What does the Hamsa symbol mean?

June 16, 2019

Symbols are everywhere - there are hundreds around us, and we usually do not even notice most of them. What’s more, in many cases, we also do not know the meaning of some of the most popular symbols we see even in modern Western culture. They appear on clothing, billboards, accessories like jewelry and sometimes even on people’s skin in the form of a tattoo. One such popular symbol is the Hamsa. You may not be familiar with its name but there is no doubt that you have seen it somewhere at least once in your lifetime. The symbol is really popular around the world, and it’s definitely worth learning something about its origin and meaning because it’s quite interesting.

Hamsa – the origins of the symbol
What is the Hamsa hand meaning?
Hamsa symbol in the modern times

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Hamsa – the origins of the symbol

The symbol itself is known by the name Hamsa, but also Hamsa hand, hand of god, hamesh, khamsa or chamsa. Sometimes it is also called the Hand of Miriam, who was the sister of Moses and Aaron. In most cases, the symbol looks like a hand with three extended fingers in the middle and symmetrical thumbs and pinky fingers on each side of the three extended fingers. There are also depictions of the Hamsa in which it is shaped as an actual hand. Additionally, we often find the symbol that shows hand with eye in the middle of it. Either way, the symbol is worn with the fingers pointing up or down.

The word Hamsa comes from Hebrew and it means “five”. The so-called Jewish hand is a symbol connected with Judaism and Islam, but there is a lot of evidence that it actually pre-dates these two religions. Thanks to the work of archeologists in the Middle East, we may presume that the hand symbol originates from Phoenicians. It appears they used amulets shaped like the Hamsa hand which was supposed to protect them from all kinds of evil.

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What is the Hamsa hand meaning?

Considering the fact, that the symbol is used by many different cultures the Hamsa meaning may also vary considerably. However, common to all faiths is that they agree to the fact that it is a very powerful protective sign. The hand symbol is thought to bring its owner good luck, happiness, health and good fortune.

In Judaism, which is considered to be strongly connected with it, Hamsa hand meaning is associated with the five books of the Torah and the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which represents one of God’s holy names. What’s more, as it has already been mentioned, Jewish hand is also often interpreted as the Hand of Miriam. It is believed by Jewish people that the five fingers included in the symbol are supposed to remind the owner of the amulet to use all five senses to praise God.

Hamsa meaning in Islamic faith is connected with the Hand of Fatima, who was the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed. For Sunnis, the symbol represents the Five Pillars of Islam, while in the culture of Shi’ites it symbolizes the Five People of the Cloak.

Hamsa amulets often depict the hand with eye, which is also very important. It is usually located in the middle of the palm of the hand. It is believed to protect the owner of the amulet from the evil eye, which is a curse cast by a hateful glare.

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Hamsa symbol in the modern times

Taking into consideration the fact that this beautiful hand symbol is supposed to bring its owner prosperity, happiness and good luck, it is commonly used in modern world. The Western culture becomes more and more fascinated with the symbolism of the far East. Thanks to that, we may find Hamsa symbols in many products available on the market. That said, it is also widely used by artists who create wonderful pieces depicting the symbol which though apparently modern in the art had been known to people for centuries. There are great-looking decorative accessories for our homes shaped like the famous Jewish hand and even key chains that will protect us wherever we go.

But the most popular items are various pieces of jewelry, like the Hamsah Necklace. It can be a great element of every styling, both for men and women. People really love the hand with eye jewelry in the form of earrings, bracelets, and of course a Hamsa pendant. They can be made of various materials, like gold or silver, and they come in different versions some embellished with beautiful stones. The choices are significant so there is no doubt that every person who wants to become an owner of such an amulet, will have numerous options to pick from to find the perfect piece of jewelry. Don’t waste any more of your time, but rather start browsing through all our models of necklaces, bracelets and earrings with the symbol of Hamsah hand on it.

There is no doubt that we all love to surround ourselves with beautiful things, like paintings, decorative elements, clothing and jewelry. It’s even better, however, if those amazing accessories also have some important meaning. That is why, so many people decide to use the symbol of the Hamsa hand, which is supposed to protect us, but also bring us a lot of happiness. Fortunately, there is a big choice of of items which depict it or are shaped like the symbol. We can easily find the product which suits us the best. A popular choice is to get some kind of jewelry representing that beautiful symbol which can’t be a surprise to us as there are hundreds of incredible necklaces, bracelets and earrings with it.