Evil Eye in Hungary: Belief, Ritual, Incantation

Abstract

Maleficium by the evil eye is a widespread cultural phenomenon known among many peoples of the world. It is found in 36 per cent of the 186 cultures examined by John M. Roberts. 1 In other large areas, however, there are no traces of it despite the existence of apparently similar social and cultural conditions: it seems to be primarily a characteristic feature of the Indo-European and Semitic-speaking peoples of the Old World. 2 The evil eye can most generally be described as maleficium by casting an eye on someone; at the same time it is a belief system for explaining misfortunes and for special diagnostic/curing rites. In addition, the function of the evil-eye complex can be considered as a potential norm control and sanction system. This system has become dead textual folklore or totally extinct in most parts of modern western Europe. However, in the southern and eastern regions of Europe as well as in certain parts of central Europe it continues to play an important role in an indistinct sphere of everyday life, primarily as a prophylactic and healing practice. These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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