amulet

An amulet is a small object believed to confer protection from harm, ward off evil, or bring good fortune to its bearer. It is typically carried, worn, or kept close at hand, rather than displayed prominently. In many cultures an amulet is thought to possess protective power regardless of the wearer’s beliefs.

The word amulet comes from Latin amuletum, borrowed into English via French amulette. The exact linguistic roots are uncertain, with possible influences from Greek or Arabic sources. The term is distinct in some traditions from a talisman, which is envisioned as influencing external events rather than simply guarding the wearer.

Amulets are made in a wide range of materials, including stone, metal, bone, clay, glass, wood, and organic substances. They may bear inscriptions, religious symbols, or images of deities, animals, or protective motifs. Common themes include the hamsa, the eye, crosses, stars, and scriptural verses. Some amulets are consecrated by ritual or blessing.

Historically, amulets appear in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome, South Asia, East Asia, and numerous indigenous and folk traditions. They have served as personal talismans, household protections, or objects worn in ritual contexts. In many cultures the origin and efficacy of amulets are tied to beliefs about divine favor, spirits, or cosmic forces.

In contemporary usage, amulets appear in jewelry and decorative objects, often valued for cultural heritage, aesthetic appeal, or personal meaning. While many people attribute protective or fortunate qualities to amulets, scientific evidence for their efficacy remains unsupported; they are primarily regarded as cultural artifacts and symbols of belief.