Hamsa Hand: Get Acquainted with This Multifaceted Amulet

These days the Hamsa, or Hand of Fatima, is becoming more and more popular as jewelry, tattoos, and as decoration. Did you know that the hand not only offers protection, but is also a powerful beacon for peace? You can read everything about the meaning of this special amulet here!

The Hamsa Hand or Hand of Fatima is a mysterious talisman. This graceful hand with five fingers and an eye in the middle is popular in many cultures and religions. In the Middle East and North Africa, the Hamsa symbols decorate doorposts, dangle from car mirrors, and adorn jewelry worn by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. Even in western yoga schools you will likely encounter the Hand of Hamsa. Time to dive into the meaning of this friendly, yet powerful symbol!

What is a Hamsa Hand and Where Does it Come from?

The Hamsa’s exact origin  is a mystery leading back to not only ancient Mesopotamia and ancient Carthage, but also sharing similarities with the important ancient Egyption Two Finger amulet. Today different regions and religions have claimed the Hamsa as their own, further obscuring the true history. So if the history is so mysterious, then what does the Hamsa hand mean? Whether it’s The Hand of Fatima in Islam (the daughter of Mohammed), Hand of Miriam the prophetess in Judaism, or Hand of Mary in Christianity, in all three religions the hand represents women who are known as examples of motherhood and care. It is therefore likely that the ancient origins of this symbol are linked to fertility goddesses of antiquity such as Ishtar, Tanit, and Astarte. The most common religious meanings of today are found in:

• • Islam
  • Hinduism and Buddhism
  • Judaism

Islamic Hand of Fatima Meaning

The Hand of Fatima, who is the daughter of Mohammed, represents femininity and protection from the Evil Eye. But to complicate matter, the Hamsa meaning for Jews and Muslims can also be the Hand of God and a reminder of religious commandments. The words hamsa, khamsa, khamesh or hamesh literally mean “five” in several languages, and these are also alternate names for the hand in several regions. For example, the hand is known as the Khamsah in Morocco.  Therefore to Muslims, the Fatima Hand is also a representation of the five precepts or pillars of their religion: confession, prayer, giving alms, fasting, and going to Mecca. In Islamic cultures the Hamsa/Fatima symbol is protective and pious.

Hamsa Hand in Hinduism and Buddhism

The Hamsa Hand in Buddhism and Hinduism as represents protection as always, but also has additional meanings. There the Sacred Hand represents the energy flow of the chakras in your body, as well as the five senses. Mudras, or hand gestures, are especially powerful aspects of meditation in Hinduism and Buddhism, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that a symbolic holy hand is popular in these religions. It’s a real meditation Helping Hand!

Judaism – The Hand of Miriam

The Hand of Miriam, is named after the prophetess who along with her brothers Moses and Aaron, led the Jews during their flight from Egypt. So here again it’s a symbol of strong women and protection! The number five is again important because it is precisely the number of books of the Torah, the Jewish sacred text. Five also reflects the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the sound ‘heh’ which is used as an indication for God.

Hamsa’s Appearance

So as we’ve seen, Hamsa Hand has a different meaning in each religion and because the lucky hand has so many meanings, it also looks different every time! The Jewish hand of Miriam is a simple human hand with engravings of Torah passages, and the Hand of Fatima is symmetrical, so it has two thumbs! A Hamsa amulet can face upwards or downwards, and may or may not include an evil eye. They are commonly silver, red, or blue. There are almost endless variations, so you can surely find one that appeals to you!

The Nazar (Eye) Amulet

Many Hamsa hands have fingers decorated with henna lines and have a blue Nazar in the palm. In Turkish this small Blue Evil Eye is called Nazar Boncuk or Nazar Boncuğu and according to folk belief, wearing a Nazar amulet would protect you against the evil eye. Many people believe that it is particularly effective against malicious envy. Additionaly, according to some traditions, people with clear blue eyes have an unlucky gaze, which the Nazar can protect against. Nazar signs are blue themselves because this color is associated with purity and honesty. Although it is often associated with Turkey, the amulet is found throughout the Middle East. Because it often accompanies the Hamsa, another common name for the Nazar outside of Turkey is the Eye of Fatima.

Check Out Our Evil Eye Keychains

Why Fatima’s Hand Has Two Thumbs

The Hand of Fatima is symmetrical, with two thumbs, which is of course unusual! According to an Islamic story, Fatima was cooking porridge when her husband Ali came home with a new wife. Fatima was startled and let go of the spoon she was stirring with. Out of sheer bewilderment, she continued to cook with her hand in the pan. Miraculously, she remained unharmed, but when she pulled her hand out of the pot it had two thumbs. According to believers, this is a sign of special protection from Allah.

Hamsa Hand as Symbolic Protection

Hamsa Hands are meant to stop evil, so consider the palm a universal stop sign. Negative energy? No thanks! Some people wear a Hamsa Amulet as a symbol for the protective hand of God. Moreover, we’ve already mentioned that in the middle of a Fatima Hand there is often an Eye or blue Nazar. This recognizes bad luck and evil and holds it at bay, so you can’t be surprised by any maliciousness. Even if there is no Blue Eye in the palm, these hands often contain gems or other blue decorations to represent their spiritual purity. Whether worn as jewelry or decorating a home, the Hamsa can ward off bad energy!

Why the Hamsa Hand Stands for Peace

By rejecting bad things, the Hamsa actually makes room for the good. For many people the lucky pendant is an expression of fertility, friendship, and peace. An open hand has nothing to hide, and thus the Hamsa encourages loyalty, honesty, and genuine support. It is also a bit reminiscent of the Hindu Ahimsa symbol for non-violence, which is also such an open hand gesture. A simple symbol can be so profound!

Even More Tips for Positive Energy

Are you inspired by the Hamsa or Fatima Hand Meaning? You can buy Lucky Pendants to place above your door or hang them in a place where you want to be reminded of peaceful vibes. Of course, there are other ways to give yourself some protection. Some people use Florida Water or burn some Palo Santo for that. Perhaps House Cleansing with Sage is something for you, or maybe the color blue appeals more to your imagination.

Whatever you choose, enjoy the good vibes!