The month of July was spent in Greece with my three children. Our Greek holiday was surrounded by family, food, sun and beach.
Everywhere you go in Greece, you will see the ‘Mati’ or the ‘Evil Eye’ symbol. Local stores, souvenirs shops and open markets would have the eye on tote bags, crockery, jewellery and so on. You might ask, what is the significance? It is generally worn to protect you from ‘evil spirits’. The evil eye is part of Greek culture and is deeply ingrained. It is believed that the evil eye can curse ‘Matiasma’ from someone else’s jealous compliment or envy.
My mother would always say ‘Na min se matisoume’ when she would compliment me. To ward off the evil curse it was customary to reply ‘ftou sou’, ‘ftou sou’ uttering the words in a spotting motion. I really never understood the tradition until I was a lot older but enjoyed playing along.
The Greek evil eye, known as “mati”(μάτι) in Greek, is a symbol deeply rooted in Greek culture and tradition. Here’s a detailed look at its meaning and history:
Meaning
- Protection Against Envy: The primary belief associated with the mati is that it protects the wearer from the “evil eye” – a malevolent glare or envious look that is thought to bring misfortune on individuals, and the evil eye acts as protective charm against such ill will.
- Symbol of Good Luck: The mati is also seen as a symbol of good luck and is believed to ward off negative energy or malevolent forces. It is often worn as a jewellery or displayed in homes to ensure that the wearer or inhabitants remain shielded from harm.
History
- Ancient Origins: The belief in the evil eye and its protective talismans has ancient roots and is not limited to Greek culture. It spans various cultures and civilizations, including ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Rome. The Greeks, however, adopted and incorporated this belief into their own cultural practices.
- Classical Greece: Historical texts suggest that the idea of the evil eye was present in classical Greece. Philosophers like Plato and Socrates referred to it, and it was a common part of ancient Greek folklore and mythology. It was believed that the gaze of an envious or malevolent person could bring about misfortune or injury.
- Byzantine and Ottoman Influence: During the Byzantine Empire and later under Ottoman rule, the mati evolved and became more embedded in Greek culture. The designs of the mati, typically a blue eye, became a common protective amulet, reflecting both Byzantine religious influences and regional folk traditions.
- Modern Usage: Today, the mati is prevalent in Greek culture and beyond. It is commonly seen in jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, as well as decorative items for homes and businesses. The blue eye is typically depicted with concentric circles, often in shades of blue, which are thought to represent the eyes protective qualities.
Design and Symbolism
The classic design of the mati features an eye with concentric blue circles. The colour blue is significant as it is believed to enhance the amulet’s protective powers and reflect the sky and sea, which were considered to have protective qualities in ancient times. The concentric circles represent the eye’s ability to repel and deflect negative energy.
In summary, the Greek evil eye, or mati, is a potent symbol of protection against envy and malevolent influences. Its history spans ancient civilisations and has evolved over time, becoming a widely recognised and cherished emblem of good fortune and safety in Greek culture.
The trip to Greece was a very relaxing time, spending it with family and friends in the warm summer sun.