Hand of God

In the religious symbolism of the Mediterranean people, the hand has always played an important part. The Jews painted protecting hands on the walls and doors of their houses and wore hand shaped pendants calling them the 'Hand of God'. The early Christians called theirs the 'Hand of The Virgin Mary' and the Muslims called them the 'Hand of Fatima' the daughter of the prophet. There are different kinds of stylized hands which are used as amulets to protect the wearer. For example, the hand with spread fingers is an averting hand, while the hand that is closed brings good luck.

Back to Sets