The Evil Eye Across Cultures

The Evil Eye Across Cultures

People often wonder, "What does the Evil Eye symbolize, and where did it originate? Why should we adorn ourselves with an Evil Eye Charm?" Simply put, an Evil Eye Charm is a special piece of jewelry crafted to shield the wearer from harmful and malevolent energies. These detrimental influences are often attributed to various negative or malevolent forces.

While the Evil Eye itself is perceived as a harbinger of misfortune, the Evil Eye Charm serves as a protective talisman, warding off its negative effects. This jewelry not only offers protection but also empowers the wearer against malevolent energies. The "Turkish Evil Eye" holds significant renown in Turkish history as well as in various global cultures. In Istanbul, the ubiquity of evil eye beads stands out, representing a cultural mainstay spanning 5,000 years, still revered today. Turkish Evil Eye Guards are particularly utilized for newborn babies, new cars, new homes, and newlywed couples to avert ill omens.

The prevalence of the Evil Eye Guard isn't restricted to Turkey alone; it also enjoys widespread popularity among Jewish, Muslim, and Christian cultures. In Turkey, people employ the Turkish Evil Eye to safeguard their businesses and homes by displaying Evil Eye Guards. The history behind the Turkish Evil Eye is both captivating and steeped in superstition, with many intriguing facts yet to be uncovered.

Turkish Evil Eye Guard

The Origin of the Turkish Evil Eye

The history of the Evil Eye stretches back to ancient Mesopotamia, encompassing Assyrians, Phoenicians, Europeans, Celts, Romans, Jews, the Bible, the Hellenistic Era, and the contemporary world. This concept has been prevalent across various civilizations and is also evident in Greek and Roman superstitions. Nowadays, the Turkish Evil Eye Guard not only enjoys widespread popularity but has also become emblematic of Turkish souvenirs.

The Turkish Evil Eye can be inflicted upon someone either through a malevolent gaze or by speaking ill of them. A person targeted by the Turkish Evil Eye may suffer from bad luck, poor health, and may inadvertently cause problems for others. Once afflicted, the targeted individual loses their ability to help themselves or others due to the curse. It is believed that this curse can be countered by wearing specially blessed sunglasses, conferred by a local priest or religious figure.

Turkish Evil Eye History

As previously mentioned, the history of the Evil Eye amulet in Turkey is as ancient as in other civilizations. The Turkish people devised the "Nazar Boncuk charm," also known as the Turkish Evil Eye, to shield themselves from malevolent influences. Contrary to popular belief, the Turkish Evil Eye is not a symbol of good luck but rather a protective talisman.

People of all ages in modern and traditional Turkey utilize this amulet extensively, adorning everything from their children to their pets with it. One could argue that the efficacy of the Evil Eye amulet is evident when it wears out or cracks, signaling that it has fulfilled its protective function, and it's time for a new one.

The Turkish Evil Eye Amulet

Since time immemorial, amulets have been employed for both malevolent and benevolent purposes. Amulets inherently possess value; however, the Evil Eye can cast negative influences that can affect anyone. For instance, the Evil Eye can be inflicted by someone who believes that another person does not deserve fame, wealth, or beauty. The consequences of such an affliction can range from physical harm and illness to even death, affecting both individuals and objects. Ancestral wisdom posits that some individuals possess negative powers, which they use to harm others.

Evil Eye Across Different Cultures

While the core meaning of the Evil Eye remains consistent across various civilizations, misconceptions prevail that it only affects those who are beautiful and successful. Let's explore how different cultures perceive the Evil Eye:

1. Europe

In Europe, people believe that individuals with unique eye colors, such as Germans and Irish people, possess a greater ability to cast the Evil Eye. It is commonly believed that a malevolent gaze can bring bad luck. In European folklore, the Evil Eye is associated with witches and individuals who act as real-life witches.

2. Hinduism

The Hindu community contends that both admiring and envious gazes can affect others, whether the admiration is benign or malevolent. A common symptom of the Evil Eye, as believed by Hindus, is a sudden decline in a cow's milk production. To counteract the Evil Eye, it is customary to offer a bowl of milk to someone you admire. Additionally, it is believed in Hinduism and some Muslim communities that individuals are most susceptible to the Evil Eye during significant life events such as marriage, childbirth, and puberty.

3. South America

In South America, particularly Brazil, the Evil Eye is referred to as the "fat eye." A person becomes a victim of the Evil Eye when they receive insincere compliments. Genuine compliments, however, are considered harmless.

Why Is Blue Color Used In Turkish Evil Eye?

Amulets have been used for self-protection since ancient times. The Evil Eye amulet is uniquely crafted from blue glass, often complemented by other colors like white, yellow, and black.

The primary colors used are blue and light blue. Many people wonder why blue is predominantly used. In ancient Greek culture, blue was considered a protective color, warding off harm and symbolizing calmness. The combination of yellow and light blue is often encased within a protective black border.

The color blue exudes positive energy, while light blue—reminiscent of the sky—represents calmness, safety, and heavenly blessings. Light blue, or sky blue, is also associated with truth and has a calming effect, capable of alleviating tension.

How To Protect Yourself Against The Evil Eye?

If malevolent forces exist in the world, benevolent forces do too. Here are some methods ancient Greeks employed to protect themselves:

  • Ancient Greeks would burn incense.
  • New mothers would place iron objects like nails and saws under their pillows.
  • Newlyweds were not allowed to venture out alone.
  • People would offer food and money to beggars as a protective measure.

A Short Overview Of Evil Eye Colors

When selecting the color for your Evil Eye Guard, each hue carries a unique significance:

  • Orange symbolizes protection, joy, motivation, and playfulness.
  • Dark green represents happiness, while red signifies courage.
  • Brown is associated with nature, fostering a strong bond with the natural world.
  • Yellow is indicative of health, and grey helps dispel sorrow.
  • White embodies peace.
  • Pink is specifically designed to safeguard friendships.

Where To Get An Original Turkish Evil Eye In Turkey?

You can find Evil Eye charms in a myriad of forms, including bracelets, keychains, rings, pendants, purses, paintings, and earrings, at our online store. If you have any queries regarding the authenticity of our Evil Eye charms, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are committed to ensuring your peace of mind, offering natural and affordable Evil Eye Guards, backed by a money-back guarantee. So, why wait? Secure your Turkish Evil Eye Guard today!

Back to blog