It’s more than just a symbol; it’s protection, tradition, and timeless style! Whether woven into your jewelry, stitched into your wardrobe, or nestled in your home decor, the evil eye also known as matia in Greek or nazar in Turkish, has transcended centuries and borders. But what is the evil eye, really? Where did it begin, and why does it still hold power today?
While some traditions link the evil eye to malicious intent, others believe it can arise even from admiration; yes, even love. In many cultures, it’s thought that intense emotion, whether envy or praise, can unintentionally cast a harmful gaze. That’s why wearing the evil eye or placing its symbol in your home is believed to shield against negative energy and jealousy.
The concept of the evil eye dates back over 5,000 years. Archaeologists have uncovered references on ancient Sumerian clay tablets and Greek pottery, where it was known as baskania. Greek philosophers like Plutarch even theorized that the eyes could emit invisible rays capable of causing harm.
In Islamic tradition, the evil eye—al-‘ayn—is recognized in both Hadiths and the Qur’an, where believers are urged to seek refuge from envy (Qur’an 113:5).
Today, the Mediterranean remains the heart of evil eye symbolism. In Turkey and Greece, the tradition thrives. The Turkish word nazar means “sight” or “gaze,” and the nazar boncuğu—a handcrafted glass bead in hues of blue, white, and black—is one of the most iconic protective amulets in the world.
In Turkish Language, the idiom ‘’Göz alıcı’’ is often used for a person or an item that is glamorous or attractive. The direct translation of the word is ‘’eye catching’’.
People of the Mediterranean, Middle East and, spirituals often believed that catching eyes is also catching jealousy, regardless of the eye givers’ intention; whether it’s the eye of admiration or envy.
So, gifting an item such as a kimono, tote bag, pillow cover or another home item such as a shower curtain to your loved ones with evil eye prints can be a good idea!
In a world filled with noise, fast fashion, and spiritual disconnection, symbols like the evil eye serve as grounding forces. They remind us to be intentional with our energy and to protect our peace.
The rise of spiritual symbols in fashion shows how more people are seeking meaning in what they wear. Wearing the evil eye isn’t just about style but also about protection, identity, and mindfulness.From evil eye necklaces to kimono patterns and home decor, the symbol is both beautiful and powerful. At Iconium, our handmade fashion blends Turkish craftsmanship, natural cotton, and ancient motifs, inviting our customers to wear pieces that protect their energy and celebrate their roots.
As an immigrant-owned fashion brand, Iconium believes in honoring the old while shaping the new. Through every cotton kimono and peshtemal we design, we carry forward the stories, values, and protection symbols of Mediterranean culture and offer them to a modern world that’s craving meaning.
Bir yanıt yazın