Mal de Ojo

The evil eye, known in Mexican culture as the mal de ojo, is a belief that envy may result in the misfortune of others. It is also believed that the misfortune or curse of the evil eye can be given to a person by a hateful stare.

The curse of the evil eye can cause to its victims, bad luck, pain, and even disease.

Most of the time, the evil eye is cast unintentionally by an envious person. Although the evil eye can be cast on anyone, the primary victims are thought to be babies and young children.This is because they are so often praised and commented upon by strangers or by childless women.

There are many preventative measures to cast away the evil eye. One, is to wear a bracelet that contains an amulet with an eye painted on it. The amulet with the evil eye painted on it is thought to bend back the malicious gaze back to its sender.

When it comes to babies and young children, a preventative measure is to allow admirers to to touch the baby or child on the forehead. This will dispel the envy and prevent the child from the curse of the evil eye. I have seen this done and is a common practice when looking at a baby or child.

If a person is thought to be stricken with the evil eye, a common cure is for a curandero (healer) to sweep a raw chicken egg over the body of the victim.This is usually done all over the body, and then in a cross pattern. This is thought to draw out and absorb the evil power. The egg is then broken into a bowl of water, covered with a straw or palm cross and place under the bed while the victim sleeps.

I remember when I was young, my mother would perform this ritual over me ,and she tells me that her mother did the same to her when she was a child.

I would like to introduce something new to my Etsy shop. Evil eye bracelets. These bracelets contain the traditional evil eye painted on beads. They have not been listed yet, but will be very soon.

Glass and Stone with Evil Eye bead

Wood Beads with Evil Eye Bead

Bracelet with only Evil Eye Beads

These do not have to be only worn as a bracelet, but may be placed or hung in and around your house, car, office, or anywhere you would like to ward off evil spirits.

Right now I only have them made out of stretch cord, but I will soon be making them using hemp!