Greek Eye: What does it mean?

If you have been lucky enough to travel through Greece and especially to Athens, it is likely that you have noticed these very particular blue eyes.

This is a symbol inherited from Greek tradition . Locally, they are referred to as “ Matiasma ”.

But what does this symbol mean? Where does it come from? What is this lucky eye called, and does it have any particular purpose?

Find out everything there is to know about the Greek eye in this article.

The origin of the blue eye

The first talisman of this kind was created by the Arabs , more precisely by glassmakers in the city of Izmir, then part of the Ottoman Empire.

In the 18th century, they noted that their production was less and less appreciated in the region.

In order to reverse the trend, they decide to create a talisman representing a blue eye .

The object quickly became a resounding success, so much so that it spread beyond borders and was exported to other countries. Little by little, it became part of the culture and became a true symbol. 

What is the meaning of the eye in Greece?

The Greek eye amulet was then taken up by a multitude of countries in the Mediterranean basin, notably Greece.

While it is true that the origin of the blue eye dates back to the Ottoman Empire, it was within this country that it experienced its greatest expansion. Around 1832, in the Plaka district of Athens, it was exiled glassmakers who taught the locals how to design the talisman .

Over the years, modifications were made to the talisman through the influence of Greek culture.

The symbol of the eye in Greece then appeared on the market in the form of a pendant, and became very popular.

It was also exported to many countries. This success prompted artisans to create new models, in the form of earrings, rings, and other shapes.

Today, as one can see when traveling in Greece, this eye has survived the test of time and remains a very often worn traditional accessory .

The meaning of the blue eye, an embodiment of bad luck

The Izmir glassmakers did not design their talisman without attributing meaning to it. Indeed, each of the aesthetic choices, right down to the color, was not chosen by chance.

From its origins, this talisman had the symbolism of being an incarnation of the evil eye .

The evil eye is a belief shared by several religions. But it was Islam, through the Ottoman Empire, that contributed to its popularization throughout the Mediterranean basin.

It is a curse, cast by a person jealous of another . The curse is camouflaged under the guise of praise or a compliment. This is the reason why some people tend to be wary of overly emphatic praise.

The protective eye, a lucky symbol

The talisman is created by means of a glass disc, composed, inside, of four successive circles, whose color ranges from dark blue to black. Between the two are white and light blue colors.

Moreover, in the mysticism of the Muslim religion, the color blue associated with black designates the depths of the universe.

So, wearing the evil eye symbol as a pendant, hanging it on the walls of your house or placing it in your car acts as a lucky charm .

It is believed to ward off evil forces and protect its owner from curses cast by its fellow creatures. This original belief is, of course, no longer as widespread today.

The blue eye jewel and its very special meaning are worn out of tradition and conviction, but also for its aesthetic side.

If the time comes when the talisman finally breaks, however it is broken, it is considered because it has fulfilled its purpose! It is then time to get another one to perpetuate the protection against this curse that is the evil eye.

What is the name of the blue eye?

Today, the eye that protects against bad luck benefits from a good number of names that it has inherited over the course of its existence.

In Greece, the prevailing name is “Matiasma” , but it is also referred to as “Mati” or “Mataki”.

The original name logically comes to us from the Ottoman Empire, where the talisman was born.

In Turkish, the blue eye is called “Nazar Boncuk” . Literally, the term “Nazar” means the evil eye, while “Boncuk” refers to a pearl.

Jewelry with a Greek eye is still as attractive as ever

If Greece is the country that has been able to adopt the object and make it its own, the Greek eye nonetheless seduces foreigners.

Tourists visiting the country very often fall under the spell of the accessory , whether it is in the form of a pendant, a ring or in another form.

👉 See also the cameo ring and its meaning .

Therefore, many people buy them as a travel souvenir . They are also often given as gifts. The Greek eye has the advantage of being a fairly affordable accessory.

Where and how to wear the Greek eye?

There are several ways to wear the Greek eye shield today. Perhaps you want to wear it for style, because it's an accessory that appeals to you aesthetically.

In this case, you're free to wear it however you like. There are several ways to match it to your outfit.

Wearing the Greek eye as a pendant is the most common way, but the Greek eye can also look great on a ring or earrings. Bracelets are also becoming increasingly popular.

The blue eye can also be worn as a brooch, making it an elegant and intriguing fashion accessory. It can also be paired very well with other jewelry, such as an antique brooch or a flower brooch or other pendants.

The Greek eye tattoo has a special meaning because it allows you to make it a part of yourself and thus take full advantage of its powers.

On the other hand, if you want to use the Greek eye in a traditional optic, things are slightly different.

In fact, for protection against the evil eye, the accessory tends to be used in front of the entrance doors of homes .

It can also be hung on the rearview mirror of your car, or around a baby's crib . Its use as a pendant is also widespread among those who believe in its effectiveness against the evil eye.