ExcaEvil eye.
No charm is more recognised for keeping mystical, malevolent forces at bay than the ‘evil eye.’ The conspicuous cobalt blue eye has appeared in various cultures from Judaism to Islam. Its earliest incarnation is thought to be from 3300 BC in Mesopotamia (modern day Syria). Excavated in Tell Brak, Alabaster amulets with incised eyes are thought to be the very beginnings of how the ‘eye’ is seen today.
Evil eye beads underwent widespread circulation in the region, being used by the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans and, perhaps most famously, the Ottomans. It’s thought the Egyptians created the striking blue colour commonly used since around 1500 BC.
In the last decade, evil eye imagery has most frequently appeared in the world of fashion. From Willow Smith’s Chanel campaign to Givenchy 2016, this mystical symbol is everywhere you look. Discount Universe took it one step further creating an entire range around the ‘evil eye,’ 2016.
“It’s important to note there’s a key distinction between the evil eye which is a curse, and the eye amulet, which dispels the curse.”
3000 years later we’re still obsessed with this talisman – why?
Transcending cultural, geographical and religious boundaries, the ‘eye’ has meaning to so many people beyond a simple trinket or fashion statement. It’s a remnant from the very dawn of civilisation, harking back to some of humanity’s most enduring and profound beliefs.
And so, this all brings me to revealing a brand new venture from Melbourne brand Icon Candles by Eleni, ‘Mati – The Eye’ candle. Inside the unique candle is a mixture of blue glass ‘eye/mati’ beads that emerge as you burn the candle. The beads can be kept upon completion of your candle and used for ‘good-luck’ to ward off negativity and to keep on your person or in your home as ‘protection’ from the ‘mati’ (evil eye). Icon Candles by Eleni are hand poured here in Melbourne by Eleni Halos who pays tribute to her Greek heritage with this range. They’ve been picked up by Hellenic Republic as a stockist, but you absolutely can find them for sale online and guess what? They’re only $40.
At 50 hours burn time, the candle will fill your home with the scent of Ouzo Menta (liquorice mint, just think of the drink). I just love everything about this brand – that it’s Melbourne owned and made, the mystical aspect and of course the hidden talismans you find as the candle burns. The beautiful candle accessories in a warm yellow/rose gold are also part of the range and will be available to purchase soon. I have them sitting on a mantlepiece next to the candle and they look stunning as an ornament in their own right.
What a beautiful addition to your home.
