In Hindu culture, pearls are linked with the Moon and thus are imbued with feelings of love and purity. For instance,
Hindu texts depict Krishna, after discovering the first pearl, gave this gift to his daughter on her wedding day.
In the Islamic tradition, the Koran views the pearl as one of the great rewards
found in Paradise. The pearl, in this view, has become a symbol of perfection.
Christianity
also has adopted the pearl as a symbol of purity and spiritual illumination.
Much
of this symbolism enhancing pearls continues to enrich our lives today. For example, pearls are often associated with brides
and weddings, most probably since the wedding of Krishna’s daughter.
In
much of today’s globalized society, pearls have acquired so many meanings: the sorrow as well as the joy that comes
with tears, the blessings of love and fertility, the state of purity, the comfort of protection from evil.
The
colors of pearls also have been associated with certain qualities:
* black or gold with wealth
* blue with love
* pink with success.
Medicinal
Qualities of Pearls
Pearls have been used as traditional medicine
to improve health. In fact, the pharmaceutical industry continues to use pearls by grinding pearls of non-gem quality into
powder to make pharmaceutical-grade calcium.
From ancient China and
India to medieval Europe and Arabia, pearls have been used for such purposes as aphrodisiacs and cures for insanity.
Some of our friends of the New Age persuasion have thought that pearls could be
used for their curative powers when worn as jewelry. Other people have told me that pearls could be ground up and made into
potions, balms, and salves used to treat a wide variety of ailments and conditions. One legend has it that a pearl placed
in the navel could cure stomach disorders!
Other conditions for which
pearls are prescribed include memory loss, insomnia, asthma, jaundice, liver ailments, heart problems, infertility, and insect
or snake bites. Clearly, the pearl was believed to be an extremely powerful gem!
I
must conclude with a medical disclaimer. We present this history and lore of pearls only as a matter of interest and thus
neither make nor endorse the use of any pearls as medicine, only as adornment.
