A Deeper Look into a Familiar Thing
Most of you probably know by now The Story: I started an up-cyled jean jacket business when my best buddy sent me a jean jacket for my 75th birthday. It wasn’t just ANY jean jacket – my jean jacket was emblazoned on the back with a massive sequined hamsa.
That was three years ago and, since then, I’ve been embellishing gently worn jean jackets with a plethora of designs: butterflies, hearts, pirates, evil eyes, and roses. My most favorite, however, is the HAMSA. What a rich and expansive history this object has – spanning cultures, contexts and religions.
Hamsas are known by two other names too: the Hand of Miriam and the Hand of Fatima. A Middle Eastern and North African symbol, it is primarily considered a protective device to ward off the “evil eye.” However, it is also thought to bring not only good luck, but happiness, to the wearer.
So captivating do I find these amulets that not only do I hunt for them, buy them, covet them and wear them, but I hang hamsas all over my home. Often accompanied by this prayer, hamsas focus on themes of protection, love and harmony within the household. And who doesn’t need that?
Hamsa Home Prayer“May this hamsa be a source of protection and blessing for our home,
Shielding us from harm and negativity,
Filling our space with love, joy, and peace.
May our family be united in understanding and support,
Nurturing each other with kindness and compassion.
May laughter and happiness echo within these walls,
And may we find comfort and refuge in each other’s presence.
As we gather here, may we be blessed with health and prosperity,
Guided by this hamsa to create a sanctuary of love.
With gratitude for our shared moments,
We invite blessings to flow freely in our home.”
Less well known is the Hamsa Workplace Prayer – a prayer that hangs in a job setting – often focusing on themes of success, harmony and protection in professional endeavors and promoting mutual support.
Hamsa Workplace Prayer“May this hamsa be a shield of protection in our workplace, guarding us against negativity and obstacles.
May it bring blessings of success, creativity, and collaboration to our efforts.
May we work together in harmony, fostering respect and support among colleagues.
May our endeavors flourish, leading to growth and prosperity for all.
May we find joy and fulfillment in our work, and may our contributions make a positive impact.
With gratitude for the opportunities we have, let this hamsa guide us on our path to success.”And if you are wearing a hamsa?
Not only does it protect you from the “evil eye” but also from negative energies and harmful ill intentions.
It provides strength during difficult times.
It symbolizes a desire for peace and unity.
It attracts good luck and positive vibes.
It enhances spiritual awareness.
Hamsas hang in my bedroom, my living room, my front hall, dining room and gazebo.
Who can resist a hamsa?
Or for that matter, a jean jacket?
Keep Preserving Your Bloom,
