Superstitions About Gems and Precious Metals

There are several superstitious beliefs associated with the possession and use of precious metals and gem stones. Some of them are of mythological origin, some are deep rooted in custom and tradition and some have come into existence based on experiences, whether real, imaginary or coincidental.

In olden days, the kings used to wear gem stones to gain victory in the wars. The beneficial results experienced by many people, who had worn the gem stones, had inspired people to experiment with wearing of different gem stones to achieve different objectives. Thus the gems have gained acceptance and popularity among the cross section of people to promote their good fortune, prosperity, longevity, freedom from disease. Various stories and theories have evolved in respect of their selection and mode of use, either as an amulet, pendants, chains or rings.

Like gems, the metals are also endowed with high degree of superstition and faith. The talismans are enclosed in metal casings and tied to the body with the thread of specified color. The metals like zinc, iron or copper are used for such casings. Precious metals like gold is used for wearing "Mangal Sutram", which is compulsorily worn by Hindu lady from the day it is tied to her neck by the bridegroom on the eve of her marriage. It is ardently believed that the Mangal Sutram bestows long life to the husband and protects him from evil forces. Hindu ladies do not part with it, come what may, under any circumstances, as it bodes great danger to husband.

Inferior metals like iron are given away in charity or offered in worship to Saturn god to escape the evil influence of Saturn in the lives of people. Saturn is believed to inflict much misery and turmoil, particularly in its evil transit in the zodiac. Such metals as iron, lead, or nails extracted from the boats or the iron metal extracted from the heel of the horse are used for worshipping such Saturn and are also used as talismans to escape from the evil aspect of Saturn.

Superior metals like gold or silver are used to propitiate the planets like Jupiter and Moon. It is strongly believed that wearing these metals or giving them in charity favors one with wealth and children. Silver is very much used during worship of deities on auspicious occasions to invoke their blessings, besides making a show of affluence. Gold is purchased invariably by ladies for wearing golden ornaments on Indian festivals like "Varalakshmi Pooja" (worship of Goddess Lakshmi) as it invokes the aspect of the Goddess to multiply their wealth and affluence. It also helps in increasing longevity to husband.

Metals like gold and silver are offered to the priests (Brahmins) during the eclipses to escape the evils consequences. The Brahmins chant Mantras and bless them while receiving the donations of precious metals and "Saligrams". Such an act is considered to protect people from the evil effects of eclipses. Whether it is coincidence or real, some mishaps and calamities do occur soon after the eclipses. Recently, in the wake of the two eclipses in one month, much caused havoc and loss of lives of hundreds of people and animals has been caused by the floods in Andhra Pradesh. Besides, the accidental death of a great political leader which is also believed to be the aftermath of the occurrence of the eclipses cannot be passed off as a coincidence. In such a situation one wonders whether there is anything wrong in indulging in these small harmless superstitious practices, if great calamities can be averted. Maybe, it is against scientific spirit.

It is strongly believed that the gems play cardinal role in counteracting the evil effects of planets in one's life. If the planets are ill-disposed in one's birth-chart (called horoscope) one will suffer miseries, ill-health, accidents and short life. Wearing of the right gem stones can offer protection to the natives from such evil consequences and also enhance their good fortune.

One wonders how the gems could perform their miraculous functions. One theory advanced by experts is that the gems absorb cosmic radiation and pass into the body of the wearer. Such a radiation has healing capacity, since they make up for the deficiency of the color.

More than the scientific explanation, it is the mythological background that augments the superstitious belief of people in gems and metals. The great gem stone called "Shyamantakamani" in the possession of the devotee of Sun god, named Satrajit, yielded huge quantity of gold every day. Lord Krishna pleaded with him to hand over the jewel to the ruling king, named Ugrasena, as it will help the whole country. Ultimately, the circumstances forced him to surrender it to the king and offer his daughter Satyabhama to Lord Krishna in marriage.

