I remain firm in my decision to update the blog and today I have decided to talk to you about onyx, a stone that I really like and that I use from time to time in my pieces. Doing a little research on this semi-precious stone I found some very curious data:
The term onyx or onyx comes from the Latin onyx and this from the ancient Greek ὄνυξ which means “nail”. In ancient Greece the story is born that Eros cut Aphrodite's divine nails with an arrowhead while she slept and the cuttings scattered, turning into stone. I can't explain why a goddess cut her nails with an arrow, perhaps Eros had some kind of hyphephilia fetish or believed that Aphrodite's divine powers resided in her nails and wanted to make Hephaestus fall in love with her. Mysteries of the gods that a mere mortal cannot understand.
⇒ In reality, it surely has to do with the fact that in a significant number of traditional cultures there is a fear that one's own biological remains (nails, hair, for example) could fall into the hands of an enemy or someone who They want to do evil, because they understand that by this means they can do some type of magic that is very dangerous for the one who, so happily, has gotten rid of them. This belief forces the people of these cultures to carefully destroy said remains. Many examples of this type appear in The golden branch. ⇐
This stone not only has a place in Greek mythology, but it is also the first reference to a gemstone in the Bible! It is found in Genesis 2:11, 12, where Havillah is said to be a land of good gold, “bdellium and the stone of onyx.”
But let's go back to Ancient Greece for a moment since this is where the first cameos appeared (yes, it's not a Victorian invention), made from Indian sardonyx, a variety of onyx with brown, pink and cream bands.
The Romans followed the tradition and use of onyx in their jewelry and also used it to make amulets where the signs of the zodiac were engraved. It was popular among soldiers to carry these talismans with engravings of heroes like Hercules or with the image of Mars, god of war, to provide them with bravery and courage in battle (I never go out at night without my Hercules, you never know... )
While in Rome the warriors channeled Conan through this stone, in other places in the world they used it to reduce the burning flames of passion, which otherwise no one who works can hear.
In the Renaissance, it became a stone highly valued by orators of all kinds, as it was believed to increase charisma and eloquence and in England it was used as an amulet to protect from evil spirits, the evil eye and hordes. of Mordor.
This stone has also been said to facilitate communication with the afterlife (children, don't do it alone at home), reduce pain during childbirth and contribute to a more harmonious marriage. Ah! And prevent you from being possessed by evil spirits.
So now you know: Put an onyx in your life! And if that's the case, let them be from Koko-Soko
Instructive and fun.
Kisses beautiful!!
Thank you very much Pilar, I'm glad you liked it.
I find what you have said very interesting, Sara. You know, at least every fifteen days, a new article that educates us a little.
Try it! Let's see if you dare to write something 🙂