Sunday, January 15, 2012

Baltic Amber Mythology Around The World...

Poland


An amber necklace was a mandatory object for a bride-ideally, the largest bead should contain an inclusion (flora or fauna fossil). Copernicus listed amber as an ingredient in his healing cordial.



The 
Phoenicians, Etruscans and Romans believed amber warded off evil spirits. 

Native American
Amber represents the East Wind, the wind of Grandfather Sun, creation and new beginnings-sun stone. In contrast, in Finland, amber is known as  "sea-stone."


China
The Chinese burned chunks of raw amber as a sign of their wealth. In addition, amber was thought to be associated with fiery dragon's blood.


Greece
In some Greek myths, amber represents the tears of Apollo's daughters (Apollo himself was the God of the Sun). Alternately, some Greeks  believed amber was solidified sunshine, broken away from the heavens and sunk into the sea.

Priestesses wore beads of amber as a confirmation of the exalted energy stored in these beautiful stones.


Rome
Amber was one of the reasons the Emperor Nero opened the trade routes with the Germanic tribes.

Famous for her beauty, Empress Poppaea, the wife of Emperor Nero, made amber so popular that women dyed their hair to match its color, described as amber.


 Amber amulets were worn to enhance fertility.

Gladiators sewed pieces of amber into their clothing for success in fighting.


Middle Ages
Extreme measures were taken to control the amber trade. Gallows were erected along the Baltic Sea to hang amber pirates.

The Celtic Sun God, Ambres, derives his name from the fossilized resin. Ancient Celtic amber works created by Anglo-Saxons are famous for their beauty and fine craftsmanship. Amber incense was burned in churches and amber was sometimes left on the collection plate in place of coins.

On St. John's Night, amber was thought to chase away evil spirits and was generally worn for protection.




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