Lucky Charms of Syria

Syria is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth, and its amulet traditions are correspondingly ancient. The evil eye is the defining protective concern, and blue glass beads against the evil eye have been produced in Syrian glassblowing workshops — particularly in Aleppo — for centuries. The hamsa hand appears in Islamic geometric tilework, jewelry, and decorative arts throughout the country.

The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, built on a site sacred to Aramaeans, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantine Christians before Islam, reflects Syria's deep layering of protective traditions. Christian communities in Syria carry rosary beads and wear gold crosses, while Muslims carry tasbih and Quranic amulet cases. Jasmine — the flower of Damascus — is woven into garlands as a blessing for weddings.