A Hamsa is an ancient symbol picturing an opened hand with a palm and five outstretched fingers. It is often displayed with the fingers pointing down but may also be displayed with the fingers pointing up.The hamsa, hamsa hand or "protecting hand" is believed to be a way of averting negative influences and in getting additional protection from the evil eye.It is also believed by many to be a way of summoning assistance from the protective "Hand of G-d".