Since the dawn of time people have been looking into each other eyes for clues to their intentions. Certain looks such as greedy eyes, mean eyes, cruel eyes, and cold eyes instantly cause one to become wary and suspicious. This gut feeling reflects man’s self-preservation instinct and acts as a warning to be on guard.
Experience also teaches us that excessive praise, adoring eyes and a smiling face can hide one’s true intent and should not be taken literally. Those adorations can conceal a person who can’t wait to strangle you and stab you in the back.
Many ancient cultures from around the world believed that malicious looks were very powerful and could bring misfortune, disaster and even death to the receiver of the stare.
Evidence suggests it was the ancient Greeks and Romans who were the first to warn against the evil eye. If one received more praise and admiration then they truly deserved it was believed that he or she would soon become bloated with pride and bring about their own demise. The evil, brought about by excessive praise, would soon manifest itself as a physical or mental disease.
Furthermore, any illness without an obvious cause was thought to be the curse of the evil eye. It was commonly believed that the gods and goddesses would use the power of the evil eye to discipline those who had become prideful and to remind them that they are only mortal.
The evil eye belief works on the premise that if someone eyes/stares/gazes a possession of another with feelings of envy or jealousy it will send out bad luck. It also holds the belief that when praise and adoration is given, even with well intent, a small portion of the compliment holds a bit of ill will and contempt. It is these malicious looks directed towards you, whether consciously or subconsciously, that one must protect himself against.
According to Turkish belief there are three kinds of evil looks: one is unconscious, and incites damage accidentally. The second is intentional and incites harm purposely. The third is the most powerful and comes from an evil third eye, it inflicts the most harm.
Numerous ceremonies and rituals were developed to ward off and protect against the ill effects of the evil eye. But the most popular form of protection was the wearing and displaying of the evil eye talisman. This ancient symbol was hung in homes and public buildings, woven into cloth, displayed on animals and made into jewelry. It was placed on anything of perceived value.
Today the evil eye talisman is as popular as ever. It can be found in most countries around the globe. People of all cultures are proudly displaying and wearing this ancient amulet of protection. Even Hollywood celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Rihanna and Cameron Diaz have even been photographed wearing evil eye jewelry.
Evil eye amulets are as powerful today as they were in ancient times, wearing one can protect you and your loved ones from looks charged with envy and spite. Evil eyes make unique gifts and come in a variety of forms. They can be found in most New Age or spiritual awareness shops.
It is said, that if the evil eye cracks or breaks then it has protected you from harm and ill will.
At almost every stages of human history, man has looked for the assistance of magic objects called talismans to defy evil forces. So what does the evil eye mean?