
There are heaps of legends and lore surrounding the practice of wearing birthstones. numerous people believe that the idea of wearing birthstones started out as a promotion ploy by companies offering jewelry, but the factor behind the practice is much, much deeper than that. The practice of wearing birthstones has deep roots in religion and astrology.
The Myths Behind the Practice
One of the earliest stories in touch to the practice of wearing birthstones comes from the Christian Bible. In the book of Exodus, the Breastplate of Aaron is explicated to have been mounted with twelve precious stones: ruby, topaz, beryl, turquoise, sapphire, emerald, jacinth, agate, amethyst, chrysolite, onyx and jasper. These twelve stones signified each of the twelve tribes of the Hebrews.
Other elderly cultures, the Hellenics and the Babylonians in special, have affiliated certain precious stones with their gods and goddesses, and later on with the planets and the stars signified in astrological signs. These stones were given attributes pertaining to the astrological signs they are linked with, and also supernatural, protective powers. To wear the particular gemstone affiliated with a definite month on that given month is to invoke the defense offered by the power of the stone.
Over time and as Christianity came to rise, the Church attempted to downplay astrology in the lives of the flock, and so wearing gemstones came to represent guardian angels and the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ as a replacement. The idea that gemstones have the power to safeguard its wearer was nonetheless retained. though, since only rich people can afford owning a different gemstone for each month, most people have adopted the practice of wearing just the gemstone that represents the month of their birth. Since then, these gemstones were referred to as birthstones.
The Meaning behind the Stones
Here are the different birthstones for each month of the Gregorian diary and the meaning behind these stones.
- January. The garnet is the birthstone for the month of January. The bright red color of the garnet is affiliated with blood and thus, was thought to bestow good health upon its wearer. The garnet is also mentioned to provide protection contrary nightmares and contrary the dangers posed by being alone in the dark. any individual who favors the garnet is mentioned to possess splendid patience and the capability to endure hardships. This person whose birthstone is the garnet is constant with his or her deeds and is blessed with an inventive mind.
- February. any individual born on the month of February has the amethyst for his or her birthstone. Amethyst is mentioned to bestow, including other things, peace and clarity of the mind to its wearer. This gem also provides him or her a heightened sense of self-awareness and instinct.
- March. For the person born in March, aquamarine is his or her birthstone. This stone is mentioned to nurture friendliness in its wearer’s personality, making him or her a ferocious and loyal comrade and companion. as a result of its sea-blue color, the aquamarine is mentioned to grant its wearer defense when he or she goes swimming traveling by water.
- April. The diamond, the stone of strength, longevity and innocence, is the birthstone of people born in April. for the reason that the diamond is the hardest gemstone, it symbolizes success and excellence, and is believed to bring about good fortune. The diamond is also mentioned to bring about the purity of its wearer and puts the stress on him or her to be truthful systematically.
- May. The birthstone of people born in May is the gemstone of peace and healing – the emerald. It is believed that wearers of emeralds are allowed good health and protection contrary illness. Wearers of emeralds are also mentioned to have a higher level of foresight and possess the capability to communicate well with others.
- June. Pearls, made by oysters and therefore the only gemstones that came from a living creature, is the birthstone of people born in June. June is the month of weddings in the Western world, and so the pearl has come to be affiliated with successful marriages, and also with faith, loyalty and tranquility in life.
- July. The sanguine ruby is the birthstone for July. as a result of its blood-red color, the ruby is considered to be the gemstone for courage, strength and vitality. It is also mentioned to nurture in its wearer integrity and contentment in his- or herself. The ruby is also mentioned to inspire people to seek concord with others.
- August. People born in August have the peridot as their birthstone. The peridot is mentioned to bestow a heightened sense of dignity upon its wearer, and to bring upon him or her good fortune. It is in addition believed to provide its wearer protection contrary evil intentions and contrary the terrors of the night.
- September. Sapphire is the birthstone of September. It is a gemstone that is thought to create wisdom and clarity of thought in its wearer, furthermore as permit him or her the discernment to see truth despite how deeply it is buried. The sapphire in addition inspires its wearer to originate serenity and tranquility in his or her soul.
- October. The birthstone for October is the opal. The opal, with its varying colors, is affiliated with depth in emotions. any individual who wears the opal is allowed the capability to feel deeply for his or her fellow person, to look at life with hope and to burn subtly with an inner fire.
- November. Topaz, the birthstone for the month of November, is a gemstone that represents health in body and also health in mind. Wearing the topaz is mentioned to hasten a person’s ability to cure his or her own body in times of illness or injury. It is in addition thought to nurture practicality and creativity in its wearer.
- December. Wearing the turquoise, the birthstone of December, is believed to bring luck and prosperity to its wearer in time for the coming New Year. The turquoise is also mentioned to banish negative vibrations that can hinder the wearer’s happiness and good fortune.
The practice of wearing birthstones goes deeper beyond any promotion ploy. It is a practice that has elderly origins, with deep roots in religion and astrology. Birthstones are versatile gifts to give on any season or occasion. Giving birthstones to loved ones shows caring and deep regard.