At all times, when people are threatened with catastrophe, fatal disease, war or other disasters, they were trying to protect themselves and loved ones with the help of supernatural, higher powers.Charms, prayers, amulets, inscriptions, symbols and many other mystical means go in the course of years, since the beginning of this day.One of the strongest is very ancient amulets considered the subject under the strange name "hamsa."
Description amulet
early as the Neolithic Age, ie. E. 8000 BC, people inhabiting the territory of the Sumerian state of the kingdom of Babylon, who lived along the banks of the Nile, was hung in their houses small object, the shape is very similaron the right wrist of the human hand, or rather on the palm.This is the anchovy - an amulet that protects against the evil eye, misfortune and misery, bad influences and generally any negative energy.
Ironically, completely different people believe in him, and even portrayed the same way: the parallel thumbs on both edges (two instead of one, as our palms), the same equal-next 2 and among the longest - index.Often hand (hamsa amulet, but not human) was decorated with various mystical symbols, but more on that later.
Religious aspects
Whatever differed cultures and civilizations of the peoples of different eras and areas in their religion, traditions, worldviews, and even misconceptions and prejudices have something in common.For example, the same charms.The oldest hamsa amulet has been found by archaeologists during excavations of Mesopotamian settlements.Similar instances were found in the study of the oldest ancient civilizations - Phoenician, Indian, Greco-Roman and others.First and foremost historians, ethnographers, cultural scientists believe that the hamsa amulet dates back to the mythology of the ancient Phoenicians, in particular, to their goddess Tanit (or tank).She was worshiped by the inhabitants of the Mediterranean, North Africa and other places.
Tanit was considered a warrior goddess, virgin mother of his people.Hence the hope for its all-powerful protection, and anchovy (amulet).Meaning it was precisely in defense with tanks, its powerful divine hands, from all sorts of misfortunes.There are indications that the followers of the cult even sacrificed children, in order to implore the protection of the deity.Especially popular was that of Carthage.Later, the cult of Tanit merged with the cult of Juno (and Aphrodite) in Greco-Roman mythology.What's interesting: the same charm exists in the Semitic peoples, and inhabitants of the East, the followers of Islam - the Arabs.It calls him not only as "Hand of God".
roots of words and interpretation of the name
unusual not only the origin of a talisman, but the word itself, it is called.Hamsa - the amulet, whose photos are presented here - is rooted associated with multiple languages.Modern Arabic, Maltese, Hebrew have a common basis - a Semitic language.Translated from the title of his amulet means "five".This is a direct association with the same "Hand of God", which was written above.And with the five fingers of the human!
General proto explains to some extent the presence of an amulet like the Arabs and their ancestral enemies of the Jews.By the way, these five fingers Muslims associated with the 5 symbols of their faith.However, we have found that there was more charm in deep paganism to monotheistic doctrines and religions.It dates back to the ancient Indian symbol and teachings to the image of the Buddha.In the Eastern religions, it represents the absolute divine protection.
From Venus to Fatima and Mary
If the ancient Phoenicians anchovy associated with tannins, the Egyptians associated it with his other supreme deities - Isis and Osiris, the breed god Thor.Tank dedicated children's sacrifices in ancient Egypt, the thumbs anchovy designated spirits parents, who should protect children.Therefore amulets often hung over the crib or toddler puts on them.And pregnant women amulets were very helpful, maintaining good health of the expectant mother, providing a light delivery, a lot of breast milk, and healthy offspring.
addition to the actual "anchovy", t. E., "Five fingers", the mascot is called more "hand of Mary (Miriam) and Fatima."Again, the symbolic figure of 5 is associated with the Jewish Pentateuch sacred Torah.And Miriam - the sister of Moses itself that led the Jews to the Promised Land.Fatima is - the daughter of Muhammad, the great Islamic prophet.According to legend, the image it symbolizes patience, faith, and the palm - five pillars of the Muslim faith.In today's Christian world it is also very popular mascot.It is believed that it brings luck.
Appearance amulet
Considering the different types of amulets, we can see that the anchovy can be raised and lowered his fingers.And in the eyes of the palm are shown (all-seeing eye of the divine), the six-pointed star (of David), two fish, and even the female genitalia.It is connected with the values that are embedded in the image.To ward off the evil eye and curses amulet worn around the neck with a cross or replace it.Often talisman written special Jewish prayer of blessing or Indian.Producing anchovy and as a pendant for bracelet, key machine, or other keys.Color amulet - blue - joyful, bringing happiness.And decorate it with gems of the same color.
