Blue Glass Good Luck Charm Round Ornament w/ Olive Leaf Wreath Decoration (12cm)
This round blue glass good luck wall ornament features an olive leaf wreath. The Greek Olive tree leaves, are a part of the most symbolic tree in nature. In Ancient Greece, the Olive tree leaf was a symbol of abundance, glory, and peace. As emblems of benediction and purification, olive leaves were also ritually offered to deities and powerful figures. Ancient Greeks believed that the olive tree was created by goddess Athena, who gave it powers to enlighten the darkness, ease wounds, and provide nourishment. In the Olympic Games, the prize for victory was an olive leaf crown. In the Bible, the olive tree is the first tree mentioned in both testaments and it was an olive leaf that a dove brought back to Noah to demonstrate that the flood was over. In the Quran, prophet Mohamed said: "Take oil of olive and massage with it - it is a blessed tree."
This symbol is attached to a 12cm round blue glass ornament, which is also considered a good luck symbol and protection from the evil eye*.
Handmade and imported from Greece
Ornament approx. 12cm (4.5in)
*About the Evil Eye
Amongst Greek superstitions, the Evil Eye is one of the oldest and widely believed myths. According to superstition, a glance of the Evil Eye is believed to have the ability to cause injury or death on those who it falls. Belief in the evil eye is ancient and ubiquitous: it occurred in ancient Greece and Rome, is found in Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions and in folk cultures and preliterate societies. The evil eye has persisted throughout the world into modern times.
In Greek history, Evil Eye charms can be traced to Ancient Greece. Paintings found on Greek triremes over two thousand years old, feature an Eye painted at the front of the trireme in an attempt to ward off the Evil Eye and protect the trireme while at sea. In Jewish culture, the evil eye (or "ayin harah" in Hebrew) is thought to be connected to one of the Ten Commandments, and is very much a part of basic Judaism. Arabs have also been known to include blue into amulets and gold coins since according to superstition blue provides protection from the effects of the Evil Eye. A painting of an Evil Eye is also known to be as effective, and Turkish glass artists have been creating such charms (known as "Nazar Bonjuk") for centuries.
Today, it its impossible walk through a Greek jewelry or gift store without encountering blue glass Evil Eyes in many sizes and shapes. GreekShops.com offers a wide selection of Evil Eye jewelry and decorative items for your home. These are hand-made pieces imported from Greece which can protect you against the Evil Eye for years to come!