Its most common representation is a dark blue circle at the exterior, a white one, a light blue circle on the inside and a black small bead at the center. While some might think this is a great piece of jewelry, or a symbol of some kind, this is, in fact, the expression of the strongest superstition ever existing. The symbol can be found in several cultures but its meaning is always the same – a look which, once cast upon, will most certainly inflict harm, suffering, misfortunes and bad luck. Throwing such a look is meant to provoke severe damage out of several reasons: jealousy, spite or malice.

The evil eye, or “Ayin ha-Ra” is featured in the Talmud and the Kabbalah, and is credited for bringing sickness, tragedy, and pain, etc. Nothing and no-one could escape the danger of being cast with the evil eye, unless he/she manages to deter it with certain rituals or amulets.

The superstition dates back in time to Ancient Greece and Rome, when it was destined to those people who had received an extremely high amount of praise, beyond the limits of what they should have received. Having received excessive praise, one is likely to become infatuated with such a fame and thus become a victim of the evil eye, which would manifest in the form of either physical suffering or mental illness. In those days, any kind of disease which did not offer an immediate cause would be attributed to the evil eye. Also, the punishment consisting of the use of the evil eye used to be attributed to the gods who would thus punish mortals for assuming too much glory upon themselves. The evil eye was meant to restore them to their inglorious conditions as mere mortals.

The belief in the evil eye is spread on all continents, along with several explanations for its manifestation and counter-strike methods. For instance, in the Shahih Muslim Book 26, Prophet Muhammad spoke about the dangers that the evil eye entailed and provided an antidote to its effects by claiming that the one affected should take a bath to counteract it. Additionally, rabbis constantly advised people attending Temple services not to be boast about their wealth and welfare in order to prevent the evil eye being cast upon them by others out of jealousy.

As far as Europe is concerned, there is the belief that the evil eye is brought by malicious looks which will implicitly generate bad luck. Centuries ago, witches were the ones considered responsible for casting the evil eye. Apart from witches, the evil eye could be brought upon someone by the those with rare eye colors, or those whose brows are united.

In all cultures, the general belief is that the evil eye is brought upon someone because of excessive praise. For instance, when speaking about a child, one should not refer to his/her beauty by stating it bluntly, but rather by stating that it was God’s will. In the case of Ashkenazi Jews, excessive praise is considered to be tempting and attracting the evil eye and they use a Yiddish phrase in order to counter it – “Keyn aynhoreh” which means “no evil eye”.

In Judaism, the concept of the “evil eye” was mentioned in the “Ethics of Our Fathers”(Pirkei Avot) in a part comprising a discussion between five disciples of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai, who were engaged in a discussion on how one should always follow the good path in life. Their discussion depicted on essential Judaism concepts. One of these concepts is that of the “good eye”, which describes an attitude of goodness and kindness towards others. Judaism regards the man with an evil eye, as the one who cannot rejoice for someone’s well-being, but would draw great satisfaction from seeing someone hurt. Someone displaying the evil eye poses great danger to the moral purity of others. Such a belief is central to Judaism and as a result, many Jews refrain from talking about their success or valuables they own, and refrain even more from boasting about their children. Should any of these things be brought into discussion, two phrases should be mentioned as well, to prevent attracting the evil eye – “b’li ayin hara” which means “without an evil eye” and “kein eina hara” meaning “no evil eye”. Even the tenth commandment refers to the evil eye in some form or another, as it urges one not to covet others’ belongings.

However, the significance of the evil eye is so strong only in Europe and Asia. On the American continent, the evil eye is seen more as a metaphor, a symbol of impoliteness and a warning of bad intentions.

In order to protect oneself from the negative effects of the evil eye, one can choose to reject it by wearing specific amulets and/or perform specific rituals which are sure to deter it. In the ancient times it was common to carry evil eye amulets, incense and the cross as protection. Mothers would also use several objects as repellents, which they would keep close to their heads or under their pillows: red, black, white, indigo strings (such colors were said to be rejecting the impact of the evil eye), gunpowder (as a metaphor of fighting back), bread, salt (symbolizing preservation), garlic, nails, a ring, silver buckles, etc.

As far as Jews are concerned, from Talmudic times onwards, they have been wearing charm necklaces to prevent the evil eye from being cast upon them. Even today, Jews wear a necklace with the chai symbol (a charm referring to the number eighteen which is very important in Judaism) to prevent any harm. Also, massive celebrations are avoided in order not to invite the evil eye, or are performed along with constantly stating anti-evil eye phrases.

There are several rituals which have been used throughout the time, in order to counter the harmful effects of the evil eye. Their efficiency is debatable, but since they have been used throughout time they are worth mentioning as such. Here is a list of all activities which could be performed in order to counter the evil eye:

• -The use of red or blue objects as well as of mirrors can deter the evil eye;
• -Extreme motion can also counter the evil eye;
• -One could place a precious stone between the eyes;
• -Children can be ridden of the evil eye by placing ash or dirt on their foreheads (naturally, in small quantities);
• -One should spit three times over his fingers if he/she believes the evil eye has been cast upon him/her;
• -Throw salt in the corners of the room;
• -Pierce a lemon with iron objects.