Description

The HAMSA Hand

The Hamsa represents the Flow of Energy of the chakras in your body as well as the five senses and mudras. Each finger of the Hamsa is representative of a chakra and an element.

The Hand (Khamsa), particularly the open right hand, is a sign of Protection that also represents Power and Strength – and is seen as potent in deflecting the evil eye.

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What Is a Hamsa Hand?

The Hamsa Hand is a symbol consisting of an eye that is placed within the palm of an opened hand. It has usually designed to be symmetrical, with a second thumb on the opposing side to provide a sense of balance. The hand is usually pointing downward.

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Hamsa Hand Origins

This special symbol has its origins rooted in the ancient Middle East as an amulet and fertility symbol. Nobody knows for sure when it first appeared, adding mystique to an already unique symbol. Archeologists have found evidence of it as being used by the ancient Phoenicians as a protective symbol connected to an ancient goddess. Throughout its history, the Hamsa Hand has been associated with a female being that protects from evil and bad luck.

References exist regarding Mohammed’s daughter Fatima, as well as Moses’ sister Miriam. These references indicate that the Hamsa Hand has been very significant for both Jews and Muslims. A 14th-century Islamic fortress located in Spain has one of the earliest depictions of this symbol, located on the Gate of Judgment.

The word ‘khamsa’ means ‘five’ in Arabic. It is associated with fending off evil. This can also refer to the Five Pillars of Island, one pillar for each finger of the Hamsa. According to Islamic legend, the hand of Fatima transformed into a symbol of her faith after her husband returned home with a different wife one day. She was so stunned that she dropped a ladle she was stirring soup with and continued to stir with her bare hand, not realizing she was burning her hand.

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Hamsa Hand Meaning

The word “hamsa” is also called “hamesh” and means ‘five’ in either spelling. The number five has significant symbolic meaning in both Jewish and Islamic traditions. As mentioned earlier, the Five Pillars of Islam (for Sunnis) can be symbolized with each finger of the Hamsa Hand. Shi’ites see it as representing the Five People of the Cloak.

Five, called ‘hamesh’ in Hebrew, symbolizes the five books of the Torah. Also, it is associated with the fifth letter in Hebrew called “Heh” that represents a holy name for God. The Jewish religion also sees the Hamsa Hand as being a symbol for the Hand of God. Jews look at the five fingers of the hand as being reminders to use all five senses to give praise to God. The eye placed within the hand is seen as a talisman that protects the wearer against the evil eye.

Jewish, Muslim, and Christian scholars have been interpreting the Hamsa Hand as a fertility symbol, although it has more recently become a kabbalistic protection amulet and has great importance in Jewish art.

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Finally, when it comes to the Hamsa Hand meaning Christianity also sees significance in it. It’s seen as a protective symbol, blocking any evil that may come one’s ways. Additionally, it is also seen as being connected to Mary, carrying her hands in a ‘fig’ pose.

In addition to all of these meanings, the Hamsa Hand is also seen as providing the wearer with happiness, good luck, and good health.

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In recent years, the Hamsa Hand has become a symbol for peace in the Middle East. This is due to it being a uniting symbol that predates divisions that occurred among the peoples in the region. People who wear a Hamsa Hand necklace support peaceful resolution to the conflicts in the area. It is seen as a symbol that highlights similarities among Jews and Muslims, both genetically and religiously.

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• Hamsa – a transliteration of the Arabic “Jamsa” or “Khamsah” meaning five
• Hand of God – A general name
• Hand of Fatima – After Fatima, the daughter of the Islamic prophet
• Hand of Miriam – After Miriam, the sister of Aaron and Moses of Jewish faith
• Hand of Mother Mary – After Mary, the mother of Jesus in Christian beliefs
• Hamesh – Meaning 5 in Hebrew
• It’s also known by the variations Humes Hand, Khamesh and Khamsa

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The Hamsa symbol is often depicted as a symmetrical hand, with fingers pressed close together, either facing upwards or downwards. Sometimes, it features an eye at the center of the palm, which is the nazar boncugu, trusted to repel the evil eye.

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A Hamsa facing downwards symbolizes Abundance and Prosperity, inviting good things to come into your Life. An upside-down Hamsa also is seen as a prayer for fertility as well as a means of receiving answered prayers. Generally, the fingers are close together when facing down.

A Hamsa facing upwards acts as a talisman Against evil and any malicious intent. Additionally, it acts as a Shield against any negative thoughts and feelings you may have about yourself and others, including feelings such as greed, jealousy and hatred. The fingers are sometimes spread apart symbolizing the warding off of evil.

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•The five particular mudras associated with the Hamsa are:

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Thumb: The solar plexus chakra and fire element

Forefinger: The heart chakra and air

Middle finger: The throat chakra and ethereal elements

Ring finger: The root chakra and earth element

Pinkie finger: The sacral chakra and water.

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