I traveled a LOT in June (only 9 days at home to be exact)! And while traveling in Greece, I came across so many things that brought up more thoughts. So today I’m going to start with the “Evil Eye”. No not the evil eye that I give to my husband when he makes me mad (in fact we call that the wife’s curse)!
I was intrigued when we were in Athens that there were these blue “eyes” symbols everywhere. They are the blue eye amulets that are known as “mataki”. They are a common symbol used to ward off negative energy, envy, and bad luck. Greeks believe the evil eye (vaskania) is a curse inflicted by a jealous gaze that can cause harm.
Greeks have a firm belief that an evil eye, a glance, can be a curse that has the ability to harm at any moment. Belief in the evil eye is actually an ancient tradition in Greece and Rome. The curse itself is often thought to be unintentional. Some also presume that the evil eye belief relates to our dislike and comfort during staring.
So, the glass eye charms (mataki) ward against the evil eye and are sold (and seen) everywhere. The Greeks are considered superstitious and will wear the charm regularly. I must admit that they are beautiful, and I did buy a bracelet to wear!
There are many ways to “protect” yourself against the evil eye according to Greek tradition. I think wearing a beautiful bracelet, if it will protect me from the evil eye, is not such a bad solution. So, think twice next time someone says, “Don’t give me the evil eye”!
