The Ancient Allure of Amber: How this Fossilized Resin has been Used Through History

Amber is a beautifully fossilized tree resin and is an attractive gem. Warmly tinted in amber tones, it has special properties that have made it the most sought-after in jewelry, art, and medicine.

This blog traces the ancient allurCe of amber; and how this fossilized resin has been used through history. Here we go.

Early Uses of Amber in Antiquity

Amber stone was first used during the Neolithic period, dating back some 10,000 BC. Amber was first carved into beads and ornaments during this period. Amber became a significant commodity in the trade in the Bronze Age (3000-1200 BC).

Germanic tribes were trading amber on metals, while Phoenicians, Greeks, and other sea-faring folk let its popularity spread to most of Europe and the Near East.

Amber was considered valuable in ancient Rome. Pliny the Elder dedicated a long extent of his Natural History to its use. The Romans believed that amber was protective, and used it to make amulets to ward off evil spirits.

Mythology and Symbolism of Amber Gems

Besides physical properties, amber is known for its rich mythology and symbolism.

Greek Mythology

One of the most popular stories links amber to the sun in Greek mythology. According to that, amber has been formed by the tears of Phaethon, the son of the sun god Helios.

His pride led him to attempt to drive his father's chariot across the sky; it caused his falling to death. These tears turned into drops, which later crystallized into amber, associating the stone with loss and transformation.

See More: Jewelry trends for Halloween Month

The Greeks believed that amber has curative powers to heal disorders and protect them from evil forces. They even used it as an offering to the gods and it was used as protective amulets.

Baltic Folklore

In Baltic folklore, amber gems hold a significant place. It is considered the fossilized tears of the goddess, Jurate who wept for her love affair with a mortal man. The following story explains how much amber is linked to themes of love and loss within cultures.

Role of Amber Gems in Protection and Healing

According to the Romans, the amber beads can protect the spirits of the children being put into the ground when they were moving from the earthly life to the afterlife. Amber amulets in the Nordic traditions were used when one went to battles.

Traditionally, amber was believed to be a healing medicine. In Chinese medicine, it was applied to treat respiratory and digestive problems. As a warming product that stimulates energy, it was also believed to restore balance within the body.

Amber in Rituals and Ceremonies

Amber gems were also used in the rituals and ceremonies of most cultures spread throughout the world. For example, in Baltic cultures, amber jewelry is worn during wedding ceremonies to symbolize eternal love and happiness.

For that reason, amber jewelry is adorned on married couples, and is believed that it blesses them with good fortune.

While amber is considered a sacred mineral by Native American traditions, it has always been used during spirit rituals to connect the earth with the spirit world. It was warm in energies and was believed to add healing and emotional balance to ceremonies.

Read also: Fascinating Facts about Amber Gemstone | Discover Its Secrets.

Present-Day Meaning of Amber Gems

Amber remains an attractive gem to all people. It is also believed to protect people and is used as a kind of talisman for health and well-being by many people in many different lands.

In addition, with the growing popularity of natural remedies and holistic treatment, amber appeals more to the adherents of alternative medicine. This undeniably adds its age to its popularity.

One can even wear Moonstone Gemstone or Tourmaline Stone gems for healing in many ways.

Conclusion

It is not because amber gems look exceedingly beautiful, but also because their historic and cultural value is considered as a protective amulet, and then later on, as a badge of social status for noble people for ages.

And so we continue to wear amber in the form of jewelry or practice from it today as part of our spiritual activities. We, in a way, pay homage to this rich history, this extraordinary material that has been beautiful for generations.

This is all about the ancient allure of amber; and how this fossilized resin has been used through history.