Mother of pearl (round/heart-shaped) necklace with the "holy all-seeing eye" on each bead

The evil eye is a look that is believed to harm others and is even capable of killing someone to kill those affected by it. Children, pregnant women and animals are said to be particularly susceptible to it. Belief in the evil eye was already prevalent in Ancient Greece and Rome, and was also feared by Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Jews. It is believed that belief in the evil eye originated in the Sumerian empire. Belief in the evil eye is very strong in the Middle East, Asia and Europe, especially in the Mediterranean area. Many ships in the latter area are decorated with an eye on the bow. Belief in the evil eye also spread to Northern Europe, especially in Celtic areas. The ancient Romans also knew the evil eye, under the name oculus malus. The evil eye occurs in the Islamic world (Arabic: ayin harsha, in Turkey also known as nazar). This should be seen as a folk tradition that is rejected by certain movements within Islam. According to these movements, powers are attributed to an object that cannot have any power. In combination with a passage from the Koran, such as the Throne Verse, it is seen by others as a means to ward off evil. The evil eye can also be found in Jewish mythology (also known as ayin horeh in Hebrew). The evil eye is offered in various forms as a souvenir in various countries in the Mediterranean area, such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, bookmarks and other trinkets. In the past, people had various tricks to avoid the so-called evil eye. For example, people would recite verses from the Bible, or they would come up with various amulets. The "evil eye" is also used as a name for a certain amulet, the nazar, which is supposed to look away from evil. That name is misleading, because it is not the evil eye itself, but the evil eye is supposed to look away. The blue color of the nazar amulet has been considered a purifying color since ancient times. To ward off the evil eye, Asian children sometimes blacken their faces, especially around the eyes. In some African peoples, the evil eye is feared especially during eating and drinking: if the mouth is open, the danger of losing the soul through the evil eye is said to be greater. As a means of protection, many cultures also wear amulets or talismans, or use spells and holy texts against the evil eye.