Pearls are one of the most sought-after gems in the entire world. They are perfect companions for flashier gems because of their serene beauty. They also have an elegance that shines all by themselves. Their unique appearance and watery origins have inspired pearl symbolism for centuries. The first recorded mention of pearls in history was made by a Chinese historian in 2206 BCE. Pearl Culture have been treasured as gemstones for millennia. There is a big difference between pearls and well-known gems such as diamonds, emeralds rubies, sapphires, and even sapphires. These other gems form underground while pearls are organic. They can form in a variety of freshwater and saltwater moulusks. Pearls can be described as gems, but not stones. The ancients did not make any distinction between pearls, and actual stones.
The Moon, Water, and Pearl Culture Symbolism
Freshwater pearls can come in many different and beautiful shapes, particularly when they are freshwater. The idealized standard is the soft white lustrous orbs that are more common in saltwater pearls. This shape is strongly associated with the Moon.
Many cultures have associated pearls with the moon, which is not surprising. These associations are strengthened by the Moon’s association to the watery realm where pearls are created. It is considered the Moon’s daughter. The pearl is associated with Venus in Western cultures. The sea is where the goddess of love was born, just like pearls.
Pearls also have a watery association due to their shape. White pearls may be tears shed by the gods, according to some stories. One legend states that the tears Eve shed when she was banished to Eden were transformed into pearls.
Natural pearls are very rare today, which makes them more valuable. For centuries, the search for the perfect pearl has been ongoing, from natural to farmed. Evidence of pearl cultivation dates back at least to the 13th century CE. The cost of pearls was a strange way to increase wealth in ancient times. A caster would choose a fine pearl and infuse it to increase wealth. Then, he would throw it into the trash. This sympathetic magic practice was created to show that anyone who could discard pearls was indeed rich.
Some of the most common expressions are still being used today because Pearl Culture are expensive and rare. Matthew 7:6 in The Bible warns against throwing pearls before swine, wasting valuable resources on useless endeavors. Precious advice and counsel are still called “pearls for wisdom” in common usage. Before perliculture, pearls could be difficult to find and harvest. Are Pearls Feminine Jewels or Wisdom?
The association of pearl with Venus and the Moon seems to confirm the common perception that it is a feminine jewel. In his 1913 book, The Curious Lore Of Precious Stones (The Curious Lore of Precious stones), George Kunz made the following comparison between pearl and diamond:
The Pearl Culture and bride are both beautiful.
This idea doesn’t just apply to chivalric ideas from more than 100 years ago. White is still associated with purity and innocence in Western culture, which is why it is often used for weddings. Pearls are still popular gifts for brides because they are white gems. It is even believed that pearls can stop newlywed brides crying. Pearls are also the June birthstone in Western cultures. This is another reason pearls are a popular choice for brides and weddings. As symbols of fertility, Asian brides also wear pearl necklaces.
The Gem of Kings Pearl Culture
Despite concerted marketing efforts to the contrary, pearls are still worn frequently by women, but very rarely by men. Keep in mind, however, that while pearls are associated with femininity and are ingrained in our culture’s psyche, this is not always the case. As a sign of wealth, kings wore pearl ropes in ancient times.Colors and Legends
Pearls are one of the most varied gems in terms of shape and color. It’s no surprise that pearls in other colors than white inspire legends.
According to Polynesian legend, Lono, the god of light, came down on a rainbow and gave black pearls to his princess. With their stunning iridescence, the black pearls were imbued in the colors of the rainbow.
The Chinese have always loved golden pearls. They believe they bring luck and prosperity. Chinese Dragons are often shown holding golden pearls in the claws or mouths of their dragons.
An early Chinese legend claimed that pearls fell from heaven when dragons battled among the clouds. Another legend states that pearls were formed from raindrops which were swallowed up by oysters. One ancient legend tells of a boy who discovered a miracle pearl. It was placed in a small jar and filled it with rice the next morning. The boy’s neighbors found out and tried to steal the pearl. To protect the pearl, the boy swallowed it. He became a dragon as a result.
The Soul’s Journey and Symbolism
Many ancient Asian cultures believed that the beauty and “magical” appearances of pearls in lowly lifeforms such as oysters, indicated divinity. The Pearl Culture symbolized the journey of the spirit or soul along the way to perfection. Ancient burials saw mourners placing pearls into the mouths and ears of the dead. They believed pearls contained the principles of living and could help the deceased on their way to the afterlife. Pearls were also used to decorate burial gifts and clothing by mourners. This ritualistic act might have been a practical one. Beads were first made from pearls. They were easy to decorate with their natural beads-like shape and produced beautiful results.
