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Crucifixes, Hamsas and Name Necklaces: Charms of the Abrahamic Religions

Jewelry is present in almost every culture around the world, and has been around since man had his first creative thoughts.  It is worn for several reasons—to beautify the wearer, to imply status, to boast wealth, and to serve as a protective force.  Three closely related religions — Christianity, Judaism, and Islam — all use jewelry in such a way.

The Abrahamic traditions believe that jewelry can serve as a defensive barrier, one that wards off evil inclinations.  The wearers often wore jeweled talismans or amulets around their neck, the same way one would wear a comforting name necklace .  In what ways are the charms of these traditions similar?  Let’s find out.

The most famous symbol in Christianity is the crucifix.  It has been used for centuries to guard against evil demons and other sinister creatures.  Exorcists use the cross to free innocent people from dark and mysterious parasites.  The crucifix is often worn as jewelry — whether it be a small silver chain necklace or a heavy golden pendant.  It is also seen in homes and churches, in all sizes and materials—from simple wooden constructions to the most dazzlingly jeweled attractions.  Why not buy a name necklace and show if off next to your elegant cross?

Judaism has featured jewelry in its traditions and customs since Biblical times.  It was used as decoration and as a cultural and religious symbol.  The most renowned symbol may be the Star of David, also called a Jewish star at times.  The six-pointed star adorned the shields of ancient Hebrews in battle, but now is typically seen on bracelets or necklaces, as a sign of good luck and protection.  Both men and women wear the Star of David.

In some circles it is traditional to give a girl a piece of jewelry with her name on it–usually a name necklaces –after a milestone of some sort has been achieved.  Names are often important in Judaism, and women tend to carry around their identity on a silver or gold chain around their neck.  It is not uncommon to see girls at their bat mitzvah—a coming-of-age ceremony that is normally held at age 12 or 13–wearing brand new name necklaces as they dance in celebration.

Another popular symbol-turned-jewelry is the ‘chai.’  The chai is a word that means ‘life,’ and is also worn by Jewish people at various important occasions, as well as during every-day life.  Girls that are named ‘Chaya’ by their parents are doubly lucky, because they may receive name necklaces that are imbued with the chai spirit; Chaya is a feminized form of chai, and so the wearer gets double the luck.

Judaism shares a lucky charm, the hamsa, with Islam.  The word hamsa is derived from the Arabic word that means five, which accurately describes the symbol: a hand with five fingers.  A hamsa can be found virtually anywhere, from synagogues to mosques, cars to homes, earrings to bracelets.  It is worn, like the crucifix, to block out the evil eye.  In this case, form truly matches function, as the hand seems to signal a warning sign to any lurking evil that may have the urge to trespass.

Although the religions have grown apart in practice, they are still fairly similar in ideology.  Who is to say that wearing a crucifix, hamsa, and name necklace wouldn’t make you safer than a friend who only wears one?  Why not bring the religions together and wear all three?

 

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