THE EVIL EYE 🫶
In Bedouin folklore there are three levels of the evil eye: someone who unwittingly praises something without making the correct blessings; someone who is aware of their envy but avoids saying anything; and the aradh, a person purposely seeking out an individual to cause harm through their bitter gaze.
The most vulnerable to the evil eye are said to be the healthy, beautiful and wealthy, as well as children and pregnant women.
The concept of evil eye can be found in the Abrahamic religions and the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: "The evil eye is real, and if anything were to overtake divine decree, it would be the evil eye."
Observant Jews often say kennahara, a contraction of the words kein eina hara, or "without an evil eye". And followers of Kabbalah, a mystical trend within Judaism, tie a red thread around their left wrist to ward off the eye.
Here, Middle East Eye summarises five symbols and traditions that are still in use today to protect people from ain.
Five ways people in the Middle East ward it off
What is the 'evil eye'? How do cultures across the region counter its effects?
#hellenism #bodytransformation #indigenousspirituality #lemon8diarychallenge
The evil eye is a belief that spans centuries and cultures, often associated with jealousy and harm through malevolent gazes. In Bedouin folklore, it manifests in three levels, from unwitting praise to deliberate malice. Vulnerable groups include the healthy, powerful, and particularly children and pregnant women. Many societies incorporate protective symbols like the Nazar or blue eye, which are common in the Mediterranean and Middle East. In Judaism, phrases such as 'kennahara' express the desire to ward off the evil eye, while Kabbalists intertwine red threads around the wrist as a safeguard. This ancient belief is further echoed across the Abrahamic religions, with references in Islam emphasizing its reality and consequences. Today, many still seek protection through amulets, traditions, and community knowledge, reflecting the deep-rooted fear and respect for this pervasive concept. The themes of envy, protection, and communal trust are ever-relevant, reminding individuals of the delicate balance between sharing joyful moments and safeguarding against the energies that may threaten them.
