The Meaning of the Hamsa

What does the Hamsa symbolize? I have always known that it is a symbol of protection, but in writing this post I discovered many other interesting facets of the Hamsa.

Hamsa Wrap Bracelet

It is a symbol dating back to prehistoric times and is an universal sign of protection. The hamsa protects by deflecting the destructive power of the evil eye. The evil eye represents the negative energies that can arise from jealousy, hatred, and envy.

It is often made of something shiny or reflective in order to reflect off the evil.

While used in numerous cultures, the word Hamsa, meaning five, has additional symbolic meaning in the Jewish and Islamic traditions.

In Judaism, it represents the five books of the Torah for Jews. It also symbolizes the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, "Heh", which represents one of God’s holy names. It is often thus called the Hand of God.

Many Jews believe that the five fingers of the hamsa hand remind its wearer to use their five senses to praise God.

The Hamsa hand is also a popular talisman with Muslims, who call it the Hand of Fatima, referring to the daughter of Mohammed. Fatima is described as a faithful, holy, woman.

Also, to the Muslims, the Hamsa sometimes refers to the five pillars of Islam, the foundation of Muslim life:

• Faith or belief in Muhammad;
• Establishment of the daily prayers;
• Concern for and helping the needy;
• Self-purification through fasting; and
• The pilgrimage to Mecca

 The Hamsa means many things to many cultures, which is why it is one of my favorite symbols to use.  See more of my designs which include the Hamsa HERE.

Pin It

My Etsy Story (or how I became a jewelry designer)

The charmed design 1012 line came into being as something constructive and positive to do while I recovered from a sudden and life threatening illness.

Two years ago, I woke to find myself in an intensive care unit with absolutely no knowledge of how I got there. I learned that I had become ill from an infection that was a side effect of a routine tooth extraction. I came very close to dying, had several life saving surgeries, and am blessed to be here today.

Though the illness caused me to lose my job, home, and life as I knew it, surviving such a near death experience has made me feel and believe that I am indeed - CHARMED. Hence my name, Charmed Design 1012.

one of my first bracelets

After a month or two of creating, I had a pile of pretty bracelets and, after encouragement from my very supportive family, decided to open up shop on Etsy.com. My shop has been open a year now and is enjoying growing success. I also sell my jewelry in boutiques and galleries throughout the US.

Out of tragedy has come something beautiful. I have a career that I love and I am getting healthier by the day.  My jewelry reflects my experience and love for life. I share this by exploring the fascinating world of symbols that have traditionally surrounded and directed us.  Each piece is designed to be full of meaning and beautifully unique. My jewelry is all about feeling good and looking gorgeous.


Visit my Etsy shop HERE.

Pin It