What good luck charm was worn by children in ancient Rome to ward off the evil eye?

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The bulla was a significant good luck charm worn by children in ancient Rome, serving as a protective amulet against the evil eye, a malevolent gaze believed to bring misfortune or harm. Typically made from leather or metal, the bulla was often worn around the neck by boys and girls until they reached adulthood. This custom emphasized the importance of safeguarding children from spiritual and physical threats, reflecting the broader Roman cultural belief in the protective power of certain objects. Once a child reached a certain age, they would remove the bulla in a rite of passage, marking their transition into adulthood. Other terms like fibula, laurel, and moneta refer to different items or concepts, such as a clasp for clothing, a wreath symbolizing victory, and the goddess of money, respectively, which do not hold the same protective connotation as the bulla.

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