Amulets

Objects of a very heterogeneous description, to which is superstitiously attributed the power of healing certain diseases, or averting them from men and animals. This is the meaning which attaches, in its widest sense, to the term amulet ( amuletum ). Amulets are unquestionably of Eastern origin; by the Egyptians they were looked upon as preservatives against dangers, unlucky days, enemies, . The varieties of them were very numerous; among others, were scarabæi, small columns, cartouches, symbolic eyes, interlacing fingers, heads of uræus, . A large number of stones were also employed as amulets; those of commonest occurrence are hematite, jasper, lapis lazuli, amethysts, diamonds, heliotropes, . Each of these amulets had its special virtue; for instance, the clear crystal worn during prayer rendered the god propitious, and compelled him to give ear to the suppliant. Coral kept every evil influence away from a house; and in Italy it is looked upon, even at the present day, as a preservative against the evil eye. In Christian archæology, the name of amulets, or in some instances, Encolpia (q.v.), was given to relics, or objects of devotion, such as cro es, medals, wood from the true cro , the bones of saints, . Amulets were also called periapt a ( περίαπτα ), i. e. suspended, because they were hung round the neck, and also pyctacium, because some amulets were folded in two. The Arabic word amulet means the same as periapt a, that which is suspended.