Hamsa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Hamsa or Khamsa (Arabic: خمسة, Khamsa, literally "five", Hebrew: חמסה, Khamsa). An alternative Islamic name for this charm is the Hand of Fatima or Eye of Fatima, in reference to Fatima Zahra, the daughter of Muhammed. An alternative Jewish name for it is the Hand of Miriam, in reference to Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron as well as the Hamesh Hand. It serves as an ancient talismanic way of averting and getting protection from the evil eye, or more generally of providing a "protecting hand" or "Hand of God". It appears, often in stylised form, as a hand with three fingers raised, and sometimes with two thumbs arranged symmetrically. The symbol is used in amulets, charms, jewelry, door entrances, cars, and other places to ward the evil eye.
Some sources link the significance of the five fingers to the five books of the Torah, part of the Jewish Tanach, or to the Five Pillars of Islam, the core principles of Sunni Islamic faith. This significance may have been attributed after the fact, as considerable archaeological evidence suggests that the hamsa hand predates both religions.
In recent years some activists for Middle East peace have chosen to wear the hamsa as a symbol of the similarities of origins and tradition between the Islamic and Jewish faiths.
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[edit] Islamic usage
The symbol holds some significance for many Muslims, particularly in the Maghreb, including Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia where it can be readily found in Arab markets. The Hamsa is a talisman to protect against the evil eye. In Egypt it is very widespread, and often painted on the fronts of homes, and into the Middle East, and into India and Pakistan. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the Orthodox Sunnites do not recognize this protection. They believe only God (Allah) protects them and it is with God that any person must ask for protection because the hamsa is idolatry. The Hamsa is widely believed to predate Islam. The symbol is assumed to be previously used in Punic religion, where it was associated with Tanit. Hamsa plaques, usually made of turquoise colored pottery, are readily found in modern Egypt.
[edit] Jewish usage
Hamsas are popular as charms and decorations in Israel and are not considered to have any Islamic connection other than the Arabic name. Among Jews, fish are considered to be immune to the evil eye, so their images are often found on Hamsas. Hamsas are often made in the form of amulets, wall plaques, keychains, or motifs on other objects, and often feature doves. They are also frequently inscribed with Hebrew prayers depending on their use, such as the Sh'ma Prayer, the Birkat HaBayit (Blessing for the Home), or the Tefilat HaDerech (Traveler's Prayer).
