Firstly, the hand of Fatima has always been part of the Moroccan experience. Either as a pendant around the neck of the beautiful and tender neighbor who curses twice a minute the children who are playing soccer down the street or in the cab doing El Jadida Casa or simply this hand that manifests itself by a violent “Khamsa F Ainik” in any Hammam of our dear country.
Some say it is of Muslim origin, whereas history says otherwise.
To begin with, the first traces of the hand of Fatima or Khamsa date back to the Carthaginian period. In fact, it symbolized the goddess Tanit protecting according to the Amazigh beliefs of the time from the evil eye.
In fact, the Jews call it the hand of Myriam, sister of Moses. According to Jewish texts, the Khamsa refers to the legend of the Ten Wounds of Egypt. A legend says that before leaving Egypt, Moses ordered his disciples to paint the door of all Jewish houses with sheep’s blood. Furthermore, it is a sign that is very popular in Israel. In fact, Khamsa is the only attachment that the Jews and Muslims share and recognize. There is however a slight difference in the Jewish Khamsa, it is the symbol of the fish. The symbol of luck, which explains why the figures of the Khamsa are completed with fish.
It also bears inscriptions of Jewish prayers. Here, we can mention things such as Shema Israel, the Birkat Habayit (blessing of the home), or the Tefilat Haderekh (prayer of the journey).
However, returning to the Muslim version, the hand of Fatma would be a form of polytheism. Because only Allah protects the believers and it is to Him that everyone should ask for help. Some texts say that it would be a reminder of the number of daily prayers.
The interpretations can be so diverse. Not to mention that the hand of Fatma, beyond its religious symbolism, has always aroused the interest and creativity of many followers of art:
KHMISSA EARRINGS
Long live simplicity with this pretty pair of white metal earrings that revisits the traditional “Khmissa” or hand of Fatma, very common in Morocco. The hands (dimensions 5.5×3.5 cm) are here simply open-worked volutes and arabesques. These earrings are fine, light, and elegant, pleasant to wear in any season and with any outfit.
In general, Moroccans often consider jewelry as a symbol. This is all the more the case with the talismans in the form of the hand of Fatma, also called “Khmissa” (“five” in the Arabic language). The representation of the hand is millennia-old in Morocco: the hand is the symbol of creativity and protection. The five fingers banish by their strength all negative energy and protect people and places. The power of the hand is reinforced by the power of the figure. Indeed, the number five is a sacred, magical number with protective power.
ANISEED WHITE METAL PIN BRACELET:
Hinged bracelet in white metal Maillechort engraved with volutes, applied of two Khmissa (hands of Fatma) engraved, two rosettes, and two camels in volume. Closing by pin.
generally, we can divide the Moroccan jewelry into city jewels and rural jewels.
The city jewels are generally carried out of gold finely engraved of reasons, by craftsmen working together in districts of the large cities (“kissar” of Casablanca, Rabat, Fes). Ornaments, rings, necklaces, bracelets … these jewels accompany Moroccan women throughout their lives and are a form of savings available depending on economic vagaries.
The rural jewels are made mainly in the southern regions (Tiznit, Taroudant, Agadir, Goulimine, Essaouira, Lâayoune). They are made in silver according to three techniques and decorations specific to each region. Casting, chasing, and filigree, then enameling, village, engraving, and setting. This is the domain of remarkable jewelry craftsmen. The necklaces are composed by the women themselves. They combine, in a manner specific to their region, amber, coral, amazonite, and silver elements. An expression of their tribal identity and social status.
KAISSA BRACELET WITH BLUE / GREEN KHMISSA
A mixture of materials and play of reflections for this small bracelet that is of pretty translucent faceted beads and mini chains of coordinated color. Two small hands of Fatma (“Khmissa”) in openwork gold metal enhance the bracelet and give it a dynamic touch, a continuous movement. The Moroccan women use Khmissa as discreet protection against the evil eye and as a good luck charm. This talisman will accompany you everywhere, tight to your wrist. Length of the bracelet: 16 cm (adjustable up to 18 cm). Dimensions of the hand: 1 x 0.5 cm. Closing by golden snap hook.
