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evil eye, glance believed to have the ability to cause injury or death to those on whom it falls; pregnant women, children, and animals are thought to be particularly susceptible. Belief in the evil eye is ancient and ubiquitous; it occurred in ancient Greece and Rome, in Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions, and in indigenous, peasant, and other folk societies, and it has persisted throughout the world into modern times. Those most often accused of casting the evil eye include strangers, malformed individuals, childless women, and old women.
The power of the evil eye is sometimes held to be involuntary; a Slavic folktale, for example, relates the story of a father afflicted with the evil eye who blinded himself in order to avoid injuring his own children. More frequently, however, malice toward and envy of prosperity and beauty are thought to be the cause. Thus, in medieval Europe it was considered unlucky to be praised or to have one’s children or possessions praised, so some qualifying phrase such as “as God will” or “God bless it” was commonly used.
The so called “Evil Eye” is a classic example of spiritual syncretism. It’s origin is neither Christian nor Muslim — yet the belief system that it stands for has through long proximity been partially assimilated by adherents to both of of those religions.
It goes several names, but for example in Turkey it is usually known as Nazar. It is simply a symbol, usually a concentric pattern of circles in blue and white, that is supposed to ward off evil spirits. The symbol is so universal in Turkey that it is almost impossible to avoid. Even as a Christian with no interest in having them around I am constantly finding the things floating around my house. They are printed on receipts, dropped as tokens into shopping bags and boxes, woven into clothing, left behind by wary guests, and generally come out of the woodwork like dust bunnies.
The Nazar or Evil Eye symbol is actually just the most visible of many Animistic beliefs. The use of this symbol is actually fundamentally incompatible with Islam, but the two beliefs are widely practiced side by side and people are generally unaware of the conflict of interest they pose to each other.
In addition to being incompatible with Islam, belief in the Evil Eye to ward off evil spirits is almost universally seen as incompatible with the core doctrines of Christianity (as are almost all other incarnations of Animism). If some of our trust for safety is placed in something other than Christ, that thing becomes an idol that detracts from our focus on our Savior. The one who is able to protect us from all evil Spirits is the one who Himself triumphed over them:
Colossians 2:15 (ESV) He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
Measures taken to ward off the evil eye vary widely between cultures. For example, some authorities suggest that the purpose of ritual cross-dressing—a practice that has been noted in the marriage ceremonies of parts of India—is to avert the evil eye. Asian children sometimes have their faces blackened, especially near the eyes, for protection. Among some Asian and African peoples the evil eye is particularly dreaded while eating and drinking, because soul loss is thought to be more prevalent when the mouth is open; in these cultures, the ingestion of substances is either a solitary activity or takes place only with the immediate family and behind locked doors. Other means of protection, common to many traditions, include the consumption of protective foodstuffs or decoctions; the wearing of sacred texts, amulets, charms, or talismans (which may also be hung upon animals for their protection); the use of certain hand gestures; and the display of ritual drawings or objects.
What does the Bible say about the evil eye symbol?
The Bible does not talk about the evil eye symbol, and although the Bible has numerous mentions, it is in a completely different context.
We will look at several instances where the Bible talks about the evil eye and what each instant means. The quoted verses were obtained from the King James Bible online.
It is possible they could wear them without any knowledge of the evil eye, because Christians do not believe in the evil eye. They think the evil eye is merely an old superstition. When a Christian wears jewelry, such as an evil eye necklace, it is only because it is a pretty adornment.
Every “evil eye” necklace I’ve ever seen contain blue stones, and the blue stone is traditionally believed to protect its wearer against the evil eye. The blue evil eye is actually believed to be a protective amulet.
1.Proverbs 23:6
The Bible states,“Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:” In this verse, the Bible cautions us not to eat with a person with an evil eye.
But who is a person with an evil eye? The answer lies in other translations of the Bible. In other translations, it is clear that the person with an evil eye is selfish, stingy or a miser.
Therefore, the evil eye has nothing to do with supernatural abilities to cause evil.
2. Proverbs 28:21-22
The Bible states, “To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” In this verse, the Bible cautions a person with an evil eye or a stingy person.
It declares that he will end up being poor because of his selfish and stingy behavior. Therefore, the Bible does not mention the evil eye in the context of supernatural powers from a gaze.
3. Deuteronomy 15:9
In this verse, the Bible warns the people of Israel against depriving the poor among them of the help that they need.
It states, “Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.”
Therefore, having an evil eye in this context is denying the poor the help they need.
4. Matthew 20:15
In this verse, Jesus gave a parable of a farmer who paid the workers equally, although some come late during the day. Workers who came in the morning felt bad because their wage was the same.
Consequently, the farmer told them not to have an evil eye because of his goodness to others. Therefore, the evil eye is used in the context of feeling bad when good things happen to others.
5. Mark 7: 21-23
In this verse, the evil eye is used in the context of a vice, whereby people are jealous of others’ success.
What religion does the evil eye come from?
The evil eye beliefs are common in most cultures across the world. However, the most prominent religions with the belief include the Hindus, Buddhists, Islam and some Jews.
Among all the religions and cultures, the evil eye symbol was used as protection against the evil supernatural powers and misfortunes that result from the gaze of an evil person.
Is it OK to wear the evil eye as a Christian?
It is OK for Christians to wear the evil eye as an ornament. However, it is not OK for Christians to wear it for protection.
Wearing it for protection would mean that a Christian has no faith in the protection that comes from God.
Can you wear an evil eye with a cross? Why?
Yes, you can wear an evil eye with a cross because wearing an evil eye as an ornament or as a trend does not prevent you from wearing any other form of ornament or religious symbol.
You can wear multiple forms of ornaments simultaneously as long as you are comfortable in them.
However, it is contradictory if you wear the evil eye and the cross for protection or religious purposes because Christianity does not believe in the curse from a gaze.
Tip for Wearing an evil eye as a Christian
1. Have several evil eye jewelry with colors matching your favorite outfits. Matching jewelry with outfits gives you a classy look.
2. Have large and small-sized evil eye jewelry. When going for religious functions, it is advisable to wear small-sized evil eyes to ensure they are not conspicuous to avoid the scrutiny of judgement Christians who may not understand the reason for wearing.
Conclusion
The evil eye has its origin in religious and cultural beliefs. For ornamental purposes, Christians can wear evil eyes to keep up with trends.
