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You are here: Browse: Home / 2014 / August / 07 / What is a Hamsa?

What is a Hamsa?

August 7, 2014 Blue White Jewellery HamsaJewellery

At BlueWhite we are proud to support trade from all parts of the Israeli community.  This month, we pray especially for peace throughout the region.

You will note that on our home page, we have highlighted the hamsa which is the hand of peace acknowledged by all communities across the Middle East.

A hamsa is an amulet shaped like a hand, with three extended fingers in the middle and a curved thumb or little finger on either side.

The hamsa hand is an ancient Middle Eastern talismanic amulet representing the Hand of G-d and believed to protect from harm against evil forces and the “evil eye” and bring the wearer happiness, protection, health, peace, luck and fertility.

The name “hamsa” comes from the Hebrew word “hamesh,” which means five. “Hamsa” refers to the fact that there are five fingers on the talisman, though some also believe it represents the five books of the Torah. Sometimes it is called the Hand of Miriam, after Moses’ sister.

In Islam, the hamsa is called the Hand of Fatima, in honour of one of the daughters of the Prophet Mohammed. Some say that in Islamic tradition the five fingers represent the Five Pillars of Islam.

Many scholars believe that the hamsa predates both Judaism and Islam, though no one is certain of its origin.

In addition to being shaped like an oddly formed hand, many hamsas will have an eye displayed in the palm of the hand. The eye is thought to be a powerful talisman against the “evil eye.” The evil eye is a certain “look” that can cause bad luck for the person at whom it is directed.

Hamsa necklaces are available to buy from BlueWhite.

About BlueWhite

BlueWhite is proud to buy exclusively from Israel, to support trade across all parts of the Israeli community. We buy directly from suppliers who work with Jews, Christians, Arabs and all different citizens of Israel. Our ethos is to support peace in the region through trade, enabling families to have an income to support their families, as we all live peacefully together.

Our company was started to help and encourage members of all communities to buy art and Judaica, uniquely designed and made in Israel. BlueWhite aims to showcase new artists, and offer practical support to Israel, whilst providing a much needed service to the community, by bringing Israel to the UK, for those who cannot afford to go, or who feel that the current situation prevents them visiting for the moment.

We aim to support artists whose work is made in Israel, so that the local economy is being supported properly. This includes artists who work with all the peoples of Israel, both Jews and Arabs. However, we do also support companies who design in Israel, employ in Israel, but also choose to manufacture in many different countries. By working in this way, we are trying to promote peace and economic stability in the Holy Land.

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