amulets

An amulet is an object carried or worn with the belief that it will protect the bearer from harm or misfortune, or bring good luck. Amulets are distinguished by their protective or warding function rather than by a specific magical purpose; they are often personal or ritual objects rather than public symbols. They can take many forms, including natural stones, carved figurines, pendants, or simple tokens, and may be worn around the neck, kept in a pocket, or placed in a dwelling. They may also be inherited or passed down within families.

Throughout history, amulets appear in many cultures. In ancient Egypt, scarabs and Eye of Horus charms were worn for protection in life and in the afterlife. In Mesopotamia, seals and figurines carried protective associations. In South Asia, talismans with inscriptions, images of deities, or yantras have long served protective or auspicious roles. In the Mediterranean and Europe, crosses, saints' relics, and other symbols have functioned as amulets. Amulets can be natural or manufactured and are often thought to gain power from blessings, consecration, or the wearer’s belief.

In contemporary practice, amulets remain common in many cultures and may also appear as fashion items. The term sometimes overlies a broader distinction with talismans, which are believed to attract fortune rather than merely defend against harm. Some scholars emphasize that the effectiveness of amulets is tied to social and psychological factors—ritual, belief, and the wearer’s perception—rather than to intrinsic properties of the object.