Across cultures and religions, there are a number of traditions that seem to have similar origins. One example of this is the “evil eye.” According to historians, the belief that someone can cause misfortune or bad luck simply by giving a glare of malintent stretches back to before recorded history. If you’re curious about this belief and how various cultures have taken action to guard against such forces of evil, explore some of these fascinating facts.

Where Do People Believe in the “Evil Eye?”

Interestingly, practices surrounding the “evil eye” cover regions all over the world. Experts have traced this supernatural belief to areas covering the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Central Asia, Latin America, and more. While some cultures operate under the assumption that any human can give the “evil eye” to another, others firmly believe this to be a supernatural force that operates in a malevolent way against humans. How a culture protects itself from the eye typically reflects what the culture believes about the force specifically 

What Protects Against This Force?

As with many ancient beliefs, there are countless strategies found around the world that detail exactly how to stay protected from those who would cause harm with the “evil eye.” Some of the earliest methods utilized to safeguard from this force were found during archaeological digs across India, Persia, and Greece. Dated to about 1500 BC, glass beads were uncovered at various sites. These beads were used in jewelry and clothing as a way to protect the wearer from evil forces. 

While beads were popular thousands of years ago, cultures have adopted other practices in the generations since. Amulets are quite popular for this purpose, with some of the most famous amulets being the “hamsa” of North African and Middle Eastern origin, and the “Nazar amulet,” which traces its origins to Arabic cultures. The image of the “Nazar amulet” has become so iconic that it is included as an emoji on most phones running iOS.

References to the “Evil Eye”

Since it has been a part of countless cultures since prehistoric times, the “evil eye” has been referenced in many texts stretching back throughout history. The ancient Roman poet Virgil included references to the eye in several of his poems. The Greek thinker Plutarch attempted to explain the specifics of the “evil eye” in one of his symposiums. Even Jesus references this supernatural force in the New Testament. However, some translations slightly alter the language so that it does not call the eye by its exact name. 

Though many cultures believe that the “evil eye” causes general negative energy, there are some with more specific beliefs about the force. A number of cultures believe that the eye attempts to corrupt innocent souls. Due to this, many of the protective items created to ward against the eye contain symbols and images meant to shield the wearer from “fascination.” Basically, it is thought that the eye can corrupt a person by swaying him or her to “evil” ways. 

Modern Evil Eye Examples

In Western regions like the United States, references to the “evil eye” can be found in a majority of indigenous cultures. Since America is mostly composed of immigrants now, those who believe in the “evil eye” tend to have connections to other cultures. For example, it is more common to see people wearing talismans and beads in areas like the southwest, where there are larger populations of immigrants from Central and South America. Many neopagan groups also have beliefs surrounding the eye, though these are usually amalgamations of what other cultures belief. 

An Interconnected World

Though it can often seem like every culture on Earth is unique in its own way, it can be fascinating to see how people from different parts of the planet share very similar beliefs. The “evil eye” is a perfect example of a concept that stretches beyond time and geographical borders.