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About Hamsa meaning and its significance
Without even knowing the Hamsa meaning, many people like to keep it due to their belief in the symbol. The Hamsa is primarily an attractive, age-old symbol that is part of Judaica’s general world and can be found in clothing, art, jewelry, wall hangings, etc.
This mysterious symbol can be available in two types of styles: one can be like an open regular human hand while the other depicts an open right hand with two symmetrical thumbs. However, the latter is more popular among the two.
It is widely believed that keeping Hamsa can usher in good luck for its owner, and the person can achieve success, goodwill, and protection against the ‘Ayin Hara,’ or ‘The Evil Eye.’ There are many aspects related to this Jewish symbol, and the Hamsa meaning can be interpreted in many ways. In the following sections, we go through the different aspects of Hamsa to get a complete understanding of this symbol.
Hamsa Meaning / Hamsa Symbol Meaning
In different cultures, Hamsa’s meaning is read differently. The one thing that is common among all of them is that it is considered a lucky charm, so there is widespread acceptance of the symbol.
The word ‘Hamsa’ itself means all five fingers of a hand. In Hebrew, the fifth letter is ‘Hey,’ which is a god’s name, and the number is known as ‘Hamesh,’ which represents Torah’s five books – Exodus, Numbers, Genesis, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy.
Moreover, in Judaism, the symbol is interpreted as the ‘Hand of Miriam’ and is symbolic of the owner’s five senses in praise of God. In Arabic, the Hamsa meaning translates to ‘hamesh,’ and whereas the Sunnis relate it to the Five Pillars of Islam, the Shi’ites read it as the Five People of the Cloak.
For followers of Islam, it represents ‘Fatima’s hand.’ Fatima Al Zahra was the daughter of Prophet Mohammed from his first wife, Khadija, which is why Muslims highly revere it. For the Buddhists and Hindus, this symbolizes the chakras or all your five senses and the related hand gestures, which redirect the flow of energy in the whole body.
These are the thumb that signifies fire element or the solar plexus chakra, forefinger for air element and the heart chakra, middle finger for ethereal elements and the throat chakra, ring finger for Earth element and the root chakra and the pinkie finger for water element and the sacral chakra.
Hamsa origin
The Hamsa has its roots in the middle-eastern culture, and it can be traced to ancient Carthage and ancient Mesopotamia. In ancient Carthage, it is read as the main deity’s hand, Tanit, so that the evil eye’s effects could be kept off. In retrieved Mesopotamian artifacts, the Hamsa can be seen in the amulets worn by the goddess Ishtar.
The symbol was considered to provide divine protection, and some other symbols based on the hand include the Hand-of-Mary and the Hand-of-Venus.
These were meant for women to be kept safe from the evil eye, get healthy pregnancies, and ensure good fertility.
A different origin theory cites Hamsa’s relationship with the ‘Mano Pantea,’ an amulet of Two Fingers – recognized by the ancient Egyptians.
The Two Fingers of this amulet represents Isis and Osiris while the thumb signifies their child, Horus. In this case, we can relate it to the protective spirits that parents have for their children.
The hand symbol can also be seen in amulets and Kabbalistic manuscripts and doubles up as the Hebrew letter ‘Shin’ refers to God.
Thus, Jews were one of the first to use the amulet to keep themselves safe from the evil eye’s effects.
The Significance of Hamsa
Since the early ages, Hamsa signifies good luck and prosperity. While initially, the Hamsa meaning was definite in some cultures, it was related only to women’s goodwill. With time, that concept changed, and it became synonymous with the wellbeing of everyone. But whatever may be the symbol’s interpretation, it surely signifies happiness, positivity, and good luck in contemporary times.
Hamsa for good luck
Many people relate this with good luck and being fortunate because, since times immemorial, the same has been the norm for this symbol. One can see different types of Hamsa amulets being worn for the purpose, as there is a belief behind it.
