The Meaning of Hamsa hand in Different Cultures

The Hamsa hand is a cultural motif that represents blessing and  strength.  Due to its special shape it is generally believed to deflect the evil eye.  In Islamic tradition, the Hasma hand (or the hand of Fatima) represents the hand of God, divine power, generosity, and providence.  The Hasma hand is one of the most common components in the silver and gold jewelry in the Islamic region.  The image of the Hasma hand is sometimes painted on house walls in red, to represent blood, for protection.

In archaeological diggings, it was found that the Hamsa hand originated with the Phoenicians.  They used the hasma hand as a protection symbol for an ancient Middle Eastern goddess.  The Hamsa hand has always been a symbol for a female entity that offers protection from evil and misfortune.

The word Hamsa means five.  There Hamsa hand has five digits, but five also has additional meaning in the Islamic and Jewish traditions.

The Meaning of Hamsa Hand in Judaism

For Judaism, five represents the five books of the Torah.  Five also represents the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Heh.  Heh is used to symbolize one of God’s holy names.  The Jewish Hamsa hand symbolizes the Hand of God.  Some Jewish people believe the Hamsa hand pendant represents the Hand of Miriam.  Miriam is the sister of Moses and Aaron. It is also known as the Hand of Miriam or Hamesh hand. Many Jewish people think that the Hamsa hand’s five fingers remind the wearer that they need to use their five senses to praise God.

In Kabbalah, the hamsa hand is believed to fight off the evil eye and negative energy.  The evil eye refers to the belief that any envious stares may bring bad luck and misfortune.  The Kabbalah believes very much in the destructive effects of the evil eye and that it is an obstacle in fulfilling your dreams and wishes.  Hamsa hands fight this evil eye in Kabbalah and Judaism.

The Hamsa Hand in Islam

For Islam, five represents the Five Pillars of Islam for the Sunnis faith.  For the Shi’ites, five represents the Five People of the Cloak.  The Hasma hand is known the Hand of Fatima.  Fatima was the daughter of Mohamed the prophet of Islam who is thought to have had healing healing powers. The Hand of Fatima, like in Jewish tradition, is used to protect from misfortune and bad luck but is by no means considered a religious symbol.

The Hand of Fatima is often seen on entrance doors.

The Hand of Fatima, or  hamsa, with five extending digits, is believed to guard people and buildings from bad luck. This example was found in Provence France, but in all Mediterranean countries, and particularly coastal regions, have an abundance of these brass door knockers.

When wearing the Hamsa hand, you will be protected from the evil eye and receive happiness, luck, health, and good fortune.  The fingers can be worn either facing up or down as both bring the owner happiness, peace, and prosperity.  The  renewed popularity in Kabbalah and mystical Judaism has brought jewelry with the hasma hand more popularity as well.

The Hamsa hand is usually worn on a necklace but can be found on houses walls, key chains, in baby carriages, paintings, sculptures, and other jewelry.  Wearing the hamsa hand will magically protect you from an envious or evil eye.

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