Hey, friends! It’s Mrs. B here, and I want to share something close to my heart that you might have noticed in almost every design for Unconventional Momma—the Hamsa. If you’ve ever wondered why this symbol shows up so often in my work, today I’m pulling back the curtain to tell you why it means so much to me.

The Hamsa isn’t just a pretty symbol; it’s a powerful talisman with roots in protection, blessing, and good fortune. But beyond its spiritual meaning, the Hamsa holds a special place because it connects me to my heritage—an important part of my family story that’s been somewhat mysterious and deeply cherished.

You see, my great-grandpa was from a place once known as the Syrian Arab Republic, now part of what we call Lebanon. For a long time, there was a bit of friendly family debate over whether he was Syrian or Lebanese. It was one of those stories that passed down with some uncertainty, like a whispered secret. In exploring my family’s history, I found not just a tale but a rich tapestry of culture and identity that has shaped who I am today.

Curious to uncover the truth for myself, years ago I took a DNA test. The results confirmed what my heart hoped: my lineage is indeed Lebanese. That moment gave me a profound sense of connection—not only to my ancestors but also to the rich culture, traditions, and symbolism that come from that part of the world. The Hamsa became a natural emblem for me to embrace and incorporate into my designs, honoring that part of my identity and extending a protective blessing to everyone who wears or carries it.

The Cultural Significance of the Hamsa

The Hamsa, also known as the Hand of Fatima or Hand of Miriam depending on tradition, is a symbol found throughout Middle Eastern and North African cultures, including Islamic, Jewish, and Christian communities. Its shape—a hand with an open palm—represents protection against the “evil eye,” a harmful gaze believed to bring bad luck or misfortune.

In many homes across Lebanon, Syria, and beyond, you’ll find the Hamsa displayed on walls, doors, or hanging near windows to guard the household from negativity. It’s something that transcends mere decoration; it embodies the hope and aspirations of families across generations. It’s also common in jewelry—pendants, bracelets, earrings—and worn to invite blessings, peace, and good health, becoming a cherished part of daily life.

The Hamsa’s significance transcends religion and culture; it’s a universal symbol of hope, safety, and spiritual protection. The intricate designs often include an eye in the palm, symbolizing vigilance and divine watchfulness, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey.

The Meaning of the Hamsa: Upright vs. Pointed Down

The Hamsa can be displayed in two primary ways, Up and down, but did you know each position carries its own meaning:

• Upright Hamsa: When the hand is upright with the fingers pointing up, it is traditionally seen as a symbol of protection and defense against negative energies and the evil eye. It serves as a shield, guarding the wearer or space from harm and inviting positive energy.
• Pointed Down Hamsa: When the hand points downward, it is often interpreted as a symbol of blessings, abundance, and the flow of good fortune into one’s life. This position invites prosperity, fertility, and the nurturing of life’s blessings.

Other orientations:

• Left-Facing Hamsa: This orientation is believed to represent the feminine aspect, intuition, and emotional well-being. It encourages the release of pent-up emotions and fosters a sense of tranquility and peace.
• Right-Facing Hamsa: Symbolizing the masculine energy, this position is seen as a representation of strength, action, and rational thought. It inspires courage and advocates for taking charge of one’s destiny.

With an eye:

• Hamsa with an Eye: Often incorporated into the design, the eye is a powerful symbol meant to ward off negativity and protect against harm. It enhances the hand’s protective qualities and serves as a reminder to remain vigilant against envy and ill-wishing.

All of its orientations are powerful and complementary, embodying the balance of protection and receiving abundance.

The Power of the Evil Eye

Closely linked to the Hamsa is the evil eye symbol itself, often depicted as a blue or green eye. This symbol is believed to protect against envy and harmful intentions—those unseen forces that can bring misfortune or bad energy. The concept of the evil eye can be traced back thousands of years, with various cultures contributing to its rich tapestry of meanings and stories. From ancient Greece and Rome to modern-day practices in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions, the evil eye serves as a reminder of the power of intention and the impact of negative energies that can come from the outside world.

I’ve loved learning about the stories that surround this symbol, how it has evolved yet retained its core purpose spanning generations. Each culture has its peculiar interpretations and customs, reinforcing the universal need for protection against envious thoughts and harmful gazes. This shared belief system creates a sense of community, illustrating how deeply intertwined our spiritual practices can be across disparate cultures.

