Gem Gossip is one of my favorite jewelry blogs I follow. It has a strong focus on vintage and antique jewelry, which is an area I’m always looking to learn more about. Danielle, the talented writer, recently posted an article about different ways she was styling her figa charms. I was totally into it! Here’s an image from her article. And I was left with, “I love this, and what the heck is a figa?!”
When I started researching what a figa is, I learned it’s quite the controversial symbol. Properly called the “mano fico,” this is an Italian symbol going back centuries. (Must be my half-Italian side that was drawn to this!) The symbol is a closed fist, with the thumb going through the index and middle fingers. It is a representation of a woman’s genitalia and sex, to be blunt. It is said to ward off the “evil eye” and bring protection to the wearer. Basically, the gesture is supposed to be so offensive that it scares off the “evil.” Interestingly, Brazil and Portugal also see this amulet as a good luck symbol. BUT…much of the world sees this as a very obscene gesture, basically the equivalent of giving someone the finger. (Note to self, never wear this in Turkey, South Africa, France or Russia.)
Of course, I had to have one too, so off I went to Esty where I found a lovely vintage rock crystal figa from MindiLynJewelry. If you follow my blog, you know I’m a complete rock crystal addict! (My body actually craves it.)
Wow, Amy, a new type of jewelry you didn’t know about. That’s very exciting. Wonder how many others are out there? Really interesting article?
You know I always love learning about new types of jewelry! I’m so glad Danielle wrote about it and got my research bug going.
Now there is something I didn’t know. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Sugar!
Very interesting! I love your combo layering.You always find pieces that have secret meanings or messages. That is cool. But, so are you Amy. //(*_*)\\
Well thanks, Colleen! 🙂
Loved reading this! Ditto what Colleen says!
Glad you enjoyed it, Andrea!
The three charms work wonderfully with the moonstone necklace. Feminine power!
Feminine power, indeed! 🙂
I once read (when? where?) that only very strong women can wear several moonstones at once without falling apart. Something about their overwhelming power. I’ve got to find that reference!
Hmmm…interesting!
I am curious to know if men can wear the mano Figa. I have a black one with a gold key, bracelet and top. My mother is Brazilian and I currently wear it with a gold cross on a gold chain also from Brasil. Thanks.
I say go for it! If it makes you happy and it works with your personal style, then that’s what is important. Thanks for writing.
My paternal grandparents came from Portugal, and when I was very young my grandmother gave me one that was given to her when she was a child. I was always told that if a child was born with her hand like that, she would have good luck in her life, the implication being that they gave the charm to children who weren’t born with their hands like that.
How interesting! Thanks so much for sharing this story, Spanky!
I am 100% portuguese and I wear the Figa everyday around my neck. It’s meant to ward off evil just like “horn” that Italians wear. While we don’t recognize the horn in our culture we understand it’s meaning to be the same as the Figa. Figas are given to kids by their elders (parents, grandparents, godparents etc.) to show they want you protected from anything evil. We don’t see it as an obscenity at all 🙂
Thanks for the comment, Stacy! I agree with you 100%! I love the horns from my Italian heritage, and I wear my figa in the same way. 🙂
I have a beautiful one solid 18 carat gold with 6 carats of black diamonds.
I may sell it!
That sounds absolutely beautiful, Patricia!!! I’d love to see it — send me a photo if you’d like [email protected] 🙂