Hamsa

The hamsa (

Other symbols of divine protection based around the hand include the Hand-of-Venus (or Aphrodite), the Hand-of-Mary, that was used to protect women from the evil eye and/or boost fertility and lactation, promote healthy pregnancies and strengthen the weak.^[6] In that time ^{[what time?]}, women were under immense pressure and expectation to become mothers.^[8] The woman's upbringing was centered on becoming a mother as an exclusive role, and it indicated childbearing as necessary.^[9] It was also thought that marriage was a sense of protection for both the man and the woman.^[10]

One theory postulates a connection between the khamsa and the Mano Pantea (or Hand-of-the-All-Goddess), an amulet known to ancient Egyptians as the Two Fingers. In this amulet, the Two Fingers represent Isis and Osiris and the thumb represents their child Horus. It was used to invoke the protective spirits of parents over their child.^[6] Another theory traces the origins of the hamsa to Carthage or Phoenicia where the hand (or in some cases vulva) of the supreme deity Tanit was used to ward off the evil eye.^[11] According to Bruno Barbatti, at that time^[when?] this motive was the most important sign of apotropaic magic in the Islamic world, though many modern representations continue to show an obvious origin from sex symbolism. This relates to the belief that God exists in everything.^{[citation needed]}

Another meaning of this symbol relates to the sky god, Horus. It refers to the

It is speculated that

The khamsa holds recognition as a bearer of good fortune among

The hand also became a widespread symbol among Muslims. It was in these groups that it became known as the Hand of Fatima, named for Prophet Muhammad's daughter. The five fingers of the hand became associated with the Five Pillars of Islam.^[7] A Hamsa flag was reported to be used by the Ottoman Empire during the Austro-Turkish War in 1788.

The hand, particularly the open right hand, is a sign of protection that also represents blessings, power and strength, and is seen as potent in deflecting the evil eye.

Used to protect against evil eye, a malicious stare believed to be able to cause illness, death or just general unluckiness, hamsas often contain an eye symbol.

Due to its significance in both Arabic and Berber culture, the hamsa is one of the national symbols of Algeria and appears in its emblem. It is also the most popular among the different amulets (such as the Eye and the Hirz—a silver box containing verses of the Quran) for warding off the evil eye in Egypt.^[19] Egyptian women who live in baladi ("traditional") urban quarters often make khamaysa, which are amulets made up of five (khamsa) objects to attach to their children's hair or black aprons. The five objects can be made of peppers, hands, circles or stars hanging from hooks.^[22]

Jewish people have also adopted the symbol of the hand, often interpreted in relation with the Biblical passage that says that "the Lord took the Israelites out of Egypt with a strong hand and an outstretched arm".^[28] The "strong hand" is representative of the hamsa, which rooted its relevance in the community then. The helping hand exemplified God's willingness to help his people and direct them out of struggle. Around the time of the Byzantine period, artists would depict God's hand reaching from up above.^[29] God's hand from heaven would lead the Jewish people out of struggle, and the Jews quickly made a connection with the hamsa and their culture. The hand was identified in Jewish text and acquired as an influential icon throughout the community. Amongst the Jewish people, the hamsa is a very respected, holy, and common symbol. It has sometimes been used as decoration for the Ketubah, or marriage contracts, as well as items that dress the Torah such as pointers, and the Passover Haggadah.^[30] The use of the hand as images both in and out of the synagogue suggests the importance and relevance that the Jewish people associated with the hamsa. The hand decorated some of the most religious and divine objects and has since emerged from its uncommon phase.^[31]

During modernization across the Middle East, the hamsa symbol became less prominent in some areas due to its perceived incompatibility with secular ideals.^[32] However, it later emerged as a symbol of secularity and became a trendy talisman, frequently seen as a "good luck" charm. Today, the hamsa can be found on necklaces, keychains, postcards, lottery cards, and in advertisements, as well as high-end jewelry, decorative tilework, and wall decorations.^[33]

Similar to the Western phrase "knock on wood" or "touch wood", a common expression in the Middle East is "Khamsa, Khamsa, Khamsa, tfu, tfu, tfu," which mimics the sound of spitting to ward off bad luck.^[34]

Throughout various celebrations across the region, such as festivals emphasizing fertility and prosperity, the number "5" is often highlighted, reflecting its association with the hamsa amulet. From Morocco to Turkey, the hamsa is a prevalent symbol of protection from misfortune and is widely incorporated into jewelry, home decor, and art.^[35] Many women across the region own at least one piece of jewelry featuring the hamsa, symbolizing the enduring cultural significance of this talisman.^[36]

A symbol U+1FAAC 🪬 HAMSA was added to Unicode in 2021 (Unicode 14.0, Emoji 14.0).^[37]

• Abhayamudra
• Evil eye
• Filakto
• Hand of God (art)
• Nazar
• Skandola
• Mississippian Culture Hand and Eye Motif
• Tenome