Protect your phone from the evil eye: New Hamsa emoji announced

• Published date: 03 October 2021
• Author: JERUSALEM POST STAFF
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Hamsa, literally "five" in Arabic to represent the five fingers, is a palm-shaped symbol important in many Middle Eastern cultures and religions.

Also called The Hand of Fatima in Muslim culture or the Hand of Miriam in Jewish culture, the hamsa is commonly used in accessories, jewelry and art throughout the Middle East.

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The hamsa is believed to provide defense against the evil eye, which also has an emoji of its own. The evil eye is sometimes depicted within the hamsa at the center of the palm. Evidence of Jews using the hamsa can be dated back to medieval Spain.

Several celebrities have been seen wearing jewelry associated with the hamsa in recent years. In 2014, a photo of Jay-Z wearing a hamsa chain around his neck to an NBA game.

Britney Spears, who...