Turkish Talisman (Nazar Boncugu: Evil Eye)

Turkish Talisman, (Evil Eyes), is an object which you believe has magic powers to protect you or bring good luck. Turkish people believe that it absorbs bad energy coming from evil eyes. Usually, no one leaves Turkey without purchasing a blue and white evil eye charm. No place of business or home is without one. They come in many styles, from simple to ornate. Usually, they are made of glass but also can be made of plastic. Legend has it that it protects you from "bad luck". "Bad Luck" translates into evil or harm wished upon you from another. When a child is born, an evil eye is pinned to the garment on his or her right back shoulder for protection from other people's evil wishes....

The Nazar Bonjuk was born of the age-old "evil eye" superstition that one person can cast a spell on another. To prevent this, form millennia Anatolian artisans have created blue glass "eyes" that "look" straight back at the spell-caster as if to say "I see what you're doing, and you can't get away with it!"

It has no religious significance, and few people really believe in the evil eye superstition anymore. But it's such an enjoyable tradition, and a beautiful little piece of craft-art, that you'll see Nazar Bonjuks all over Turkey--especially on babies. No self-respecting Turkish parents, no matter how worldly or sophisticated, would allow their precious bundle of joy to spend an unguarded moment without a Nazar Bonjuk pinned to its snuggly, sunsuit or diaper

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