Historical talisman traditions
Evil Eye
The Pavitts describe envy, jealousy, and malice as causes of a dangerous glance. Their book records eye images, hands, beads, and animal-derived charms intended to turn away that threat. Examples involve both people and animals, with ornaments positioned where they can watch, distract, or ward. These protective arrangements document a belief about social hostility becoming effective at a distance.
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In the sources
Principal account
ReportedThe Pavitts describe envy, jealousy, and malice as causes of a dangerous glance. Their book records eye images, hands, beads, and animal-derived charms intended to turn away that threat.
Further detail
ReportedExamples involve both people and animals, with ornaments positioned where they can watch, distract, or ward. These protective arrangements document a belief about social hostility becoming effective at a distance.
Context & interpretation
The Pavitts’ 1922 compilation gathers symbols and attributed powers from several traditions, sometimes with conjectural origins. Its statements about protection, health, and fortune document talismanic belief rather than demonstrated effects or medical guidance.
Original passages
Source 1
The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems
and guard its wearer from the malignant glances of the envious, it being universally believed that the fiery sparks of jealousy, hatred, and malice dartingOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Historical talisman traditions; active reader leaf 104
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0074-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0074-E001-P0104
- Original scan leaf
- 105
- Recorded leaf number
- 105
- Current Reader position
- 97
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems
considered very efficacious in avert- ing ill-wishing. A hand with one finger extended, not of coral as in the Levant, butOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Historical talisman traditions; active reader leaf 139
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0074-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0074-E001-P0139
- Original scan leaf
- 140
- Recorded leaf number
- 140
- Current Reader position
- 132
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed