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Hamsa - a symbol of protection

By: ken wilson

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Amulets and talismans are very similar in meaning and they are supposed to bring good luck or protection to their owner. The word ‘amulet’ is comes from the Latin ‘amuletum’ which refers to an object that protects a person from trouble and talisman ‘talisman’ has its roots in the Arabic ‘telesma’ or the Greek ‘talein’ which signifies the initiation into mysteries. Amulets and talismans can be found in various forms according to their places of origin and time. They can represent gods or shapes that hold great significance.

A very powerful amulet is a representation of Hamsa, also known as Khamsa. The word ’Hamsa’ comes from a Semitic word which means five. The amulet is shaped as a hand with three raised fingers and two thumbs. The thumbs are placed symmetrically on both sides of the raised fingers. Even though its use as a symbol of protection is common in Jewish and Muslim religions, its origins are attributed to the Phoenician lunar goddess Tanit, the patron goddess of Carthage.

An alternative name for Hamsa in Islam is the Hand of Fatima or the Eye of Fatima. This makes reference to the daughter of the prophet Mohammad. The story says that the prophet waited for a revelation concerning which husband to choose for her daughter. When this revelation came, Ali ibn Abi Talib was assigned as the future husband. The prophet followed the prophecy and married her daughter with him in spite of his lack of wealth.

Even though the prophet thought Ali was the best husband for his daughter, he would later hurt her deeply. Fatima loved Ali very much, but one day he came home with his second wife. While she was stirring in a pot, struck by grief, the ladle slipped, but she continued to stir with her hand, without noticing the pain. Thus her hand became a symbol of faith and patience.

Hamsa is also known as a symbol of the five pillars of Islam, which represent the five essential duties of every Muslim. Shahadah is the first and most important. It represents the profession of faith and it stands as a foundation for all other beliefs. Salah is the second pillar and it represents the requirement for a Muslim to pray five times a day, at specific times. Zakat represents the obligation for charitable giving of all who have accumulated wealth and are able to do so. Sawm is the obligatory act of fasting during the Ramadan. Haji is the pilgrimage that must be done by everyone who is able at least once in their lifetime.

In Jewish religion, Hamsa is also known as the Hand of Miriam. Miriam was the daughter of Amram and Jochebed, sister of Aaron and Moses. When the Pharaoh ordered all the newborn Hebrew babies to be killed, she was the one that hid Moses by the side of the river, at Jochebed’s request. She watched over him as he was adopted and raised by the Pharaoh’s daughter. She was also the one that suggested to the Pharaoh’s daughter to take on a nurse, for which she suggested Jochebed.

Jewelry representing Hamsa can be found over the internet at ka-gold-jewelry.com. The symbol can be used in order to ward of the evil eye. Places where it can be used include homes, cars, bracelets, chains and more. Other symbols can also be placed in the middle of it, which are believed to help in warding of the evil eye. Such symbols are fish, eyes and the Star of David. A common color for the symbol is blue, especially light blue. Many Hamsas can be found in this color or with gem stones of different shades of blue embedded in it. It is the perfect symbol of protection.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

The presence of the Hamsa symbol in two different cultures makes a powerful statement about the similarities between us. Jewelry representing this symbol, with its rich significance, will give you the chance to give the perfect gift on every occasion.

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