Evil Eye Bracelet Meaning and the Origins of the Blue Eye

Few symbols cross cultures quite like the blue eye

You might see it in a market in Istanbul, in a grandmother’s home in Greece, in a car in Jerusalem or on a girl’s bracelet in Tel Aviv

What is the evil eye?

The evil eye is an ancient and widespread belief that a look filled with envy or jealousy can cause harm or bad luck

The belief appears in the writings of ancient Greek and Roman authors and in many traditions across the Mediterranean and the Middle East

In Hebrew, it is familiar from expressions such as "without the evil eye" or "without the evil eye, may you be healthy", usually said after a compliment, especially about children

The evil eye across religions and cultures

In Jewish tradition The concept appears frequently in rabbinic literature, and Pirkei Avot describes an "evil eye" as a trait to avoid, with some commentators understanding it mainly as an expression of envy and begrudging others

In Muslim tradition It is customary to say "Mashallah", meaning "as God has willed", when complimenting someone, and there are hadiths that address the subject

Among Christians Folk customs surrounding the eye are common in the Mediterranean, Greece and the Levant, alongside church figures who have treated it primarily as a moral problem of envy

In Latin America The concept is known as "mal de ojo", and small bracelets are traditionally worn by babies

Nazar: the blue eye

The nazar, called Nazar Boncuğu in Turkish, is a blue glass bead with concentric circles of dark blue, white, light blue and black, giving it the appearance of an eye

It is especially common in Turkey, Greece and the eastern Mediterranean, and its origins are linked to the region’s long tradition of glass beads

According to folk belief, the "eye" sends the harmful gaze back to the person who cast it

Why blue? The explanations come from folk tradition, and some link the color to the rarity of blue eyes in the region and the beliefs surrounding their gaze

The eye in jewelry

Today, the eye is a much-loved design motif as well as a traditional symbol

It appears as a small pendant, as part of an evil eye bracelet, alongside a Hamsa and sometimes set with a stone or blue enamel

Some wear it out of belief and family tradition, while others simply enjoy its color and appearance

How to choose

• A delicate design: A small eye on a fine necklace works well for everyday wear and for combining with other jewelry
• Hamsa and eye together: A popular choice for someone who enjoys both symbols
• Bracelet or pendant: An evil eye bracelet is a thoughtful gift for children and teenagers, while a pendant is more often chosen for adults
• Metal color: Silver tones bring out the blue with a cool, clean look, while gold tones give it a warm, elegant feel