The Greek Evil Eye – An Ancient Belief

As you walk through the tourist shops in Greece, you’ll notice many charms and jewelry featuring a blue eye. This symbol is connected to the concept of the ” Greek evil eye” – known in Greek as kako mati, a belief that dates back to Ancient Greece during its peak.

A Belief That Stands the Test of Time

The belief in the evil eye is still very strong today, not just in Greece, but also in many countries where Greek communities live. You can also read about Greek evil god and goddesses.

The Power of the Evil Eye

The evil eye is believed to be a curse cast by a look filled with negative feelings like anger or jealousy. This look can be given without the person even knowing they’re doing it. The curse can cause bad things to happen to the person who receives the look, like a sudden headache, feeling dizzy, or having bad luck for a few days. Women and children are thought to be more vulnerable to the evil eye.

Recognizing the Curse

For instance, if a friend compliments your new hairstyle and later that day you get a terrible headache, people might say you were cursed by the evil eye. It’s also said that people with blue eyes are more likely to give the evil eye, which is why many of the charms you see for protection have blue eyes on them. To keep yourself safe from the curse, it’s common to wear an evil eye charm, called mati, or a cross on a chain – or even better, both!

Ancient Origins of the Evil Eye

The first known mention of the evil eye was found on clay tablets in Mesopotamia. The evil eye was a popular theme in Ancient Greek stories. People used to think that harmful rays could come out of someone’s eyes and hurt others.

The Spread of the Evil Eye Belief

The first charms to protect against the evil eye appeared around the 6th century BC. The belief in the evil eye spread far and wide when Alexander the Great shared Greek culture with the East.

The Evil Eye in Different Cultures

The idea of the evil eye isn’t just in Greek culture. In Pakistan, it’s called nazor, and to protect themselves, people read passages from the Koran. In Islam, it’s believed that some people have the power to harm others with their gaze. In Jewish culture, many people wear a charm shaped like a hand to defend against the evil eye.

The Evil Eye in Modern Greek Culture

Even today, many people in Greece still strongly believe in the evil eye. It’s common to hear that admiring a newborn baby might bring the curse, so after looking at the baby, people might spit on the ground and make a ‘flou flou’ sound to protect the child from the evil eye. Because of this, many parents pin a mati charm to their baby’s clothes for protection.

Greek Traditions for Protection

Greek brides often wear something blue, or they might tuck a mati charm into their flowers or jewelry to stay safe. People of all ages wear mati charms on necklaces or bracelets, and many Greek children wear a blue bead on a string around their wrist for protection.

Additional Ways to Ward Off the Evil Eye

Besides wearing an evil eye charm, there are other ways to protect yourself from the evil eye. Some people dab black soot behind their ears or hang wild garlic and large glass evil eye charms on their walls.

Breaking the Curse of the Evil Eye

There are also special traditions for getting rid of the bad effects of the evil eye, called xematiasma. These traditions can differ from one region to another.

One way to break the curse is by visiting a priest who will say a special prayer three times in front of the person who is affected. In each village, there are also people who know this prayer and can say it three times to help remove the curse.

Knowing When the Curse is Lifted

The person who is cursed will know the prayer worked when they start yawning a lot.

A Piece of Greece to Take Home

If you visit the market in Monastiraki, you’ll find all kinds of evil eye charms, jewelry, mugs, and even glasses with the symbol. Whether or not you believe in the evil eye, these items make beautiful gifts or souvenirs that are truly Greek.

If you are planning trip to Greek you should search and final some destinations to enjoy your trip, I recommend visit Rhodes beaches in Greek to have fun and see beautiful nature of Greek.