Om Symbol
India
The primordial sound of the universe, Om is the most sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
South Asia
15 charms from this country
Bangladesh weaves Islamic faith with deep pre-Islamic Bengali folk traditions in its approach to luck and protection. The evil eye (nazar) is a primary concern — black kohl is applied to infants' foreheads as protection, and small black dots are painted on children's cheeks to deflect envious glances. Mala beads and tasbih are used for devotional counting in both Hindu and Muslim households.
The lotus is sacred across Bangladesh's religious traditions and features in folk art, architecture, and auspicious ceremony. Cowrie shells have historically been used as currency and luck charms throughout the Bengal region. At the Urs festivals of Sufi saints, devotees tie colorful threads and receive protective amulets blessed by the resident holy man.
India
The primordial sound of the universe, Om is the most sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
India
A string of 108 prayer beads used for mantra repetition, mala beads align the practitioner's energy with divine intention through meditative counting.
India
The open palm amulet protects against the evil eye and channels divine blessing, appearing across Hindu, Muslim, and Jewish traditions throughout South Asia.
India
The decorative forehead dot marks the ajna chakra, protecting the wearer and concentrating intuitive power.
India
The sacred red mark applied to the forehead activates the ajna chakra and marks the body as consecrated to the divine.
India
The clay oil lamp is the most fundamental symbol of the dispelling of darkness and the inviting of divine light into one's life.
Middle East
The crescent moon and star, a symbol of Islamic faith found on mosques, flags, and protective amulets across the Muslim world.
West Africa
Ancient African currency and fertility symbol used across the continent for centuries.
India
Turmeric root is a sacred healing spice used as a talisman for purification, protection, and auspicious new beginnings.
India
Strung across doorways during festivals and ceremonies, mango leaves welcome prosperity and protect against negative energy.
India
The three-leafed bael tree is Lord Shiva's favorite offering and one of the most sacred plants in Shaivite Hinduism.
India
The ornate container for sindoor (vermilion) is a sacred object symbolizing marital love, a wife's protection of her husband, and the divine feminine.
India
The blue-and-white eye amulet protects against the malicious gaze of envy, widely used across South Asian communities.
India
The nazar battu is India's traditional evil eye repellent, a black effigy or symbol that absorbs jealous glances and protects its bearer.
India
One of the oldest symbols of good fortune in human history, the Hindu swastika represents the eternal cycle of prosperity and well-being.