The ancient Mediterranean belief in the evil eye is still practiced today.
Those who give the “eye” are supposed to accidentally bring bad luck to anything or anybody they are envious of. The evil eye is an unintentional type of misfortune that anyone can cast. This superstition has a long history in ancient Mediterranean cultures. In Greece this superstition is strongly believed and followed but Italy and Spain also have a rich tradition for this belief.
1) Italy
In Italian culture, the evil eye superstition is known as Il Malocchio. People in Italy believe that IL Malocchio is an Italian way of giving someone the evil eye by looking at them with an envious or jealous expression, which will lead to disaster and awful things.
Italians have long believed in the evil eye curse, and as a result, they are hesitant to discuss their money, accomplishments, and success with others in order to deflect unwanted attention.
Symptoms and signs:
Italians believe that the evil eye curse has spiritual, emotional and physical effects on victims. Consequently, a person with Il Malocchio frequently suffers from the following signs and symptoms:
· Nausea and headache
· Loss of energy
· Lost or missed opportunities
· Making nonsense mistakes
How do Italians avoid being cursed with the Evil Eye?
People use a variety of sacramental rites and amulets to combat the curse Malocchio, which is viewed as particularly damaging in Italian culture. People will lift their forefinger and little finger in the style of the horn sign, which is known as “facendo corna” when they are proud. In Italy, horn signs are vital in averting the Evil Eye curse because Italians believe the horn sign possesses a sacred force that can combat the ill effects of the hostile gaze. As a result, individuals hang or wear “Cornetti,” which are horn-shaped, red-colored protective amulets.
2) Spain
The curse of the Evil Eye is referred to as Mal de Ojo in Spanish. Consequently, Mal De Ojo is a common practice in Latin American culture and its roots can be found in Greco-Roman and Eastern Mediterranean customs. Spanish people, believe that a Mal de Ojo is a fierce, malicious glare that is intended at someone who is weak, such as a baby, a pregnant woman, a child, etc.
Symptoms and signs:
The following signs and symptoms appear in those who have been cast, whether on purpose or accidentally, with Mal de Ojo:
· Yawning
· Exhaustion
· Lack of mental and physical stamina
· Migraine and fever
· Reduced Appetite
· Insomnia
· Backache
How do they avoid being cursed with the Evil Eye?
People frequently use garlic cloves (in the Roman tradition) to ward off evil spirits and energies because they believe infants and newborns are especially vulnerable to the Evil Eye. Many Elders have their own unique manner to ward off evil spirits, they make a triangle protective amulet out of coal, salt, and garlic for children or loved ones to wear.
Another belief is to put a few garlic cloves on a scarlet thread or under a baby’s hat to avert the curse or unwanted attention. People may also tie a crimson ribbon around their children, pets, or valuable items so that the ribbon draws attention rather than the person or object.
How do they get rid of Evil Eye curse?
The ritual of passing a raw egg over the victim to absorb negative energy appears to be the most effective technique to eliminate the harmful symptoms of Mal de Ojo Eye. When the egg is cursed with the Evil Eye, the patient immediately feels better.
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