Research Information System
Folklore, vol.116, no.3, pp.241-254, 2005 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
This paper examines Bedouin attitudes and practices relating to the evil eye as a cause of misfortune. The evil eye is perceived by the Bedouin as one of the most dangerous forces that can interfere in their lives, and they invest much energy in a variety of methods to counteract it. This paper seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the phenomenon by describing the rituals of diagnosis, treatment and prevention among the Bedouin tribes of the Negev in the Middle East. The evil eye can bring a man to his grave, and a camel to the cooking pot (Arab- Bedouin saying).
The evil eye is like a light. You can see it, feel it, be affected by it, or affect others by means of it. It can cause harm or even death in large numbers, but you never succeed in holding it in your hands. This is the will of Allah (Bedouin saying).
The Bedouins distinguish three levels of danger presented by the evil eye, ranging from the simplest level of unconsciously causing harm to the most complex level of consciously wishing to do so.
A person who possesses an evil eye is said to have impure spirits that convey an intense will and the desire to cause harm, disorder and damage, whether by looking at the victim or by means of direct or indirect rites, such as prayers or curses.
With its impure spirits, the evil eye is thought to afflict human beings, animals, agriculture and property. Those who are most vulnerable to the evil eye are the healthy, the beautiful, the rich, boys, pregnant women and babies.
It is believed that the evil eye can be counteracted by many different protective and curative measures. Some of these combine secular and religious practices, such as incantations, fumigations, prayers, charms, amulets, vows, sacrifices, incense, plants, minerals, saliva, colours (blue and black are the most widely used by the Bedouin), beads (especially blue ones) and products from certain animals or reptiles.
Women believe more in the evil eye than men do. Most healing methods are, therefore, practised by women, although amulets are made by men.
Bedouin evil eye beliefs have not disappeared following urbanisation and access to modern medicine.