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EveryParampara

Hamsa

A hand-shaped charm, often with an eye, used to ward off harm in Jewish and Muslim cultures.

A pattern drawn for this page, not a picture of Hamsa.

Also: hand of fatima, khamsa, hand of miriam

The hamsa is a palm-shaped amulet, with five fingers, often decorated with an eye at the centre, popular in North Africa, the Middle East and among Jews and Muslims. It is called the hand of Fatima in Islam, after the daughter of the Prophet, and the hand of Miriam in Judaism. Hung on a wall, worn as jewellery or painted on a door, it is believed to protect against the evil eye and bring luck and blessing. The word comes from the Arabic for five. The symbol is also found in Hindu and Buddhist art, and its origins reach into ancient Carthage and Mesopotamia.

Region: North Africa

See also

Evil eyeMezuzahHenna night

Find traditions that mention Hamsa

The weekly EveryParampara

Every week: one tradition from somewhere new, what is being celebrated around the world this week, and one idea explained.