hamsa hand symbol CharmsThe eye-in-hand or hand symbol was used in the ancient world as a charm for protection from bad luck and evil. The five fingers of the hand are thought to symbolise the ability to poke someone with evil intentions in the eye, thus blinding them! The hand symbol is used as a decorative motif in art works, plaques and jewelry and is seen in Arabic and Jewish cultures, where it is called a Hamsa (or Khamsa) today.

Origins of the Hamsa Hand Symbol

It is thought that the symbol was used by the Phoenicians in the Ancient world and it may have represented their goddess Tanit who was a patron of the city of Carthage. Other historians believe that it was used as a symbol of a Hindu god or goddess.

The Hamsa in Religions Today

The Hamsa, which is also called the Hand of Miriam, is worn as a Jewish symbol for protection against evil. It may also be seen on wall murals and decorations.

The Islamic people also use the hand symbol in their decorative work and they call it the Hand of Fatima who was Mohammed’s daughter Fatima Zehra. Some people think the symbol represents the Five Pillars of Islam. It has been adopted by many young Arabic and Jewish people as a symbol of peace between them as it is represented in both their religions.

Hamsa Hand Designs

The Hamsa or eye-in-hand symbol has a variety of forms or representations. One design has a hand with four fingers and a thumb with an eye in the palm. There are also varieties with no thumb or a more stylised three fingered hand with two thumbs. The fingers may also be seen pointing up or down.

The Hand Symbol in Jewelry Designs

A wide range of jewelry uses the hand symbol including necklaces, keychains, charms for bracelets and pendants in gold, silver, glass and other precious and semi-precious materials and gem stones. You can see our range at Hamsa Hand Jewelry

Read more from Gold & Silver Charm Jewelry

Tagged with: • • •

Filed under: Charm Jewelry Information

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!