amulet
term
The amulet is attributed to the primitive popular belief, who suspected magical powers in him. As a protective magic spell it was worn in the form of pendants. Free translations from Old High German suggest a meaning in the direction of magic.
meaning
The amulet is used as a medallion, worn as a cross pendant or as a gemstone, so it should protect its wearer from harm and misfortune and bring him protection and happiness.
According to the original Arabic translation of the term amulet, it is a ribbon, that was worn around the neck. A lucky charm was attached to it. This jewelry had a very special meaning for its wearer. Lucky charms were made from the claws and teeth of prey as early as the Stone Age. These should transmit the strength of the animals. Amber and rock crystal are also typical materials for making amulets. So the amulet is also considered a source of strength.
The power of the amulets should protect against calamity and misfortune. Amulets are used to ward off very specific dangers, while talismans are more the all-rounders among the lucky charms. Amulets helped against the curses from people with the evil eye. They were also used as love spells, by giving them away to the loved one or secretly slipping them. In the past, there was an exactly fitting amulet for every problem and every wish.
introduction
The amulet is considered a very special piece of jewelry and is usually associated with a story. Its name comes from Latin: “amuletum” translated means amulet. Amulets are used as talismans and lucky charms. Most amulets are worn on chains around the neck, they are rarely used as pendants on brooches.
The tradition of the amulet goes back a long way. Amulets were already valued as special pieces of jewelry in ancient times. Amulets were even considered real cult objects and ornaments with many uses. Originally, amulets were considered symbols of protection. A magical power was ascribed to the amulets.
Amulets should protect their owners from danger and bring them luck and wealth. Furthermore, the amulets were said to be, that they had the ability, To give strength. In contrast to today, in which the amulet is usually worn with a chain around the neck, In the past, the amulet was either attached to clothing or kept in a safe place inside the home. At that time, many amulets were made in figural form.
Talismans and amulets are also known from cultures far away from Christian cultures. They came in very different types and forms. The Egyptians used the scarab beetle and the Horus eye in the form of an amulet very often. The ancient Chinese, on the other hand, made protective amulets from perforated coins. The Teutons used the well-known Thor's hammer as an amulet and talisman.
Despite the resistance of the Christian Church to any form of superstition, were able to choose certain symbols and amulets for use in culture- and establish jewelry utensils and even establish them in the long term. This resulted in, that in Christianity in particular the cross symbol and various forms of relics were used both as pilgrims' symbols and as amulets. Up to the present day amulets show the multiple use of different religious symbols. Christian amulets often feature the motifs of angels or angel wings. Other amulets have more spiritual elements or rune signs.
etymology
The exact etymology of the term amulet can only be speculated. Beginning of 18. In the 19th century, the name amulet was derived from the Latin term “amuletum” derived. In the Naturalis Historia by Pliny the Elder (approximately 1. Century AD) becomes the term in the sense of “turn away” and “remove” used. Some scholars suspect an Arabic word origin, which is controversial.
history
The Teutons used runes, Images of gods and various symbols. In early Christianity, the amulet belief was actively opposed, Charlemagne even forbade the use of amulets in seventh-century Rome. The pagan custom, however, was as good as ineradicable. So it was gradually replaced and replaced with Christian content. The from 1276 – 1277 active Pope Johann XXI. believed in it, that the three names of Kaspar, Protected Melchior and Balthasar from epilepsy. Thomas Aquinas approved and accepted images of saints, Scapulars and relics, as soon as they were decorated with quotations from the Bible or with a cross. The forbidden amulets were gradually joined by the permitted sanctuaries, some of which were even consecrated. Marian medallions are among them, Benediktus coins and the Agnus Dei, made from the wax of church candles.
A wave of influences from the Oriental-Arab region brought mysteriously designed designs such as the pentagram, the Sator-Arepo formula and the abracadabra triangle with it. Warlike tremors of the 16. and 17. Century increased the belief in heavenly letters and ball blessings. The invention of the printing press also promoted the belief in amulets, because it made their mode of action accessible to a wider mass. So is of a kind of early mass production of amulets in the 16. Passed down in the 13th century by the Thurneysser from Basel. Faith extends to the present.
