BY THE ARCHAEOLOGIST EDITOR GROUP
The evil eye is a belief, widely propagated throughout millennia, that certain individuals can inflict harm, misfortune, or illness on others simply through a malicious gaze. These beliefs are prevalent in various cultures around the globe, dating back to ancient times. Despite its ominous name, the concept of the evil eye transcends mere malevolence; it holds deep sociocultural meanings that continue to evolve over the years. To fully comprehend the depth of this symbol, one needs to delve into its historical origins and its subsequent metamorphosis over centuries.
The Sumerian 'Eye of Death': Tracing the Roots of the Evil Eye Belief
The ancient Sumerians, one of the world's earliest civilizations, were known for their advanced society, flourishing around 4000 BC in Mesopotamia (present-day southern Iraq). As with many early civilizations, the Sumerians had their own unique cosmology and mythology. One concept that is particularly interesting is the "eye of death," which is often considered an early iteration of the evil eye concept.
Historical texts and archaeological evidence suggest that the Sumerians, like many cultures around the world, held beliefs relating to the power of a destructive gaze. While specifics about this "eye of death" are somewhat limited, it is generally thought to have been associated with supernatural or divine powers capable of inflicting harm, misfortune, or death upon its target.
The Sumerians believed in an array of gods and goddesses, each with their own domains and powers. These deities were not always benevolent, and their ire or jealousy could manifest as a destructive gaze or "eye of death". Similarly, supernatural creatures in Sumerian mythology, such as the demon Lamashtu, were believed to harm humans, particularly children, and their destructive gaze was greatly feared.
In addition, some of the Sumerian rulers and high priests were also attributed the power of the "eye of death". They were considered semi-divine, and their gaze, particularly when angered or dissatisfied, could supposedly bring about calamity.
The Sumerians used various talismans and incantations as protective measures against these malevolent forces. For instance, clay amulets featuring divine symbols or cuneiform inscriptions were common, and these were often placed in homes or carried on one's person.
While we lack a wealth of detailed information about the Sumerian "eye of death", its existence illustrates the universality of the 'destructive gaze' belief that transcends cultures and eras. The modern notion of the evil eye, as it has evolved and spread throughout numerous cultures around the world, likely carries echoes of these ancient beliefs, with the Sumerians' "eye of death" being a key early example.
Mesopotamian Lapis Lazuli, Limestone and Black Stone Eye Inlay, Syrian, Early Dynastic, Circa 2550-2250 BC
The 'Eye of Horus' and its Impact on the Evil Eye Phenomenon
The ancient Egyptians often used the Eye of Horus as a protective amulet, adorning the entrances to their homes or tombs with this symbol to ward off evil spirits. Similarly, sailors would paint the Eye of Horus on the bows of their vessels to ensure safe sea voyages.
The Eye of Horus was also popular in funerary practices, painted onto coffins or used in jewelry to protect the pharaoh in the afterlife and ward off evil. Blue and green were the common colors used in such amulets, representing the Nile, fertility, rebirth, and the heavens, further augmenting the protective quality of the Eye of Horus.
In modern times, the Eye of Horus continues to be a popular symbol, seen in various forms of jewelry, tattoo designs, and even used in the context of the evil eye as a protective symbol against malevolence. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Egyptian culture and its profound influence on subsequent civilizations.
Multiple Eyes of Horus Amulet
Gorgoneion and Fascinus: Combatting the Evil Eye in Ancient Greece and Rome
The ancient Greeks and Romans had a profound belief in the power of the evil eye, known in Greek as the "Baskania". It was thought to be a malevolent glare cast out of envy or malice, capable of bringing misfortune, illness, or even death upon those it targeted. This belief was so deeply ingrained in these ancient societies that it transcended social and economic boundaries, affecting both the rich and the poor, the powerful and the humble.
The concept of the evil eye in ancient Greece and Rome was often associated with envy (phthonos in Greek, invidia in Latin). The belief was that those who were overly successful or blessed in some way could become the targets of envy, leading to a malicious gaze or an evil eye curse. This superstition acted as a sort of social equalizer, discouraging the flaunting of wealth or success to avoid envy and the potential curse that could come with it.
To counter the evil eye, ancient Greeks and Romans employed a variety of amulets, charms, and rituals. One popular amulet was the 'Gorgoneion', a symbol depicting the head of the gorgon Medusa, which was thought to ward off the evil eye. The Greeks also employed the gesture of 'kataskopia', which involved pulling down one's lower eyelid as a protective measure. In contrast, the Romans used the 'Fascinus', a phallic symbol believed to counteract the evil eye's ill effects.
The notion of the evil eye was so pervasive in ancient Rome that it was enshrined in Roman law. The Lex Cornelia, a body of laws drawn up by Lucius Cornelius Sulla in the 1st century BC, included regulations against anyone who used incantations and amulets to damage grain crops, vineyards, and orchards, or who cast an evil eye on children.
In the realm of literature, several famous Roman and Greek authors, such as Plutarch, Pliny the Elder, and Theocritus, have mentioned the evil eye in their works, demonstrating the depth of this belief in society. They often discussed it in relation to envy and the potential harm one could cause through a malevolent gaze.
In sum, the evil eye was a fundamental component of both Greek and Roman cultures, shaping social norms, superstitions, and legal systems. Its legacy is still felt today, with the symbol of the evil eye continuing to be recognized and utilized worldwide as a protection against malevolent forces.
