The Significance of the Hand of Miriam in Judaism

Hamsa Bracelet

In former years, it seemed as if the eastern origins of the Hamsa hand or the, "hand of Miriam," as it is referred to in Jewish society, was a sticking point for many due to the political unrest between the Jews and Islamic countries. However, recent years has seen a significant upturn in its re-establishment as a good luck symbol and charm. Its function has however been somewhat extended from functioning only as a kind of evil eye jewelry piece. Now, it can be seen on postcards, wall decorations and key chains as representations of well wishes sent to the recipient. Indeed, it has become somewhat trendy amongst the youth, many of which may know little about its cultural origins and may simply wear these pendants as fashion accessories. Many of them still contain images of the symbol known to ward off the curse produced by the evil eye, and it seems as though it is not only the religiously devout that bear these symbols today.