All you need to know about the Hamsa hand (Hand of Fatima)

The hamsa hand populary knows as the hand of Fatima is a symbol of great notoriety, this mysterious drawing is present on many objects and it is even possible to see it on tattoos but it is important to know that this symbol is not simply aesthetic, it has a real meaning.

hamsa-hand-meaning

Many people think that the hand of Fatima is an Islamic religious symbol but it is important to know that this symbol is present in many other religions and the hamsa hand meaning may vary depending on the culture.

There is a lot of confusion about the hamsa hand, that’s why we decided to write this article to enlighten you about it.

Here are the different points we will discuss in this article:

  1. The symbol of the Hand of Fatma
  2. Its different names
  3. Its history and origins
  4. The meaning of the hamsa hand in the religions
  5. The different types of hand of fatma jewelry
  6. Is this symbol for you ?
 
 

THE SYMBOL OF THE HAMSA HAND

Maybe when you hear about the hand of Fatima or hamsa you don’t know what it is but one thing is sure, you must have already seen this symbol somewhere.

In fact, for many years now, the hamsa hand has been very present, whether in drawings on walls, tattoos or jewelry.

Many celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston have even been seen wearing necklaces, pendants, rings, bracelets or earrings bearing the Fatima hand.

RECOGNIZING THE HAND OF FATIMA

Although there are several variations of the hamsa , the central aspect of this symbol always remains the same and is very easily identifiable thanks to these three main criteria

A palm of the hand
Five fingers including two thumbs
An eye in the center of the palm

Because the hamsa has 5 fingers, everything suggests that it is a representation of a human hand but the fact that it has two thumbs is extremely intriguing.

According to the different religions or cultures, the hand of Fatima can be raised of several other details to embellish it. We can for example find symbols such as trees, stars, elephants, hearts or even flowers such as the lotus flower.

As you can see, the details inside the hamsa hand will be very different from one religion to the other but don’t worry, this one remains easily recognizable.

To better illustrate what we are saying, here is a series of pictures of the different variations of the hand of fatma:

Why is it represented with two thumbs?

When the Hamsa or the hand of Fatima is first discovered, one of the questions that keeps coming up is the meaning of the two thumbs on it. If you don’t know, the khomsa looks like a human hand with five fingers. However, there are three major differences that stand out, and each of them has a meaning.

Fatma’s hand has two symmetrical thumbs
The fact that the Hamsa has five fingers suggests that it is a human hand. However, the presence of symmetry and two thumbs arouses more suspicion. According to some authors, it would be two human hands superimposed back to back or face to face. In each case and whatever the culture, this form of Hamsa refers in some way to a kind of invocation. Thus, the hand of Fatima would be a symbol of hope for those who believe in it.

The three glued fingers facing up or down

As for the position of the vertical fingers of the khomsa, it is certainly the right thing to do. Indeed, in addition to being an undeniable good luck charm, Fatma’s hand is like a spiritual guide. Thus, the three fingers pointing upwards would undoubtedly be a conduct to be held by the people who carry it.

The central eye of Fatma’s symbol

On the palm of the Hamsa, it is possible to recognize a sometimes blue eye. However, note that this does not appear in all representations. According to some works, this eye would be in fact the symbol of protection. Indeed, it is responsible for keeping away the evil eye and attracting positive waves around you.

In some beliefs, the eye of Fatma is replaced by a star, a fish, a triangle, or any other badge specific to the belief. In any case, the central symbol of Fatma’s hand would be the source of protection.

THE COLORS OF THE HAMSA AND ITS MEANING

Although it can be presented in many colors such as green, red, gray or pink, there is still a color traditionally associated with the hamsa, blue.

You may have noticed that most of the time, the hamsa is blue and it is not by chance. Indeed, blue is the representation of the sky and the sea, the two natural elements.

Blue is also a color with precise meanings, it represents wisdom, happiness and truth.

It is therefore for these different reasons that blue is traditionally associated with the hamsa.

THE DIFFERENT NAMES OF THE HAND OF FATIMA

Perhaps you are in the opposite situation where you recognize the symbol of the hand of fatma but you did not know it was called that. Again, not to worry! The hand of fatma is known under many names, we will distinguish 4 of them which are the most recognized.

Indeed, the various names of the hand of fatma will vary mainly according to the various religions and beliefs.