Amulet in art
In the external form of relationship, the amulet is attached to the art object. With the internal form, it itself or its carrier medium receives an artistic design. Talismans have been closely related to jewelry since the early days. The transitions are often fluid, certain designs went from jewelry to talisman, In the course of time, however, they reverted to jewelry. From the ancient temples so much veneration was passed on to the Christian churches. In some of the still preserved churches from the Middle Ages, lion heads and gorgoneions can be seen.
Many arts and crafts dealt with the design, the design and manufacture of talismans. A distinction is made between two main groups, on the one hand in the except- and pre-Christian epoch and on the other hand in the Christian epoch. Stones such as malachite heart and amethyst can often be found in magnificent silver settings. One from the year 1700 Original and very splendidly crafted children's rattles contained a beryl as a lollipop. A thunderbolt in an elaborate gold setting is also known. A carnelian was used for a ring, which should work against gout.
In the area of plants, the mandrake male dominates. It is so revered, that it is often finished off with a shirt made of white silk and with a red hem. Crab eyes from the animal kingdom are used in three-pass silver frames. Combined with very elaborate and artistic engravings, they should alleviate and prevent eye problems. The lids of the turbo screw are set in splendid rosettes, intended to promote fertility within the family. Im 18. In the 19th century the shape of the human hand was modeled as a fig, mostly in the form of silver and with the meaning of a proposal for love. It was filigree decorated and enhanced with ivory or mother-of-pearl. The Porzellanmanufaktur Nymphenburg created them from porcelain in a gold mount. The “Nymphenburg hands” is known to this day. The jewelry rings are also very important. A late Gothic gold ring from Linz is known, just like the famous ring of fate of Count v. Veltheim. Both rings bear mysterious inscriptions. Wallenstein always carried a horoscope with him as a talisman.
Items of Christian Faith
Here the cross takes on multiple and different meanings. It was provided with a double crossbar made of silver or brass and should help against storms and plague. The hoped-for effect was supported by the Zacharias blessing. The Christian Agnus Dei made of consecrated wax is known from very ancient times. It is one of the most sought-after talismans from an early age. The veneration of saints also found its artistic expression in the design of many talismans. So saints are first immortalized on medals and coins. A pagan tradition was replaced by these coins: Bracteates with signs of salvation were used as talismans by the pagans. The so-called Benedictus medals are very well known. Saint Benedict is depicted in full on them. More holy, which can be found heaped on crosses or medals, are Saint Valentine, Saint Roch and Saint Anastasius. Beginning of 16. In the 19th century, the prince-bishops of Breslau established the so-called Johannisgroschen as a remedy and protection against measles disease.
But many graphic designs can also be found on talismans again and again. Many of them also symbolize saints. Of the year 1600 a copper engraving has come down to us, who represents Saint Anthony. It is said to protect people from plague and sorcery. An engraving from Linz from the 17. Century shows a so-called blessing of the plague, on which four main helpers are shown. The fire blessing to protect against fires was still used in the Alpine region into 19. Valued and traded well into the 19th century. Typically it shows Saint Florian, who puts out a fire, mostly a house fire.
Three-dimensional depictions of saints are also common. So there were many images of grace, made of clay. The clay was worked with a knife and soaked in water. Famous models can be found in Einsiedeln and Altötting. Even the flour from the horn of ibexes, ground and pressed again, was used to make images of grace.
Many plastic objects are directly related to very specific saints and are artistically designed. For example the Iron Rössel, that of Leonardo in 17. Century was made. Also the silver arrow of Sebastian, which can be admired today in Hamburg in the Museum of Ethnology and the ivory Johannis bowl are among them.
The shell of most talismans is richly decorated and elaborately worked, to particularly honor the valuable content. The sick are widespread in Austria and Bavaria- and the house blessings. They are enclosed by the Breverl. These are very fine silver bezels, that have a hole pattern, so that the content is clearly visible. Very often they are decorated with the capital letters I H S. The actual contents are very often protected in a yellow silk pouch inside the Breverl.