People also use it in their homes as wall hangings for decoration purposes, and that has also got to do with bringing in good luck to the place and the people who stay there. People believe in the positive vibe that it brings to keep all evil eye effects away.
Hamsa symbols and meaning
The Hamsa meaning and its symbol have gone through minor changes since the time it was discovered. However, the essence of the symbol is still the same. We take a look at these aspects in the following sections.
What does Hamsa hand mean?
Because of the Hamsa hand’s numerous names, it is clear that it is a sacrosanct image to numerous societies and religions. Disregarding the different principles, the Hamsa’s fundamental importance is all around comprehended regardless of social contrasts.
In many parts of the world, this is the reason the Hamsa image is so broadly perceived and treasured as an image of assurance. The Hamsa hand also relates to God’s hand and is accepted as a tool that ushers in well-being, bliss, good karma, and fortune.
There is additionally the antiquated conviction that wearing a Hamsa hand can block negative or fiendish spirits. It is also believed that in the event of negative or unwarranted powers being directed at a person, the Hamsa hand can avoid the evil spirits and shield the person from their effects or even damage.
Hamsa Tattoo on Hand
A Hamsa tattoo (Which in many cases goes along with the evil eye tattoo) on the hand can be made in a variety of ways. It can either be straight or upside down, and the direction has hardly any significance on this. With passing time, creating a hamsa tattoo has become synonymous with style and grace.
There are also enough ways in which the tattoo can be created because some people prefer it large, some small, some with an eye in between, whereas others prefer to keep it simple.
The color combination can also be made as per one’s wish as there is no specific combination. A Hamsa tattoo on the hand can look quite cool, especially if it is made somewhere on the upper arm. There will be ample space for it, and drawing the tattoo can be done elaborately. Otherwise, a smaller Hamsa tattoo can look attractive on the lower arm, outer, or inner palms.
Hamsa with Elephant
The Hamsa meaning for an elephant tattoo can be varied. Generally, such a tattoo portrays success and good karma. But it also epitomizes power, quality, poise, and long life span.
Apart from the positive traits mentioned here, Hamsa elephant tattoos also depict tolerance, respect, insight, and devotion to God. Elephant tattoos have turned out to be known for its depiction of family ties and ancestry with all these implications.
Hamsa Hand Tattoo
A Hamsa Hand tattoo may have two types – one can look simply like a standard hand with a thumb and pinkie finger, while the second one portrays a hand with two balanced thumbs. The Hamsa meaning of an open palm manifests ample security.
The hand can either be drawn with the fingers looking up or down, and its significance is distinctive upon what direction the fingers face. When fingers are drawn downwards, the Hamsa brings in more goodness, karma, richness, and plenitude into life. When fingers are drawn upwards, it conveys assurance against the Evil Eye and negative vitality.
Hamsa with Eye Meaning
An evil stare may have a ground-breaking impact on present-day life. Everyone may have heard about the expression “the hostile stare,” or one may even have encountered it in their way.
One of the most impressive eye amulets in the Middle East and Africa is the Hamsa, a hand-molded figure with a hostile stare on its palm. With an eye in the middle, the Hamsa meaning is best utilized in wallpapers or adornments to avert the hostile stare.
Hamsa eye
There is an affinity towards the Hamsa tattoo so that many people like to get it drawn with an eye at the center of the palm. Hamsa, with an eye at the center, is mostly to keep off evil eye stare, while at the same time, many people also believe that it represents the eye of God. This thought is more pronounced when the eye is at the center of the palm, and therefore, many types of such tattoos can also be seen.
Hamsa lotus
The lotus is a ground-breaking divine image. It has its roots in the mud but develops into an excellent bloom despite its humble start. In the Hamsa, it represents how individuals can beat the odds on their eternal journey to enlightenment. The meaning of lotus relates to development and spirituality as it ensures warding off negative energies and malicious spirits. Therefore, the Hamsa tattoo with lotus is quite chic and looks beautiful on people.
