Apotropaic magic
Apotropaic magic (from Greek apotrepein "to ward off" from apo- "away" and trepein "to turn") is a type of magic intended to turn away harm or evil influences, such as averting the evil eye. Apotropaic observances may also be practiced out of superstition or tradition, such as good luck charms or gestures like crossing fingers or knocking on wood. The Greeks made offerings to the "averting gods" (ἀποτρόπαιοι θεοί, apotropaioi theoi), chthonic deities and heroes who grant safety and deflect evil.[1]
Symbols[edit]
Egypt[edit]
In ancient Egypt, apotropaic rituals were performed to protect individuals by warding off evil spirits. The deity Heka personified magic itself, with Taweret and Bes being the most frequently invoked gods. Objects like ivory wands adorned with solar deities were used to protect expectant mothers and children.
Ancient Greece[edit]
The Gorgon's head, known as the Gorgoneion, was widely used by ancient Greeks to avert evil. It features wild eyes, fangs, and a protruding tongue, often mounted on the aegis and shield of Athena.
Evil eye[edit]
Eyes were often painted to ward off the evil eye. Exaggerated eyes on Greek drinking vessels called kylikes (eye-cups) from the 6th century BCE were intended to prevent evil spirits from entering the mouth while drinking. Fishing boats in some Mediterranean regions still have stylised eyes painted on the bows. The symbol nazar boncuğu is used on the fin of aeroplanes to avert the evil eye.
Grotesquerie[edit]
Gargoyles and grotesque figures were carved on churches and castles to frighten away witches and malign influences. Similar grotesque faces are carved into pumpkin lanterns at Halloween to avert evil.
Other[edit]
Mirrors and shiny objects were believed to deflect the evil eye. Traditional English "Plough Jags" decorated their costumes with shiny items to avoid bad luck. Items like crosses, crucifixes, and garlic were believed to ward off vampires. In Ireland and Great Britain, magpies are thought to bring bad luck, and various rhymes are repeated to placate them.
Good luck tokens and charms[edit]
A horseshoe nailed above doorways is said to collect good luck. Model horseshoes are given as good-luck tokens, particularly at weddings. In Ireland, St Brigid's crosses, woven from rush, were kept indoors to keep away illness. In some Native American cultures, a dreamcatcher is placed above a bed to protect sleeping children from nightmares.
Apotropaic names [edit]
Ashkenazi Jews often gave apotropaic names during serious illness, such as Nekras ("not handsome") with the hope the child would be handsome, and Yiddish names Alter and Alte ("old"). Among Serbian names, many are apotropaic, such as Vuk and Staniša. Some traditional Taiwanese names reference domestic animals or humble elements of the landscape to convey contentment with a peaceful life.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ Gilleland, Michael, ed. (26 June 2008). "Averters of Evil". Translated by Jones, W.H.S. Archived from the original on 2013-06-15. Retrieved 3 July 2010.
Hippocrates, Regimen 4.89: So with this knowledge about the heavenly bodies, precautions must be taken, with change of regimen and prayers to the gods; in the case of good signs, to the Sun, to Heavenly Zeus, to Zeus, Protector of Home, to Athena, Protectress of Home, to Hermes and to Apollo; in the case of adverse signs, to the Averters of evil [apotropaioi], to Earth and to the Heroes, that all dangers may be averted.
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Pausanias 2.11.1 (Corinth): Before the altar, a barrow has been raised for Epopeus himself, and near the grave are the gods Averters of evil [apotropaioi]. Near them, the Greeks perform such rites as they are wont to do in order to avert misfortunes. (πρὸ τοῦ βωμοῦ δὲ αὐτῷ μνῆμα Ἐπωπεῖ κέχωσται, καὶ τοῦ τάφου πλησίον εἰσὶν Ἀποτρόπαιοι θεοί: παρὰ τούτοις δρῶσιν ὅσα Ἕλληνες ἐς ἀποτροπὴν κακῶν νομίζουσιν.)
Further reading[edit]
- Frazer, Sir James, The Golden Bough,
- Graves, Robert, The White Goddess,
- Jane Ellen Harrison, Prolegomena to the Study of Greek Religion
- Roud, Steve (2004). A Pocket Guide to Superstitions of the British Isles. London: Penguin. ISBN 0-14-051549-6 Search this book on
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External links[edit]
- The Golden Bough: on-line text, 1922 abridged edition
- Sue Dewsbury, "Folk Plays – January 2004 – Coleby Plough Jag", photos of Mummers, Traditional Drama Research Group
- Apotropaic protection at Kilbirnie Place castle keep North Ayrshire, Scotland.
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