The NazarBoncugu, or the Nazar as it is commonly known, is the symbol for the Evil Eye as it is known in the West.

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Often worn as a bracelet or hung at homes, the modern version of the Nazar finds its origins in Turkey, from where it spread across the world and now finds mention of it in various scriptures and cultures.

The Nazar is a blue bead that contains concentric circles inside it and these circles are often either light blue, yellow, white, or black. Apart from Turkey, it finds its most significant mention in the Indo-Pakistani culture.

The term “chashm-e-baddoor” is used extensively in Iran, Pakistan, and India to ward off evil spirits and it also has its connections to the Nazar symbol. The phrase means “far be the evil eye”.

The Nazar is believed to be given as a compliment to someone who is very boastful of their achievements or someone who has recently begotten a lot of fame and fortune. In the guise of this compliment, the victim is cursed by the person with evil intent.

NAZARBONCUGU HISTORY

Nazar, or the Evil Eye, also finds mention of it in Ancient Greek and Roman texts, but the most significant mention of this symbol is that of the Ancient Egyptians. The symbol of the Evil Eye is said to have found its origins in Ancient Egypt and it is linked to the famous symbol of the Eye Of Horus.

Horus was the Egyptian God of the Sky and was depicted as a peregrine falcon in ancient drawings. His right eye, which is the infamous Eye of Horus, is also associated with the Sun God, Ra. It was believed by Ancient Egyptians and also by Greeks and Romans that this eye could cast dark and evil spells just by a glance.

Another myth says that this Eye Of Horus saw every evil in the world. When Horus had his eye open, the world was enlightened, and when this eye closed, the world was shrouded in darkness.

The symbol of the Nazar is used by many religions world-wide and many cultures lay claim to the symbol, although none can definitively say that the symbol came from their religion.

In fact, the symbol of the Nazar Boncugu predates all organised religion and has been traced back to the Paleolithic Era and is said to have been used by Ancient Pagans as well.

The Nazar also has different names in different cultures. Following are a few,

  1. Malus in Ancient Rome
  2. Baskania in Ancient Greece
  3. Chesm Nazar or Nazar Ghorboni in Persia
  4. Mallochia in Italy
  5. Mal Ojo in Spanish
  6. Ayin Hara in Hebrew

But what does the symbol of the Nazar mean exactly? Why was it used in so many different periods of history in such geographically separated places?

Throughout human history, humans have used the symbol of the evil eye. It is so deeply ingrained in our culture worldwide that you can find mentions of it in movies, books, advertisements, and games.

The Eye represents a spell cast by people with evil intentions to bring misfortune upon those they envy. This could be anyone from a celebrity to a regular person who has found recent success. If you are at the receiving end of the curse of the Evil Eye, it is believed misery will befall you and you will be victim to injury, harm, illness, or materialistic misfortune.

To make sure this doesn’t happen, the symbol of the Nazar Boncugu is worn as an amulet to distract the curse of the Evil Eye. Another version of this is the “Kala Teeka” often painted on foreheads, and behind the ears of babies and young children in South-East Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

This is done to distract the curse of the Nazar as well and to make sure the child is in good health as those who have been unable to conceive a child may unwittingly curse the newborn. This brings us to the next point. There are 3 different kinds of
Nazar or Evil Eye Curse.

The first is that which is done unwittingly, such as the example mentioned above. Second is that which is done with intention to harm. And third is the invisible curse, which is said to be the most powerful and dangerous.

NAZAR BONCUGU BRACELET, AMULETS & TATTOOS

There are various types of jewelry that contain the Nazar Boncugu amulet and can be worn. The amulet is found in bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and some even choose to tattoo it on their skin in order to have it permanently attached to them.

These pieces of jewelry can be found easily online at stores such as Amazon and Etsy. Pendants are the most inexpensive of the bunch and can be found under $10 online.

You can also choose to pay an exorbitant amount of money on an evil eye that’s made of precious gems and expensive metals. Although both do the same job, the latter does elevate the overall aesthetic of your house.

WHERE TO HANG NAZAR?

There are many different uses for the Nazar amulet and many different ways in which you can utilize its powers.

  1. You can use it as a gift for parents who have just given birth as a way to safeguard the child’s future. These beads and amulets can help ward off evil spirits while also functioning as a decorative piece for the newborn.
  2. You can also hide a small Nazar amulet in your clothing in order to ward off the evil eye since technically the Nazar isn’t to be seen by anyone. This isn’t practiced always, obviously, but it still can be in case you want the full effect of the Nazar.
  3. Nazar amulets can also be used to decorate your home while simultaneously protecting your entire family from evil spirits and envious people with bad intentions. The decorative pieces come in various shapes, sizes, and materials so there are a lot many options for you to choose from.