Symbol #2 - The Hamsa Amulet

The Hamsa amulet, the image of the open divine hand, is a universal sign of protection, traced all the way back to ancient Mesopotamia.  It's origin is actually unknown, however this artifact was a symbol of divine protection from the evil eye and other dangers and is also used to boost fertility, lactation, promote healthy pregnancy and to strengthen the weak.  It is also referred to as the hand of Fatima, Hand of Venus (Aprodite), the Hand of Mary and the Hand-of-the-All-Goddess, Mano Pantea.  The Hamsa hand is known by many names however, including Hamesh Hand, Khamasa and Chamsa.  Back during it's time, those who practiced Islam associated it with the number 5, the pentagram of the five senses, marriage, the Five Pillars of Islam, the five daily prayers and the Hand of Fatima, Prophet Mohammad's daughter.  These women who practiced Islam were under immense pressure and expectation to hold the exclusive role of becoming a mother, so child bearing was a necessity as their upbringing was centered around preparing for motherhood.

Many Jews believed that the five fingers of the symbol was a reminder to use their five senses to praise God, while many of the Christians among that region, who called it the Khamsa, recognized it as a bearer of good fortune, and believed it to be the hand of the Prophet Moses' sister Miriam.  The Levantine Christians called it the Hand of Mary or the Virgin Mary's Hand.  The Khamsa was a sign of protection that also represented blessings, power and strength.  Then, in 1526 the Hand of Fatima and all open right hand amulets were banned after the end of Islamic rule in Spain by Emperor Charles V, also a member of the Episcopal committee.   After the establishment of the State of Israel, the wide spread use of the talisman by Jews from Islamic countries was considered a sign of Easternness, looked down upon in the Erocentric culture that was beginning to dominate during that time.  Historically a wide geographic area, including the Middle East, considered this symbol as God's Hand in the Earth, that caused feelings of God's existence in everything and in every new formation.  It is seen as the symbol of holiness, healing and miracles, which would pull the forces of good to the bearer and protect them from unseen dangers, disease, and neutralize the negative energies of envy and the forces of evil.  Whatever meaning or representation it has, the Hand of Fatima Zahara or the Hamsa remains to be an important part of the ancient history that continues to inspire many people today.  People have adopted the symbol in every culture.  It has become part of almost every kind of ornament from jewelry to decorative art, door knockers and so much more.  This symbol's original intention in symbolism or usage is by no means a secret, nor is it evil.