Religion and Jewlery

Jewelry can often be associated with specific cultures and religions. Some are more commonly identified, such as a cross being related to Christianity, but other jewelry is not as easily determined. For some religions, such as Judaism, the cultural aspect can be more prominent than the actual religious markings. Some are very uncommon, and not easily recognized as anything more than a nice necklace or earrings, but it is the story and significance behind it that makes it special to the owner.  

The Jewelry's origin may not start out at specifically religious. It can be something that happened to it, or where it is from that makes it special. This necklace, in itself, is not religious. However, during its ownership it was blessed by the Dalai Lama. That changes the value and meaning entirely of the piece. It went from being profane, to sacred for the owner.  

This specific necklace, is a piece of Israeli jewelry, from Doctor Mehta. The necklace really has no religious value or meaning, but it is connected to the culture that is very intertwined with the Jewish religion. Israel is a Jewish nation, so one can associate objects with Israeli origins with the Jewish people. The jump from culture to religion is not a big one either. There are also Christians and Muslims in Israel, but it has technically been a Jewish nation since 1948, so the predominant religious association is, of course, Judaism. Through the years it has been more and more difficult to separate the religious aspects and the cultural aspects, which then can be seen with the objects that are possessed for the varying reasons. Many things are done for one or both aspects. The Jewish culture, objects, and rituals are all so essential to the survival of their heritage that they are still carried on by believers and non believers all over the world.  

Another piece that is more commonly recognized as specifically Jewish is the star of David. As with the cross and Christianity, the Star of David is seen as religious for the Jewish faith, and has been for centuries. It is more likely to be noticed for its religious origins than the Israel jewelry, for its distinct symbolism, but some wear it for the same reasons as they do the Israel jewelry, culture not religion. A cross can be much the same, the wearer may have been raised in a church, but wears it for tradition rather than personal conviction. That can be seen across the board with most religious objects in today's society. Things often stray from one meaning to another, or carry both. Sometimes it is important simply because of who gave it to you, or where it came from. It is a good example to never assume the reason for people wearing what they do, a cross does not instantly mean a religious Christian, nor does the star of David instantly mean a religious Jew. On the other side of that, necklaces like the Israel one, or the one blessed by the Dalai Lama, may mean a religious Jew, but it is not as easily recognized because it is unique. Religious objects can hold many meanings, sometimes not religious ones at all to those that possess them. Whenever I see someone with a unique piece of jewelry, I like to ask the story behind it, and see if there is a special significance or origin.