The evil eye. An account of this ancient and wide spread superstition

352 THE EVIL EYE chap.
The key, which like the crescent takes a prominent
position, appears in every perfect specimen.
We may therefore conclude that it is an important
amulet ; this key also is compounded. On the Cima-
ruta the bow of the key is always shaped like a heart
as on Fig. 162. In Fig. 1 12 the key appears singly,
i.e. without the heart, in many shapes more or less
ornamental, clearly proving the position it holds in
Neapolitan estimation as a simple charm to be worn
by adults, as well as in its compounded form by
infants. As an amulet it has a distinct phallic
significance.^^^
There can be little doubt that the key is another
of the symbols of Diana, and relates to her in jhe
form of Luna, or in her proper name of Diana, the
wife of Dianus ; for Janus and Jana are but alter-
native forms of one and the same word. As keeper
of the gates of heaven, Jana was entrusted with her
husband's key to open the portals for the exit of
Aurora and the life and light giving Phoebus, as
well as to close the gates of night. The key might
possibly be also regarded as an attribute of Hecate-
Proserpine, who as mistress of the lower world
might open the gates and free the imprisoned
spirits. ^^^ A medal represents her with a key in one
hand and a serpent in the other. ^'^'^
It is a remark-
able fact, and not to be overlooked in connection
with Diana and the Cimaruta, that the Neapolitan
opening its mouth to seize a pot of ointment in her left hand (Montfaucon,
vol. i. p. 181).
582 Payne Knight, Synib. Lang. p. 30.
'•'^'^ Montfaucon, vol. i. p. 94.
^^"^ Diana, in her alternative name Jana, presided over the doors and
thresholds of all houses. " Nigidius assures us that Apollo is Janus, and
Diana, Jana ; and that the key is their proper attribute " (Montfaucon, vol.
i. p. 16). In one of her three forms she holds a key in her hand.