You only need to spend a few days in Morocco to realize that the power of the evil eye is a very important force for Moroccans. One way of warding off the evil eye is to show the hand of Fatima or the khamsa, which means five in Arabic, and alludes to the five fingers on the hand. Fatima was the compassionate daughter of the Prophet Mohammed and miracles have been attributed to her; for example, it is said that when she prayed in the desert, it started to rain. Morocco is not alone in this belief -- the hand of Fatima is used for superstitious protection throughout the Middle East and in parts of Africa.
The hand of Fatima can frequently be spotted on entryway doors of Moroccan homes particularly in the shape of door knockers -- in this way the home and its inhabitants may be protected from the evil eye. Hands of Fatima also are often seen worn as pendants around necks. Chris a few birthdays ago gave me a small hand of Fatima made out of paved diamonds (I know, lucky girl am I). Even just alluding to the hand of Fatima can bring protection; when a compliment is given, Moroccans, worried that it might provoke jealousy, will sometimes say, (I have) five and five [two hands of Fatima} for people with the eyes of Satan.
Do I believe that the hand of Fatima is endowed with helpful, magical properties? Maybe not. But then again, maybe so. It certainly couldn't hurt and it might - just might - help. And so you will surely see them on the doors of our guest houses.
If you are so inclined, you can purchase a hand of Fatima door knocker here or here.
Now confess, are you superstitious in some small way? Any ladders not walked under? Any little rituals? Any amulets in the pocket? I have a particularly funny superstitious story to tell. But I will only tell you, if you will tell me....