Here are the 4 main names:
-Hand of Myriam
-Hamsa or Khamsa
-Hand of Mary
-Hand of Fatma or Fatima
–Tafust (berber)

We will mainly use the name “hand of myriam” in the Jewish culture, “hand of fatima” in the Islamic culture, “hand of mary” in the Christian culture and finally “hamsa” is a more common term which is used by the majority of people although it comes from the Jewish culture.

Don’t worry, we will go into more detail on the meaning of these names a little further down in the article when we will deal with the meanings according to the different religions.

ORIGIN OF THE HAMSA HAND

Although it is very difficult to determine the exact origin of the hamsa hand , you may have guessed it but this symbol is among the most ancient symbols.

Some people believe that the hamsa was created by the Phoenicians and that its creation dates back to more than 1800 years before Christ. The symbol is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia and Carthage, which are now Iraq and Tunisia.

The Phoenicians used the hand of fatma as a simple amulet but over time it began to be considered as an amulet of protection against evil, mainly against the “evil eye”.

It is also important to know that the Phoenicians used the hamsa to pay homage to their goddess Tanit, who was both a goddess of the moon but also the head of their capital.

It is however very difficult to confirm the accuracy of this information but one thing is sure, the hamsa is a symbol dating from several thousands of years and it has a capital importance for the peoples of North Africa and the Middle East.

THE MEANING OF THE HAMSA HAND IN RELIGIONS

As we have explained above, the meaning of the hand of fatma and even its name will vary according to the different religions.

We will find mainly 5 religions in which the hamsa has its own meaning, namely
Islam
Christianity
Hinduism
Buddhism
Judaism

MEANING OF THE HAMSA HAND IN ISLAM

Primarily known as the “Hand of Fatima” in Islam, the hamsa refers to Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. But the symbol also has different meanings depending on the Sunni and Shia sects of Islam.

Sunnis consider the hand of Fatima as a symbol representing the 5 pillars of Islam while Shiites consider it as the five persons of the cloak. Many people also question whether the hand of fatma is haram or not, but it is important to understand that it depends on you and your use of it.

Indeed, using the hand of fatma as a protective symbol would be against one of the fundamental pillars of Islam but you can use this symbol simply for decorative purposes.

To be clear, it is haram to use your fatma’s hand as a good luck charm but it is not haram to use it as an ornament.

MEANING OF THE HAMSA HAND IN CHRISTIANITY

For Christians, the hand of fatma has a different meaning and is better known as the “Hand of Mary”. This name is not insignificant since it refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

It is important to know that in Christianity, in general very few symbols other than the cross are accepted but the hamsa is an exception to the rule probably because of its link with Judaism.

The hamsa can be translated as a symbol representing Mary’s position above humanity as an understanding and caring mother. Some people also say that the hamsa is the representation of God’s will through the hand of man, but unfortunately we do not have more information on this subject.

Many Christians are hesitant to wear the hand of Mary because of its links with other religions, but know that you have everything to gain by wearing this symbol of protection.

MEANING OF THE HAMSA HAND IN JUDAISM

There are several meanings of the hand of fatma in Judaism but also several denominations. Generally known as “Hamsa”, this name is actually derived from the Hebrew word “hamesh” which means “five”. Again, this is not insignificant since the number five has sacred connotations in Judaism.

Indeed, this number represents the five holy books of the Torah but also serves as a reminder to its owner to praise God using the five senses. But it is important to know that in Judaism, the hamsa can also be known as the “Hand of Miriam”, referring to the name of the sister of Moses, the Jewish prophet.

MEANING OF THE HAMSA HAND IN BUDDHISM

The hamsa hand has a very particular meaning in Buddhism but it is also interesting to note that this meaning is also shared with the Hindus. Indeed, Buddhists and Hindus consider the hamsa as the representation of the energy flow of the chakras in the body but also as the representation of the five senses.

But it is important to know that in Judaism, the hamsa can also be known as “Hand of Miriam”, referring to the name of the sister of Moses, the Jewish prophet.

MEANING OF THE HAMSA HAND IN BUDDHISM

The hand of fatma has a very particular meaning in Buddhism but it is also interesting to note that this meaning is also shared with the Hindus.

Indeed, Buddhists and Hindus consider the hamsa as the representation of the energy flow of the chakras in the body but also as the representation of the five senses.

