Stuff You Should Know

Short Stuff: Evil Eye

Aug 30, 2023
Discover the cultural phenomenon of the evil eye, steeped in history and superstition. From ancient Mesopotamia to modern protective rituals, the discussion uncovers how jealousy manifests as misfortune across different societies. Engaging tales highlight unique practices, like using olive oil for predictions and the playful comparison of ancient idols to E.T. Plus, learn about quirky customs surrounding events like baby showers that may invite bad luck. Embrace a lighthearted exploration of warding off negativity with rituals and symbols!
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Josh's Misfortunes

  • Josh recounts experiencing several misfortunes, like a blown tire and losing his checkbook.
  • Chuck jokingly attributes these events to Jerry giving them the evil eye for past podcast discussions.
INSIGHT

Evil Eye Origins

  • The evil eye is an ancient belief about a curse cast through a malevolent glare, often stemming from envy or anger.
  • It's frequently unintentional and can affect possessions.
INSIGHT

Plutarch's Theory

  • Plutarch, a historian and philosopher, wrote about the evil eye.
  • He believed the eyes emit energy, and negative emotions cloud the mind, causing harmful energy projection.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app