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What do we mean when we say Hamsa jewelry? Hamsa jewelry refers to jewelry accessories that feature the popular Hamsa hand motif. Hamsa hand is one of the most ancient amulets in the history of human culture. In recent years, Hamsa hand is found on many kinds of objects in home and office spaces, cars and shops: decorative wall hangings, blessings for the home and business, key rings and more. The Hamsa hand has also entered the field of fashion accessories, with jewelry in particular.
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Hamsa jewelry has claimed a special place within the Jewish jewelry niche which often draws on symbols from the Jewish and Israeli cultures. Why has Hamsa jewelry become so popular?
Hamsa hand is traditionally believed to ward off the evil eye and bless its owner with good luck and protection. The Hamsa is shaped as a symmetrical five-finger hand with a thumb on each side. The name - Hamsa (or Chamsa) literally means "five" in Arabic, referring to the five stretched fingers of the hand.
Archeologist findings suggest that the origins of Hamsa can be traced to thousands of years ago. First appearances of Hamsa hand are linked to the Moon goddess Tanit, who was one of the patron goddesses of Carthage. Hamsa has been adopted by the Jewish and Muslim cultures, but it is not a religious symbol.
In Islam, Hamsa is also known the Hand of Fatima or Eye of Fatima. The Fatima refers to Fatima Zahra, the daughter of Mohammad, the prophet of Islam. There is an interesting story behind that name. According to folklore, Fatima was stirring hot milk when her husband Ali suddenly entered the room in with another woman. Fatima was so overwhelmed that her spoon fell into the boiling stew. Without noticing, Fatima kept on stirring using her own hand. Thus, the hand of Fatima has turned thus into a symbol of faith and tolerance. The eye that is often incorporated in Hamsa designs stands for the tear that Fatima shed.
Judaism has adopted the Semitic name, but it should be noted that it bears no connection to Islam. In Jewish tradition, the Hamsa hand is also known as the hand of Miriam, the sister of biblical Moses and Aaron from the book of Exodus. Miriam took an active part in the successful escape of the Israelites from Egypt. Hamsa is also known as the protective hand of God. Many Kabbalists see the five fingers as representing the five books of the Torah.
Many Jewish jewelry accessories incorporate more than one motifs that are believed to ward off the evil eye. Based on the Kabbalah teachings, certain symbols are considered to fight negative energies such as images of fish, birds and human eyes. Other items are inscribed with the Hebrew psalms from the Book of Psalms or other famous prayers that are believed to provide protection and blessing to the wearer, like Shema Yisrael or Tefilat Haderech.
Hamsa jewelry has enjoyed a growing popularity since it brings together faith, fashion and a personal style. However, many people choose to wear Hamsa jewelry just because they like the way it looks and since it has become a fashionable accessory. Hamsa jewelry has become a popular Jewish gift given on special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Bar or Bat Mizvahs. Giving someone a protective talisman, such as a Hamsa pendant or a bracelet shows you care for them and their safety.
Here we offer you an extraordinary collection of Hamsa jewelry in contemporary designs by renowned Israeli Judaica artists. Our magnificent Hamsa jewelry provides you with a wonderful opportunity to bless yourself with in a stylish way. All items are handmade by Israel's finest Judaica designers.
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