The ''Hand of Glory''

By Crusader1307

Although it s use is roughly traced to the late Middle Ages, examples of this morbid practice are first recorded in the early 18th Century. The Hand of Glory was attributed to magical powers and was said to give the power of wealth and fame to it s Owner. In practice, The Hand was taken from a person who died on The Gallows (hanging). Normally a theft or other infamous character. The Hand was preserved through natural tanning and drying. Sometimes Tallow was used. It was said that The Hand gave a person the additional power to unlock and door (as if by magic). To counter The Hand, it was said that using Cat s Gall and spreading the liquid over one s home threshold, would stop anyone with The Hand from entering (unlocking) a door. Few examples are still available for curious view in several European Museums.