The Evil Eye
To give someone the ‘evil eye’ is a well-known saying but did you know that it has origins in the belief in witchcraft?
One of the most feared aspects of witchcraft was the Evil Eye, the ability of a witch to inflict ill luck and even death by staring at the victim.
In the west of England the practice is known as ‘overlooking’ and there is no shortage of stories about crops been ruined and animals becoming diseased by a witch gazing across a farm.
Belief in the Evil Eye dates back to Roman times and was not restricted to the witches of Britain but was – and in many cases still is – dreaded in different cultures around the world.
Protection was given to animals by hanging bells from their collars and to children in the form of red ribbons which they wore beneath their clothing.
It’s said the most effective way to stop the power of the Evil Eye is to spit in it!
Posted on Sat 11th Jul 2009 16:46:00