Hamsa or Chamsa
Hamsa Hand or Hand of Miriam
The chamsa , also known as hamsa hand or khamsa which literally means ‘five’ in Arabic is an amulet in the shape of a palm that is popular in much of the Middle East and North Africa, and frequently used in jewelry and wall hangings as a sign of protection as well as to protect against the evil eye. The ancient chamsa symbol depicts an open right hand, an image recognized and used as a sign of protection in many societies throughout history, the chamsa provides protection against the evil eye. It is also known as the hand of Fatima, in commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s daughter Fatima Zahra. Levantine Christians call it the hand of Mary, for the mother of Jesus. After its use by Jewish culture via its widespread use in the Islamic world, it was renamed by Jews as the hand of Miriam for Miriam, sister of Moses.
The precise origins of the chamsa are unknown. A universal symbol of protection, the image of the open right hand can be seen in Mesopotamian artifacts in their ancient amulets and in the Buddha’s open handed gesture of teaching and protection. One theory supposes a connection between the chamsa and the Mano Pantea (or Hand-of-the-All-Goddess), an ancient Egyptian amulet known as the Two Fingers. In this Egyptian amulet, the Two Fingers are said to represent Isis and Osiris and the thumb, their child Horus.
The Hand of Miriam
Accompanying the rise of Islam, the chamsa began to be called the hand of Fatima to commemorate Fatima Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Through trade with the Islamic world it became known to Europeans as the hand of Fatima or hands of Fatima, while natives call it by its Arabic name chamsa, khamsa, hamsa or khoms. Arabs also call the amulet simply al-kaff or ‘the hand’.
The chamsa’s introduction into Jewish culture came through trade contacts with the Islamic world. This Islamic talisman became a part of Jewish tradition in North African and Middle Eastern Jewish communities. Jews kept the Arabic name chamsa or khamsa or hamsa hand, but renamed it the hand of Miriam, referencing the sister of the biblical Moses and Aaron, so as not to reference the daughter of the prophet of another religion. The chamsa is recognized as a symbol of good fortune among Christians in the region as well. Levantine Christians refer to it as the hand of Mary. Hand of Fatima necklaces and Hamsa or Hand of Fatima pendants are popular among both Muslims and Jews.
Use of the Khamsa or Chamsa Symbol
The Chamsa Hand, particularly the open right hand, is a sign of protection that also represents blessings, power and strength, and is seen as potent in protecting against the evil eye. One of the most common components of gold and silver jewelry in the region, historically and traditionally, it was most commonly carved in jet or formed from silver, a metal believed to represent purity and hold magical properties. It is also often painted in red – often the blood of a sacrificed animal – on the walls of homes for protection, or painted or hung on the entrances to rooms, particularly those of an expectant mother or newborn. The khamsa hand can be depicted with the fingers spread apart to ward off evil, or as closed together to bring good luck. Highly stylized versions of the Hand of Fatima may be difficult to recognize as hands, and can consist of five circles representing the fingers, situated around a central circle representing the palm.
Warding Off the Evil Eye
Used as protection against the evil eye, a malicious stare believed able to cause illness or even death, chamsas often contain the symbol of an eye. Depictions of the hamsa hand, the eye, or the number five in Arabic tradition are related to warding off the evil eye, as exemplified in the saying khamsa fi ainek “five fingers in your eye”. Raising one’s right hand with the palm showing and the fingers slightly apart is part of the curse meant to blind the aggressor. Another incantation used against the evil eye in Arabic, but without hand gestures, is chamsa wa-khamis – “five and Thursday”. As the fifth day of the week, Thursday is considered a good day for magic rites and pilgrimages to the tombs of revered saints to counteract the harmful effects of the evil eye.
The number five in Islam is connected to the open hand, the pentagram of the five senses, marriage, the Five Pillars of Islam, the five daily prayers, and the hand of Fatima. Sufi staffs or poles are often topped with a chamsa. Among Shiites, the fingers of the hand of Fatima also represent the ‘five holy persons’ of the Prophet’s family: Muhammed, Fatima, Ali, Hassan and Hussein. Ali’s name or The Twelve Imams are often engraved on metal Hands of Fatima. Chamsas can also include a heart, a hexagram or the word Allah inscribed in the palm of the hand. Because of its significance in both Arabic and Berber culture, the chamsa is one of the national symbols of Algeria, and appears in its emblem. It’s also the most popular amulet used to ward off the evil eye in Egypt.
In recent decades, there has been renewed Israeli interest in Mizrahi customs and folklore and the chamsa’s use is increasing. In Israel today, the Hand of Miriam is a trendy symbol that’s become an icon of Israeliness and secularity, though its symbolism is not all pervading or universal. A popular ‘good luck’ charm, the chamsa or Hand of Miriam appears on Hand of Miriam necklaces, key chains, postcards, telephone and lottery cards, and in advertisements. Chamsa or Hand of Miriam tattoos have even become popular. It is also used in high-end hamsa jewelry, decorative tile work and wall decorations.
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Hamsa :: Dec.30.2011 :: :: No Comments »
