The hamsa is a Middle Eastern symbol dating back to prehistoric times designed to give protection from the evil eye, bad luck that results from the attention or jealousy of others.

Today it is used both by Jewish and Muslim culture. The hamsa consists of a hand, usually pointing fingers down with an eye in the middle.

Most commonly, the Hamsa is made in the shape of a hand with five fingers outstretched. There is, however, the unique Cohanim Hamsa. In this position, the forefinger and third finger are joined from one side, and the ring finger and the little finger are joined from the other side. This forms the Hebrew letter "shin" and is the position of a Cohen's fingers when he blesses the congregation.

The name "Hamsa" ("Hansa" in Sanskrit, or "Al Khamsa" in Arabic) is from the Semitic root word for five, and is a very ancient symbol in the Middle East. Although it is an ancient symbol, the Hamsa is still popular today and is believed to possess magical powers of protection, happiness and prosperity.

Tha Hamsa names

Hamsa is a symbol, amulet and charm that is well ingrained in the world's most ancient civilizations as a protector against the Evil Eye.

With its many names Hamsa, Hamsa Hand (Arabic), Chamsa, Hand of God, Hand of Fatima, Hand of Miriam, Hamesh Hand (Hebrew) to name just a few - the meaning is for the most part the same, the five digits of the human hand protecting the user.

The hand usually, but not always, appears to have two thumbs. The eye is generally blue; a color which is also associated with protection from the evil eye. The entire symbol is often made of or covered with a material that is somewhat reflective to reflect back the evil.

Arabic
There are several names used for this symbol throughout the Middle East. The one I am most familiar with is "hamsa" used by both Arabian Muslims and Israeli Jews. "Hamsa" is an Arabic word meaning five.

Jewish
"Hamesh" the Hebrew word for five is also used as a name for this symbol.

In Muslim culture, it is sometimes referred to as the "Hand of Fatima," for Mohammed's daughter Fatima.

In Jewish culture, it is sometimes referred to as the "Hand of Miriam" after Miriam the sister of Moses and Aaron.

Despite these names, the symbol itself and its meaning comes from the folklore and not anything in Islam or Judaism religions.

This symbol is sometimes also called the "Hand of God" or "Hand of Friendship."

Other traditions say that five-fingers of the hand represent either the five senses or the arms, legs and head which are to be protected by the hamsa.

There is some evidence that the symbol dates back to an ancient Middle Eastern goddess whose hand, or in some images vulva, was a protective symbol. The eye in the center of the hand is sometimes referred to as the "eye of god" or the "all seeing eye."

Does the Hamsa work?

This symbol appears to have originated in the Middle East or possibly in India, where it is also found; however it is most well-known and popular in the Middle East.

A similar symbol of a blue eye in a hand, also intended to protect from the evil eye, occurs in Turkish culture, but the focus is on the eye, not the hand and the Turkish blue eye also occurs on its own.

The hamsa is usually worn as a charm or talisman, but also appears either directly painted on walls or as a plaque. Additionally, it is hung over doors and windows much like a horseshoe in Western folklore.

Does the hamsa work? People tend to believe that the hamsa is protecting them - it maybe gives them the security and a valuable belonging to trust on. This fact gives people the power needed to suceess and destroy obstacles.

One explanation for the symbol is that it is designed to ward off the evil eye - five fingers in the eye to blind the jealous or malevolent person.

Some associate the significance of the five fingers to the five books of the Torah for Jews, the Five Pillars of Islam for Sunnis, or the five People of the Cloak for Shi'ites. This symbolism may have evolved at a later stage, in view of the fact that archaeological evidence suggests the hamsa predates both religions. It is thought by some to have originated with the Phoenicians to honor Tanit who was a patron of Carthage.

Research shows that the Hamsa is a symbol that has been around for thousands of years and that it even predates Judaism and Islam. There are several styles for the Hamsa Hand, the double thumbs (equal) symmetrical with three centered fingers and a second prominent variation that looks like the natural human hand form.

In recent years, brought on by a renewed interest in the mystical and growing attention to our spiritual side, Kabbalah Jewelry and Kabbalah bracelets, like the Red Kabbalah String Bracelet, have brought attention to the Hamsa.

Hamsa Hand can be seen on bracelets, necklaces and various types of silver and handmade jewelry. Some extensions of the Hamsa Jewelry theme have been rediscovered as well, Evil Eye Jewelry and other variations related to magical protection have been gaining popularity.

There are a several artists who have been developing unique gifts and original artwork with the Hamsa Hand motives.

These lines of handmade Hamsa jewelry, Hamsa wall decoratives  home decor and Hamsa accessories (like Key Chains) have become very popular around the world.

The Hamsa images on this site are a mixed collection of styles and themes. Some are influenced by the Far East, Middle East styles, Islamic, Israeli and more. There are several leading Israeli artists who have become known for their Hamsa work.

In a world that seems more uncertain then ever, the Hamsa hand provides a link with a mystical time, when life was simpler. Regardless of belief the Hamsa Hand artwork has been bringing people peace, tranquility and beauty.

Today the Hamsa design in used in numerous variations. One of these variations is the wall blessing. The wall blessing is a piece of ceramics or a silver plate that's hanging on the wall next to the front door of a private home or a business. The Hamsa's effect is encompassing the single house or the single shop, while people who step outside are left unprotected.

For this reason a second variation of Hamsa art has been emerging and growing much popularity lately. I am talking about the personal Hamsa Jewelry. By wearing a Hamsa necklace or a Hamsa bracelet, the wearer is protected and blessed regardless of his or her location.

Aside from their mystical qualities, a Hamsa hand is a very aestetic and eye-catching piece of jewelry. Believers and non-believers alike wear it across the world becuase they enjoy the thoughtful handmade designs that Hamsa jewelry usually exhibit.