The evil eye is the most widespread belief in Romanian folk spirituality: the power of the gaze — usually involuntary — to cause harm. A beautiful child, a rich harvest, a milk-producing cow, a happy wedding: all can be «touched» by an envious or overly admiring eye. Over the centuries, Romanian village life developed an entire system of signs, incantations and protections — which you will find below.
What the evil eye is and who can cast it
According to tradition, the evil eye comes from people with «heavy eyes» — people (often without ill intent!) whose gaze «falls heavily». Even direct praise («what a beautiful child!») can cast the evil eye unless accompanied by the formula that breaks it: «may God protect him» or a small breaking of the charm (knocking on wood, three discreet «ptiu» sounds). There is also the self-inflicted evil eye: excessive pride in what is one's own, beyond measure.
The classic signs of the evil eye
- sudden headaches, nausea without a medical cause;
- repeated yawning without sleepiness;
- cold «in the back», feeling faint;
- a child crying inexplicably after a visit;
- a series of misfortunes starting suddenly after praise;
- water «struck with the palm» — it no longer clears.
The ritual with matches and a glass of water
The traditional test: fill a glass with water, make the sign of the cross, then light two matches crossed over one another and extinguish them in the water, in the name of the Holy Trinity. If the matches float — it is not the evil eye. If they sink or separate — a sign of the evil eye (sometimes also of «food» or a charm). Then follows the incantation spoken by the elderly woman «behind locked doors» (in secret), with the water usually becoming clear again after the incantation — a sign that the harm has left.
Old protections against the evil eye
- Red: a mărțișor charm, a red thread at the wrist (children and mothers), a red headscarf;
- Garlic: a bulb at the door, a clove in the pocket;
- Salt: discreetly sprinkled at the threshold; «salt and bread» given discreetly;
- Prayer: Psalm 90 (link), the «Our Father» recited over the child before sleep;
- A small icon worn at the chest;
- The formula «may God protect him» after any praise.
The evil eye and the Church
The Orthodox Church does not dispute the reality of evil, but recommends Church «weapons»: confession, Holy Communion, holy water (water blessed at Theophany), chanting Psalm 90 and inviting the priest to bless the home. Incantations «that call spirits» — no; prayer and the sign of the cross — yes. Elderly women who «bind shame» with a healing incantation are regarded with compassion and respect, not as witches.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tell for myself whether someone has cast the evil eye on me? The signs above (sudden headache, yawning and cold) after a social encounter are the classic indication. In tradition, the ritual with matches gives the «verdict».
Can prayer be used instead of an incantation? For an Orthodox believer, yes: Psalm 90 and the Prayer to St Archangel Michael are the Church's sanctified «incantation» — see the links below.
