Handmade and imported from Greece
Ornament approx. 9cm (3.5in)


The Greek History & Tradition of the Pomegranate:
The traditional folk decoration of Greek homes, the pomegranate is cherished as a symbol of joyous times and good fortune, as well as of fertility and prosperity. This veneration of the fruit is rooted in ancient times, and this once ancient practice continues today, finding new meaning in every household. The pomegranate was a magical fruit in Greek mythology, and was associated with three Gods: Demeter, Aphrodite, and Hera. In ancient Athens, at the time of the ceremonies (the “Thesmoforia”) honoring Demeter, the Goddess of Fertility, Athenians ate pomegranates in order to gain fertility and prosperity. Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty, was according to myth the first to plant the pomegranate tree, on Cyprus. Hera, the Mother of the Gods, is linked most strongly to the fruit in Greek mythology, as she was the Goddess of the home, and the protector of marriage and childbirth. In her temple in Argos there was a golden statue of the Goddess, and in her right hand she held a pomegranate, signifying her connection with this source of fecundity and abundance. Not only the ancient Greeks, but rather all of the peoples of the East venerated the pomegranate. In their religious ceremonies the Ancient Egyptians offered pomegranates to their Gods. According to the Bible, King Solomon maintained a garden full of pomegranate trees, and, finally, the Prophet Mohammed wrote in the Koran, “The pomegranate purifies the body of jealousy and hate.” Through the artistry and craftsmanship of Epalladio, the pomegranate, this ancient symbol of joy, can again bring such health and good fortune to today’s homes.


*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!