Need a hand in life? What the Hamsa hand means

If you've seen the open palm hand symbol on jewellery, tattoos and even high street Primark t-shirts, you may wonder what it means, and why it's increasingly popular. Well, let's have a quick look at the hamsa, so you know a little more about this protective or blessing charm.

Back in 2015 I was given a broken bracelet of beautiful blue beads from my parents’ travels in Greece, which were 'evil eye' beads. Cue me looking for other fascinating amulets, talismans and charms, which led me to the hamsa.

Popular throughout many faiths and cultures, the hamsa is especially common in the Middle East and North Africa, and has important meanings in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jewish and Muslim cultures.  As cultures (and mindsets) have spread, mixed and opened, the hamsa has too, with it’s simple message and striking style finding new fans across the world. ​

The hamsa is believed to have origins in Ancient Egyptian symbols, or perhaps in Carthaginian amulets representing the goddess Tanit’s hand. Buuut the open right hand is also seen in Mesopotamian amulets... and appears in Kabbalistic manuscripts and amulets…  If you go right back, our Palaelothic ancestors painted open hands in cave art across different continents… It's hard to pin down when and where the open hand became such an important symbol, because it’s important to so many people!

If the hand faces upwards, it’s generally seen as a protective symbol, warding away evil, and even helping calm your inner turmoil and negative emotions. Usually when facing up, the fingers are spread open. 

When the hand faces downwards it’s normally a symbol of good luck, opening you up to the blessings of the universe, and helping you manifest your goals. Normally the fingers are closed when facing down.

Sometimes the hamsa includes an eye in the palm, to also help protect against the evil eye, a malicious stare believed to be able to cause illness, death or just general unluckiness!

Hung in windows, worn as jewellery, pinned to children's clothing, hung from car rear mirrors...
The hamsa is not going away any time soon - So  which type will you wear?​

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