Wearing an Evil Eye Jewellery: Protection and Charm Rolled in One
From Mediterranean blue nazar beads to talismans and threads woven into the everyday lives of millions in India, the evil eye is one of the oldest symbols of protection from negativity in the world. Evil eye jewellery is not a passing trend; it’s a cultural practice, an amulet of protection generations in the making and based on folklore, wisdom, and ritual. However, one must ask- why has it carried through eons as objects of protection and why are evil eye motifs, especially in the form of jewellery so powerful in the Indian psyche? Do evil eye bracelets work?
This blog explores why evil eye jewellery has been such a popular talisman of faith and protection; and the benefits of wearing an evil eye jewellery.
The Lore of the Evil Eye
Belief in the evil eye, or "nazar" in India, runs deep in various continents, but continues to be particularly strong in Indian culture. The evil eye has been viewed since ancient times as a glare of envy or malice that could bring bad luck, illness, or misfortune to the unsuspecting victim. These victims are not only adults. Children, babies, brides, valuable possessions, or even homes are all believed to be especially susceptible to the malaise of the "nazar".
What unifies all these beliefs is the belief that envy, whether intentional or not, has energy, and energy carries real significance- it has the power to cross distances and produce harm.
Evil Eye and Nazar: Indian Rituals to Ward Off Negativity
Evil Eye Rituals have been an essential part of the cultural dysphoria of the Indian masses,with the belief in evil eye penetrating and taking space in the roots of the subcontinent’s sub-conscious. From ‘Kala Tika’ and ‘Kala Dhaga’ when a baby is born- to the evil eye motif; there are many symbols of the mighty evil eye found in India.
Indian families continue to use a plethora of items and rituals to avert the evil eye, referred to collectively as "nazar utarna". These rituals will be very familiar to you, whether you are in an urban center or a rural village and have a lot of evil eye benefits:
Chilli, Mustard Seed, and Salt bundles: A bundle of dried red chillies, mustard seeds, and salt are tied together and circled three or seven times over a person or an object and then burned, discarded, or thrown away. The bubbling and crackling is believed to absorb the negative "nazar" energy, protecting the person from the evil eye.
Black Thread and Black Beads: Babies, children, and adults commonly wear a black thread around their wrist, ankle, or neck. Black beads are also common on babies, usually strung together on a thin gold or silver chain. These "amulets" act as devices to trap or reflect malevolent gaze/intent, thus in turn protecting the wearer.
Black Tika (Kajal Dot): For babies, people frequently place a black dot of kajal behind the ear or on the child's cheek, as a focal point to misdirect or to draw the evil eye away and off the child.
Eye Motifs Everywhere: The “nazar battu” or stylized evil eye, can be painted, mounted on a wall, hung, or worn. The nazar battu can be found on truck bumpers to indicate that the owner is protected from ‘nazar’ and can be found to protect: people, cattle, vehicles, and possessions.
Lemon and Chilli: Many people hang small lemons and chillies threaded together as a protection against the ill-intentions of others, and then are discarded in the centre of intersecting lanes.
These customs are deeply human acts of care and love to ward off misfortune. Each ritual affirms the idea of protection and commands an energy of continuity for their good fortune.
Popular Indian Evil Eye Jewellery Motifs
Nazar Battu Pendants:
A commonly used stylized eye or a combination of geometric shapes, worn near the pulse or heart chakra.
Beaded Bracelets with Top Eye Beads:
Typically made of black or many colored beads with an evil eye made of glass, ceramic, or crystal as the centerpiece. Variations also include Hamsa hands or lotus symbols.
Simple stud earrings made with gold or silver. These may have a tiny sapphire, turquoise or enameled "pupil."
Rings and Anklet Styles:
Many rings or infinity bands are circular inspired and an evil eye bead anklet can also be a bit quirky.
Children's Jewelry:
An adjustable bracelet, baby bangles, or lightweight charm on a chain. Many children will use the evil eye symbol along with black beads for non stop protection.
Why Do We Still Wear Evil Eye Jewellery?
Living Protective - Science may never be able to measure the impact of ‘nazar’, but for many people, evil eye jewellery is a ritual, a reminder that they are protected, cared for, and safe. It is comforting, and especially meaningful during life's transitional moments,and other vulnerable moments.
Fashion Meets Meaning - The evil eye motif is modern and easy to wear. The jewellery can be worn in different ways - a stand-out piece to talk about, a delicate talisman, or layered options. With modern design and ancient meaning—is not limited to age, gender, or aesthetic.
Wishing Good to All - As with other jewellery, giving the gift of evil eye jewellery is viewed as a blessing all the best for the person that receives the gift. It’s the perfect gift for new parents, adventurers, students, sisters’ tying rakhi or anyone at a turning point in their life.
Emotional and Spiritual Balance - The evil eye protects against negativity but also promotes calm and clarity. Many people connect it with promoting emotional balance and warding off day to day stress.
Evil Eye Jewellery- Symbolising Love
The evil eye is an established concept in Indian myth, but the evil eye is a world concept, from the ancient Egyptian Eye of Horus depiction, to the Mediterranean blue glass "nazar" beads. The evil eye energizes a human universal need to protect our loved ones, ourselves and our lives from unseen dangers.
Evil eye jewellery is more than a motif, it is an ancient talisman, changed in a modern form, for everyday use, fashion and meaningful gift-giving. Whether you wear it for the spiritual promise, to touch on your cultural heritage, or to represent a contemporary taste in your own style of fashion, evil eye jewellery wards off ‘Nazar’ and the unseen forces of upheaval.
Let Kicky and Perky’s Exclusive collection of stylish and designer evil eye jewellery protect you from nazar.
