Gems: meanings and superstitions

Originally, a man wore gems to adorn himself, to beautify his garments and beloved, to decorate weapons and a horse.

Then, a rare stone became a measure of wealth and richness. In addition to the great value of gems, they possess enormous wonder-working powers and effects. For example, the ancient warriors always had a diamond on the left side of the weapon to avoid death. It was considered that the diamond frightens away bad dreams and helps to somnambulists. Ancient people believed that the emerald neutralizes the venom and they put the stone into the cup with the dubious drink.

It is believed that there are no gems without any related superstitions, signs, beneficial or deleterious effects. The Japanese consider pearls to be a symbol of health, happiness, longevity and love. In the 19^th century Brazilian doctors were ordered to wear ring with an emerald; the lawyers wore finger-rings with rubies, and the engineers had to adorn themselves with a sapphire. The gems were assigned to improve the professional qualities.

According to some legends, the agate is a symbol of longevity and health, the topaz signifies fast friendship, and there is an interesting fact that turquoises guaranteed success while selling ill horses.

Everyone who wants to be happy in his life must wear the stone of his birth month – a birthstone. Here it is a list of birthstones:

January: Garnet or Rose Quartz;

February: Amethyst or Onyx;

March: Aquamarine or Bloodstone;

April: Diamond or Rock Crystal (Quartz);

May: Emerald or Chrysoprase;

June: Alexandrite or Moonstone or Pearl;

July: Ruby or Carnelion;

August: Peridot or Sardonyx;

September: Sapphire or Lapis;

October: Opal or Tourmaline;

November: Topaz or Citrine;

December: Tanzanite, Zircon or Turquoise.

But it is not the whole interesting information about gems. In the ancient pharmacopoeias, precious stones are counted among the most valuable remedies. Special virtues were attributed to the ruby, topaz, emerald, sapphire, and hyacinth, which were rendered famous in medicinal annals.

Nowadays the medical and mystical effects of gems are not officially recognized, but our belief in the reality of amulets and talismans is still alive.

Technorati Tags: gemstones, health, wealth, birthstone, diamond, emerald, symbol, talisman

Related Posts...

• Body piercing jewelry