One of the first things you encounter when you arrive in Turkey is the Evil Eye bead. This bead which locals have been using for over five thousand years is prominently featured all over Turkey. Everyone employs it to safeguard newborn babies, new cars, as well as, new homes from any evil energy.
People in Turkey, and many other places around the world, believe the turkish evil eye can protect you from bad luck. It’s like a shield against negative energy. That’s why new parents, car owners, and even homeowners often display evil eye charms.
Beyond Turkey, you’ll find the evil eye in jewelry shops and homes across the globe. Jewish, Muslim, and Christian cultures have all adopted this ancient symbol. It’s not just a tourist thing; it’s a real part of daily life for millions of people.
In places like Cappadocia, evil eye charms even decorate trees! It’s clear that this symbol holds special meaning for many. But what does the evil eye mean?
Let’s explore its fascinating history and learn why it’s still so popular today.
What is the Evil Eye?
Do you know something called bad eye or evil eye?
This is a myth that started way back in the ancient Greece and it is still in use to this present time. Their belief states that when a person envies another person, they may be able, using just their eyes, to transfer evil glare to the envied person. This is known as an evil eye. For this reason, many people seek remedies that can shield him or her from receiving the evil eye. That’s why you find people wearing evil eye jewels on their hands or around their necks. They think that it help in preventing evil from befalling them.
It has a long history. Yes!
Around 40% of the world’s cultures have some kind of belief in the evil eye. You can find it in old Roman and Greek stories, and even in the Bible and Quran. The evil eye idea is actually quite ancient – it’s about 3,000-years old, in fact!
Although it is for this reason that people know today’s world more than the previous ones – still many people believe in the evil eye. ‘It is like trying to find a reason to the Much like asking ‘why do people suffer?’ The evil eye is one out of several ways through which such reasons can be given.
How Different Cultures View the Evil Eye
The evil eye is a fascinating belief that has spread across continents and centuries. It’s the idea that someone can harm you with a jealous or malicious glance. While the core concept is similar, the specifics of the evil eye vary widely from culture to culture.
Hinduism
In Hinduism, even a well-meaning stare can be considered harmful. To protect against this, people often offer milk to the person they admire. This is especially important during life’s big moments like marriage, puberty, or pregnancy, when people are believed to be more vulnerable.
South America
Brazil takes a different approach, calling it the “fat eye.” Here, it’s not just negative intentions that matter, but also insincere compliments. So, if someone gives you a backhanded compliment, watch out!
Europe
Europeans have long feared the evil eye, linking it to witchcraft. People with unusual eye colors or distinct features like a unibrow were often seen as more likely to cast a curse.
A Global Belief
People deeply believe in that evil eye exists. The basic element of cultures in Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Armenia, Iran, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Azerbaijan. Wow, that is a large part of the entire global population of the world!
It’s surprising how a notion as primitive as a bad glance can cause such a significant effect upon the numerous societies.
The Hamsa
The Hamsa is another symbol used by Jews, Muslims, and Christians to protect against the evil eye. It brings luck, happiness, and good health to its owner. The origins of the Hamsa are unclear, but it’s widely recognized as a protective amulet.
The Turkish Evil Eye
In Turkey, the Nazar Boncuk charm was created to protect against the evil eye. It’s not meant to bring good luck but to keep evil spirits away. People hang these charms on their pets, children, and in their homes.
When the charm wears out and cracks, it’s believed that it has done its job of protecting you, and you should replace it to continue being safe.
Why the Color Blue?
The evil eye amulet is usually made of blue glass. Blue is considered a protective color, and the amulet often has layers of blue, white, yellow, and black. Blue symbolizes positive energy and is associated with the sky and truth. In ancient times, blue represented the divine and was thought to have a calming effect.
How to Protect Yourself
Besides wearing charms, people have used various methods to protect themselves from the evil eye. Ancient Greeks burned incense and carried crosses. New mothers would place items like gunpowder, a nail, or garlic under their pillows for protection. In some places, people burned bear fur to ward off the evil eye. In European Christian countries, people would make a cross with their hands and point their pinky and index fingers at the source of the curse.
Where to Buy an Original Turkish Evil Eye
If you visit Turkey, you’ll find plenty of places to buy an original evil eye charm. Nazarkoy in Izmir is known as “the evil eye village” because of the many glass amulets made there. In Cappadocia, you’ll see hundreds of charms hanging from trees. While not all of these are original, they make great souvenirs. Just be sure to choose one made of glass with layered colors.
Almost every souvenir shop in Turkey sells some form of the evil eye, whether on a bracelet or a keychain. It’s not just a beautiful piece of jewelry but also a symbol with deep cultural significance.
When going to Turkey, ask your tour guide for the best places to buy an authentic evil eye charm.
Last Words
The Turkish Evil Eye isn’t just a pretty piece of jewelry; it’s a powerful symbol with a rich history. People in Turkey and beyond have used it for centuries to ward off bad luck and negative energy. This blue amulet, often featuring an eye-like design, holds deep cultural significance.
The belief behind the Evil Eye is simple: envy and jealousy can cast a harmful “evil eye” on someone, leading to misfortune. The amulet acts as a shield, absorbing this negative energy before it harms the wearer. It’s like having a personal bodyguard against bad vibes!
I hope this article give you clear understanding of evil and its meaning.
FAQs About Turkish Evil Eye
Where to Hang a Turkish Evil Eye?
Hang it at your entrance to block bad energy from entering your home. You can also place it in a living room.
Is the Evil Eye Good or Bad?
The evil eye originates from Greek culture and persists today. People believe a jealous person can curse you with a “evil glare,” bringing bad luck.
Who Can Wear the Evil Eye?
Anyone can wear the evil eye for protection, regardless of background. Use it as a reminder of love and protection in all life areas.
How to Get Protection From the Evil Eye?
Wearing the evil eye symbol offers protection. Evil eye jewelry remains popular among believers and non-believers alike.
Typically, evil eye jewelry uses blue and white. Other colors hold different meanings:
- Orange: protection, happiness, motivation, creativity, playfulness
- Dark blue: karma and fate protection
- Light blue: general protection
- Dark green: happiness
- Red: courage
- Brown: connection with nature
- Yellow: health
- Grey: protection against sorrow
- White: focus
- Pink: friendship protection
