Pan-Cultural items related to good luck and good fortune!

A common charm in several Middle-Eastern countries is the Hamsa Hand. You can see it in both Israel and in the Arab countries, among others. It is worn around the neck as a talisman to bring luck and to protect the wearer from general misfortune or the evil eye. To Arabs, it is also known as the hand of Fatima, a daughter of Mohammed. To Israelis, it is sometimes known as the hand of Miriam, Moses' sister. It can also be hung as an amulet in baby carriages or used as a decorative element in a home.

The Hand's origins are lost to history but most sources believe that the hand represents the hand of God, open to protect the wearer from evil. However, based on the alternate names some view the hand as a symbol of a representative of God. This is not always a specific person because some sources see the hand as a representation of the hand of a religious leader (such as a rabbi) raised to bless the assembled. (To some well-versed in Islam and /or Judaism, the powers attributed to the hand are controversial because objects cannot be worshiped as deities and they may be erroneously positioned as false gods. Generally, these cultures have handled this by believing that the hand serves to remind one of God and to draw upon His powers indirectly.)

The Hamsa Hand is used to draw good fortune, happiness, love, and good health to the wearer. In its role of protection, it is also believed to protect from the evil eye. It also brings blessings from God to calm and help wearers focus on the tasks at hand knowing that they are safe from evil.