Red string (Kabbalah)
Wearing a thin scarlet or a crimson string as a type of talisman is a Jewish folk custom which is practiced as a way to ward off misfortune which is brought about by the "evil eye" . The tradition is popularly thought to be associated with Kabbalah and religious forms of Judaism.
The red string itself is usually made from thin scarlet wool thread. It is worn as a bracelet or band on the wrist of the wearer.
The red string was worn in many cultures and not founded solely in Jewish culture. Hinduism and Chinese culture has also worn this red string or bracelet for luck, love and to ward off evil.
Biblical history
A scarlet thread, tied about the wrist, is mentioned in Genesis 38. Tamar becomes pregnant by her father-in-law, Judah, and gives birth to twin boys. The following verses about this event are taken from the King James Bible:As early as Rabbi Shmuel ben Hafni Gaon, Jewish commentators noted that the placement of a red string on one's hand may be a good omen. Some sources imply it may even be placed around a finger. Some early Jewish commentators write that Joseph's coat was actually the exact same as the coat of the other Tribes, just that Jacob placed a red string on the cuffs.