What countries believe in the evil eye? The concept of the evil eye, also known as “nazar,” is deeply rooted in various cultures around the world. It refers to a malevolent gaze that can bring misfortune, illness, or even death to the person upon whom it is cast. This belief is shared by numerous countries, each with its own unique interpretations and practices to ward off the evil eye. In this article, we will explore the countries where the evil eye is widely believed and the various ways in which people protect themselves from its malevolent influence.
In the Middle East, the evil eye is a significant concern for many people. In countries such as Turkey, Iran, and Lebanon, it is believed that the evil eye can be cast intentionally or unintentionally, and it can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or social status. To counteract this, individuals often wear protective amulets or symbols, such as the evil eye charm, which is a blue and white bead with a circular pattern.
In Turkey, the evil eye is considered a powerful curse that can befall a person due to jealousy or envy. To protect against this curse, Turkish people often hang evil eye charms, known as “Nazar Boncugu,” in their homes, cars, and even on their pets. These charms are believed to absorb the negative energy and protect the bearer from harm. Moreover, the evil eye is also a common motif in Turkish art, with depictions of eyes found in various forms, such as on fabrics, ceramics, and even architectural elements.
Similarly, in Iran, the evil eye is a deeply rooted belief, and people take numerous precautions to avoid its ill effects. One of the most popular ways to protect against the evil eye is by wearing a “Sadeh,” a white cloth that is believed to have protective properties. Additionally, Iranian parents often give their children “Sadeh” to wear as a sign of protection. Another common practice is to recite protective verses or prayers, such as the “Du’a against the evil eye,” to shield themselves from its malevolent influence.
Further east, in countries like China and Japan, the evil eye is not as widely recognized as in the Middle East, but it still exists in some forms. In China, the evil eye is associated with the “bad spirit” and can be warded off by using protective talismans or by performing rituals. For example, the “Fu” charm, which is a symbol of good fortune, is often used to protect against the evil eye. In Japan, the evil eye is believed to be caused by misfortune, and people may hang protective amulets or place protective stones in their homes to counteract its effects.
In Europe, the evil eye is also a belief that spans across several countries. In Greece, the evil eye is known as “Mantikia,” and it is considered a serious curse that can bring illness or misfortune. To protect against the evil eye, Greeks may wear a “Mantikia,” a silver or gold amulet that is believed to have protective powers. In Italy, the evil eye is known as “malocchio,” and people often use blue and white evil eye charms to ward off its effects. Additionally, in Eastern Europe, the evil eye is believed to be a curse that can be passed from one person to another, and protective amulets or rituals are used to break the curse.
Despite the differences in cultural practices and beliefs, the evil eye remains a powerful and widely held belief in many countries. From the Middle East to Asia and Europe, people continue to use various methods to protect themselves from its malevolent influence. Whether through wearing protective amulets, reciting prayers, or performing rituals, the evil eye remains a significant concern for many, and its presence in various cultures highlights the enduring power of traditional beliefs and superstitions.
