Published Oct 31, 2012
hope4ccns
18 Posts
Hello I'm doing a culture paper on Mexican Americans and healthcare in the US. In addition to barriers such as utilization, diet/exercise, etc I am looking for info on Mal de Ojo (Evil Eye). I know about this only through Mexicans that I have spoken to and Wikipedia(which does not reference it's info). I know that many cultures have their own beliefs with the Evil Eye but I am looking for information that I can count as credible. Does anyone know of any websites, articles, or books that may be helpful?
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN
20,908 Posts
Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!
the Evil Eye is not only the Mexican culture....but many cultures have stories folk lore about the Evil Eye especially Romani /Hungarian Gypsies
Mal de Ojo....I found a few things
Mal de ojo
Curanderos and 'mal de ojo', an everyday reality in Latin America
Medical Spanish Culture: Mal de ojo.
Folk Illnesses and Remedies in Latino Communities | Dimensions of Culture
Common Folk illnesses
Illness and Practices
Medical Spanish - Cultural Beliefs
https://www.google.com/search?q=folk+lore++Mal+de+Ojo&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=folklore+Mal+de+Ojo&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=yXf&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvnsbo&ei=HoCRUOCSCan20gHCmYDIDg&start=10&sa=N&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=1d38f12718a66577&bpcl=36601534&biw=1280&bih=681
Thank you! This will be very helpful!
YOu're welcome.
PatyJackson1
9 Posts
I am from Puerto Rico and we use that term frequently. Mal de ojo, or evil eye, is believed to result of excessive admiration or envious looks by others. For example: If I have been recovering from a bad injury and somebody keeps asking me about it excessively and I know that the person is not honest about been concerned, I would say: stop asking me because you just want to give me "mal de ojo" meaning that the person just wishes me to be ill again and just want to ruin my good luck. Also, Having newborn babies wear an azabache (a gold bracelet or necklace with a black or red coral charm in the form of a fist), is believed to protect them from the evil eye. You can find more information at: http://www.topuertorico.org/culture/folklore.shtm
I hope that helps, loved your question! Good luck