In popular use for over fifteen hundred years, the Hamsa (Chamsa), from the Semitic root meaning five, is a representation of the protective hand of God. Hand amulets are common in many cultures as talismans to ward off the evil eye and appropriately many Hamsas have a single eye embedded in the center of the palm to depict God’s watchful presence. This ancient symbol is used as a protective amulet by both Jews and Muslims. It is usually worn around the neck or hung on walls or over doors.