Hamsa tattoo
Hamsa tattoos generally represent a hand showing two balanced thumbs pointing down or outward. The Hamsa hand is regarded as the “Hand of Fatima” in Islamic beliefs or the “Hand of Miriam” in Judaism. Hamsa tattoos represent the “Hand of God.” They are regarded to bring in joy, karma, wellbeing, and favorable luck.
The Hamsa of tattoo revolves around the concept of ‘security against evil.’ Depending upon a society’s translation and conviction, the Hamsa tattoo has, in it, an assortment of implications as per particular social convictions.
Hamsa chakra
The Hamsa meaning is different in Buddhism and Hinduism. For Buddhists and Hindus, the Hamsa relates to the chakras or the five faculties and their related mudras (hand motions). It helps in redirecting vitality all through the body. Hamsa Chakra is a significant focus, which communicates promise within us.
When we are alert and aware, we quickly comprehend what is beneficial and what is not favorable. We can also say that we get the Divine Discretion or the light of the Spirit that radiates through our Hamsa Chakra, and it helps in providing us intelligence.
Hamsa for Different Purposes
In different cultures and different societies, Hamsa has different interpretations so that its purpose also varies. However, it serves for many types and some of which are discussed in the following sections.
Hamsa for protection
Hamsa portrays the open hand, which is perceived and believed to indicate protection since times immemorial. The Muslims and Jews read the Hamsa meaning as providing resistance against the evil eye.
The Hamsa is an indication of security that also helps bring prosperity, power, and blessings and is thought of as helpful in getting rid of the hostile stare. Hamsas contain an eye image to protect from the evil eye, a malignant gaze believed to cause ailment, demise, or simply high chances of misfortune.
Hamsa with lotus
A Hamsa with lotus is ubiquitous as it is a good luck sign worn or carried by many people. With a lotus, the Hamsa assumes a slightly different significance. The lotus signifies purity because its roots are in the mud, yet it blooms out as one of the most beautiful flowers.
In the same way, keeping Hamsa with lotus signifies keeping oneself enlightened despite all problems. It also means development and growth for the person as it is believed to eliminate negative or evil spirits.
Hamsa for Baby Boy
A typical Hamsa helps with favors, force, and quality. It is viewed as a perfect tool against the evil eye, and that is why there are many types of Hamsa gifts for baby boy. A metal or wood Hamsa with a blessing for a baby boy is usually gifted by many people to parents so that the boy can always enjoy good luck and prosperity. Hamsa for baby boy is a perfect present for the new kid as it can help get a perfect future life.
Hamsa for car
The Hamsa meaning for hand evil eye hanging is to keep a place free of all misfortune and alternately generate luck so that an owner can live with peace and dignity.
It is generally used as a car hanging and is believed to be a hand of Fatima that welcomes good karma and shields from the entirety of evil energies. It is believed widely that different types of items used as Hamsa for a car can be quite protective.
That is why car owners very widely use these products.
Hamsa for home
Many types of Hamsa designs can be used at one’s home. Although the Hamsa stays intact in all of them yet how these Hamsas are depicted can vary significantly from item to item. The Hamsa hand is a customary gift for the home for prosperity, wellbeing, achievement, harmony, and bliss.
The finishing of products like wall hanging, pillow cover, wall art, painting, etc. can be marvelous and bring style to any home! The Hamsa shape has been utilized since old times for good karma, protection, and enrichment.
Where to place Hamsa?
The Hamsa meaning relates to power, strength, and protection to the owner, and therefore, it can be placed anywhere in a house. It helps bring in good luck and keeps off the effects of the evil eye within an area. While wearing, if it faces down, the fingers are shut together to bring in good karma.
When the Hamsa hand is looking up, it can be an all-inclusive sign against evil. It indicates security and shields us from our internal musings of scorn, desire, and uncertainties.
How to draw Hamsa?
The best option to get a personalized Hamsa is to draw the image by oneself. Fortunately enough, drawing Hamsa may not be a tough ask, and the Hamsa meaning stays intact even with a drawing.
