Emeralds in Greek and Roman mythology
Emeralds, gems of an intense and mysterious green, have fascinated humanity since time immemorial. Their unique beauty and rarity have turned them into objects of desire and symbols of power and wealth throughout history.
However, beyond their material value, emeralds have occupied a prominent place in Greek and Roman mythology, where they are attributed mystical properties and deep meanings. Then we will know a little of the myths around the emerald in these civilizations.
The emerald in the Greek and Roman civilizations
In Greek and Roman civilizations, emeralds were considered gems of great importance and were attributed to them various beliefs and meanings. Here are some of the highlights:
- Protection and Mental Clarity: In Greek mythology, it was believed that emeralds were associated with the goddess Artemis, who used them to give protection and mental clarity to those who carried them with them. These gems were considered to have the power to provide safety in hunting and travel, as well as to help keep the mind focused and alert.
- Love and Passion: In Roman mythology, emeralds were linked to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. The emeralds were believed to be tears of Venus, shed by the loss of his beloved Adonis. As a result, these gems were associated with eternal love and fiery passion, and were considered powerful amulets to strengthen affective bonds and foster fidelity in relationships.
- Fertility and Renewal: Emeralds were also associated with fertility and renewal in both cultures. Its vibrant green colour evoked the exuberance of nature in spring, and these gems were believed to have the power to promote fertility and growth in all aspects of life. For this reason, emeralds were used in fertility rituals and in marriage ceremonies as symbols of growth and prosperity.
- Healing and Protection: In addition, emeralds were believed to have healing and protective properties in ancient Greece and Rome. These gems were thought to have the power to relieve pain and heal diseases, especially those related to the heart and nervous system. Therefore, emeralds were used in amulets and talismans to protect against physical diseases and discomfort.
Mitological Origins
- Greek mythology
In Greek mythology, emeralds were associated with the goddess Artemis, the virgin hunter and nature protector. According to legend, Artemisa was the guardian of the emeralds and used them to grant protection to those who carried them with them. These gems were believed to have the power to provide mental clarity and spiritual protection to their carriers, making them especially valuable to hunters and travelers.
- Roman mythology
On the other hand, in Roman mythology, emeralds were linked to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. The emeralds were believed to be tears of Venus, which formed when she wept for the loss of her beloved Adonis. These tears, falling on Earth, solidified and became the precious green gems we know today. As a result, emeralds were associated with eternal love and fiery passion, and considered themselves powerful amulets to strengthen affective ties and foster fidelity in relationships.
Emeralds, fertility and renewal
In addition to their association with deities, emeralds had a profound symbolic meaning in Greek and Roman mythology. These gems were believed to represent fertility and renewal, due to their vibrant green colour, which evoked the exuberance of nature in spring. Therefore, emeralds were used in fertility rituals and in marriage ceremonies as symbols of growth and prosperity.
Emeralds were also considered healing stones in ancient Greece and Rome. They were believed to have the power to relieve pain and heal diseases, especially those related to the heart and nervous system. For this reason, emeralds were used in amulets and talismans to protect against physical diseases and discomfort.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national high jewelry.
Currently, she is working for one of Bogotá's most important jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jewelry store has over 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center.
