My great grandmother immigrated to America (specifically Boston) from Greece with my grandmother (who wasn’t older than ten). Growing up, being Greek has always been a big part of my life and my connection to my family, and my family has continuously taught the next generation about our history. An object relevant to my culture in my family is the evil eye, which is a sort of superstitious image that represents a “malicious gaze”, which most interpret as bad wishes or intentions towards someone. It sounds like a bad thing, but when worn or carried with you it is actually supposed to protect you from that bad energy. We don’t pass down evil eye objects in my family because they aren’t meant to last that long. Once the eye has protected you, it breaks or is destroyed in some way because it has filled its purpose. My great-grandmother used to tell me how while she was coming to America she had three evil eye charms shatter with her on the way, and she never doubted them after she got here safely. Lots of other Greek immigrant families have similar experiences and beliefs, because they went through a similar process getting to America and placed their faith in similar things. Although I have never been to Greece, the stories told to me of the liveliness and warmth of it, the foggy mountains and kind neighbors, almost makes me feel like I have.  

– Emma Snead

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more