Various Amulet meanings

Various Amulets Meanings

Many amulets are worn to either increase good luck or prevent evil from approaching. The literal meaning of the word amulet comes from the new Latin word amuletum or the old Latin word amoletum which means “means of defense”. Yet what exactly do all of these amulets and their symbols mean? Well, many different cultures have their own symbols for each amulet. Romans believe that amulets only serve three purposes: to offer protection from evil and trouble, to bring luck to the wearer, and to provide medical and spiritual treatment for the sick.

Many bugs and reptiles had its own symbols. The frog symbolized fertility as the scrab beetle represented protection against evil magic and resurrection after death. The crescent moon used to defeat evil. Yet the two most popular in cultures and universal amulet symbol is the eye and the phallic symbol. The phallic symbol is a mixture of horns and hands wrapped together. This symbol represents protection against the evil god or “evil eye”. This is known as the sign or path of trouble. These two symbols are universal because they basically have the same meaning in all different types of cultures in the world.

Different cultures also have different ways to carry or display these amulets. The Assyrians and Babylonians carried the amulets as cylinder seals. On these particular seals are precious stones and gems that have its own meanings. The gems were then arranged in other images that also symbolizes something, for example the bull for strength and the ram for virility. The Hebrews wore bells on the back of their shoes because they believed that the noise wards off the evil spirits. And the Arabs carried amulets in the form of small sacks filled with dust from the tombs. They also wore letters with prayers, spells, or praises to God.

Image of Amulet


Source - http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/a/amulets.html, Yahoo Images

A little close to the word count, but the picture made up for it - 50 points.