Chai and Hamsa: What These Two Symbols Mean

Walk through almost any market in the Middle East, or browse any jewelry case, and you will see two symbols again and again: the chai and the hamsa. Both are popular, both are deeply rooted, and both are worn by people who may not know exactly what they mean. We made a collection around them, so we wanted to explain.

The Chai

Chai (חי) is the Hebrew word for "life." It is written with two letters, chet (ח) and yod (י), and it is one of the most common symbols in Jewish jewelry. Wearing it is a way of expressing a wish for life, health, and a good year.

The two letters also have numerical values: chet is 8 and yod is 10, which makes chai equal to 18. That is why 18 is considered a lucky number in Jewish tradition, and why gifts and donations are often given in multiples of 18. The well-known toast l'chaim means "to life."

Our The Tel Aviv Chaï and the The Hädera Necklace both feature a chai pendant, in very different colors.

The Hamsa

The hamsa is a hand-shaped symbol, often with an eye in the center of the palm. Its name comes from the word for "five," a reference to the five fingers. It is found across the Middle East and North Africa and is associated with protection, good fortune, and blessing.

The hamsa is known by different names in different traditions. In Jewish culture it is sometimes called the Hand of Miriam, and in Muslim culture the Hand of Fatima. It appears in homes, on doors, and in jewelry, and it is shared across communities rather than owned by a single one.

The Eye

Many hamsas include an eye in the center, which connects to the long-standing belief in the "evil eye" and the idea that the symbol can offer protection. Our hamsa necklaces, like the The Eïlat Necklace and the The Nëtanya Necklace, include a small gold-tone or dark eye in the center of the hand.

How to Wear Them

There are no rules, but here are a few ideas:

• Wear it close. Both symbols are traditionally worn near the heart or the collarbone.
• Layer lightly. A single pendant is enough, but a beaded strand with a pendant layers well over a simple top.
• Give it as a gift. Both symbols are popular gifts for birthdays, new homes, and new beginnings.

A Note of Respect

Symbols carry meaning for the people who grew up with them. We chose to make these pieces with care and attention, and we hope you will wear them with the same spirit.

The Collection

The symbols you read about here are the heart of our new Holy Land Collection, ten hand-strung necklaces named for places in the region. Next week, we will introduce each of them.

Browse the accessories to see the Tel Aviv Chaï and watch for the full collection.