Hamsa hand of fatima

And in Israel the hamsa — whether on necklaces, keychains or displayed on walls — is as ubiquitous as the Star of David.

The Hamsa , or the Hand of Fatima, is a symbolic hand which represents protection in both Jewish and Islamic cultures. Relating to Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed the founder of Islam , and Miriam , the sister of Moses, this symbol directly correlates back to various religions and cultures. As a teen with a Muslim-Palestinian father and a Jewish-American mother, this symbol has always meant a lot to me and my family. Growing up in a mixed-culture and mixed-religion family is confusing. Nowadays, there's an internal grapple with the two sides of my identity, but also a beautiful mix of two cultures coming together as one around me.

Hamsa hand of fatima

In all faiths it is a protective sign. It brings it's owner happiness, luck, health, and good fortune. The hamsa hand is known by many names - hamsa, hamsa hand, hamesh, hamesh hand, khamsa, and chamsa. It is also called the Hand of Miriam, named for Moses and Aaron's sister. There are two main styles of a hamsa hand: the most popular is the stylized hamsa hand with two symmetrical thumbs, but there are also hamsa hands that are not symmetrical and shaped like actual hands. Either hamsa hand can be worn with the fingers pointing up or down, and both are believed to offer its owner happiness, peace, and prosperity, as well as protection from the ayin ha'ra, or the evil eye. The renewed interest in Kabbalah and mystical Judaism has brought the hamsa pendant back into vogue, and many artists are using the image of the hamsa hand in various aspects of their art including hamsa jewelry, paintings, sculptures, wall hamsas, and amulets. Today, with the rising popularity of Kabbalah and spiritual Judaism, the hamsa hand has become increasingly more widespread. It is also commonly found in a wide variety of varying aspects of art. Although the hamsa hand has been symbolic in Islam and Judaism for centuries, archeological digs in the Middle East provide evidence that the hamsa pre-dates these religions and originated with the Phoenicians and was used as a protective symbol for an ancient Middle Eastern goddess. The hamsa hand has always been associated with a female entity offering protection from evil and misfortune. The word "hamsa" or "hamesh" means five. There are five digits on the hamsa hand, but the number five has additional symbolic meaning in the Jewish and Islamic traditions. Five hamesh in Hebrew represents the five books of the Torah for Jews.

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You will find many designs in our shop featuring the Fatima Hand. The "hamsa" has been variously interpreted by scholars as a Jewish, Christian, or Islamic followers and as a pagan fertility symbol. The symbol dates back to cave paintings. The name comes from Mohammed's daughter Fatima. The five fingers represents the 5 pillars of Islam but is mainly a symbol used for protection and used as defence to ward of the Evil eye.

And in Israel the hamsa — whether on necklaces, keychains or displayed on walls — is as ubiquitous as the Star of David. But what is a hamsa exactly? And what makes it Jewish? Looking to buy a hamsa? You can find a wide variety in most Judaica stores and online. This symbol of an eye embedded in the palm of an open hand has had numerous other names throughout the ages, including the eye of Fatima, the hand of Fatima, and the hand of Miriam. The form is sometimes rendered naturally and other times symmetrically with a second thumb replacing the little finger. The hamsa has been variously interpreted by scholars as a Jewish, Christian, or Islamic amulet, and as a pagan fertility symbol.

Hamsa hand of fatima

Each of these religions adopted the Hamsa and gave it their own interpretation. But where does the Hamsa Hand come from and what is its original meaning? Here are some of its names. The Hamsa Hand is one of the oldest symbols in history, dating back several thousand of years.

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The image of the open right hand is also seen in Carthage [7] modern-day Tunisia and ancient North Africa and in Phoenician colonies in the Iberian Peninsula Spain and Portugal. In this amulet, the Two Fingers represent Isis and Osiris and the thumb represents their child Horus. Retrieved 21 June Jewish Gift Place is proud to carry a large hamsa pendant selection including a hamsa necklace collection, a wall hamsa collection, hamsa earrings, and hamsa bracelets. Syracuse University Press. Qur'an and Woman. 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. Wikimedia Commons. Loretta E. Often the " Fatima Hand " is decorated with an eye. However, amulets are somewhat problematic in Judaism because the Bible prohibits magic and divination. The hamsa symbol is believed to originate from an ancient Middle Eastern religion, and some Jews and Muslims wear the hamsa as a gesture for hope, peace, and prosperity in Israel and other areas of the Middle East. With the recent terrible events, I hold on to her story and yours as signs of hope. Amongst the Jewish people, the hamsa is a very respected, holy, and common symbol. Kendall Toole.

Did you know that a simple symbol can hold profound meaning in a culture? The Hamsa Hand, an ancient symbol found in various cultures, carries significant symbolism in Islam. But what does the Hamsa Hand truly represent in this religious context?

In Israel you can find "Hamsas" made of a variety of materials to hang on the wall of your house or buisness or a ex a room of an expecting mother. Providing protection from the Evil Eye, this symbol is especially popular amongst both sides of my family, being Middle Eastern and Jewish. The eye watches out for the person in possession of the " Fatima Hand " and warns about and protects against evil encounters. Often the " Fatima Hand " is decorated with an eye. February 17, Shadur, Joseph; Shadur, Yehudit The symbol dates back to cave paintings. Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically. 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. In one of the rooms of my house, the entire wall is completely covered from top to bottom. It is used for various forms of jewellery including small charms enbraided into little girls hair to protect them. Essentials Shop. Retrieved 21 June