Mal de Ojo
Does mal de ojo exist?
A culture-bound syndrome referred to in English as the evil eye, widespread throughout Mediterranean cultures and Latino communities in other parts of the world, to which children are supposed to be especially vulnerable. This supernatural belief holds that an admiring look or a stare can weaken the child, leading to bad luck, sickness, and even death.
What are the symptoms of mal de ojo?
It is said that this usually happens when someone is jealous of you or has ill intent towards you. They look at you with malice. Symptoms of mal de ojo often consist of fatigue, headache, weight loss, exhaustion, and malaise. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also include desiccation and dehydration, as well as crying and irritability.
The casting of the evil eye also easily affects people who have purchased a new vehicle or house, or have a new high-paying job, or often travels. Even those wearing a new dress or jewelry are not exempt.
How does mal de ojo work?
Mal de Ojo or "Evil Eye" is believed to be caused when someone gives a wicked glare of jealousy to someone, usually when the person receiving the glare is unaware. The jealousy can be disguised into a positive aspect such as compliments or admiration. Mal de Ojo is considered a curse and illness. For example, in Mexico, it is thought that the person admiring the child can prevent the malady by touching the child. On the other hand, in the Caribbean touching, the child is believed to aggravate the problem. A common cure is to pass a raw egg over the child to absorb the negative energy.
How do you protect yourself from mal de ojo?
How to keep the evil eye from causing you harm? The general guideline to evade mal de ojo is not to boast about your good fortune or success but act modestly. You can also protect yourself by using certain images, amulets, and objects that can fight off the malicious force. Hang a blue eye bead or dill herb on the main door or entrance of the property to ward off unwanted focus by visitors to your property.
The Nazar Boncuk charm (or Turkish Eye Bead) is an "eye", often set on a blue background. It stares back at the world to ward off the evil eye and keep you safe from harm. Since then the people have been attaching this Turkish evil eye bead to everything they wished to protect from the evil eyes. From the new-born babies to their horses or even to the doors of their homes.