What are Amulets?
Amulets are a type of good luck charm. They are artifacts that are thought to protect those who own them. An amulet can be anything; gems, drawings, coins, statues, plant and animal parts, written words, etc.
There are two types of amulets: ones that impart luck and others with no power. They are said to have to be blessed by a clergyman to be used for protection. Generally made of durable materials, amulets can be worn or used for a long time.
The word amulet came from the Latin word amuletum, which means an object which protects an individual from harm. The word amuletum has no known origin to date.
In ancient Egypt, amulets were used by people as decorative and charm. Their use was widespread, as people used them for the living and dead then. Many amulets were found on the bodies of mummies.
The oldest amulet was discovered in the 1980s by archaeologists working at a Neolithic settlement in modern-day Pakistan. It resembles a wheel with six spokes on the interior. It is constructed of copper that has been oxidized over thousands of years.
What are Talismans?
Talismans are artifacts that have magical or religious properties. They are created to protect, heal, and hurt those for whom they are created. It is said that they bestow powers on those who wear them.
Talismans are objects like clothing, weaponry, or parchment inscribed with magical texts. Generally, they are portable objects but can also be permanently put at a place or infrastructure.
The word talisman came from the French word talisman, the Arabic word tilasm, which came from the Greek word telesma. The meaning of telesma is completion, religious rite, or payment.
They can be anything like a stone, ring, or other object. One example of a talisman could be the rabbit’s foot. Many people in China, Europe, Africa, and North and South America believe it will bring them good fortune. Certain considerations must be made when creating this talisman, such as time, location, and the individual who will produce the talisman, among others.
The Swastika is one of the oldest talismans. It can be seen in the stone age as well. Today, the swastika is particularly famous in the Eurasian cultures and Indian religions. It is considered a symbol of divinity but many also relate it to Hitler’s time.
Difference Between Amulets and Talismans
- Amulets are good luck charms used to protect, while talismans are used to protect, heal, and harm the wearer.
- Amulets are portable objects. Talismans, on the other hand, can be permanently installed in a location or infrastructure.
- Amulets are objects like gems, coins, drawings, etc., while talismans are objects with some magical inscription written on them.
- The amulet came from a Latin word, while the talisman came from a French word.
- The oldest amulet was discovered in the 1980s, while the oldest talisman was discovered in 1908.
Comparison Between Amulets and Talismans
| Parameters of Comparison | Amulets | Talismans |
| Meaning | They are good luck charms used for the protection of the wearer. | They are objects connected with religion or magic, meant to heal, protect, and harm. |
| Uses | They are used for protection. | They are used for protection, healing, and harm. |
| Objects | Amulets can be anything, gems, coins, drawings, plants, and animals parts. | Talismans are objects that have magical text written on them. |
| Origin of words | Came from a Latin word. | Came from a French word. |
| Portability | They are portable. | They are portable, but they can also be permanently put in infrastructure. |