The Legend about January birthstone—Garnet
Information you need to know when choosing a January birthstone as a birthday gift.
Garnet is the birthstone for Juanary. The name garnet comes from the Latin word "garanatus", which means "seed-like", and is said to be named because it resembles the small red seeds of a pomegranate. Actually Garnet is a stone made up of several minerals. The most prominent components are: magnesium alumina garnet, ferroalumina garnet, manganese alumina garnet, calcium alumina garnet, and calcium iron garnet.
Have you ever wondered about the fascinating history behind the January birthstone, Garnet? Let's delve into the legend and lore surrounding this beautiful gemstone
What is birthstone?
In modern tradition, there are 1 to 3 gemstones representing each month of birth each year, and each gem has its own history and legend behind it. Birthstones are often adorned on rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, allowing the wearer to celebrate their special day on any occasion.
Legend: Explains Why Garnet is the January Birthstone.
The Breastplate of the High Priest in the Bible
There are many different versions of the explanation for garnet being the birthstone for January, and the most well-known one should be the story in the Bible.In Western culture, the tradition of birthstones can be traced back to biblical times and the Book of Exodus. It is said that the high priest Aaron wore a breastplate decorated with twelve gemstones, each gem representing a tribe of Israel, and garnet represented the tribe of Reuben. It also became the birthstone for January. Although birthstones had become an international trend at the time, there was still no consensus on the list of birthstones. It was not until 1912 that the National Association of Jewelers held a meeting to officially standardize the list of American birthstones and each month they represent. There have also been improvements and changes since then.
Although the 1912 National Association of Jewelers list does not specify why garnets were chosen as January's birthstone, we can speculate on several reasons:
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Garnets have been used as gemstones since the Bronze Age, often appearing in ancient Egyptian and Roman jewelry, indicating their enduring popularity. |
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The deep red color of the garnet contrasts with the cold atmosphere of January, symbolizing warmth, vitality and energy, and complements the start of a new year. |
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Garnets are historically common and relatively common, making them suitable for use as popular birthstones and easy for jewelers to promote. |
The Benifits of Garnet Stone
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Historical Significance
Protection and defense. Ancient civilizations believed that Garnet had protective powers and could ward off evil spirits. They believed that wearing garnet jewelry can protect people from going out and returning safely when traveling.It was also thought to bring good fortune, health, and prosperity to the wearer.
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Folklore
Healing fuction.In medieval times, Garnet was believed to cure depression, protect against poisoning, and even stop bleeding. It was also thought to have the power to light up the night and protect travelers from danger.To this day, the healing properties of garnets continue to be passed down through generations. Whether it's the power of psychological suggestion or an undiscovered ability to accelerate healing, the mystery remains. In any case, if your friend has fallen out of love, a piece of garnet jewelry would be a great gift!
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Symbolism
Ignite passion and maintain harmonious relationships. In addition to its protective qualities, Garnet has been associated with love, passion, and loyalty. It is often given as a gift to symbolize friendship and trust.Garnets are generally red in color, and many people now believe that the color red brings passion, and that passion helps to sustain long-lasting relationships, therefore, garnets have also been given the function of igniting passion and sustaining long-lasting relationships and garnet engagement rings are also a good choice for couples.
Wealth. Wealth is an extended meaning. Many believe that passion gives people the courage to explore and push forward. Amulets not only provide protection but also aid in healing after injury. This creates a favorable environment for attracting wealth, making success and progress more attainable.
Legend about why garnets are given different benifits
Mythology
- In Greek mythology, it is said that Hades gifted a pomegranate to Persephone before she left the underworld, symbolizing her connection to the earth. This myth is often cited as the origin of the Garnet's association with the pomegranate fruit.
- Hades, the god of the underworld, captured Persephone, the daughter of Zeus, and took her to the underworld. Before releasing her, Hades wanted to make sure she would return. So, Persephone was given the magical pomegranate seeds to make sure she would return.
- This ancient myth has since associated the garnet with the hope of a safe return. As a result, many people at the time would give garnets to each other when they left in the hope of meeting again in the future. Since then, the garnet was given the symbolism of defense and protection. People would wear jewelry such as garnet rings or gift ruby jewelry to friends and family who were traveling on business or pleasure, wishing them a safe journey.
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In the third and fourth centuries AD, garnets were used as amulets for warriors going to war and people who wanted to ward off plague and pestilence. Some ancient healers even placed garnets in wounds, believing in their healing powers. At the time it was believed that garnets also had the power to heal illnesses and prevent nightmares, so to this day they are also believed to heal people emotionally, especially heal the broken bonds of lovers.
- In Greek mythology, the garnet was also used in an emotional way to preserve passion and make the relationship last, so people like to set garnets in engagement rings, garnet engagement rings symbolize their passionate love and the bond that will always be there.
- Additionally, the pomegranate has historically been known as a symbol of the womb, and garnets have historically been associated with women and female vitality. It is believed that girls are better suited to carry garnets, which can make women more energetic and vibrant, full of life and in a happy mood.
Modern Uses：
- Today, Garnet is known as the official birthstone for January，still highly valued for its beauty and symbolism. It is often used in fine jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and earrings. Many people still believe in its protective and healing properties.Whether you wear Garnet for its historical significance, symbolic meaning, or simply because you love its rich color, this January birthstone continues to captivate and inspire people around the world.
LUO's Emerald Jewelry
LUO Jewelry offers customers Garnet rings, earrings, and necklaces, which have high quality and clarity. Welcome to contact us if you want to have a piece of unique jewelry customized for you.
Suggest to read: Garnet stone:Symbolic Meaning, Identification, clean
