Amulet

An amulet is a spiritual object believed to confer protection or grace upon its possessor.

The term originates from the Latin word *amuletum*. Pliny the Elder described this in his *Natural History* as an object that protects a person from trouble. While many people confuse them with pendants, pendants are primarily aesthetic jewelry. An amulet is defined by its intended function of averting evil influences or ill luck. Anything can serve as an amulet, including statues, coins, drawings, or even plant and animal parts.

Because they are often worn for safety, they are frequently made from durable materials like metal or hard stone.

Scholars often distinguish between different types of these objects based on their perceived power. Some amulets are thought to possess inherent, extraordinary properties. These are typically associated with folk religions or pagan traditions. Other amulets are not believed to have any power on their own. Instead, they require a specific faith, lifestyle, or formal blessing to work. This is common within Catholicism, where a clergyman might provide a blessing. The term talisman is often used interchangeably with amulet. However, some scholars see amulets as a subset of broader categories like devotional articles or good luck charms.

Ancient Egypt offers a deep history of amulet use, known as *meket*.

They were used by both the living and the dead to reaffirm the fairness of the universe. These objects date back to the predynastic Badarian Period and lasted until Roman times. Pregnant women wore amulets of the goddess Taweret to prevent miscarriage. After childbirth, a mother might switch to an amulet of the god Bes, who protected children. Common symbols included the ankh or the Eye of Horus, which represented a replacement eye given by the god Thoth. Materials included gold, wood, stone, and a ceramic called Egyptian faience.

In Egyptian society, there was no distinction between magic and medicine. Religion was viewed as a legitimate tool for achieving magical cures. People believed diseases came from both natural and supernatural causes. Because professional doctors were expensive, many people relied on folk healers or seers. These individuals could set bones, interpret dreams, or prescribe herbal remedies. They often used a combination of practical medicine and magical spells. For example, the oldest known magical remedies in Egypt were spells used against snakebites.

Ancient Roman society also placed great importance on amulets. They inherited many traditions from ancient Greece and linked them to Roman religion. Romans often wore amulets to gain the specific powers of certain gods. For instance, milky chalcedony represented Jupiter, while red jasper represented Mars.

Children were protected by items called bullas or lunulas, and sometimes by amulet-chains known as *Crepundia*. Some amulets even featured inscriptions like *vterfexix*, meaning "good luck to the user." Even amulet boxes were used, such as a gold box containing sulphur for its evil-repelling qualities.

Different regions developed unique methods for creating protective objects. In the Near East, people used flat metal sheets made of silver, gold, copper, or lead. These were often rolled up and placed in metal containers to be worn as necklaces. They were inscribed with incantations and references to the name of God, the Tetragrammaton. In East Asia, Taoist specialists in China developed a specific calligraphy style to protect against evil spirits. In Japan, these are known as *omamori*.

In Korea, they are often called *bujeok* and are carried in small brocade bags.

Abrahamic religions have also incorporated amulets into their traditions throughout history. In Judaism, amulets often emphasize text and names rather than images to avoid idols. Examples include the Silver Scroll or the Chai necklace.

Some families used textile neckbands with coins or coral to protect young boys.

While some medieval scholars like Maimonides opposed their use, other rabbis approved them. In other traditions, amulets are categorized by how they are used. Some are worn on the body, some are hung above an infirm person's bed, and others are medicinal. Some medicinal amulets are even placed in a bath to help a person heal.