Roman mosaic of the Evil Eye from Antioch. The eye is pierced by a trident and sword, pecked by a raven, barked at by a dog, and attacked by a centipede, scorpion, cat, and snake. A horned dwarf with a gigantic phallus crosses two sticks. Greek annotation "KAI SU" meaning "and you (too)". Dated to the 2nd century CE.
Hatay Archaeology Museum, Antakya, Turkey
Evil Eye in the Middle Ages and Beyond
The belief in the evil eye didn't vanish with the collapse of the Roman Empire, but instead, it persisted and evolved throughout the Middle Ages and beyond. This period marked a confluence of various cultural, religious, and societal influences that further shaped and perpetuated the concept of the evil eye.
With the spread of Christianity across Europe, the belief in the evil eye was incorporated into Christian thought, even though it contradicted the core monotheistic beliefs. Church authorities often decried the evil eye as superstition, but the belief was so deeply rooted in the cultures they sought to convert that it proved resistant to eradication.
The Bible contains indirect references to the evil eye, notably in the Gospel of Matthew (6:22-23), where the 'good eye' is associated with generosity and light, while the 'evil eye' is associated with stinginess and darkness. This, along with the common belief that witches and sorcerers could cast an evil eye, helped sustain the concept in Christian societies.
The Jewish tradition also acknowledges the concept of the evil eye, or 'ayin hara'. Talmudic texts reference the evil eye as a destructive force that can be invoked through envy or praise without immediately following a blessing. To ward off the 'ayin hara', a variety of practices were followed, including wearing red strings or amulets bearing the 'Hamsa', a hand-shaped symbol.
In Islamic tradition, the belief in the evil eye, or 'al-ain', is also prevalent. The Qur'an and several Hadiths refer to the evil eye and its harmful potential. To counteract its effects, Muslims often recite prayers, like the 'Surah Al-Falaq' and 'Surah An-Nas', or use amulets with the Hand of Fatima (the Islamic equivalent of the Hamsa) or blue 'nazar' beads.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, belief in the evil eye was widespread among all classes. It was commonly thought that certain people, like witches, those with strabismus (crossed eyes), or the seventh sons, had the power to cast the evil eye. To ward off the evil eye, people carried talismans, created signs with their hands, or wore certain colors. Blue, for example, became popular as a protective color, which is why doors and window frames in some countries are still painted blue.
In the later Middle Ages and Early Modern Period, fear of the evil eye played a role in the witch-hunts that swept across Europe. Many of those accused of witchcraft were believed to have the power to cast the evil eye, leading to their persecution.
Byzantine Amulet with the Evil Eye and the Holy Rider, 5th-6th century (Late Antique),
The Evil Eye in Contemporary Times
The evil eye continues to be a strong belief system in many cultures. In the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, including Turkey and Greece, it is common to see the 'Nazar Boncuk,' a blue glass bead with an eye design, hung in homes, businesses, and even vehicles to deflect the evil eye. These regions attribute the evil eye more to envy than malice, which is often invoked unwittingly.
In India, the 'Drishti' or 'Buri Nazar' concept aligns with the evil eye, signifying the destructive gaze that arises from jealousy. To ward it off, people use 'Nimbu-Mirchi Totkas' (lemon-chili charm) or black dot symbols.
In Latin America, the evil eye, or 'Mal de Ojo,' is believed to harm babies and young children when someone gazes at them with envy. The preventative measures often include amulets or rituals like passing an egg over the body of the affected individual and then breaking it in a glass of water to absorb the negative energy.
In Jewish tradition, the concept of 'ayin hara' is still prevalent. To avoid invoking it, it's customary to say "kein ayin hara" (no evil eye) after complimenting someone or discussing good fortune. The 'Hamsa', a hand-shaped symbol, is also commonly used as an amulet against the evil eye in Jewish and Muslim communities.
In popular culture, the evil eye has become a trendy symbol, finding its way into high-fashion jewelry, clothing, and home decor. Celebrities have been seen wearing evil eye amulets, further promoting the symbol's popularity and recognizability.
Despite its ancient origins, the evil eye in the modern context often serves more as a general symbol of protection, warding off not just malevolent gazes but negative energies or bad luck. The belief in the evil eye's power varies widely among individuals, with some taking it as a literal threat, while others see it as a cultural or aesthetic symbol rather than a deeply held belief.
Even in today's globalized and secularized world, the evil eye symbol has been adopted by the fashion and art industries, serving as a striking visual symbol and, by extension, a protective talisman in the form of jewelry, tattoos, or home decorations.
Cultural and Psychological Implications
The longevity and wide cultural dispersion of the evil eye belief underscore its potent sociocultural and psychological implications. Fundamentally, it serves as a regulator of human behavior, discouraging excessive pride, boasting, or envy within societal structures, thereby preserving harmony.
From a psychological perspective, the belief in the evil eye provides a means to explain or rationalize misfortune, illness, or loss in a world often marked by inexplicable adversities. Its protective symbols serve as psychological defenses, empowering individuals to confront their fear of the unknown or uncontrollable.
Through the millennia, the evil eye has transcended its superstitious origins, becoming an ageless symbol of cultural identity and a repository of societal norms and fears. Despite variances in interpretation across different cultures and epochs, the essence of the evil eye endures, a testament to its universal resonance in the human psyche's complex labyrinth. Its journey continues, and as it does, it will undoubtedly keep reflecting and shaping our evolving perceptions of good, evil, and the delicate balance in between.
