<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">The Evil Eye is everywhere. But don''t get worried just yet, this is no malevolent force we''re talking about, only the hottest new fashion accessory that''s caught everyone''s fancy. <br /><br />One sees strings of these predominantly deep blue beads adorning the most stylish wrists from Delhi''s Hauz Khas to Mumbai''s Hughes Road. <br /><br />The concept of such glass eyes apparently originated in ancient Egypt and the regions around Turkey. <br /><br />The symbol was believed by many to have mystical powers that were considered protective. <br /><br />Thousands of years later, its effects are now being felt in page three circles! <br /><br /></div> </div><div class="section2"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Just bead it!</span><br /><br />Yesterday''s amulets worn for protection that helped ward off the ''evil eye'' are today''s Evil Eye trinkets. <br /><br />Actor Amrita Arora doesn''t think much of the superstitious mumbo-jumbo: "I think it''s rubbish. We''ve lived all lives without these things! If the evil hasn''t affected us so far, I doubt if things will change now." <br /><br />Her brother-in-law and fellow actor Arbaaz Khan seems to agree: "I think they look great. The colours are fantastic and they work very well as bracelets. <br /><br />"But I think it''s nothing more than an accessory. From what I hear, the whole of Turkey is into the Evil Eye bit. <br /><br />"If that''s the case, then it should be the safest place in the world! So I don''t believe in its protective powers, but yes, it''s a great style statement." <br /><br />It''s pretty evident that the style mantra overshadows the magic mantra! <br /><br />And although actor Emraan Hashmi acknowledges the years of tradition that the Evil Eye is associated with, his reasons for sporting the charm are quite different too: "I have an Evil Eye that''s latched on to a leather strap, which I usually wear on my right wrist. <br /><br />"I know about the belief that it can keep away nazar, but I must confess, part of me wears it because it looks good!" <br /><br />Says designer Manish Arora: "I think the best part about the Evil Eye accessories, is that they go with everything – whether it''s a pair of jeans or a formal outfit. <br /><br />"But bear in mind, you shouldn''t wear too many other accessories when you''re wearing the Evil Eye. It''s important that it stands out." <br /><br />Ironic how something that started off as a device to detract attention is now worn to be the centre of it! <br /><br /></div> </div><div class="section3"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Worldview</span><br /><br />The Evil Eye by any other name is just as powerful. Across the spectrum, the Evil Eye is the name given to harmful negative energy, which is created by people looking at you with envy or ill feeling. <br /><br />In various cultures throughout history, there have been malicious factors and various apotropaics, the scientific term for charms used to repel such factors: <br /><br />a) <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Nazar</span> in India, which is counteracted by the traditional <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">kaala teeka</span> <br /><br />b) <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Nazar Bonjuk</span> around Turkey, which is the custom of wearing something to protect oneself from bad vibes<br /><br />c) The Eye of Horus in Egypt, a concept, which is all about wearing an eye that stares back at the evil eye, thus neutralising the malevolence. <br /><br />It originates from the story of Horus, the legendary Egyptian falcon god whose eye was wounded by his Uncle Seth in pursuit of the Egyptian throne. <br /><br />Horus prevailed over his evil uncle in the end and became a hero. <br /><br />The Eye of Horus was a popular embellishment for buildings and tombstones in ancient times and is a prominent symbol in modern Egypt too. <br /><br />Other protective concepts include hand signs like the Mano Cornuto or the horned hand that has been transformed by the American sub-continent into ''finger crossing''. <br /><br /></div> </div><div class="section4"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Buy an eye</span><br /><br />The original Evil Eye is made of pure glass with the eye embedded inside. These are priced between Rs 400 and Rs 2,000, depending on the size, shape and colour. <br /><br />The originals are only available in black and blue (since blue is the colour that is believed to be the most powerful against negativity).<br /><br />There are plenty of faux evil eyes priced in the range of Rs 50-100. <br /><br />If you can''t tell it''s a fake, you might get ripped off and end paying Rs 500 for one of these! <br /><br />Check the bead for imperfections and if the eye is painted on or protruding off the surface, it''s most likely a cheap fake. <br /><br />In some, the colours even wash off with water. Faux eyes also experiment with colour and you get quite a range.</div> </div>