The Moroccans often consider the jewels as symbols. It is all the more the case with the talismans in the shape of the hand of Fatma, also called “Khmissa” (“five” in the Arabic language). Moreover, the representation of the hand is millenary in Morocco: the hand is the symbol of creativity and protection. The five fingers banish by their strength all negative energy and protect people and places. The power of the hand is in the power of the number. Indeed, the number five is a sacred, magical number with protective power. If, like us, you like to wear these bracelets in accumulation around your wrist. Take advantage of our “4 for 5” offer: five bracelets of different colors for the price of four.
BRACELET KHMISSA ELASTIC YELLOW
This small bracelet consists of a colored elastic link, closed with a noose, and a metal “Khmissa” pendant. The Moroccan women use Khmissa as discreet protection against the evil eye and as a good luck charm. This fashion talisman will accompany you everywhere, tight to your wrist. Dimensions of the hand: 1,5×2 cm. Length of the bracelet: 16 cm.
The hand of Fatima or Khamsa is a symbol that is famous as a talisman and jewel by Moroccan women to protect themselves against the evil eye. It consists of a kind of protective hand or “hand of God”. The 5 fingers are sometimes referring to the five pillars of Islam or with the five verses of the sura Al Falaq of the Koran which would have a protective effect. The fingers point upwards or downwards according to the tastes or the decoration associated with it.
The hand of Fatima or Khamsa BRACELET WITH FACETED PURPLE BEADS
Games of brilliance for this small bracelet which is of pretty faceted pearls threaded on an elastic. And a pendant “Khmissa” in silver-plated metal worked. In addition to that, Moroccan women use Khamissa as discreet protection against the evil eye and as a good luck charm. This fashion talisman will accompany you everywhere, tight to your wrist. Dimensions of the hand: 1,3×1 cm. Length of the bracelet: 16 cm.
The Khmissa is a symbol widely famous as a talisman and jewel by Moroccan women to protect themselves against the evil eye. It consists of a kind of protective hand or “hand of God”. The 5 fingers are sometimes mean the five pillars of Islam or with the five verses of the sura Al Falaq of the Koran which would have a protective effect. The fingers point upwards or downwards according to the tastes or the associated decoration.
SMALL WALLET MOROCCAN EMBROIDERED HAND OF FATIMA KHMISSA EGGPLANT
Pretty zipped pouch in imitation leather. With Moroccan embroidery hand motif (Khmissa), ideal for storing makeup or papers to slip inside your day bag, or to use as an evening pouch. Lined with a plain black fabric. Available in several colors. Coordinated zipper, coordinated leatherette pompom, and silver hand charm. Sewn and embroidered by artisans in Marrakech.
The hand of Fatima or Khamsa, also known as Fatma’s hand, is named after the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed. Indeed, popular lucky charm in all Arab countries and in the Jewish tradition. It is a symbol in the shape of an open hand, which would protect against the evil eye. Some associate the five fingers of the hand with the five pillars of Islam:
- The Shahada, profession of faith
- The five daily prayers
- Ramadan
- The zakat, legal alms
- The haj, pilgrimage to Mecca
- Morocco hand of Fatima
- The hand of Fatima or Khamsa
But beware, this symbol has nothing religious, it is even contrary to Islamic precepts, which condemn amulets and other talismans, assimilated to polytheism. In everyday life, Khamsas often adorn women’s necks and even the doors and walls of houses. Particularly sought after, the Khamsa of Amazraou. With metal melted in earthenware crucibles in small workshops famous for their mastery of traditional goldsmithing, they sell these in the southern regions of Morocco.
Interested in a visit to Morocco to discover the hand of Fatima?
If you are looking for Morocco desert tours or Moroccan Desert Tours to figure out more about the hand of Fatima and the Moroccan culture in general, do not hesitate to contact us!
FAQ about the hand of Fatima:
The hand of Fatima means the protection of the evil eye.