We’ve all been on the receiving end of a dirty look, and while you may just go on about your day, many people around the world believe that troublesome glance holds more power. Talismans were created to protect against the evil eye and are also frequently called “evil eyes”. Where did it all begin, and what does it mean?
A Brief History and Meaning of the Evil Eye
Despite differences in cultures, the evil eye keeps roughly the same meaning no matter where the story is told. Evil eyes are thought to be expressions of harm, pain, or some form of misfortune. The earliest known evidence dates back to ancient Greece and Rome; it was believed that the evil eye was the greatest threat to any person who was overly praised or subjected to more than they deserved. The person could suffer mental and physical illnesses from the gods and goddesses punishing them with an evil eye, restoring them to the level of mortals.
The evil eye is a “look” or “stare” that is believed to bring bad luck or harm for the person at whom it is directed for reasons of envy or dislike. It is a curse or legend believed to be cast by this malevolent glare, and usually given to a person when they are unaware. The perception of the nature of the phenomenon, its causes, and possible protective measures, varies between tribes and cultures.
A quasi-universal symbol of protection, the evil eye is especially prominent in the Mediterranean and West Asia. The evil eye is also a talisman that is meant to protect you from these evil spirits. This talisman or amulet is designed in the shape of an eye, traditionally in the colors blue or green, that indicate spiritual protection. These evil eye “repellents” come in different shapes and forms as pendants, bracelets, earrings and rings, or can be hanging in a glass bead form over the main door or entrance of someone’s home to keep them protected.
How to Use and Wear an Evil Eye
It’s believed that wearing an evil eye protects one from evil spirits and bad luck. The evil eye is commonly used to cleanse curses away, and as a protective ward to reflect the power of evil glares back to the caster. Both an amulet and talisman, the symbol has dual capabilities of providing you with both protection and power. Wearing this protective symbol for good fortune or as a protection from the power of the evil negative energy is a cultural commonality amongst the believers.
There was a time when the only sort of evil eye you could find was a blue and white glass symbol strung on a leather chord. The evil eye has gained popularity in celebrity culture- famous people like Madonna, Britney Spears, Brad Pitt, Lindsay Lohan, Cameron Diaz, Rhianna, Kim Kardashian, Meghan Markle and many more have been photographed wearing evil eye jewelry. Now they come studded with sapphires and diamonds and can be worn as necklaces, bracelets, rings or earrings.
The evil eye’s meaning stems from the concept that people who do well and achieve great success attract envy from people around them. The envious glare then manifests into a curse that brings misfortune to the receiver, who is usually unaware of the malicious gaze upon them. We have a beautiful collection of jewelry talismans and amulets with the eye symbol created to give the wearer protection. These make great gifts! Give us a call at 303-385-8449 or click here to schedule an appointment.