The Hamsa serves as an ancient talismanic way of averting and getting protection from the evil eye, or more generally of providing a "protecting hand" or "Hand of God". The name Hamsa is derived from the Semitic root meaning "five" which represent the five fingers in the hand. Some sources link the significance of the five fingers to the five books of the Bible, which is the Jewish name for the first five books in the Old Testament scriptures.
The hand is considered a powerful talisman against the 'evil eye,' and is usually worn around the neck or hung on walls or over the doors of homes and businesses. It is also used in amulets, charms, jewelry, door entrances, cars, and other places to ward the evil eye.
