Amulet

An amulet (Latin amuletum origin unknown, Arabic hammala supporting band ) is an object to which magical powers are ascribed, with whom he bring good luck (energetic, sacramental action) and protect them from harm ( apotropaic effect ) is. In his auspicious feature, it is also referred to as a talisman.

Use

Amulets on the body ( often referred to as jewelry ) or worn in clothing, kept in vehicles or the dwelling or reassigned to the cattle. They may consist of a variety of materials and by the carrier it is to be passively protected.

Even in prehistoric times, people remains suspended (teeth and claws ) to their hunted prey. You should give the wearer the power of the animal.

Amulets are used in the (para ) medical, as protection of pregnant women, against the evil eye, and as a love charm. On amulet acts the animistic idea that magic forces act on the people he can counteract by the amulet.

Amulets are known in all religions. Since the Stone Age is used shells or beads and special stones such as amber and rock crystals. In Celtic settlement remains were polished, pierced skull fragments ( amulets? ) Found during excavations.

The Arabs amulets are leather bag with sewn paper on which a Koran sura or magical character is written. They spread the Islamic blessing power Baraka. An amulet -like positive effect unfold in popular belief ferrous metals, particularly copper and brass.

Cultural variations

As an amulet apply to the:

• Egyptians: scarab, knots, Eye of Horus
• Assyrians: tablets with incantations
• Chinese: Hole coins, incantations ( "fu" ) in cipher
• Christians: crosses, symbols on the cult robes, relics, pilgrim badges
• Ancient Greeks: Abas Canton, Bätylien and Golden Fleece
• Germanic- pagan religions: Donarskeule, Thor Hammer
• Indians of North America: medical bags
• Persians: glass bowl
• Mauritania: five motif on household items from a decorated leather, as on camel riding saddle Rahla and the pillow Surmije. The " bowl Amulet " is a geometric motif on the wooden bowl Gdah
• Tuareg: around her neck hanging leather bags or silver amulet container, silver triangular or cross-shaped necklace for women
• Turks: Nazar, black eye against the evil eye

Reaction of the Christian Church

In Europe, the Christian Church turned early against superstition, which also includes amulets were counted. That prevented the popular belief, however, no doubt, hold on amulets with a Christian reference.

But also high churchmen had good luck charm. Example, are listed in the inventory of the treasure of the Holy See in 1295 15 adder's tongue trees. As on 9 February 1749 the Prince-Bishop Anselm Franz von Würzburg, a lifelong fighter against superstition and witch-hunts, died of a stroke, was found on his breast an amulet made ​​of brass plate on which a pentagram and some spells were engraved.