The Hamsa is an ancient Middle Eastern amulet representing the "Hand of God" in all faiths and is arguably possesses the strongest protection of all charms
Many are convinced it brings happiness, luck, health and good fortune to it's owner.
There are two main styles of a Hamsa hand: the most popular is the stylized Hamsa hand with two symmetrical thumbs, but there are also Hamsa hands that are not symmetrical and shaped like actual hands.
Hamsa hands can be worn with the fingers pointing up or down.
Both are deemed to deliver happiness, peace, prosperity and protection from ayin ha'ra, or the Evil Eye.
The wearer of the Hamsa Hand can wear it facing up or down and is thought to create success, harmony and protection from the ayin ha’ra. Historically, it is frequently found in cultural facets such as art, religion and community.
Origin of the Hamsa hand
Despite being highly symbolic in Islam and Judaism for centuries, recent archaeological digs in the Middle East provide further evidence the Hamsa pre-dates these religions and originated with the Phoenicians for use as protection by an ancient Middle Eastern goddess. The Hamsa hand is always considered and associated with a female entity offering protection from evil and misfortune.
Hamsa Hand symbology
The word "Hamsa" or "Hamesh" literally means five.
There are five digits on the Hamsa hand, but the number five has additional symbolic meanings.
It also symbolizes the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, "Heh", which represents one of God's holy names.
In the Jewish religion, the Jewish Hamsa hand also symbolizes the Hand of God, the Hand of Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron.
In the Islamic faith, the Hamsa hand symbolizes The Hand of Fatima, daughter of the Prophet Mohammed.
Judaism, decrees the five fingers of the Hamsa hand remind its wearer to use their five senses to praise God.
Hamsa hands often contain an eye symbol, the powerful talisman against the evil eye.
Hamsa can't wing "Peace in the Middle East"
Revived recently as a symbol for peace in the Middle East . Hamsa hand symbology predates modern cultures and there are those who insist it is an effective tool to prevent and diffuse conflict.
The Hamsa hand is the common denominator, thread, if you like, that unites usually adversaries.
The Hamsa symbol is believed to originate from an early Middle Eastern religion and both Jews and Muslims wear it religiously as a charm conducive to hope, peace, prosperity & protection.
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