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So what is the Hamsa Hand and why do we see it at every corner?
A Hamsa hand is a very ancient amulet, used by diverse communities around the world.
The Hamsa is shaped as a symmetrical five finger-hands, with two thumbs, one on each
side. The Hamsa hand is believed to fight evil eye and ill will, and bring good luck. This
symbol is popular across the world, so popular that it can be found almost anywhere:
jewelry accessories, key chains, home and business blessings, and much more.
A Hamsa hand is a very ancient amulet, used by diverse communities around the world.
The Hamsa is shaped as a symmetrical five finger-hands, with two thumbs, one on each
side. The Hamsa hand is believed to fight evil eye and ill will, and bring good luck. This
symbol is popular across the world, so popular that it can be found almost anywhere:
jewelry accessories, key chains, home and business blessings, and much more.
Decorative Hamsa Hand by Israeli
Judaica Artist Ester Shahaf
Judaica Artist Ester Shahaf
What is between Hamsa, Hamesh Hand, Hand of Miriam and Hand of Fatima?
Since Hamsa has been embraced by many cultures, it is widely known by several alternative names.
Hamsa is a Semitic name, which was also adopted by Judaism and Western culture. The Hamsa Hand
is an ancient motif that was adopted by both Jewish and Muslim communities. As archeologist findings
suggest, the origins of Hamsa can be traced to thousands of years ago, and linked to legendary Moon
goddess named Tanit, who was one of the patron goddesses of Carthage.
Since Hamsa has been embraced by many cultures, it is widely known by several alternative names.
Hamsa is a Semitic name, which was also adopted by Judaism and Western culture. The Hamsa Hand
is an ancient motif that was adopted by both Jewish and Muslim communities. As archeologist findings
suggest, the origins of Hamsa can be traced to thousands of years ago, and linked to legendary Moon
goddess named Tanit, who was one of the patron goddesses of Carthage.
In Jewish tradition, Hamsa is also known
by it Hebrew names Hamesh, hand of
Miriam , or the protective hand of God.
Hamesh, like Hamsa in Arabic means five.
Hand of Miriam refers to the mythological
figure of Miriam, the sister of Moses and
Aaron from the book of Exodus. Kabbalists
see the five stretched fingers of the Hamsa
hand as representing the five books of
Torah.
by it Hebrew names Hamesh, hand of
Miriam , or the protective hand of God.
Hamesh, like Hamsa in Arabic means five.
Hand of Miriam refers to the mythological
figure of Miriam, the sister of Moses and
Aaron from the book of Exodus. Kabbalists
see the five stretched fingers of the Hamsa
hand as representing the five books of
Torah.
In Muslim tradition, Hamsa is known as the Hand of Fatima,
which refers to Fatima Zahra, the daughter of Mohamed, the
prophet of Islam. According to folklore, Fatima was stirring hot
milk when her husband suddenly came in with another woman.
Fatima was so shocked that as her spoon fell into the stew.
Fatima without noticing, kept on stirring using her own hand.
The tear that Fatima shed has worn the image of the eye. The
eye is often fixed at the middle of the Hamsa is believed to
provide strong protection against negative energies.
which refers to Fatima Zahra, the daughter of Mohamed, the
prophet of Islam. According to folklore, Fatima was stirring hot
milk when her husband suddenly came in with another woman.
Fatima was so shocked that as her spoon fell into the stew.
Fatima without noticing, kept on stirring using her own hand.
The tear that Fatima shed has worn the image of the eye. The
eye is often fixed at the middle of the Hamsa is believed to
provide strong protection against negative energies.
Hamsa Hand Key Ring by Yossi Steinberg