Objects believed to have magical powers that bring good luck, protect from harm, or give the owner special abilities.
From Arabic 'tilsam,' which came from Greek 'telesma' meaning 'consecration' or 'magical ritual.' The word traveled west through Islamic Spain during the Middle Ages and entered European languages.
Talismans traveled the same trade routes as spices and silk—the word itself is a perfect example of how cultures share beliefs, with Arabic, Greek, and English all claiming a piece of the concept of magical protection objects.
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