Nazars

Since it is Friday the 13th, it seemed appropriate

to write about a superstition found in other parts

of the world.  In many Mediterranean and Asian

cultures, the evil eye is a look that is believed to

be able to cause bad luck or injury.  Some use it

as a curse by casting a mean gaze but mainly it is

thought to be attached to envy.  One may give the

evil eye without even knowing it and it is often

thought to be the young that are the victims since

children are given so much attention by strangers.

The belief goes back to antiquity.  In order to ward

off the curse, there are talismans known as Nazars,

which are blue glass eye charms.  They are sold in

every shop in these regions but are not just for

tourists.  You see people wearing them, they are on

houses. in restaurants & hotels, in cars, ships and

even on baby strollers.  With all my purchases, I

think I should be safe.