It is also important to know that this meaning goes even further than that since in reality, each of the fingers of the fatma hand is the representation of a chakra and an element.

FINGERS CHAKRAS ELEMENTS
THUMB SOLAR PLEXUS FIRE
INDEX FINGER HEART AIR
MIDDLE FINGER THROAT ETHER
RING FINGER ROOT EARTH
SACRED LITTLE FINGER WATER

HAMSA HAND MEANING IN GENERAL

Although its meaning or denomination may vary according to different beliefs and religions, there is one point that remains unchanged: The Fatima hand is a symbol of protection that will protect you from the evil eye, negative energies and thoughts.

It is also important to know that the inclination of the hand has a capital importance with regard to its meaning and its properties. Indeed when the hand is turned upwards, it is representative of protection and will keep you protected from negative energies like jealousy, hatred, greed or lust.

This is the most known meaning of all, but when the hand is turned downwards, the meaning of it is quite different. When it is turned downwards the hamsa is a symbol of abundance and luck, it can be considered as a lucky symbol just like the ladybug, the mistletoe, the horseshoe, the four-leaf clover or the rabbit’s foot. When you wear the hamsa facing down, you will be able to attract good things in your life.

The Hamsa and the number 5: what are the links

Although there is no proof, the five fingers of Fatima’s hand are interpreted differently by different religions. For the Jews, it would be the five books of the Torah which is the sacred book in Judaism. As for Muslims, Fatima’s hand has five fingers in connection with the five pillars of this religion. Christians and Buddhists have no particular interpretation of this number. They believe, as do most people, that each finger of the hand symbol represents hope in the face of problems.

We can also make connections between the number 5 of Hamsa and the five senses of the human body. For some pagan beliefs in North Africa, each finger of the hand of Miriam would be linked to a sense of the human body. Thus, this symbol of protection would be at the origin of our spiritual senses.

FATMA’S HAND AND LUCKY CHARMS

If you wish not to protect yourself from the evil eye but to attract good fortune in your life, you can easily associate your fatma’s hand with other different lucky symbols in order to multiply your chances to attract success and happiness to you.

USING THE HAMSA HAND

To use the hamsa and enjoy its protection, there are no miracle methods or quirks whatsoever, you simply need to keep this symbol with you on a daily basis.

However, there are two points that are important to keep in mind:

Permanence
Proximity

Indeed, the longer you keep your Fatima hand close, the more effective it will be. But that’s not all, the closer it is to you, the more effective it will be. It is important to understand that owning objects bearing the hand of the fatma is useless if you do not keep them close to you on a daily basis.

This is why the best way to use your hamsa properly is to acquire a piece of jewelry that will accompany you throughout the day. To take it a step further, you can even combine it with a natural stone bracelet made with stones that have protective properties.

SHOULD I WEAR FATIMA’S HAND?

Now that you have learned about the origin and meaning of the hand of fatma, a question arises:
Should I wear the hand of fatima? Is it made for me?

As you can see, whether you are Muslim, Christian, Jewish or Buddhist, the hamsa hand will give you the benefit of its elegance and its protective properties. Although its meaning varies according to religions and beliefs, the hand of fatma remains above all an amulet of protection but also a symbol of decoration.

If you appreciate the history and meaning of the Fatima hand, you can easily wear it as jewelry or other decorative objects. If this symbol is really important to you, why not get it tattooed and if you are not yet ready for a permanent tattoo, why not start with an ephemeral tattoo, it’s up to you.

And if the hamsa hand means nothing to you, know that this symbol has become very trendy and many people wear it only for its aesthetic aspect.

WHAT TO REMEMBER ABOUT HAMSA

To conclude, it is important to keep in mind that the hamsa hand is a symbol that can be both decorative or protective, it will depend on your beliefs and your expectations towards it.

If you wear it for protection or good luck, it will bring you what you are looking for but if you wear it simply as decoration and without any particular expectations, it will not bring you anything more than an aesthetic aspect.

If you are Muslim, you can wear it in this sense and it will not be haram. Another very important element to take into account is that the Fatima hand, although it has been associated with several religions and its origin is still very vague, is in no way a sign of religious affiliation.

So no matter what your religion, gender or skin color, you can use the hamsa hand without any problem.