✦ Cultural significance✦
The Evil Eye
The Evil eye is a symbol that is part of many different cultures and religions including:
- Greek
- Roman
- Judaism
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Islam
- indigenous cultures
When wearing the Evil Eye, any harm wished upon you shall be reflected back, and the person who wished you harm shall receive misfortune in their life instead. the symbol is in the shape of an eye to represent an evil stare. The symbol originated around the 6th century BC, in present-day Istanbul.
Cultural appropriation
What is cultural appropriation? In today's day and age, the issue of cultural appropriation is big. Many people have begun re-claiming other cultures' symbols, hairstyles, clothing...etc, and appropriating them. This is wrong and Kiji condemns this behavior.
Is it ok to wear the Evil eye? The Evil eye is a symbol that has been around for many, many centuries. Many different cultures and religions have adopted the symbol, so in that sense, It is unlike other things that are commonly appropriated. For example, when rappers make music videos and dance seductivly with Hindu Gods in the background it is considered cultural appropriation because this is a form of disrespect. In order for it to be okay to wear something from a certain culture or religion, you have to fully understand the meaning of it and not try to alter it. Since the Evil eye has been adopted into many different cultures and religions, it has become a widely popular symbol. Chances are, you are probably a part of a culture or religion that endorses the Evil eye. Since you now know the cultural significance of the Evil eye, Kiji believes it is ok wear it, but you must keep in mind that it is a symbol with cultural significance and you have to be respectful, otherwise it will be considered appropriation.