The Jewish hand symbol named Hamsa is also known as the hand of Miriam, the sister of Moses. It is a protective amulet that has been used for centuries by Jews and other ethnic groups to ward off the evil eye. In this blog post, we will explore the history and meaning behind this ancient symbol!
Why use symbols in the first place?
Mystical symbols exist in all religions and cultures for creating a sense of security and subjective control in believers. In past times, strange and mysterious events often troubled people’s thoughts to the point of Dread. Many believed that the forces of nature or experiences in individuals’ lives were caused by good or bad forces, and that it was possible to hinder evil if an opposing force could be found.
It’s important to understand, that In the days before science, when people were stuck and couldn’t find a logical solution – they often looked to the spiritual world for answers. One of humanity’s greatest fears has always been the evil eye.
In the language of the Bible, the term “evil eye” indicates people with an evil soul, or people with a certain deficiency, that in their sorrow and mental suffering they see with a hostile eye everything that is lacking in them and their hand cannot reach.
As mentioned, many believe that due to jealousy, other people can cast an evil eye on them, which may thwart the blessing of their actions.
What is the Jewish hand symbol and where did it come from?
The Jewish hand symbol is an ancient amulet that has been used for centuries to protect against the evil eye. The word “hamsa” comes from the Arabic word for “five,” and it is believed to represent the five fingers of the hand. The hamsa is often depicted as a palm-shaped hand with two symmetrical thumbs and is traditionally decorated with mystical symbols and images.
The origins of hamsa originated in ancient Mesopotamia. It was later adopted by Jews and other Middle Eastern cultures and eventually spread to Europe and North Africa.
What does the Jewish hand symbol mean in Jewish culture?
The Jewish hand symbol, the “Hand of Miriam”, is a protective amulet that has been used for centuries by Jews and other ethnic groups to ward off the evil eye.
The Hamsa hand amulet is made up of 5 fingers with an open palm and is often decorated with symbols such as an eye, the Star of David, flowers, or fish. It is said to bring good luck and protect against negative energy. The five fingers of the Hamsa represent the 5 books of the Torah.
(Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.)
Who was Miriam and why is she associated with the hamsa hand?
Miriam, in the Hebrew Bible, was the sister of Aaron and Moses. She is often depicted as a woman with a water jug or Lily, symbolizing purity. In Jewish tradition, she is the firstborn daughter of Jacob and Leah and an ancestor of the tribe of Levi. The Hamsa hand is said to be named after her because it is a symbol of protection and strength.
There are those in Judaism who claim that the idea of the five fingers is brought forth, albeit symbolically, by marking the doorframe of the house with blood during the “plague of the firstborn” (the tenth of the ten plates to happen in Egypt at 1476 BCE).
From there came the idea of guarding and protecting, from any harm to the occupants of the house if they hung a Hamsa at the entrance. According to the Jewish tradition, the hamsa represents the fifth letter – God, a symbol of G-d, the shape of fig leaves of the seven species, the five senses that are on guard and guard the person, as well as the five Pentacles of the Torah.
What are some of the different meanings associated with the Hamsa hand?
The Hamsa hand is a symbol of protection and strength. It is also said to bring good luck, health, and happiness.
Additionally, the Hamsa hand is often seen as a symbol of feminine power and is used as an amulet to protect pregnant women and new mothers.
How can you incorporate the Hamsa hand into your life?
There are many ways that you can incorporate the Hamsa hand into your life. You can wear it, as a piece of jewelry, or display it as a decoration.
You can also give it as a gift to someone who you feel needs protection or good luck.
There are many forms of jewelry and tattoos that use the hamsa sign in many variations.
How can you use the Hamsa hand to protect yourself from harm?
There are many ways that you can use the Hamsa hand to protect yourself from harm. You can wear it as a piece of jewelry or carry it with you as a talisman.
You can also display it in your home or office as a sign of protection. Additionally, you can use it as a symbol of strength and power during times of difficulty or challenge.
The Jewish Hamsa – facing up
One difference between the Jewish and Islamic hamsa hands is the way it’s facing.
These two religions, Judaism and Islam, have slightly different hamsas.
While the fingers of the Jewish Hamsa are pointed upwards, the Muslim Hamsa points her fingers downward precisely – with the intention of bringing luck – in front of the forces of the underworld.