A bottle full of holy walpurgis oil is from the year 1750 obtain. It comes from the town of Eichstätt and has a very skilfully made cover in the form of a book, which is bound in red velvet. A hollowed-out crystal set in silver can be admired in Linz, which serves as a container for valuable crab eyes. A rock crystal cut into the shape of a heart can also be found in Linz. Its gold lid is engraved with a crab. Furthermore, a copper pear framed in silver with colorful painting has been preserved, as well as a delivery bottle, that houses a relic of St. Stanislaus. The glass shell is very finely ground and framed in a monastery filigree setting.
Amulet for protection
The protective amulet is always a portable object. Magical powers are often ascribed to this. In any case, the amulet should bring luck, mostly through its energetic or sacred effect. In its apotropaic effect, the amulet protects against damage. Does the amulet have a lucky ability or property?, so it is called a talisman. With the magical effect attributed to it, the amulet shows parallels to the offering of a votive offering.
Votive offerings are usually deposited in a place suitable for their purpose. In contrast, the amulet is worn either directly on the body or in a pocket. In addition to the original magical aspect, the amulet can also simply be worn as a piece of jewelry. Also as a sign of belonging to a community, mostly a religious one, amulets are worn visibly.
Material of amulets
Amulets can be made from almost any material, mainly from minerals, vegetable or animal materials. Especially in the early days, human materials such as hair were also used, Teeth and bones used.
Many valuable stones have their own modes of action. The nephrite should accelerate the birth, the magnet is said to work against cramps, the amber against rheumatism and fever. In prehistoric times, many plants were used as grave goods. Amulets were also made from these plants. The mandrake root is very well known here, which should ensure invulnerability. Roof root and the four-leaf clover were considered lucky charms. The parsnip root prevented goiter from forming, Birch rice should protect against lightning strikes. As materials from the animal kingdom, claws and teeth were used, but also stag horn is used. Just like spiders and toads, they should protect from poison.
Man-made amulets come in many forms. Combs were made in prehistoric times. The swastika is a negative example of an amulet. The pagan pentagram and the early Christian formula Sator-Arepo with the letters A and O were also used. horseshoe, Heavenly letters and magic squares, Fraisketten, and much more. In the Alpine countries, several amulets were often worn on one ribbon. Also the Breverl, a small flat box, that the house- and the blessing of the sick, belongs to it.
Purpose of amulets
The amulet serves as permanent protection against impending misfortune or calamity, which mostly emanates from the Evil Eye or from demons. The shape of the fig is used in the amulet shape, it is said to have a protective effect. Wild animals are repelled by wearing prey claws and teeth.
Eating or kissing the amulet also allows forces to be transferred to the wearer. Forms of the analogy magic are also known. This is where the motif works, which is depicted on the amulet, on the carrier.
Use of amulets
Amulets come in many forms. They are very often worn directly on the body or on clothing as jewelry. In vehicles, they often dangle from the rearview mirror or stick to the dashboard. They are kept in apartments and houses. In rural areas, amulets are also hung around the cattle. Amulets are made from a wide variety of materials. They all have one thing in common, that they passively protect their wearer and protect them from harm or misfortune.
Even the Stone Age people wore the teeth and claws of their prey. they thought, the strength of the animal would be transferred to the wearer. Amulets are also used in medicine. They serve to protect pregnant women and are used against the evil eye. The amulet works through its animistic assumption, that his magical powers passed on to humans, or. that it could protect people from bad magical powers.
In the Stone Age, people used pearls and shells, but also amber and rock crystals as amulets. During excavations in Celtic settlements one even found polished and pierced skull fragments.
The Arabs use amulets in the form of leather bags, into which the described paper is sewn. It contains Qur'anic suras and other magical signs. The Islamic power of blessing called Baraka is distributed through this type of amulet. In popular belief, non-ferrous metals such as brass or copper are said to have positive amulet-like effects. The medicinal effects of amulets were used in 17. Conjured up in the 19th century, important representatives of this era are Giordano Bruno, Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus and Marsilio Ficino.
