LIFE'S A PEARL

When I began writing my blog again I thought about what parts of my life I most wanted to share. I landed on my journey learning. I wanted to gain knowledge and share wisdom. Whether it was experimenting in the kitchen, learning about natural remedies, or discovering something about myself. With that course in mind for my blog, I took a deep dive into what’s behind the name or word, Pearl.

 

The word Pearl

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary the word pearl, means:

1. a dense variously colored and usually lustrous concretion formed of concentric layers of mother-of-pearl as an abnormal growth within the shell of some mollusks and used as a gem

2. one that is very choice or precious.

Other definitions include a person or thing of great rarity and worth. Pearl has become a metaphor for something rare, fine, admirable, and valuable.

 

Symbols Behind Life’s A Pearl

The name of this blog was inspired by my rescue pit bull, Pearl. You can read more about her story here. Her name was given to her by the shelter. I loved it so I never thought to change it and it fits her perfectly. She is certainly something precious to be appreciated. As are all dogs! I’ve never bonded so instantly with a dog before or known one with so much personality. She’s one of a kind, a dog of great rarity to our family.

While the blog name came to me thanks to my Pearl, I’ve enjoyed discovering other meanings that can be taken from the word. I believe life is precious. It’s something of great worth and should be appreciated.

Pearls are valued for their calming effects. They represent serenity. Pearls can strengthen valuable relationships and offer a sense of safety. Pearls symbolize purity, integrity, and loyalty. People believed these gems provided protection to their wearer while also attracting wealth and good luck.

Pearls are also symbols of wisdom. Often wisdom gained through experience. To me life is an ongoing journey of learning and growth. I always want to learn more whether it’s gathering information or trying something completely new or attempting to master a new skill. I believe that the most valuable things we learn in life come to us through our own experiences. Someone can give you advice or tell you how to do something but often you best learn through your own hands on knowledge and mistakes.

 

Myths and Legends Surrounding Pearls

When I took a deep dive into the word pearl, I found some fascinating myths and history behind these gemstones. I have always enjoyed reading about mythology so this was a great excuse to dig in and discover some new myths.

The website, Bellatory, was a great source of ancient stories surrounding pearls. Interestingly when I searched further, several jewelry websites list the same legends. The most interesting ones to me involved the creation stories of pearls.

 

Many different mythologies suggest pearls originated as tears:

• Ancient Japanese believed that pearls were created from the tears of mermaids, nymphs, and angels.
• Ancient Greeks also believed that pearls were tears from the gods. Women wore pearls on their wedding day to prevent crying.
• Christianity tells of Adam and Eve weeping after they were cast out of Paradise, creating a lake of pearls. The white pearls were said to be from Eve’s tears and the black from Adam’s.

 

Another common theme in the origin stories of pearls involve the moon, storms, and of course the sea:

• There is a Persian legend that pearls were created when a rainbow met the earth after a storm. The imperfections in a pearl’s appearance were thought to be the result of thunder and lightning.
• A Polynesian myth tells the origin of black pearls. The full moon bathed in a dark sea and attracted oysters to the surface with its light beams. The shimmering dew drops collected over time and covered the black pearls with hues of gold, green, blue, and pink.
• Hindu folklore also tells of dewdrops falling out of the night and into a moonlit sea to create pearls.

 

I enjoy investigating and thinking about the stories and symbols behind certain words. The name, Life’s A Pearl, is more fitting than I could have realized. I love when things come full circle.

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What are your favorite myths and legends? Do you know the stories behind your favorite names?