The eye is a powerful symbol that has had many different meanings in cultures and belief systems around the world. In art, literature, religion, and mythology, the eye takes on various symbolic and metaphoric meanings. As a symbol, the eye has different connotations depending on the context in which it appears. But some common symbolic meanings of the eye include: wisdom, perception, observation, protection, insight, and even the divine or mystical. Understanding the symbolism and meaning behind the image of the eye can provide deeper insight into a work of art, piece of literature, culture, or belief system.
The Eye as a Symbol of Wisdom
One of the most common symbolic meanings of the eye is wisdom. The eyes are connected to wisdom because they allow us to observe, perceive, and gain insight and knowledge. Eyes that appear closed or blindfolded often indicate being in the dark, lacking perception or insight. Open eyes represent seeing, discerning, and enlightenment. The eye’s association with wisdom, perceptiveness, enlightenment, and knowledge is found across cultures and belief systems:
- In ancient Egypt, the Eye of Horus was a powerful protective symbol representing royal authority and wisdom.
- In Buddhism, the eyes of Buddha represent the wisdom and enlightenment Buddha attained.
- In Christianity, God is often referred to as the “All-Seeing Eye”, meaning He has divine wisdom, insight, and perception.
- The Eye of Providence or All-Seeing Eye is a symbol of God’s omnipresence and wisdom found on the US one dollar bill.
- In Hinduism, goddesses such as Parvati are depicted with many eyes, representing divine wisdom and perception.
So in many cultural and historical contexts, the eye has served as a reminder of the wisdom, insight, discernment, and perception attributed to gods, rulers, prophets, and philosophers.
The Eye as a Symbol of Protection
In addition to wisdom, the eye is also a longstanding symbol of guidance and protection in many cultures. The eye’s association with protection comes from the sense of being watched over or guided by a higher divine power. Some examples include:
| Culture/Religion | Protective Eye Symbol |
|---|---|
| Ancient Egypt | Eye of Horus (Wadjet) |
| Hinduism | Third Eye of Shiva |
| Middle East | Hamsa/Hand of Fatima |
| Christianity | Eye of Providence |
| Buddhism | Eyes of Buddha |
These symbolic eyes represent the protective gaze of deities watching over the faithful. They appear on amulets, talismans, artifacts, and architecture to ward off harm and impart a blessing or guidance.
The Eye as a Symbol of Insight and Observation
Another meaning associated with eyes is that of perspective, point of view, and observation. As the organs that allow for sight and observation, eyes naturally take on the symbolism of experiencing and witnessing. Literary and artistic uses of the eye may emphasize the subjective experience of an individual, as shaped by their perspective.
Examples of the eye symbolizing insight, point of view, and observation include:
- The phrase “eye-witness” refers directly to the observation experience of an individual.
- The “mind’s eye” refers to the ability imagine or experience visions through insight and perspective.
- “Eyewitness accounts” in journalism emphasize the subjective experience of individuals who observed an event.
- The “I” of a first-person story is shaped by the narrator’s experiential eye and point-of-view.
- Surrealist artists like Salvador Dali used eyes in unexpected settings and angles to portray unique imaginative perspectives.
So when used in a literary or artistic context, eyes can take on the symbolic meaning of subjective insight and observation.
The Eye as a Symbol of Mysticism and the Divine
The eye has also long been associated with mysticism and the spiritual realm. This meaning connects to the sense of visionary seeing, enlightenment, and even the supernatural or metaphysical. The mystical eye is thought to see beyond normal perception into profound truths, the divine, or hidden meanings.
Several examples include:
- The Eye of Providence represents the mystical all-seeing eye of God.
- The third eye in Hinduism and Buddhism represents inner sight and achieving spiritual vision.
- Figures with multiple eyes like Argus in Greek mythology emphasize broader perspectives.
- Blindness or covered eyes represent a lack of inner sight or ignorance.
- Eyes rolling back in the head suggests entrance into mystical states.
- Disembodied eyes symbolize unnatural or prophetic powers of sight.
So when used in a spiritual or mystical context, the eye takes on a meaning of seeing beyond the physical into metaphysical truths and hidden knowledge.
The Evil Eye
While the eye has many positive associations, it also has a long history of more negative meanings as the so-called “evil eye”. The evil eye refers to a malevolent look thought to cause misfortune, injury, or bad luck for the person being stared at. Belief in the evil eye dates back to ancient Greece and Rome and remains today in many cultures, especially Mediterranean and West Asian regions.
Examples of the evil eye symbol in culture and folklore include:
- In Judaism, a jealous or evil look is thought to cause harm or misfortune.
- In Islam, the evil eye comes from envy or jealousy.
- In Hinduism, a negative glance can transmit harmful energies.
- In ancient Greek myths, the gorgon Medusa could turn people to stone with her gaze.
- Mal de ojo charms and amulets in Spanish and Latin cultures protect against the evil eye.
So while the eye has largely positive meanings, beliefs about the power of an envious or evil gaze demonstrate how it can also take on darker symbolism.
Conclusion
In summary, the symbolic eye has a complex range of meanings across human cultures. It can represent wisdom, protection, insight, the mystical, and at times the sinister. But the enduring power and prevalence of the eye as a symbol across history points to its profound ability to communicate deeper meanings related to perception, observation, vision, and even the divine. The multicultural symbolism of the eye continues to have resonance in religion, mythology, folklore, literature and art to this day.