Cultural variations
The Egyptians have scarabs, Knot and eye of Horus as amulets, the Assyrians used tablets with formulas to conjure up. The Chinese use perforated coins, which are provided with magic formulas in a secret script. Christians use crosses, Pilgrim sign, Relics and other symbols as amulets. The ancient Greeks revered Batylia, the Golden Fleece and Abaskanton. In Germanic-pagan religions the Thor's hammer and the Donarskeule were used. The Indians of North America wear medicine bags as amulets. Glass heads are popular with the Persians. The hand of Fatima is widespread from the Maghreb states to the Middle East. In Mauritania the five motif and the key motif. The Romans used different symbols of potency and fertility as amulets. We know leather bags and silver amulet containers from the Tuareg, for women in the form of triangular or cross-shaped necklaces. The Turks believe in Nazar, the blue eye against the evil eye. The African Americans use mojo as an amulet.
Understanding of the amulet in Christianity
Already the philosopher and doctor Qusta ibn Luqa, a Melchitic Christian of Greek origin, talked about the year 900 from that, that the human imagination is responsible for the effect of the amulets. He clearly denied any astral and occult peculiarities of amulets.
The Christian Church spoke out against superstition as early as the Middle Ages, and added amulets to this superstition. Amulets and their effects remained firmly anchored in popular belief. The possession of amulets is known even to high church dignitaries, for example with Prince-Bishop Anselm Franz in Würzburg in the year 1749, where the amulet was found after his death.
Jewish amulet
In the Jewish faith, amulets and talismans occur almost exclusively in written form. They are immortalized on parchment or engraved in metal. Various passages of the text are taken from the Old Testament in clear or encrypted form, Quoted from post-biblical literature or from various known prayers. What is unusual about these talismans is the fact, that in many cases individual letters are arranged to form special figures. The most frequently used motifs for this letter art are the seven-armed chandelier, the Star of David or a hand with fingers. Many geometric patterns are also known.
Many Jewish talismans are made from square silver plates. Other metals are also used as a substitute for silver. Usually the letter H is designed with them. It is an abbreviation for the divine name Ha-Schem.
The mezuzoh, traditionally painted on the doorpost, or the phylactery also serve as talismans. The scriptures, which contain God's name Shaddaj as an externally visible sign. Renaissance gold rings contain engravings such as “Masel tow” or “M T”, what as much as “good luck” means. The literal translation is “good star”.
The high priest Urim- and Thumim shield is set with twelve different stones, which are said to have healing powers. A very nice model can be seen in Kassel in the Hessian State Museum. It was once attributed to the Jewish faith, so it goes back mainly to a Christian idea. This also applies to the name of God “LORD” to. This actually arises from the Old Testament Christian faith and only in the approach of Jewish teaching.
Amulet as a dream symbol
General interpretation
Sometimes the amulet appears in dreams. The dream interpretation interprets this visualization in this way, that the dreaming has to make an important decision with far-reaching consequences in the near future. However, there is no need to fear this decision. On the contrary, it should be looked towards it strengthened. The amulet seen in a dream is a symbol for it, that the person will make a good and right decision. All bad influences are banished by the talisman.
The medallion in a dream can be considered a talisman. The same goes for mascots of all kinds. According to interpretation, it confirms and reinforces protection against problems, Difficulties and other anger such as evil doings. The dreaming should also be pointed out to this by the talisman in his dream, that he should get help from outside. Apparently his own strength is insufficient, to face the problem without fear or doubt, so he needs some good advice. But he will definitely find it in selfless people.
A pendant is worn in a dream, so this is a sign of nice company and good fortune or a fulfilled love in real life. On the other hand, it is unfavorable, if the dream is about it, that the wearer loses his amulet. Now he has to be prepared for it in real life, to be haunted by disappointments and disputes.
The dream of ornate amulets equipped with ornaments and runes means, that in real life the dreamer will soon make the acquaintance of artistically interested and talented people. He wears gold jewelry, so this indicates its own positive properties. At the same time, however, the gold jewelry also serves as a reminder, not to become arrogant. A silver amulet reminds you to return to your own values. It means, that the wearer is a sensitive person, Socially well integrated and very popular with his friends.
