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What Does the Evil Eye Symbolize Across Cultures?
Originally discovered around 5,000 years ago on Mesopotamian tablets, the power of the evil eye comes through the eyes and speech of others who possess envy, hatred, or insincerity. If someone gives a compliment they do not really mean, then they risk sending the evil eye to that person. If one possesses something of value, then that valued object runs the risk of facing the consequences of the evil eye.
The Perception of the Evil Eye
Evil Eye charms. Source: Unsplash
People who possessed the power of the evil eye, but were unaware of this power, were feared more than the evil eye itself; people feared them more than witches. Their feelings were fuel for bad luck and misfortune, even if their intent was not to cause others harm. Manifestations of the evil eye vary between cultures and regions. While these symptoms vary, it is generally agreed upon that women, babies, children, the wealthy, and those who are considered beautiful or handsome are most at risk because they could be easily envied by others.
Evil Eye in the Bible
Evil eye symbol. Source: Pixabay
The concept of the evil eye appears throughout the Bible, notably in the books of Matthew, Luke, Proverbs, and Deuteronomy. The evil eye is used as a threat to those who do not abide by the teachings of the Bible. This does not mean that people will feel the effects of the evil eye, but rather that they will possess the evil eye, which is worse.
The books of Matthew and Luke both paraphrase each other, saying that the eyes are the source of good or evil throughout the body. Luke chapter 11, verse 34 (Luke 11:34) says, “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness.” The book of Proverbs uses the evil eye as a way for followers to avoid feeling envious. Proverbs 23:6 states, “Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats.”
In this verse, a person who is sharing their food is doing so begrudgingly, so their offer is not actually genuine. Therefore, the other person should not eat with them. Their deception of generosity is not meant to ignite harm upon someone else purposefully, but Proverbs uses it to warn followers about being selfish. Proverbs 22:9, on the other hand, states that “He who has a bountiful [good] eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.”
Evil eye hanging in a tree. Source: Unsplash
Deuteronomy 15:7-11 stresses the importance of being generous and compassionate towards people in need, which are fundamental principles in the Bible. Specifically, verse 9 states, “Beware lest there be a wicked thought in your heart … and your eye be evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing.”
Mark 7:21-23 reminds followers of the deadly sins that can cause people to become evil: “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” Goodness comes from the heart, but it can be tainted by feelings of envy or pride and actions such as adultery, murder, and theft.
Evil Eye and Islam
Evil eye charms on a tree. Source: Pixabay
Furthermore, Islam’s teachings emphasize that the evil eye is real and followers should fear it. According to the Quran, symptoms can also include headaches that move from one part of the head to another, sweating a lot, heart palpitations, no appetite, insomnia, withdrawal from others, apathy, and laziness. The Hadith, which are the teachings and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, states, “The influence of an evil eye is a fact” and “The evil eye is true.” Ibn al-Qayyim, a Sunni Muslim theologian and philosopher from the 14th century, described the evil eye in laymen’s terms:
“It is an arrow, shot by the one who is jealous or [or is known] for giving evil-eye towards the one who is envied – hitting [the target] sometimes and missing it sometimes. So if it is encountered while uncovered and without protection, then the person is affected by it. But no doubt, if it is encountered while taking precaution, then it will not affect him; rather it may happen that this arrow [the evil-eye] is returned back to the owner himself.”
Stone wall with evil eye amulets in Göreme, Turkey. Source: Unsplash.
The “protection” that Ibn al-Qayyim refers to is the adhkār, which are recitations of remembrances or invocations to build deep connections and trust with Allah. Adhkār are supposed to be said every day in the morning and evening. Thus, those who take precautions or protections, i.e., saying their adhkār, are protected from the evil eye; the bad luck or evil will in turn, be brought back to the person who sent it.
Evil Eye in the Middle East and North Africa
Nazar amulets on tree branches in Cappadocia, Turkey. Source: Pexels
Despite the fact that evil eye talismans, which are charms or amulets believed to have powers or protection from evil, are quite common, not all Muslims believe in the power of these talismans. In a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2012, Muslims were asked about the evil eye, which is translated to al ayn in Arabic. Muslims in the Middle East and North Africa have the highest number of people who believe the evil eye is real, with the highest percentages being in Tunisia (90%) and Morocco (80%).
In the Middle East and North Africa, wearing talismans is most common in Jordan (28%), Tunisia (25%), and Egypt (25%). However, Muslims in Pakistan and Albania are more likely to wear talismans at 41% and 39%, respectively. Islam teaches its followers that they should trust in and rely on Allah to keep them safe from danger or harm rather than relying on talismans. Some Muslims will not wear a talisman but will hang one in the home or keep verses of the Quran in their homes to ward off evil rather than a talisman, object, or charm. People in the Middle East also say Mashallah, which translates to “God has willed it,” as a way to show appreciation or gratitude, proving that a compliment is genuine, while in Morocco, sprinkling water on a doorway or where someone sat in your home can help ward off evil.
Evil Eye in Central and Latin America
Evil eye charms on a tree. Source: Unsplash
The evil eye, which translates to mal de ojo in Spanish, is prevalent throughout Central and Latin America. They believe that children and babies are most vulnerable to the effects of the evil eye because they are not strong enough to ward off evil on their own. However, instead of a royal and sky blue eye amulet, in Latin America, red and black glass beads are used for protection. In particular, an azabache stone, which is a jet-black gemstone, is combined with red beads, glass, or stone to ward off the evil eye. The azabache stone as a talisman actually dates back to Spain when people took pilgrimages, but it is prevalent in Latin and Central America as well as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.
Throughout the Latin world, there are various ways to ward off the evil eye. Wearing an azabache, talisman, or other red and black jewelry helps, but some protections are specific to different regions. In Murcia, Spain, a double cross can be worn or hung in the home to protect against the evil eye. Bronze and cowbells were also thought to be effective in warding off evil. In Mayan culture, the evil eye is referred to as k’ak’as ichi. For Mayans as well as in Bolivia, a curanderos, which is a traditional Mayan doctor, rubs an egg on the body of the alleged affected person, then that egg is cracked in a glass of water or alcohol and left under the person’s bed to absorb the evil energy.
Children and babies can also bathe in herbs and stay away from angry or drunk people to protect themselves. Though the evil eye can be unpredictable, Latin Americans most often fear the month of November because that is when Dia de los Muertos is celebrated. The Day of the Dead is when spirits come back to the living world; people fear the possibility that when the spirits return to the spiritual world, they may take their children and babies with them.
Evil Eye in Greece
Evil eyes painted on doors. Source: Pexels
In Greece, the evil eye is referred to as kako mati and its effects are called matiasma, which tend to include physical ailments rather than just bad luck. Signs of matiasma include headaches, dizziness, sickness, nausea, and fatigue. The ancient Greeks also believed that people with blue or green eyes were more likely to receive and also give someone else the evil eye since blue or green eyes were not common. Like Latin Americans, the Greeks have their own way of testing for and extracting the evil eye from a victim. They pour a cup of water, make the sign of the cross three times, and say a prayer three times.
This prayer is sacred and secret, only to be used by those who truly believe in the evil eye. It can be taught, but only by someone of the opposite sex. If the oil spreads out in the water, then the evil eye is present; if the oil separates, then the evil eye is not present. Like in other parts of the world, the Greeks believe that babies, young people, and women are most susceptible to the effects of the evil eye. Often, evil eye charms or amulets are hung by cribs. Finally, spitting and saying “ftou” three times can protect someone from the evil eye.
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