It can easily be done in six steps by first drawing a circle for the palm and then encircling it from the bottom and leaving the upper edges open. From the open edges, an arc can be drawn to the circle top from both ends. Over these arcs, the three fingers can then be drawn, and finally, the eye can be placed within the circle.
Printable Hamsa to Color
There are a lot of monochrome Hamsa designs that can be procured easily. Parents can do well to get these printable Hamsa to color for their kids so that they can understand its significance at an early age.
The Hamsa meaning will also be known to them to develop an understanding of the good luck that it brings. There are many sites where readymade printable Hamsa can be seen, and people can easily get them to color as per one’s choice.
FAQ
What does Hamsa Hand Mean?
The Hamsa Hand is an old middle-eastern talisman that represents the ‘Hand of God.’ It is regarded as a defensive sign in all religions that can help bring in joy, karma, well-being, and favorable luck. The Hamsa meaning for the hand is the same as it helps keep the evil eye stare away from the person who owns it.
What does Hamsa Mean?
In the Arabic language, Hamsa is known as ‘Khamsah,’ and the Hamsa meaning translates to ‘five’ and ‘the five fingers of the hand.’ It was perhaps the first language in which its proper meaning was known. Still, apart from that, there are accounts in Hebrew and Berber languages about its usage and widespread circulation.
It is an amulet in the shape of a palm popularly used in the middle-east in many items ranging from household decoration to personal accessories.
How to Pronounce Hamsa in Hebrew?
Hamsa in Hebrew is pronounced slightly different as the Hamsa meaning has an assortment of understandings, depending upon the society in which one lives.
Hamsa gets its name from the five fingers on the hand. In Hebrew, the number five is called ‘hamesh,’ and the fifth letter of Hebrew is ‘Hey.’ It is one of God’s sacred names. Furthermore, ‘Hamesh’ itself is illustrative of the five books of the Torah.
How to Pronounce Hamsa Hand?
The name may be a bit different in different cultures, but its properties stay similar in almost all of them. Hence, pronouncing ‘Hamsa hand’ will be like ‘Hahm-za hand.’ Hamsa is denoted with a wide variety of spellings too. It includes chamsa, hamesh, chamsa, and most commonly, hamsa.
Where did Hamsa Originate?
The Hamsa is perhaps the oldest symbol that has a history of more than 1800 years. The image originated in old Mesopotamia and Carthage. It has extraordinary importance for Middle Eastern and North African individuals. It is accepted that the image was made by the Phoenicians who utilized it as a talisman. After some time, it gained recognition as Hamsa translated into security from evil, particularly from the ‘evil eye.
Where did the Hamsa Hand Originate?
As discussed earlier, the Hamsa hand originated in Carthage (present-day Tunisia) and ancient Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) a long time back. The open right hand is visible in Mesopotamian artifacts that have the goddess Ishtar wearing Hamsa’s amulets. In Carthage, the main deity’s hand, Tanit, has been used to keep off evil spirits, and the Hamsa has its roots over there.
As per Islam, the Hamsa hand represents the ‘Hand of Fatima,’ the Prophet’s daughter from his first wife, Khadija, whereas for the Jews, it is regarded as the ‘Hand of Miriam’; Miriam was the sister of Aaron and Moses.
Why is Hamsa Important?
Hamsa’s importance lies in the fact that it is being followed for a very long time, and people have experienced its benefits over the period. Its miraculous powers have also been experienced by many people so that there is an affinity towards it.
When people understand Hamsa’s meaning and the ways it can be beneficial, they automatically start yearning for it, and that creates importance for the sign. Moreover, in today’s world, with jealousy and treachery all around, keeping the Hamsa can be a great way to maintain one’s good luck and safety. For influential people, it can be a good talisman that can help them stay afloat at all times.
How to Draw Hamsa Hand
Drawing the Hamsa hand can be easy and full of fun. To start with, draw the handshape for the Hamsa hand. One can begin by drawing the tips first and afterward, the sharp fingers at the end. After both these steps, we need to essentially redraw the hand once again inside the hand’s shape’s primary lines.
