Hamsa Necklace
Hamsa necklace is a necklace that features the popular Hamsa hand motif. A Hamsa pendant is either shaped as the Hamsa hand or decorated with it. Millions of people around the world wear Hamsa pendant around their necks as a virtue for protection and good fortune. Hamsa pendant is not just a luck charm; it has entered the modern fashion industry. Many people wear it just because they like how it looks. Hamsa is a common jewelry accessory both in the field of Jewish jewelry and in the jewelry fashion industry. A Hamsa is usually designed in an oriental style.
What is the Hamsa hand?
Hamsa hand is an ancient symbol used by diverse communities around the world. The Hamsa hand is shaped as asymmetrical five-finger hand with two thumbs. Hamsa hand is an ancient symbol originally used in Middle Eastern societies. In recent years, Hamsa hand has spread all across the world. Today, you can find Hamsas on many kinds of objects in home and office spaces, cars, and much more. The Hamsa hand motif has also entered the field of fashion and jewelry in particular.
Due to its special shape, Hamsa hand is believed to fight off the evil eye, ill will and other kinds of negative energies.
Hamsa in Jewish tradition
Hamsa means five in Arabic. Judaism and western culture have adopted the Semitic name Hamsa. Though used for the same purposes, it should be noted that the hamsa hand is not a religious symbol nor bears no connection to Islam.
In Jewish tradition, the Hamsa hand is also known as Hamesh, meaning five in Hebrew, the hand of Miriam and the protective hand of God. The alternate name, hand of Miriam, refers to the sister of biblical Moses and Aaron from the Torah. Miriam played a significant role in the escape of the Israelites from Egypt.
Many Jewish thinkers see the five fingers of the Hamsa hand as representing the five books of the Torah.
Many designs of Hamsa pendant incorporate several motifs that are believed to ward off the evil eye. The eye refers the eye of Fatima, the daughter of Mohamed, the prophet of Islam.
Certain symbols are traditionally believed to fight negative energies such as images of fish and human eyes. Within the niche of Jewish jewelry, Hamsa pendant often includes Hebrew inscriptions for luck and protection. These inscriptions are usually quotations from sacred texts and Kabbalah teachings. One of the most common quotations featuring many designs of Hamsa pendants is Shema Yisrael (Hear O Israel) and other famous prayers that are believed to provide protection and blessing to the wearer, such as Tefilat HaDerech, Birkat Hakohanim.
Hamsa pendant is extremely popular within the Kabbalah jewelry niche. Kabbalah discusses lengthily the potential destructive influences of the evil eye. Kabbalah jewelry feature common motifs against the evil eye in the Jewish traditions, mainly the Hamsa hand, the Star of David and inscriptions from Kabbalist sources. These inscriptions written in Hebrew include Kabbalist spiritual keys as the 72 names of God and Ana Bekoach prayer. Kabbalah inspired Hamsa pendant, will often be inscribed in Hebrew with one of the 72 names of God, the three letter sequence, Aleph- Lamed-Dalet is believed to be a powerful tool against negative energies.
If you like to ear jewelry accessories that have symbolic meaning, a Hamsa pendant is a wonderful option for you or the people you care about.