You’ve seen it before: a large blue eye pending from doors, keychains or even accessories stares back at you. This image is one of the most antique talismans in the world, and whether you’re superstitious or simply love its look, it’s very likely you’ll find yourself adding them to your wardrobe or household as it gains popularity in the Occident.
Today, we continue to tell you all about the top trendy amulets that have conquered the fashion world, as we take a look at the history and properties of the Turkish Evil Eye!
Discover it!
What is the Turkish Evil Eye?
Also known as nazar, from the Arabic term for sight or seeing, the Turkish Evil Eye is a protective amulet, usually made of glass or stone, which depicts a large crystal blue eye within simple concentric circles. These images have been popular souvenirs for years, yet they’ve become an important part of the fashion world in later years.
The Turkish Evil Eye can also be found in small and delicate glass beads painted by hand. Under this presentation, it receives the name of nazar boncuğu, or evil eye bead. These can be added to cute bracelets and other popular jewelry.
The nazar has been found in many cultures from Egypt and Greece to Afghanistan, Iran, Bulgaria, and, of course, Turkey. The first recorded Turkish Evil Eye was found on a clay tablet from Mesopotamia, and it became a tradition amongst several Asian societies.
Although the creation of this amulet has become a worldwide activity, making an authentic Turkish Evil Eye is considered a highly valued art of more than 5000 years, and it’s a trade passed from artisans to their children.
What does the Turkish Evil Eye do?
The main property of the Turkish Evil Eye is to protect the wearer from a powerful glance which can produce different harms to the person. This is known as the evil eye curse, and it can appear when someone looks with jealousy or malice to another person. This can attract bad luck or even diverse calamities.
According to many cultures, if someone receives too much praise or admiration, it’s very likely that they’ll attract the consequences of the evil eye curse. These can reveal themselves as a sudden disease or progressive misfortune.
The Turkish Evil Eye amulet protects the person from these damages, since it stares right back at the person who inflicts the curse, and according to some, it helps the ill-wishes bounce back.
Although the most popular shade is in blue, the Turkish Evil Eye can also be found in different hues, and the color of the evil eye bead can also add some extra properties to each amulet:
- Blue: attracts calm and prosperity,
- Red: good luck and energy,
- Black: power,
- Brown: connection with nature,
- Green: happiness, freedom and relaxation,
- Grey: security,
- Orange: creativity,
- Purple: imagination and energy,
- Yellow: health and concentration.
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Sources:
Evil Eye Store. The Evil Eye meaning. What does the evil eye jewelry symbolize? http://www.evileyestore.com/evil-eye-meaning.html
Jewish gift place. What is the evil eye? http://www.jewishgiftplace.com/What-is-the-Evil-Eye.html
Greek Mati Store. Evil eye colors and what they mean. http://www.greekmatistore.com/index.asp?mid=66&mid2=163&mid3=62
Turkey for you. Turkey Travel Guide. http://www.turkeyforyou.com/turkey_evil_eye_powers
Turkey Travel Blog. The blue evil eye in Turkey: good luck charms and souvenirs. http://www.turkeytravelcentre.com/blog/the-blue-evil-eye-in-turkey/