Lastly, draw the eyeball that sits inside the mid-focal point of the Hamsa. With no specific rules in place, all the steps listed here can be enough to draw a Hamsa hand successfully.
Hamsa How to Wear?
A person can wear a Hamsa in many ways. People can use it as a tattoo or wear it as a bracelet or ring.
Women have comparatively more choices than men in wearing the symbol as they can wear it in all the above styles, and additionally, it can also be worn by them in pendants, as a necklace, or with some matching adornment.
However, anyone wearing it must know the Hamsa meaning as that can help in identifying with the symbol correctly. Without adequate knowledge of the symbol, a wearer may not have much meaning.
Why does the Hamsa have an Eye
The meaning of the symbol with an eye signifies that the eye acts as a retardant to the evil eye so that its owner can live in peace and without any bad luck. The popular Arabic saying, ‘khamsa fi anek,’ amplifies this thought and can be translated into as ‘five fingers in your eye.’ It is a type of rude phrase in the language, but that does explain Hamsa’s importance with an eye has in this culture.
Can Muslims Wear Hamsa Necklace?
The origins of Hamsa are far earlier than the starting of Islam as a religion. Hence, it has nothing to do with the Muslim religion, although people of middle-eastern countries like to wear Hamsa necklaces and other Hamsa pieces. It is also a fact that the majority of people in these countries are Arabs and Muslims.
Moreover, Hamsa is also linked to the Muslim religion through the Prophet’s daughter. Therefore, it is up to the wishes of a Muslim to wear a Hamsa necklace or not. However, it is considered insensitive to wear hamsa without knowing exactly what that symbol means, but anyone who doesn’t have any faith can wear it.
Why is the hamsa eye blue
The blue color of the Hamsa eye may have its roots in its use in Egypt. In Egypt, on baking glazed mud, it turns blue due to mud’s properties over there. When it used to be made only of mud during earlier times, the eye was always blue, which took roots through the ages. Moreover, blue represents calmness and serenity that can be useful in warding off the ‘evil eye.’ Click on the link to find more about the color meaning of the evil eye.
Is hamsa evil?
The Hamsa meaning is exactly contrary to the question! The Hamsa’s open right hand is a protective sign that is widely recognized by many societies and cultures. Mainly, the Jews and Muslims have firm faith in the image as they believe that the Hamsa hand helps against the stare of the ‘evil eye.’ Therefore, in no other major religion or culture does the Hamsa signify evil as it is meant to usher in prosperity and good fortune.
Is hamsa hindu?
There are some Hindu and Buddhist interpretations of the Hamsa, but they are quite different from Hamsa’s real meaning. Although it is supposed to bring in prosperity, protection, and good luck in every culture, the meaning for the same in Hinduism is quite different from the rest. Therefore, it can be said that the Hamsa is not a Hindu symbol, but Hinduism has adopted it for its beneficial aspects.
Can Hamsa Bring Bad Luck
Hamsa has different interpretations in different societies and cultures, but its basic essence still stays the same. It is considered a good-luck charm in every society. There is not a single culture that derides it. It is also because it is a symbol for good, and therefore, it cannot bring any bad luck to people.
Sometimes, people have tried to associate it with misfortune, but that has only been done to mock it. Thus, bad luck is never possible with Hamsa in any way.
Is Hamsa in the Bible?
Some Jewish service booklets have a reference to the Hamsa in them. Also, in ‘Ten Commandments,’ there is a reference to a ‘strong hand’ that can be imagined as divine. In this context, it represents Hamsa for the community. But if specifically mentioning the Bible, it cannot be said with certainty that the Hamsa is referenced.
Therefore, although the symbol stands for prosperity and protection, yet the Bible may not have listed it although the Hamsa is older than the sacred book. In this article, we have tried to cover all the details related to Hamsa. I hope it is beneficial to you.
