Known by many names (Magic Eye, Nazar Boncugu, Evil Eye Bead, Evil Eye, Blue Eye beads, Glass Eye Bead, Eye of Protection, etc.) these Lucky Charms are believed to "reflect evil" and "protect the wearer" against bad luck associated with envious or covetous looks from others and/or negative thoughts or energies.
The evil eye belief is that a person -- otherwise not malific in any way -- can harm you, your children, your livestock, or your fruit trees, by *looking at them* with envy and praising them. The word "evil" is unfortunate in this context because it implies that someone has "cursed" the victim, but such is not the case. A better understanding of the term "evil eye" is gained if you know that the old British and Scottish word for it is "overlooking," which implies merely that the gaze has remained too long upon the coveted object, person, or animal. In other words, the effect of the evil eye is misfortunate, but the person who harbours jealousy and gives the evil eye is not necessarily an evil person per se. |
