You have probably noticed the “hamsa hand” at your local Urban or your cool cousin’s apartment. It has become a super trendy symbol within the past few years but do you really know what it means or where it came from? Should you be wearing it if you don’t know what it means?
The first usage of the hamsa has been linked to ancient Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. An open right hand that is seen as a sign of protection, defending the bearer from the evil eye, the hamsa is said to bring luck, happiness, good health and fortune. In Buddhism, the five fingers symbolize the five senses, each representing a different chakra and part of the body. Some believe it to be an emblem of the Babylonian goddess Inanna or the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Others postulate that the hand could also represent the Hand of Fatima, referred to as the “holy hand,” which characterizes femininity and is believed to have incredible powers in warding evil. Essentially, the hamsa embodies female power.
Historically, the hand was painted red with open fingers, warding off evil, or closed fingers, bringing good luck. Additionally, the hand was pointed up, warding evil, or down, to bless the home. Often times, there is an eye in the center of the hand, it is meant to represent the “malicious stare” which is said to bring illness, death and misfortune.
Generally, the hand is a token of luck, similar to that of a four-leaf clover, yet some cultures still have spiritual beliefs linked to this symbol, should we take pause before we proudly don hamsa tanks and chokers? Is it just society and fashion becoming braver and embracing the unknown quality of the hand? It is undeniable that we are drawn to the aesthetic of the hamsa but it is important to know the origin of the thing before you wear it to Easter weekend.