The Evil Eye.
MEANING
The symbol and superstition of the evil eye
is one of the strongest symbolic images in the world. Yet, despite the
differences in the cultures which hold the evil eye myth, it retains largely
the same meaning no matter where the story is told. In its most basic form, the
evil eye is thought of as a look given to inflict harm, suffering, or some form
of bad luck on those that it is cast upon. It is a look which clearly states
that one intends for something bad to happen to the object of one’s focus,
either out of jealousy or pure malice. The superstition of the evil eye holds
that the malicious look is powerful enough to bring about actual disaster for
the unfortunate person that is the receiver of the glare.
HISTORY
The
earliest known evidence for belief in the evil eye goes back to ancient Greece
and Rome. There, it was believed that the evil eye was the largest threat to
anyone who had been praised too much, or received admiration beyond what they
truly deserved. The praised person would become so swollen with pride that he
or she would bring about his or her own doom via the evil eye, which was
believed to be able to cause physical and mental illness. In fact, any disease
which did not have an immediate, obvious cause was thought to be caused by the
evil eye. It was thought that the gods and goddesses were punishing those who
had become too proud of their achievements, and destroyed them with the power
of the evil eye to restore them to the level of mere mortals.
LEGEND
A
belief in the evil eye is widespread on every continent. The Middle East, Asia,
Europe, and Central America all fear the evil eye. In Shahih Muslim Book 26,
the prophet Muhammad warns about the dangers of the evil eye and says that one
must take a bath in order to counteract the effects of the evil eye’s power.
- In different languages, the evil eye is
known as:
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
Modern Life
The evil eye still has powerful influence in
modern life, pop culture, and even jewelry and design. Who is not familiar with
the phrase “the evil eye,” or thought to have caught someone casting it their
way at least once or twice before? In Turkey, the Evil Eye is ingrained in
everyday life and has deep symbolism throughout the culture. The Evil Eye
pendant is affixed to anything that is perceived to attract greed, envy, or
ill-will. In Turkey, you will find the Evil Eye symbol on currency, in homes
and offices, hanging from the necks of newborn children and farm animals, and
in the foundations of buildings.
Here is one of my collections.
Moreover, there was a great song related to evil eye I want to share with you. It's funny, and I really love it; but I have to warn you before you watch it, the video is a little bit scary and bloody. It looks like 80s horror movies; and that's the reason why I love it.
There are more details you can take a look.
http://www.jewishgiftplace.com/What-is-the-Evil-Eye.html
http://www.luckymojo.com/evileye.html
http://www.earthlaughsinflowers.info/turkish-living/turkish-traditions-turkish-living/nazar-boncuk-evil-eye-my-secret-passion/
Edit by Blair Wang
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