The evil eye is a belief that dates back thousands of years and is present in over a third of the world’s cultures. Its influence remains significant today, especially in Mediterranean regions, the Middle East, South Asia, and Celtic countries. The core idea is that envy or ill will—whether intentional or not—can bring about harm, misfortune, or illness simply through a look or a compliment.
The earliest mentions of the evil eye are found in ancient Mesopotamian texts. The belief was later adopted by the Greeks and Romans. Philosophers such as Plutarch and Pliny the Elder discussed the evil eye, attributing its effects to the destructive nature of envy.
In many cultures, the evil eye is linked to the color blue. As a result, blue beads and amulets are commonly used for protection. In Turkey, the nazar boncuğu—a blue glass eye—is often displayed in homes, vehicles, and jewelry to ward off negative energy. In Italy, the malocchio is countered with gestures like the mano cornuta, or “horned hand,” and with red coral charms. In South Asia, black kohl is applied to children’s foreheads to shield them from envious glances. Similarly, in Latin America, red strings or bracelets are tied around infants’ wrists for protection.
In Greece, the evil eye is called the matiasma. It is believed that even a simple compliment, such as admiring someone’s shoes, can unintentionally cast the evil eye. People with blue eyes are sometimes thought to be more likely to transmit this energy, possibly because blue eyes are rare in the region.
Traditionally, mothers are considered especially skilled at recognizing and removing the evil eye from their children. The knowledge of protective prayers and rituals is often passed from mother to daughter, but a woman may not learn these incantations until she becomes a mother herself. At that time, she is prayed for and protected, as she is seen as particularly vulnerable to spiritual harm.
A traditional Greek prayer for mothers seeks divine protection: “…and with bright, shining Angels enfold and cherish her, guarding her round about against every attack of invisible spirits; yea, Lord, from sickness and infirmity, from jealousy and envy, and from the evil eye.”
The methods for diagnosing and removing the evil eye differ across cultures. In Greece, a mother may recite secret prayers while performing rituals with water or olive oil. In other regions, burning incense, making protective gestures, or using amulets are common practices.
Despite its ancient origins, belief in the evil eye continues to influence daily life, social customs, and spiritual practices around the world. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of intention, envy, and the unseen forces that connect people across cultures.
