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Original Post:
by: CatPhoenix on Jan 27, 2014

Showing an open right hand, this palm shaped amulet is popular in the Middle East and North Africa. (Arabi term is Khamsha literally meaning five or five fingers of the hand) It is often used on wall hangings, clothing, and jewelry even if people do not know what it is. Though it's purpose is believed to be to protect against the 'evil eye', though it is simply used for protection in some cultures. Here is a some pictures of it.

http://leifpodhajsky.com/HAMSA-AMULET

This symbol out dates Christianity and Islam. In Islam it is know n as the hand of Fatima in commemoration of Muhammad's daughter Fatima Zahra. Some Christians ended up calling it the Hand of Mary and Jews the Hand of Miriam.

The use of the Hamsa has been around for quite some time, to ancient Mesopotamia. As it can be used as a universal sign of protection, the open right hand appears often such as in the frequently used pose of young Buddha for teaching and protection.

The hand also can represent Blessings, power, strength, and again protection from evil.