The Evil Eye

This is by far the most famous of all Greek superstitions with very old roots in Hellenic culture from the time of paganism.  Paintings of Greek triremes over two thousand years ago have an eye painted at the front of the trireme in an attempt to ward off the Evil Eye. (My Homepage also has an eye as its emblem) The Evil Eye is known widely throughout Greece and the  Greek Islands.  The Evil Eye is said to be able to strike anywhere (including blogs and the Internet!) without notice and no one can be the wiser. Haven't I scared you away yet? Let me retry!

Think back to a time when someone complemented you on how nice you looked only for you to have a painful headache immediately after. Happenings such as this are attributed to the Evil Eye.

To ward off the Evil Eye several things can be done.  An eye is painted into the middle of a blue charm, this charm is then worn as a necklace or as a bracelet.  Blue beads can also be  worn instead of the eye charm in the form of a necklace or bracelet. The reason why the colour blue and the painted eye are used is that both are thought to ward off the evil of the eye.  Unfortunately people who have blue eyes are thought to be exceptional givers of it. In such, believers of the Evil Eye are weary of compliments received from a blue eyed person.

It is also said that a clove of garlic has the ability to chase away the evil eye.  Many people keep the clove of garlic in their clothes or in their pockets. Also touch wood!

It is customary for Greeks to spit towards someone if they pay them a compliment. Sometimes they will spit three times, a symbolism of the using of the Holy Trinity to defend against the eye.  This custom of spitting has its roots in the Evil Eye.  The spitting  is an attempt to ward of the evil of the eye.

The Greek Orthodox Church also believes in the evil eye, and they refer to it as "Vaskania".  There are people who are said to know how to remove the eye from someone who is affected.  The Greek Orthodox church strictly forbids this.  The church sees this as dangerous ground, and only a priest has the power to read a person in an attempt to remove the eye. However, Greeks openly practise the removing off the eye against the wishes of the Church.  The church fears that attempts to remove the eye can result in possession.  Believers of the evil eye should understand that the person who is attempting to remove the eye should be using the method that  the church uses, and not some custom that has been passed down generation to generation. Many of the readings that are passed down have their roots in paganism and do not adhere to Orthodoxy, the church attempts to guard against these readings.

Watch out for that Evil Eye!

Happy Friday 13th !

 

Comments

[Christina]

I will be honest, although I am not really supersticious. I believe in the evil eye. Recently, an old friend from high school who I met on zoo.gr told me how beautiful I looked and what a cool pair of jeans I was wearing and what a great job I had and how come me and my boyfriend weren't married yet. Well, 2 weeks later I broke up with my boyfriend, had a car accident - thank God not serious - and my boss wanted me to deliver a 3,678 word translation from Greek to English in 24 hours! Or else I'd be sacked! I burned the midnight oil and did the translation cause I need the job but I don't think I will ever make up with my ex! Now if this is not the evil eye, what is? I am going to get a bracelet with blue beads!

[Anastasia]

When I got married, I respected tradition and put on something new - my wedding dress , something old - my grandma's gold cross and something blue - a bracelet with blue beads round my ankle!

[Walid]

Habebti.
I always believed in evil eye.I say may God never ever allow some one to try a person for that.May God protect every one.
I have two Charms on me always one which is Religious from a prayer.The other is from Africa.Some people may free some one from the evil eye by praying.What is most important is the date of birth, the name, and the mother's name,I mean calling names, to count what is the sum of the numbers, in the full name.
Each letter got a number so we add the sum and try to remove the evil eye, the hate or Jealousy from others,for a person.[sweer].
By the way you forgot to put on you at your wedding day something borrowed, if I was there I will lent you a small pocket knife,which I always have on any of my key holders.
By the way I got a horse shoe over the entrance at my home.God Bless.
With Love Walid.

[Anastasia]

I think I have the best of "charms" to protect me from the evil eye and that's your precious present on my birthday! It's the apple of my eye! And I will be forever thankful. No, I didn't put on anything borrowed on my wedding day but would have gladly accepted your small pocket knife. While I believe that some people can be evil and jealous, I also believe that there are some great people who have a heart of gold and you are one of them.

[Stefania]

I also believe in the evil eye but I don't do anything to chase it away. But I often use the phrase :touch wood I just think that some people can be so evil and jealous that their hypocricy can cause lots of unpleasant things to those they really hate.

[Constantinos]

Like most Greeks I do believe in the evil eye and there is scientific proof for that since evil and jealous people send out negative energy which affects those who receive it. It was only last week when an ex partner at work came to see me at the office and complimented my business saying I was doing great despite the recession. Unfortunately, I didn't spit three times when he left but the very next day an important contract I was hoping to sign in Germany was rejected.

[Tina]

I have heard of this "evil eye", but have no fear of it nor do I really believe in something like it. Although, I *do* admit to knocking on wood--I suppose it is somewhat related. We all have our superstitions.

[Andy]

This is a great blog and you look lovely as always! I have blue eyes but I am a good person.

[Faith]

Anastasia, I never did believe in the evil eye but when I met Mesut, he did. I now have hanging in my car the moon and star insignia along with the blue nazil (I think that is what it is called) to ward off the evil eye, as well as the prayer beads they use in the mosques and they are also the blue beads. I am clinging to them this weekend as Mesut goes tomorrow to see if he can get a visa. I have not been able to talk to him for over 2 wks since he does not have internet service or phone right now. Hopefully he will get it soon. I miss him terribly... Come on Nazil!!!!!!

[Anastasia]

I keep my fingers crossed! Hope Mesut gets the visa. I'm praying for you two, Faith.

[Anastasia]

Hmmm...ok, I trust you!

[Anastasia]

I don't really believe in the evil eye. There are good and bad people that's all. Sometimes evil people can affect our lives but it's up to us to keep them at a distance. But I also ..touch wood at times!

[Anastasia]

That's true. There is so much negativity around us that some people send out negative energy but isn't it up to us to ignore them?

[Anastasia]

Just ignore those people and let them live in their misery. They won't affect your life if you don't let them do so.