The History of Hamsa Bracelets

The hamsa bracelet has its roots in a rich, multifaceted, Middle Eastern tradition. This ancient amulet purports to provide protection from evil intent, while bestowing positive energy, happiness and health upon the wearer.

Description

The hamsa, also called the hamsa hand, is an amulet worn by people in ancient times for magical protection against evil. It was also hung on the walls of households throughout the Middle East and North Africa. It is usually shaped like a hand, with an eye design in the center of the palm. The Arabic word "hamsa" (and the Hebrew word "chamsah") mean "five," a reference to the number of fingers. The eye represents the "evil eye." The hamsa is symbolically designed to mean that the five fingers can be used to blind anyone who aims evil intent at the wearer.

Origins

Although the hamsa is recognized as a Middle Eastern symbol---mainly associated with Arabs and Jews---its exact origins are unknown. Some theorize that it originated in ancient Phoenicia, where the people used it as a symbol of the goddess Tanit. Others suggest that it originated as a Hindu symbol of a god or goddess. There is also a suggestion that ancient Jews were probably the first to use the hamsa as a protective item.

Different Terms for Hamsa

Terms used for the amulet differ from one culture to another. In Islam, it is called the Hand of Fatima, named after an episode in which Fatima (c. 605-632), a daughter of the prophet Muhammad, continued her cooking on a hot frying pan without being hurt despite being emotionally shaken upon seeing her husband with a concubine. Additionally, Arabs refer to it as hamsa, perhaps its most well-known name. Jews refer to it as hamesh or chamsah---or the Hand of Miriam, named after the sister of the Hebrew biblical leaders Moses and Aaron.

Significance of Red Color

In Jewish culture, red is seen as an especially powerful color for warding off evil. Historically, it was one of the more important items for the building of the First Temple, which was commissioned by King Solomon and completed circa 960 B.C.

Popularity of the Hamsa Bracelet

In recent times, the hamsa has been revived among artists and designers drawing inspiration from the motifs of ancient times, and people with an interest in the intertwining of spirituality (particularly Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism) and symbolism. The most popular reincarnation of the hamsa has been the hamsa bracelet, which is comparatively easy to make. It has also become an ideal anniversary and birthday gift.

A Unifying Symbol

With its roots in Arab and Jewish tradition and culture, peace activists have adopted the hamsa as a symbol of similarity between the two groups of people at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is seen and used as a gesture of peace and prosperity in the Middle East in general.

References

• "What is a Hamsa?"
• "About the Hamsa Hand: Its Origins and History"