7 Turkish Elephants and 1 Evil Eye

My friend Sarah returned from Istanbul with a marvelous gift for me! When she came up to visit yesterday, she presented me with a pretty gift bag, bursting with hot pink tissue. Reaching inside, I pulled out a metal elephant on a chain--then another, and another, and another--until the last charm was freed, a cobalt blue "evil eye." Too fun! I love it, and especially love that she brought it all the way back from her holiday in Turkey--just for me. *heart swell*

Amused and aware that elephants aren't native to Turkey, I asked Sarah if she knew anything about the meaning. She told me that she did the prerequisite haggling for the amulet at the Great Bazaar in Istanbul, and that they are a good luck symbol there (as they are everywhere.)

I knew the common usage of the blue glass eye (to repel envy and other negative thoughts) but what I didn't know is its proper name, "Nazar Boncuk."

So thinking about this particular piece, I see that the ellies are for bringing in good luck, while the glass eye protects me from others who are envious. I'm not one to indulge in superstition, but I do enjoy the romantic notion of talismans and fetishes. But I can tell it's already working! I'm truly lucky to have a friend like Sarah.

Comments

[fragaria]

hi,
I am from Turkey and an elephant lover :) I found your blog when i was googling for elephants. ''Nazar'' means ''look'' and the ''boncuk' means glass bead. We think it protects you from other peoples bad looks. And the seven elephants that decrescent symbolise wisdom and modesty.

[Jaya Savannah]

Thank you Fragaria! I didn't know there was a special meaning for the seven descending elephants. Wisdom and modesty. Nice.

Now that you mention it, I wonder if the 7 elephants relates to the 7 chakras? Does the concept of chakras exist in Turkey?

[Ozlem]

I noticed the (door?) frame on the left of your photo so thought I would explain that there is a little bit more to this good luck superstition than you mentioned. Elephants, especially in groups of seven, are considered lucky. But it is generally held that for luck they should be positioned facing towards the door.

[Jaya Savannah]

A very belated thank you, Ozlem. I have it hung next to a window, but I suppose the same rule applies. I think I'll move it to the actual door now, so it will also be facing the right way.

[Aylin]

All that is mentioned above is true. But the seven elephants actually have a meaning in Turkey. It is believed that those who hang seven elephants in their homes will become homeowners.