Warding Off Evil

If you?re casting evil glances at an Indian home, business or vehicle, it will only leave you feeling bitter--and also a little hot. A culinary charm made up of one lemon and seven chilis, vertically strung together, is said to ward off evil with its potent combination of acid and spice. Sold at traffic signals and corner shops, this good luck symbol you?ll see hanging outside front doors and from rear view mirrors of vehicles. More recently, the ubiquitous lemon and chili motif has become a muse for kitschy artists, showing up in pop art pictures and on trendy bags and jewelry.

If you?re casting evil glances at an Indian home, business or vehicle, it will only leave you feeling bitter--and also a little hot. A culinary charm made up of one lemon and seven chilis, vertically strung together, is said to ward off evil with its potent combination of acid and spice. Sold at traffic signals and corner shops, this good luck symbol you?ll see hanging outside front doors and from rear view mirrors of vehicles.  More recently, the ubiquitous lemon and chili motif has become a muse for kitschy artists, showing up in pop art pictures and on trendy bags and jewelry.