The Hamsa symbol appears in many Abrahamic religions, and goes by many names. It is also known as the hand of Fatima, the hand of Mary and the hand of Miriam. The word “hamsa” probably came from the arabic word “khamsa”, which means “five” but also refers to the five fingers of the hand. The hamsa symbol is usually depicted as a hand with five fingers that holds an eye in the palm of its hand. Though the eye doesn’t have to be included in the design, it often is included as a symbol of protection against the evil eye that brings bad luck, illness and death.
The Hamsa uses the right hand, though in many depictions; both the thumb and little finger protrude from the hand in such a way that the hand symbol can no longer be claimed to be either right or left. When the fingers are spread, the symbol is used to ward off evil, and when the fingers are close together, the symbol is said to bring good luck.
Hamsa tattoos are worn as symbols of protection, luck and a spiritual connection to God. Many hamsa tattoos also include mandalas, hearts, flowers or other spiritual symbols in the palm of the hand to symbolise what it is that the tattoo wearer wishes to protect, or which area of their life they would like to receive luck. Most Hamsa tattoos boast intricate paisley and geometric designs that add to their visual beauty.
Check out these designs for inspiration for your own Hamsa tattoo:
A realistic tattooed eye stares out from the palm of this religious hamsa hand tattoo decorated with mandala designs. In tattoo art, the eye is often used to symbolise a connection with the divine or psychic abilities. [source]
Paisley patterns surround the eye on the palm of this Hamsa hand tattoo. Flowers in tattoos are a symbol of life, renewal and abundance. This hamsa hand tattoo is designed to ward off evil spirits and people with bad intentions from destroying this person’s innocence. [source]
An elephant adds his strength and wisdom to the symbolism of this Hamsa hand tattoo. On the elephant’s trunk we can see the Buddhist symbol for inner peace, which is what the tattoo owner wishes to protect from dark intentions. [source]
This Hamsa hand tattoo has a distinct Mexican flavor with its sugar skulls and roses. [source]
This Hamsa hand tattoo includes fish as symbols of abundance. The tattoo artist has chosen to outline the hamsa hand in bold black ink lines, which makes the tattoo easy to understand from a distance. [source]
This spiritual Hamsa hand tattoos has creative watercolor splatters to add visual appeal. [source] If you enjoy watercolor tattoos, check out these articles on rattatattoo.com
A tiny Hamsa tattoo below the thumb ensures that its wearer will always be able to see it and admire it. [source]
Watercolor paint adds feminine color to this floral Hamsa tattoo design. In this hamsa hand tattoo we can see abstract flowers, fish, leaves and waves, which are all symbols of abundance and contentment. The tattoo wearer is trying to protect the positive aspects of their life from harmful spiritual influences. [source]
