenge or reckoning with someone getting ‘what’s coming to them.’ It is all about retribution or getting what one deserves after an offense or for envy. It doesn’t matter if the victim knows the trespass, transgression, or jealousy. Old and childless women were among those often accused of casting the evil eye.
Miss Celie in The Color Purple was neither old nor childless. Remember in the movie when Celie tells Mister.,” Until you do right by me, everything you think about is going to crumble.”
These words got Mister’s attention; he was undoubtedly familiar with finger-pointing, conjuring, menacing glares, curses, and Voodoo.
As in ancient days, many people worldwide continue to believe the evil eye to be a sign or act of black magic or supernatural power to bring misfortune, harm, or injury to someone.
Belief in the evil eye is no mere forbidden walk under a ladder or accidental breaking of a mirror and the such that foretells bad luck. The evil eye dates back 5,000 years and is much worse than ordinary superstitions.
Despite its popularity and trend in fashion, the evil eye is a serious phenomenon in various cultures.
Some believe one can get the evil eye through means other than an ill-intended glare. And some cultures believe it to be a force that Is not only cast onto others but reflects back on those who wish harm on the innocent.
No one wants to experience or be on the receiving end of such an evil stare with ill intentions.
How do people who believe in the evil eye counter its intended curse of bad luck or misfortune?
Charms, amulets, and talismans like the Hamsa hand are said to prevent or ward off the evil eye curse. A talisman and amulet are objects believed to have magical powers to bring good luck and protection.
An evil eye is believed to have protective powers against bad luck or omens. People hang evil eyes from windows to protect their homes.
People of different religions use the Hamsa hand, which represents the Hand of God, as a good luck charm of protection. The Hamsa hand is symbolic in Judaism and Islam and predates these religions.
The belief and practice of the evil eye continues today.
Is the practice a myth or marvel?
Be well.