In ancient Middle Eastern history, the Hamsa was an amulet which represented the 'Hand of God.' For many religions, it is recognised as a sign of protection which brings the person who possesses it happiness, luck, health and love. It is also said to protect from the 'evil eye', hence the dominant eye image within the pattern. The hand is known by many names, including hamesh, khamsa and The Hand of Miriam (Miriam being the sister of Moses and Aaron). The most popular style of the hand includes two symmetrical thumbs.

 

The hamsa pendant has come back into vogue in modern day society, due to a renewed interest in mythical Judaism. Today, hamsa hands are commonly seen as pendants on necklaces and bracelets. Many artists today also use the image of the hamsa hand in their work, including wall hangings, sculptures and paintings.

 

Symbolism: The word 'hamsa' means five - like the five fingers on a hand. However, the number five has many other meanings in Islamic and Jewish traditions, including:

• The five books of the Torah.

• The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet: Heh - one of God's holy names.

• The five pillars of Islam.

• The five people of the cloak for Shi'ites.

(The Neshama Project 2014).

 

Culture: The Middle East is a group of countries in West Asia and Northern Africa that encompasses a number of different ethnic groups, including Jewish, Somali and Arabic groups. It is also the birthplace of many different religions, including Christianity, Islam and Judaism. The hamsa hand has different meanings to all of these ethnic groups and religions, therefore in a lesson or unit on multiculturalism for children, it would need to be made explicitly clear that the meaning of this symbol and art form may vary for different people. Similarly, for the purposes of consistency on this page, the old Middle Eastern flag has been depicted in association with the hamsa hand above. However, many different flags could be appropriately used, given its broader relevance to various different cultural and religious groups. For example, it is said that in Islam, the five fingers represent the hand of Fatima, Mohammed's daughter. Whilst in Christianity, they are said to represent the hand of Mary, the mother of God. The openness of the hand is said to represent the strength of three different major religions within the same region (Kid World Citizen 2011).