The Evil Eye charm was born of the age-old superstition that one person can cast a spell on another. To prevent this, artisans created a blue glass “eye” that “looks” straight back at the spell-caster as if to say “I see what you’re doing. It won’t work!”

It has no religious significance, and few people really believe in the evil eye superstition anymore. But it’s such an enjoyable tradition, and a beautiful little piece of craft-art, that Evil eye charms are
spreading throughout the world—especially on babies.

In Turkey, where your Evil Eye charms were made by hand, no self-respecting parents, no matter how worldly or sophisticated, would allow their precious bundle of joy to spend an unguarded moment without an Evil Eye charm (Nazar Bonjuk in Turkish) pinned to its snuggly, sunsuit or diaper. Look at any baby and you’ll see a Nazar Bonjuk.

The Evil Eye charm is not just for children. You’ll see them hanging in cars, taxis, buses and trucks to ward off accidents. You’ll see them in shops and other businesses to bring good luck.
Even formal occasions demand Evil Eye charms. I’ve heard that at a posh formal dinner hosted by a Turkish-American association in a luxurious Manhattan hotel, the elegant ladies were all in long gowns, the men in sharp tuxedos.

Sure enough, one graceful lady circulated through the well-dressed crowd during the cocktail hour pinning Nazar Bonjuks on frilly straps and satin lapels. Everyone must be well protected!
Though the Evil Eye charms take many forms and appear in many shapes and sizes in different countries, the ones you’ve received are among my favorites. If you’d like to order more, please go to www.NazarBonjuk.com.

 

Return to the the Main Page for Suggested Readings on Egypt