Your Guide To The Evil Eye

Ever been given a dirty look that didn’t sit well with you? Or has anyone ever done something that upset you so much you found yourself naturally giving them a mean glare in response? While this may seem like a harmless way to blow off steam, in many cultures and religions, this look could be regarded as something a bit more serious. In fact, there’s a well-known term for it that many consider nothing to take lightly—the evil eye.

What is the Evil Eye?

The evil eye is a look one can give another with negative intent. It’s thought that this stare will cause harm to the recipient. It’s almost like placing a curse or hex on someone. According to Alan Dundes’ The Evil Eye: A Case Book, the evil eye is believed to “cause illness or even death to the second individual or to an object belonging to that individual.”

What Are Symptoms of the Evil Eye?

According to Live Science, there are certain symptoms that may tip you off that someone has given you the evil eye. These could include:

• You lose your appetite
• You can’t stop yawning
• The hiccups
• Throwing up
• Unexplained fever

As mentioned above, it’s also thought that the evil eye can affect inanimate objects too. For example, if a person gives your car the evil eye, then your engine may begin to fail. If they give your bicycle the evil eye, then you may get a flat tire.

In other words, it is thought that the evil eye can pretty much effect anything negatively it is cast upon!

Is the Evil Eye Real?

A great question with no clear answer. The evil eye really is a matter of personal belief. There is no way to tell for sure if it is real. However, it is a belief that:

• Has been held for centuries
• Spans multiple cultures
• Spans many religions
• Can even be found in certain translations of the Old Testament

Is the Evil Eye Rooted in Any Religion?

The evil eye can be found in many different religions. Here are a few examples:

• Islam—In Islam, there are certain traditional phrases one should say when given a compliment. These phrases are thought to ward off evil spirits. These include “God has willed it” and “Blessings of God.” There are also certain things one can recite from the Qur’an in order to combat the evil eye. Finally, some Muslims do believe that certain charms may protect against it.
• Judaism—In Judaism, the focus of the evil eye seems to be on oneself. In other words, rather than focusing on whether or not someone gives you the evil eye, one should make sure they do not in fact have an evil eye themselves. Why? Because having an evil eye can sap you of joy and result in suffering. Instead, you need to make sure you have a good eye, which is an attitude of good intentions to those around you.
• Christianity—There are multiple references to evil eyes in the New Testament. However, like Judaism, these are usually referring to those giving the eye. The evil eye is usually talking about covetousness,  which Jesus warns harshly against.

Of course, this list is not all-inclusive, but you can see the evil eye is familiar in this small sample of religions.

What About the Evil Eye in Other Cultures?

From Brazil to Ethiopa to Mexico, belief in the evil eye is widespread. For example, many people in Latin America believe that babies are especially susceptible to the ill effects of it. In Brazil, the evil eye is associated with jealousy, much like in Christian tradition. Some traditions do hold that the evil eye can cause beauty and success to fade. In fact, the evil eye has even made it into modern American culture in the form of “mean mugging.”

How Can You Protect Yourself from the Evil Eye?

• In Latin America, babies can get a special bracelet to protect from the evil eye. It will usually have a spot that looks like an eye.
• Some Latin Americans believe you can touch the baby to ward off the evil eye.
• Some cultures believe that baptism can protect from it.
• Crucifixes are common with some Catholics.
• Good luck charms carried between the index finger and thumb.
• In Judaism, there are certain forms of evil eye jewelry that can be worn to protect.

Real or Not, You Choose

Can we prove the existence of the evil eye? Well, we know it exists. The question is, does it really do harm in a supernatural sense? It all depends on your personal beliefs. Good Luck!

Featured images:

•  License: Image author owned
•  License: Image author owned

Wayne Christopherson is a blogger by night and sales clerk by day. He holds special interest in world religions, particularly Christianity and Judaism. However, his religious studies are not limited to those. He believes there is likely some truth in all religions, and spends most of his time searching for it.