For thousands of years, people have been plagued by the haunting belief that envious or disdainful gazes could bring them harm, injury, bad luck or even death. In response, various cultures have created jewelry and other talismans to protect themselves from the negative effects of what has come to be known as the evil eye.
Ancient Evidence of Belief in the Evil Eye
One such ancient artifact was discovered in Croatia. An eye-catching ring dating back to the 3rd century, this particular ring depicts either a rabbit or a mouse nibbling a flower (believed to be a sign of happiness) and an eye above the scene—a symbol meant to protect the wearer from misfortune. It was one of about 200 artifacts found in Vinkovci, a town in Croatia that predates Roman occupation.
One of the oldest known texts mentioning the evil eye is a clay tablet inscribed with prayers used to ward off its effects. It was created by the Sumerians around 3000 BC. A similar prayer is still in use amongst many cultures around the world.
However, the concept of an evil eye may predate the written word. Many researchers suggest that 10,000-year-old drawings found on cave walls in Spain also depict symbols that were meant to defend individuals from the evil eye.
Ruby eye pendant from an ancient civilization in Mesopotamia. Adilnor Collection. (Danieliness / CC BY SA 3.0)
The Evil Eye as a Worldwide Phenomenon
Belief in the evil eye is a worldwide phenomenon, which transcends geographical boundaries. In the Middle East, the concept of…