Evil eye jewelry is worn worldwide as a protective amulet to deflect negative vibes and shield the wearer from harm. It’s more than just an accessory; it’s a daily talisman that carries intention, mindfulness, and spiritual protection. The variety in designs—ranging from minimalist pendants to ornate bracelets—offers something for everyone while serving the same fundamental purpose. Each piece tells a story, a history of resilience and hope that I choose to carry with me.

Wearing this jewelry often sparks conversations and connections with others who share similar beliefs or experiences. It becomes a bridge between personal and collective histories, a beautiful manifestation of shared protection and positivity. With each glance at the symbol, I’m reminded not only of my own journey but also of the profound connections we all share in seeking peace and safety in our lives.

Honoring Heritage Through Nose Piercings

As I acknowledge this part of my heritage, I also pierced my nose—not only to honor the culture I come from but as a symbol of my marriage as well. Nose piercings, especially nostril and septum piercings, hold deep significance in Lebanese and Syrian cultures—but not all, let me be clear about that.

Traditionally, nostril piercings symbolize beauty, womanhood, and status, and septum piercings are sometimes associated with rites of passage and familial ties. Each piercing carries not just personal meaning but also a collective narrative that ties me to countless women before me. The practice of body adornment transcends mere aesthetics; it weaves a rich tapestry of identity, history, and social connection.

By embracing these cultural adornments, I feel a tangible connection to the ancestors and traditions I once felt distant from. It awakened in me a sense of pride, belonging, and hope for the future—a bridge between the past and the present that enriches my identity every day. At times, I reflect on the stories of the women in my family who came before me, their lives filled with struggles and triumphs. They navigated the complexities of their worlds, and through my piercings, I carry their legacy, honoring their journeys while forging my own path.

In sharing this journey, I find joy in inviting those around me to explore and appreciate the significance of cultural heritage. Each conversation about my piercings becomes an opportunity to educate others on the rich historical context behind them. It fosters deeper understanding and appreciation for traditions that may not be familiar to everyone. By discussing these practices openly, I hope to create a space where cultural nuance is celebrated and respected, encouraging a dialogue that promotes inclusivity and awareness.

Moreover, this act of self-expression through body art has not only deepened my connection to my heritage but has also empowered me. It serves as a reminder that our backgrounds shape us, but they do not define us entirely. Each day, as I wear my piercings, I am reminded of the strength of women who lived before me, the love that binds families together, and the vibrancy of my cultural identity, which I carry proudly into the future.

My Personal Connection to the Evil Eye and Hamsa

I personally wear evil eye earrings every day. Sometimes I switch them out, but if I do, I always make sure to keep the evil eye symbol close to me in some other way—whether it’s drawn on my skin beneath my clothes, worn on a bracelet, or hanging from a necklace. The evil eye symbolizes protection against malevolent forces, and for me, protection and intention are crucial aspects of my daily life. Hence, I’m never without my evil eye or the Hamsa in my car, providing me with a sense of security as I navigate the world.

One day, I plan to get a tattoo of a Hamsa with an evil eye symbol on my back—an everlasting reminder of my heritage, my strength, and the protection that surrounds me. This tattoo will not just be ink on skin; it will serve as a part of my identity, a declaration of my connection to my roots that I carry with me wherever life takes me. The Hamsa, often recognized for its beautiful and intricate design, has deep roots in various cultures as a protective talisman, and I feel a profound connection to its meaning.

So, when you see the Hamsa in my work, know it’s more than just a design. It’s a symbol of heritage, protection, and a nod to the roots that shape who I am today. Each time it appears, it’s a reminder of my story, connecting me to my ancestors while simultaneously opening dialogue about shared experiences and resonate hope. I believe that sharing these symbols and their meanings can foster understanding and appreciation among different cultures, which is an important dialogue to have in our interconnected world.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Together, let’s explore cultural significance and celebrate the diverse stories that shape our lives. Each piece I create carries with it an essence of my experiences, and I hope to inspire others to reflect on their own heritage and the symbols that resonate with them. In this way, my personal journey becomes a collective experience, uniting us through shared values and beliefs. Your presence and participation in this exploration mean that we can grow together, acknowledging and honoring the myriad backgrounds that contribute to our rich tapestry of life.

Much love and many blessings,
Mrs. B