Psychological interpretation
Amulets as a dream symbol
The dreamed amulet can warn of various dangers. So the dreamer can adjust to it and count on it, that things may not go smoothly for him in the near future. Maybe someone wants to harm him too. However, if the dreamed amulet is a medallion, so this stands as an encouragement, that he will be able to, to protect oneself well against the problems and dangers to come.
Is the amulet in the dream a gift, so this brings the person to the fore, who gives this gift. In real life just this person cares for the dreaming and is happy to be ready, to support him with assistance and concrete help. Conversely, the interpretation also applies, that you offer yourself or want to offer yourself as a helper in awake life, when you give an amulet to someone in a dream. If you lose your amulet in a dream, so this means, when one should become aware of the possible loneliness. The dreaming feels abandoned and defenseless sometimes in the real world.
Spiritual meaning
Amulets as a dream symbol
Dream analysis can also take place on a transcendental level. Here the amulet serves as a warning in the dream. The dreamer should beware of illusions and unfulfilled hopes in real life. It's a sign, no longer to cherish these hopes, but to conclude with them.
Talisman
You can choose from many talismans in the JUWELLE online shop, that bring you happiness in everyday life. We carry objects and pieces of jewelry with traditional strength, To deliver energies and forces for life. In the Byzantine language, the word talisman is synonymous with magic object. Talismans play a major role in many events and traditional stories around the world. Very often they are made and blessed very personally and individually for their owner. As constant companions, they will soon be part of everyday life. Talismans can guide energies and reliably activate and maintain positive forces.
Lucky charms from all over the world
In the JUWELLE online shop you will find lucky charms of very different motifs and made of different materials. But they all have the quality, to attract positive energy and channel it into the lives of their owners. Inner and outer wealth, luck, This promotes health and a high level of wellbeing. In Europe, the horseshoe and the four-leaf clover are known as good luck charms. In China, the turtle is a symbol of a long life. The lotus flower is popular in Tibet, in the Arab world people trust the power of the hand of Fatima. Especially in difficult situations, people like to fall back on the power of lucky charms, for example with illnesses, difficult decisions or before exams. Lucky charms are helpers in demanding life situations.
Protection symbol
The amulet usually has the shape of a chain pendant. It serves to avert disaster as well as to protect the wearer. For this are traditional materials, Colors and symbols used. The amulet is worn, so it can release magical powers. Different cultures rely on very different symbols of luck, for example on different colors or on gemstones with different meanings. Coins are also very popular. The well-known and popular symbol Nazar comes from Turkey. This is the eye, that should be able to avert the evil eye and curse attackers.
Symbol
Amulets use a wide variety of symbols. Very often these come from the respective culture or mythology. In ancient Egypt, knots were made, Horus eyes and scarabs used. The Teutons used the Thor's hammer and the Donarskeule. In ancient China, perforated coins and magic formulas were revered. Indians used medicine bags, Christians resorted to crosses. However, it is now used, whatever the owner likes. Hearts and skulls are also used for amulets and have their own meaning and metaphor for their owners.
Amulet as a medallion
Many amulets are made as medallions. The small containers can hold photos, a lock of hair or other objects are kept. This tradition goes back to the Middle Ages. Even then, people carried small pictures of their loved ones with them, which they saw as good luck charms and mementos.
A medallion is a pendant. This is usually worn on a chain around the neck. Each medallion is a very individual piece of jewelery with a personal content and a high ideal value for its wearer. This makes the medallion a mix of a valuable piece of jewelry and an ideal companion. The classic medallion can be opened and closed again several times. It reminds its owner of an important dear person or of a special event. Most medallions are made of gold or silver, but platinum or stainless steel are also used. More than the actual material value, the ideal value is in the foreground here. The medallion is the symbol of personal solidarity.
Amulets according to materials
Amulets made from precious stones
To this day, rock crystals and amber are very popular as amulets. They deliver particularly strong energies and actually serve as a source of energy for many people. The bright yellow of amber is often associated with the sun, the clarity of the rock crystal, on the other hand, with water and ice. The elements fire and water mean life force and strength. They are therefore ideally suited as lucky charms and are mainly used in the event of impending misfortune and conflicts. The black amethyst is the most important protective stone. It can also be found in many amulets.