Thursday, March 1, 2012

Jewelry as a symbol

By Poul Pokorski


From ancient times, jewelry was inseparable element of human outfit and garment decoration, which was used not only to indicate social status or hierarchy, but was connected with some symbolic characteristic for a particular region. First jewelry models were symbols of power, fertility and supremacy, as well as signs of protection against bad fate, demons, omens etc.

During the following phase of humankind improvement, jewelry was utilized primarily to indicate one's social status, richness and general well-being in society. Most significant and influential individuals within the nation have some unique symbolic jewelry produced only for them, for instance crowns, scepter and ring for kings. Those had been probably the most costly and luxurious goods, which may be now observed by tourists in numerous museums.

Decorative items had been also an indicator of social identity and specific group membership. In Christian religious beliefs, a medallion or possibly a cross hanged on a chain can be a clear sign of faith in God and church worshipping, whereas a ring which can be employed by a priest may be the sign of his high standing in church's hierarchy, of his value. Certain style of wearing and characteristic jewelry items had been also implemented by Hippie subculture in America inside the turn of sixties and seventies. Hippie jewelry is based primarily on ethnic patterns and symbols. This group of decorative items contains different bracelets and necklaces developed from wooden beads, feather or maybe rocks.

Jewelry isn't only an indicator of social status and becoming a member of a specific group. It's also an indicator of marital status throughout proposal, ladies is gifted with silver rings that serves as announcement of upcoming wedding. Throughout the correct wedding ceremony, newlyweds exchange golden rings as a symbol of enjoy, faithfulness, and whole conviction to an additional individual. Those rings are worn for the entire time of marriage period. Even newly introduced nuns are gifted having a unique ring, which symbolizes their faith in God and is really a sign of devoting one's life to Him.

Despite the role that decorative items have played during the whole process of mankind development, its main aim is to decorate person's outfit and to focus observer's attention.




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