protective symbols
Apotropaic marks used
Protective symbols are images, signs, or marks believed to ward off evil, danger, or misfortune.
These range from ancient religious emblems like the cross, Star of David, or hamsa to folk symbols like the evil eye or horseshoe hung above a doorway.
Some people wear protective symbols as jewelry or tattoos; others place them in homes or vehicles.
The belief in their power may be sincere, cultural, or purely decorative: She keeps a protective symbol by her bed.
- hamsaPalm-shaped protective amulet
- horseshoeCurved metal hoof protector
- four-leaf cloverRare fortunate plant variant
- rabbit's footSupposed good-luck amulet
- lucky charmObject thought to bring fortune
amulet · cross · dreamcatcher · medicine wheel · talisman · pentagram · hex sign · sacred geometry · tree of life · crescent moon · lotus flower · yin-yang · scarab · sun disk · turtle shell · mandala · warning sign · evil eye bead
- folk magicspell, spells, hex, hexes, curse
- protective magictalismans, wards, charms, barrier, shielding
- Slavic folkloreBaba Yaga, vampire, Ivan, mora, Firebird
- Bogolanfinicotton cloth, geometric patterns, black pigment, Mali, ceremonial garments
- Northwest Coasttotem pole, potlatch, totem poles, thunderbird, clan crest
- folklorefairy tales, fairytales, folktales, folk tales, folk tale
protective symbolsdanger signs
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