The “Evil Eye”
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Christian Church in Missoula, Montana
The belief in the Evil Eye, known as "Vaskania" in Greek culture, is indeed a superstition with deep roots across various Mediterranean and Asian societies. Its origins date back to at least the 6th century BC in Greece, making it one of the oldest superstitions still prevalent today.
In this belief, the Evil Eye is thought to bring harm through envy, where the gaze of a jealous person can negatively affect others, their families, and even their possessions. While the Greek Orthodox Church acknowledges this phenomenon, it views it through a different lens. The Church emphasizes that the belief should not be conflated with Christian practices, and it warns against seeking protection through superstitious means rather than faith.
The Church offers prayers and rites to help individuals who believe they have been affected by Vaskania, stressing the importance of seeking divine protection through proper channels, such as consulting a priest, rather than relying on magical or superstitious practices.
The description of secret rituals to avert the Evil Eye, often involving olive oil and water, reflects the blend of traditional beliefs with religious practices. However, the Church firmly opposes such rituals, labeling them as unholy and encouraging individuals to focus on prayer and faith to combat feelings of envy and jealousy.
The blue eye charm, often referred to as the "Nazar" or "Evil Eye" talisman, is widely used across cultures to ward off the Evil Eye. This charm, typically made of glass and featuring a deep blue color with concentric circles, is believed to reflect negative energy back to the source, protecting the wearer from envy and harm.
In Greek culture, while some may wear the blue eye charm as a form of protection, it's important to note that the Orthodox Church does not endorse this practice, viewing it as a superstitious belief rather than a legitimate means of protection. The Church emphasizes that true safeguarding comes through faith, prayer, and seeking guidance from God rather than relying on talismans or charms.
Despite this, the charm remains popular in many regions, often given as gifts to loved ones to ensure their safety from envy and malice. While the blue eye charm holds cultural significance and is a common sight in homes and on personal items, its use should be approached with an understanding of its roots in superstition rather than as a substitute for spiritual practices endorsed by the Church.
Ultimately, the Church urges a reliance on God rather than engaging with superstitions that may lead to spiritual harm. It recognizes the existence of envy as a harmful sentiment but encourages followers to address it through prayer and support from the Church and its clergy.