Rubies are believed to be powerful in exerting definite healing effect in coronary ailments. Egyptian royalty believed in the mystical and spiritual powers of Emeralds. They wore them with great belief in their magical powers. Emeralds possess curative power over neural and nervous complaints, skin problems and in exerting mitigating effect in epileptic attacks. Some people believe that it can protect a person afflicted by malaria. Blue sapphire, which is a reflection of the azure sky above, is a soothing gem stone. It possesses the charm to drive away evil spirits.

The kings were fascinated by Rubies. They wore rubies, as they imparted them great courage and power to win battles. Some huge diamonds spelt doom and were discarded by the kings.

Because of their hardness, if not for their miraculous powers, diamonds are used in the manufacture of high speed tools. Diamond powders were used by royal ladies, hidden in their rings, to put an end to their lives when the enemies invaded and captured the kingdom.

The gems fall into two categories: the precious and semi-precious. Among the precious stones are Ruby, diamond, emerald, yellow sapphire, Blue sapphire, Pearls, Red coral, cat's eye and Gomedha. These nine gems are called Navaratnas in India and are considered to bestow on the wearer great fortune, good health, prosperity, amicable relations between the couple and children. Those who believe in their power consult a good Astrologer and obtain a prescription of the correct gem stones that suit them as per their birth stars.

There are innumerable semi-precious gem stones, like Amethyst, topaz, zircon, onyx, Amber, Jade, star ruby, Moon stone, Blood stone, etc. In lieu of the precious gem stones, which are exorbitantly priced, the semi-precious stones which suit the common man's budget can be used to serve the same purpose. They are also considered to be effective, if worn as per the advice of the Astrologer. The precious stones are believed to act more quickly than the semi-precious variety.

Gems like sparkling diamonds and pearls exude enchanting charm and attraction. They are presented by young people to their lovers to win their hearts.

The gems are also powdered and administered in the form of medicines. It is believed that such powders, which are called "Bhasmam" by ancient practitioners of Hindu school of Medicine known as "Ayurveda", cure chronic diseases which could not otherwise be healed by regular Allopathic medicines. However, this is not generally recommended, as it is fraught with danger to life, unless such a therapy is administered directly by experts. The lay man is not supposed to make the powders of gems himself and consume them as medicine.

The gem stones are attributed to the planets according to "Jataka Parijatam", an ancient classical work on Astrology written in Sanskrit. As per Verse 21 of this great work, the gem stone Ruby is attributed to the planet Sun, pure pearl to the Moon, Red Coral to the Mars, yellow sapphire to the Jupiter, Diamond to the Venus, Blue sapphire to Saturn and Emerald to Mercury. Gems suitable to people as per their month or date of birth or birth star are used to improve upon their luck and enjoy protection from health problems and accidents.

For example, gem stones are chosen to be worn according to zodiacal sign in which one is born. The zodiacal sign is related to the date and month of birth. Red coral is chosen for the zodiacal signs Aries and Scorpio, diamond for Taurus and Libra, Emerald for Gemini and Virgo, Pearl for Cancer, Ruby for Leo, Yellow sapphire for Sagittarius and Pisces and Blue sapphire for Capricorn and Aquarius. The birth stone enhances luck and fortune, besides guarding one's health and it is generally followed by majority of believers.

All these superstitious beliefs cannot be dismissed as fantasy or figment of creative imagination. The ancient people possessed great intuition and wisdom. It is a fact that copper bottomed utensils are used nowadays for cooking to conserve fuel. It is a fact that a lens when properly focused with sun light can generate intense heat and burn paper. Drinking water from copper glass is good for health. Copper has the power to conduct electricity. Glass fiber cables are used for communication of signals, which at one time was beyond imagination. As such, if some faith or superstition is supported by real experiences on a considerable scale, it is worth pondering over its utility.

The eldest member of the family used to be served food in silver plate in olden days, both as a mark of respect and for his good health. Gold or silver is mixed in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. Either for ornamental purpose or for experiencing the miraculous powers, the gems and metals would continue to capture the imagination of people for ever. Their worth is ageless and priceless.