The evil eye existed in the whole region of Mesopotamia, especially Babylonia, Assyria and Chaldea. Since the ancient times, several cultures have believed that an evil stare can cause bad luck, an illness, or even death. So, is this belief in the evil eye uniquely Greek? Of course not. The origins of the evil eye are outside Greece This was probably due to the fact that light colored eyes were uncommon around the Mediterranean at the time. This could affect, and potentially even kill, weak creatures like babies, young children and small animals.Īccording to Plutarch, people from certain regions of the world, as well as people with blue eyes, were better at casting the evil spell. In his work, Symposiacs, he explained that the human eye could radiate negative energy. In the 1st century AD, the Greek philosopher Plutarch attempted to give a scientific explanation. Several classical authors, like Hesiod, made a reference to the evil eye. They all served the same purpose: to attract the person’s evil gaze, distracting them from casting their spell.ĭuring the classical era, painted eyes were also a common theme on boats sailing around the Aegean Sea and the Greek islands, to protect them from harmful powers and help guide the ship through potential hazards. These pieces were believed to have talismanic power, and protect their owner from the evil stare. Other apotropaic symbols and practices in Ancient Greece include amulets, scary depictions like Medusa’s head, and numerous phallic symbols, like the ones found in Ancient Delos. They are called apotropaic, from the ancient Greek word αποτρέπειν, which means to block, or deter. The painted eyes may have been meant to ward off the evil spirits that could enter the body when wine was consumed. The concept of the evil eye dates back to the ancient world, and is often thought to originate from ancient Greece. This is based on the presence of eye paintings on Greek drinking vessels from the period of classical antiquity, 6th century BC. The Greek evil eye in Ancient GreeceĪpart from gods and demons, people also believed that bad energy can be transmitted from one person to another, and more specifically through a stare. This has always been a convenient way to rationalize natural phenomena that couldn’t be explained otherwise.Īs an example, the ancient Greeks attributed magical powers to some figures of their history and mythology, such as the 12 Gods of Mt Olympus.ĭemons, magicians and sorcerers were – and still are – common across many cultures, in the Mediterranean region and other areas of the world. Ancient gods and supernatural powersįor several millennia, people have believed in the presence of spiritual, unknown forces, which often dominate nature and the world. Truth, superstition, or plain nonsense? Let’s find out more about this common belief – beginning with the origins. However, people with blue or green eyes, are thought to transmit them more frequently, even if they have no evil intentions whatsoever. Common physical symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, extreme tiredness, and an overall feeling of malaise.Īccording to tradition, anyone with a malevolent glare can pass on the evil eye curse. The affected person can feel bad for no apparent reason. This is often a result of envy, jealousy or other negative feelings. Since ancient years, people have believed that a person can harm other people, animals or even inanimate objects by sending off negative energy. The evil eye is a widespread concept around Greece. But did you know that this concept, which is quite common in contemporary Greek culture, goes back thousands of years? Let’s find out more about this ancient Greek belief. You may have heard of the Greek “evil eye”.
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