αμέθυστος

I promised you a post a week and out of nowhere I had a family emergency that sent me out of town and out of touch for a week. But I am back now and with this post I am back on track.

Amethyst Bracelet
 (click on picture)

  If you noticed the title of todays post, you can guess that we are talking Greek. Antient Greece had a god called Dionysus (Roman equivalent of Bacchus) and is thought to be born between December 22nd and December 25th. Being the god of wine and merriment you can imagine the parties that were held in honor of his birthday. When Christianity came on the scene, it was only natural that the celebrations for Christmas would have similar traits. Epiphany marked the end of the holiday season. Christian Epiphany, January 6th, is when the wise men visited the Christ Child and the baptism of Jesus are celebrated. This lead to the tradition of celebrating the "Great Blessing of the Waters".

  Enough background. The title αμέθυστος/ amethystos may be more recognizable in the form of the stones name Amethyst which translates as "Not Intoxicated". It was believed that if you wore amethyst it would protect you from getting drunk which was a good idea if you were planning to party a lot. Amethyst encourages sobriety, and will help to have a sobering effect for both alcohol and drugs. Though it was delegated as the birthstone for February wearing it with Garnet (the birthstone for January) is believed to protect you both morally and physically.

Modern day uses for Amethyst are used as a natural tranquilizer to relieve stress and anxieties. This is the stone you want to help with mood swings and clean negativity.  

Amethyst comes in various shades of purple and (here is the funny fact) is commonly found in Brazil and Uruguay. I could find no reference to it being found in Greece. Amethyst is a part of the Quartz family and there are deposits around the world. More Places to Find Amethyst This sites praises the rich color found in Russia and Siberia. 

I guess that should be enough for today. Please leave a comment or question. If you would like to be placed on my mailing list, please email me at Waterfrontstjewelry@gmail.com