Busy busy weekend around here, as you know the kiddo graduated from college, Mothers Day and the hubs Birthday were all this weekend, it also rained, and stormed and generally made things interesting. We ate too much, or maybe that was me, got soaked, laughed, loved and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Kiddos best friend in the whole world came down and brought her mini man, he was such an angel during the ceremony only getting startled by the cheering twice. All in all it was a good weekend!
I enjoyed last years Birthstone postings and thought this seemed like a really good time to add a little something to them. I found this article on The Farmers Almanac today and thought I'd share it with you here.
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The wearing of birthstones is thought to bring good luck and good health. Astrologers long ago attributed supernatural powers to certain gemstones.
The birthstones we associate with certain months now are not necessarily the same ones as in ancient times. Once, color was the most important feature of a stone. Ancients did not distinguish between a ruby and a garnet, for example.
The names used in history may not relate to the stone we think of with that name today.
- For example, a sapphire in the Bible was probably what we know today as lapis.
- Diamonds were probably a white sapphire or white topaz.
- The stones originally assigned to each month related to the stones appearing on the breastplate of a Jewish high priest.
Birthstone Meanings by Month
January's birthstone, the garnet, is thought to keep the wearer safe during travel.
February's birthstone, the amethyst, is said to strengthen relationships and give its wearer courage. At one time, only royalty could wear the gem. Ancient Greeks thought that the amethyst guarded against intoxication. In fact, amethyst comes from amethystos, a Greek word meaning "sober."
March's birthstone, the aquamarine, was thought to cure heart, liver, and stomach diseases—all one had to do was drink the water in which the gem had been soaking. Early sailors believed that aquamarine talismans, etched with the likeness of the sea god Neptune, protected them against ocean dangers.
April's birthstone, the diamond, in addition to being a symbol of everlasting love, was once thought to bring courage. In Sanskrit, the diamond is called "vajra," which also means lightning; in Hindu mythology, vajra was the weapon of Indra, the king of gods.
May's birthstone, the emerald, was one of Cleopatra's favorite gems. It has long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love. Ancient Romans went so far as to dedicate this stone to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Today, it is thought that emeralds signify wisdom, growth, and patience.
June's birthstone, the pearl, has long been a symbol of purity. The ancient Greeks believed that pearls were the hardened tears of joy from Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
July's birthstone, the ruby, was regarded by ancient Hindus as the "king of gems." It was believed to protect its wearer from evil. Today, the ruby's deep-red color signifies love and passion.
August's birthstone, the peridot, symbolizes strength. It is sometimes called the evening emerald for its light green color. It was once believed that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. When set in gold, this gem was said to protect the wearer from nightmares.
September's birthstone, the sapphire, was once thought to guard against evil and poisoning. It was believed that a venomous snake would die if placed in a vessel made of sapphire. Traditionally a favorite stone of priests and kings, the sapphire symbolizes purity and wisdom.
October's birthstone, the opal, symbolizes faithfulness and confidence. The word comes from the Latin opalus, meaning "precious jewel." Necklaces with opals set in them were worn to repel evil and to protect eyesight.
November's birthstone, the topaz, symbolizes love and affection. It is believed to give the wearer increased strength and intellect.
December's birthstone, turquoise, is regarded as a love charm. It is also a symbol of good fortune and success, and it is believed to relax the mind and to protect its wearer from harm. Turquoise rings, in particular, are thought to keep away evil spirits.
With the kiddo graduated and started in her new job, and the youngest headed back to college for summer classes things should settle back down again and hopefully I can get caught back up with the Year of Jewelry Project and will have some new pretties to share again soon.......... or a new garden bed or both lol
Thanks for stopping by!
We'll see you next time!
More Birthstone posts:
Oct 28, 2014
As I said this month has two birthstones, Opal and Tourmaline. Prior to 1912 the second stone was not Tourmaline, it was Aquamarine the stone we now have as March birthstone. I find it pretty interesting how many stones got ...
Feb 18, 2014
I enjoyed creating the January birthstone treasury enough I thought I might make it a monthly thing. It gives me a color theme for at least one treasury a month, I get to showcase a couple of my own pieces here, and since I like ...
Mar 18, 2014
Continuing our monthly postings of Birthstones this month we have Aquamarine. It is of a beautiful pale icy blue color quite fitting for this time of year when ice gives way to the first blush of spring. Especially fitting for this year ...
Jun 10, 2014
Pearls are the featured birthstone this month. But as our poem shows that wasn't always the case....... Who comes with summer to this earth, And owes to June her hour of birth, With ring of agate on her hand. Can health ...
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