Evil eyes …

One of the major sins, in most religions, beliefs and societies, is envy! Pure, malicious envy - one that seeks the removal of that which is envied from another without the envier gaining any benefits.

Throughout history, there have been many talismans to protect against many things in life, but perhaps none more widely-spread, or more known, than blue eye-beads. The earliest written references to the “evil eye” were found on Sumerian clay tablets and date back to the third millennium BC.

The idea of the color blue and eye-beads protecting from evils is not limited geographically to a certain region, although I sometimes have a feeling that it is a shared superstition between countries that share the Mediterranean. From Europe - particularly Spain, Italy, Greece, Cyprus - to the Middle East, Jews, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists alike, everyone is looking for protection from evil.

I had a look around at various beliefs concerning the “evil eye,” and made some amazing discoveries. Just for fun, I imagines a bride, on her wedding, looking lovely and beautiful, and therefore wanting to protect herself from the envy of the less fortunate – or perhaps more fortunate, depending on how you look at it – who at her wedding day are yet unwed.

For starters, she must wear a veil to cover her face - believed to ward off evil. Then there’s the color blue which is tied in with protection against evil and envy in many cultures. So, it would be a good idea for our bride to wear a blue garter (remember something blue?) Blue sapphires are thought to provide protection, too. How about a sapphire ring? It must be set in iron – still, that sounds wonderful to me, especially as it preferable for the stone to be at least 5 carats! No problem. The problem is it must be tested first. For although sapphires are thought to ward off evil, if the stone is flawed, or for some reason does not agree with the wearer, it can attract bad luck.

There’s also bluish turquoise which is said to absorb into itself any evil which might be directed at the wearer. The bride could wear a turquoise necklace. And, for extra protection, a blue glass “Nazar Boncugu,” the blue eye Turkey is famous for, pinned to her left bra-strap would not go amiss.

To be totally on the safe side, stones and colors aside, herbs are another option. Basil is an herb that tastes wonderful in Italian cuisine, but its claim to fame is that it protects from evil and negativity. Best of all, it is said to aid in attracting and keeping love! And, if sprinkled over one’s mate while they sleep, it is supposed to eliminate infidelity from marriage. We’ll put some basil leaves on the bride’s person somehow, somewhere, and give her a little vile with powdered basil for late on in the night!

One final herb of caution - a garlic garland to protect against any evil spirits attending the wedding.

Good luck and happy Valentine’s Day!!

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Each of jewelry in this gallery is handmade, and as such, may vary slightly from the pictures.

Quantities are very limited and subject to bead availability.

Enjoy! And thank you for visiting.

Fadwa