White porcelain 11 oz. mug with two large Mati Evil Eyes, one on each side of the handle! A wonderful gift, and a perfect way to liven up your kitchen or office and show your pride for Greece!


Mati / Evil Eye PrimerAmongst 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! The evil eye can be traced back to Ancient Greece. In the 4th Century BC Athineos states "they hung an eye from the hand or on the neck to avoid the evil eye."