The hand of Fatima or Hamsa is an ancient symbol that is very popular among the inhabitants of Israel, India, Egypt and other southern and eastern countries. It is considered a powerful amulet capable of protecting its owner from harmful influences and evil events. In this article, we will consider the meaning of the “Fatima's Hand” talisman and find out how to correctly apply this magic sign.
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The meaning of the hand of Fatima mascot for women and men
“Fatima's Hand” looks like an open palm with three fingers raised up and two bent. Usually, another sacred symbol is placed in the middle of the amulet: it may differ depending on the country. For example, in Israel it is the star of David, and in Turkey - the open blue eye. Instead of symbolism, ornaments or precious stones can be used.
Regardless of who wears Hamsa, it is believed that she makes her owner invulnerable to the evil eye, helps to avoid intrigues and the harmful influence of ill-wishers.
Such a talisman can be called universal - both women and men can wear it, however, the meaning and energy of the symbol will be slightly different.
For a man, such a sign carries the opportunity to strengthen his intuition and develop the gift to foresee the outcome of any difficult situations. It is very often used not only as a protective symbol, but also as a kind of mystical vehicle that helps to look into the future. The Indians believed that the constant wearing on the body of Hamsa will help their master to anticipate bad events and prevent them.
Another typically masculine meaning of a symbol is a sign of mentoring. According to this interpretation, wearing an amulet helps to stand firmly on your feet and find your true destiny.
But the meaning of the mascot "Hand of Fatima" for women is very special. Historically, the fair sex was much more likely to resort to the help of such an amulet. In Turkey, it is believed that Hamsa gives its owner such qualities as fidelity, devotion and patience, and the Egyptians wear it in order to protect themselves from the influence of dark forces.
The “Hand of Fatima” is considered a talisman that brings harmony and harmony to family life, prevents quarrels and helps spouses to maintain a marriage for life. This sign is especially favored by pregnant women - it is believed that it helps the bearing of the child, and also protects during childbirth.
Different peoples attached their importance to this symbol. In Israel, such an amulet is called the “Hand of Miriam” and has a special meaning: it is believed here that it is a symbol of the unity of all world religions, peace and tranquility. A similar sign appeared in the traditions of the Indian tribes inhabiting North America - in their opinion, he helped develop intuition in a person.
The history of the origin of the amulet
There is a beautiful and sad legend about how this symbol appeared. Legend has it that Fatima, the daughter of the prophet Muhammad, was in the kitchen preparing dinner when her husband Ali entered the house and announced that he was going to bring a new wife.
Fatima was so dumbfounded and shocked by the news that she dropped a spoon and continued to stir the hot food with her hand. From mental pain, she completely forgot about severe painful burns.
Ali was so overwhelmed by his wife’s strong love and affection that he immediately abandoned the idea of remarriage. Since then, the “Hand of Fatima” has become a symbol of devotion, love and strong family happiness.
But studies of scientists based on archaeological excavations indicate that this symbol was widely used long before the birth of the Abrahamic religions. The talisman in the form of an open palm was worn by the women of the Entre Rios, where it was called the "Hand of Ishtar." As well as traces of the origin of the sign were found in the history of Carthage, where it was called “The Hand of Tanith” and was used to protect against damage.
The main purpose of wearing such a talisman at a time when polytheism (paganism) reigned in the world was protection from problems during pregnancy, successful childbearing and caring for the health of weak and sick family members.
This symbol was used by different nations so widely that today it is not possible to determine exactly which country it originated in - each of the nationalities that used it brought its own flavor and symbolism.
Can Orthodox and Muslim wear
“Hand of Fatima” is one of the most popular souvenirs that is brought as a gift to friends and relatives by travelers and tourists visiting Israel, Egypt and Turkey. In this regard, a logical question arises - is it possible to wear such a talisman Orthodox.
Authoritative Christian sources, based on information gathered from the Bible, give a definite answer - it is not the symbol itself and its presence in life that matters, but how the person relates to it. The Christianized church should not use such jewelry as amulets and fill them with mystical meaning; this contradicts Orthodox dogma. And also it is forbidden to carry and read “The Hand of Fatima” along with a pectoral cross and icons. However, having Hamsa in the collection and as a beautiful souvenir is not forbidden.
Some priests take this issue more categorically - they believe that the mere presence of an element of someone else’s faith can confuse the thoughts of a simple Orthodox layman, and therefore recommend avoiding such symbolism. Whether or not to listen to this advice is up to you.
Faithful Muslims believe in the magical effect of amulets is equated with polytheism, which is strictly prohibited. This is indicated by the lines of the Quran. However, Hamsa is so widespread in Muslim countries that many people do not pay attention to this ban, in some regions it has even become a national symbol.
The “Fatima's Hand” amulet can be used by believing Muslims on the condition that they do not rely on its magical effect, but wear it as a memory of their ancestors or as a pretty decoration.
Proper wearing of the amulet
Those who decide to wear this amulet should know about some of the rules and recommendations that give esotericism about its proper use.
Traditionally, hamsa should be blue or blue in combination with white. This combination is considered a symbol of peace, harmony and peace. The Turkish eye, which is often depicted in the center of Hamsa, is usually performed in the same gamut - this symbol carries additional protection from evil forces and the evil eye.
You should pay attention to what material the talisman is made of. Best of all, if it is made of light metal, the light reflected from a smooth surface symbolizes the protective aura of the amulet.
Ideally, the Hamsa amulet is made of silver and decorated with turquoise - such products have the most powerful energy.
The amulet is worn in such a way that it comes in contact with the body, usually under clothing or on the wrist. It is not recommended to combine it with other symbols and images, especially of a mystical or religious nature.
The same amulets worn by spouses or lovers help to keep love, tenderness and passion in a relationship for a long time, and marriage lasts as long as possible.
The most powerful are the images of “Hands of Fatima”, made independently. Many oriental needlewomen embroider this symbol on clothes or interior items, decorate with pendants made of natural stones and beads. It is believed that such embroidery brings great luck to the one to whom it was presented.
The large paintings on which Hamsa is depicted are often presented as a gift, usually decorated with blessing inscriptions in Hebrew.
Tattoo of the mascot "Hand of Fatima"
The application of such images to the body has been practiced since time immemorial. Since ancient times, the back was considered the best place for the location of protective symbols - in order to protect oneself from a danger that sneaks up unnoticed. It was believed that the enemy, who is trying to inflict a sneaky blow, will receive a spell in response.
A Hamsa tattoo is best done in the center of the back, between the shoulder blades, behind the neck under the hair, as well as on the wrist or wrist.
A palm-shaped tattoo with fingers pointing downward is a symbol indicating the feminine principle, fertility, and procreation. Such a sign on the body protects the woman from health problems, helps to give birth to a healthy child.
