The evil eye
In every culture, there is a dark relic that has survived the millennia, settling in the folds of the human subconscious and meandering through the generations like a mysterious virus. We are talking about the “evil eye” – that primeval ability to cause damage with a single glance charged with malice. An anthropological tour de force through human history shows that this superstition is remarkably universal and thus reflects the deep-rooted human fear of envy and resentment.
Ethnological classification
Archaeological finds such as amulets, talismans and magic formulas dating back to antiquity bear witness to the deep-rooted fear of the evil eye. From Mesopotamian clay tablets to Egyptian hieroglyphics and Greek tragedies, the fear of a cursed gaze runs like a red thread through cultures. In Greek mythology, for example, the envy of the gods was a constant threat to mortal heroes, a motif that pervades Homer’s epics and still resonates in pop culture today. Just think of the countless times a superhero is feared by society simply because his abilities inspire envy.
In Turkey and throughout the Middle East, one finds
Of amulets and witchcraft
the “Nazar amulet”, a striking blue eye made of glass that is used specifically to ward off the evil eye. In Latin America, on the other hand, people invoke protective prayers, wear blessed objects and use herbs to protect themselves from the malevolent power of foreign eyes. These practices are not only spiritual countermeasures, but also a deeply rooted socio-cultural phenomenon that demonstrates the extent to which people endeavour to control or at least influence the invisible forces of the universe.
The evil eye in the digital era
In the age of social media, the evil eye has found a new arena. The constant flaunting of successes, aesthetics and happiness on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook can be seen as the modern equivalent of the ancient braggart who attracts envy and resentment – the digital evil eye. Here, the evil eye is not conveyed through direct eye contact, but through the anonymous distance of the internet, which revitalises the old fear in a new, globally networked context.
Between superstition and self-protection
Despite our advancing scientific understanding, superstition and magical thinking remain robust psychological mechanisms. Ironically, the fear of the evil eye may have evolutionary roots: In a world where social hierarchies and group dynamics could make the difference between life and death, it may have been safer to minimise envy and hostility through culturally ingrained protective mechanisms.
The evil eye as a cultural kaleidoscope
The evil eye is more than just an archaic superstition; it is a window into the soul of humanity, a mirror of our collective fears and a tireless companion on our cultural journey. At a time when the boundaries between science and myth, reality and virtuality continue to blur, the evil eye remains a fascinating relic of our attempts to understand and control the unknown. In the global soup of cultural interactions and technological advances, the evil eye is both a warning and a testament to our unshakeable human nature.
The evil eye in the heart of Italy
In Italy, the evil eye bears the name “Malocchio” (literally “bad eye”), and its presence in Italian culture is as vibrant and pulsating as the streets of Rome on a sunny day. The Malocchio is not just a relic from the misty days of ancient folk legends; it is a firmly anchored part of daily life and social consciousness.
The Italian understanding of the evil eye is deeply rooted in the idea that envy and jealousy are manifest forces that have the potential to cause physical and emotional harm. It is a form of psychological retaliation, often unintentionally emitted by someone who begrudges something to another. Italians have developed a number of defence mechanisms, ranging from ritual prayers to amulet-like objects, to protect themselves from these harmful influences.
One particularly popular defence is the “corna”, a gesture in which the index and little finger are extended to represent horns. This gesture is intended to ward off evil and is a common image not only in folkloric scenarios, but also in everyday interactions. It is also common to wear amulets, in particular the “corno”, a small horn amulet, often made of coral or red amber, which is traditionally used to ward off the malocchio.
Although Italy is a modern, progressive country, the superstitions and practices surrounding the malocchio persist, especially in the more rural and traditional parts of the country. In some regions, purification rituals take place regularly, where people believed to be affected by the evil eye are treated by specialised practitioners, often elderly women known as ‘benandanti’ (good-doers). These practitioners often use olive oil and water in a bowl to diagnose whether someone is actually affected by the evil eye, and then perform prayers and other rituals to purify the victim.
The malocchio as a cultural export
The Malocchio has also found a firm place in global pop culture. It is often portrayed in films, books and television series as an exotic and mystical element of Italian culture. Tourists in Italy are fascinated by the stories and the associated amulets and often bring home a “corno” or similar talisman as a souvenir.
Between tradition and modernity
The evil eye, or Malocchio, illustrates how deeply rooted traditional beliefs are in modern Italian society. It links the past with the present and shows that despite technological progress and scientific understanding, humanity is still strongly influenced by the invisible threads of superstition. In Italy, as in many other cultures, the evil eye remains a living symbol of the complex interactions between envy, the need for protection and cultural identity.
