Any adult who adorns themselves in jewelry containing symbols that they have not researched runs the risk of looking completely foolish when friends and family ask them about the piece. Society tolerates this sort of ignorance from children and teenagers, but adults are expected to show more respect. This is even more pertinent when the symbolism is something like the Native American cross necklace.
While meanings may vary among the differing tribes, a little research will empower the wearer of such a piece with the ability to discuss it intelligently when asked. Origins of many symbols used by the original inhabitants of this country are a bit sketchy, but it does appear that the tribes of the Mississippian area were the first to use this symbol. Known as the Mound Builders, these people utilized such symbols in ritual artwork.
These original Americans were a very spiritual group of people, and their use of symbolism as sacred ritual tools, some of which can be seen in museums even now, is well established. The symbol, when combined with other lines and shapes, may have had altered meanings to these people. This is the origin of their written words, as the first Americans were also some of the earliest people to develop an alphabet, and were the first to have a printed newspaper.
To these Mound Builders, this symbol represented the barrier between the land of the dead or Underworld, the physical world, and the upper world, or Heaven. Some of their artwork showed this symbol coming together in a circle. Within that circle was the symbol again, in the center, showing how these four worlds, or dimensions, intersect.
The most rudimentary of this equilateral symbolism, contained within a circle, has roughly the same meaning as the Celtic variety. It represents the four elements which emanated from God and created the Universe. Some tribes also use it to represent the four tribes of mankind, coming here to keep balance in the world.
This is also known as the medicine wheel in many tribes, most of which still use this particular meaning. The term Medicine Wheel was not actually a term used by these original Americans, but was terminology placed upon it by the European settlers. The colors utilized on the wheel were dependent upon the tribe or family group utilizing the symbol.
When contained within a circle, as it is generally shown here in the Americas, it can represent perfection or continuity. Each of the four zones or quadrants has a color, and the colors do vary. While it is intended to be viewed as a sphere that floats freely in space, the four quadrants, when colored, make the symbol of the Swastika.
What meaning is attributed to the symbol can relate to a tribal or clan group, or it can be a personal totem. When wearing this symbol, it is recommended that the wearer assign their own spiritual attributes to the item. This gives the jewelry greater significance for the wearer, and shows a great deal of respect for the ancient cultures who passed their heritage to us.
While meanings may vary among the differing tribes, a little research will empower the wearer of such a piece with the ability to discuss it intelligently when asked. Origins of many symbols used by the original inhabitants of this country are a bit sketchy, but it does appear that the tribes of the Mississippian area were the first to use this symbol. Known as the Mound Builders, these people utilized such symbols in ritual artwork.
These original Americans were a very spiritual group of people, and their use of symbolism as sacred ritual tools, some of which can be seen in museums even now, is well established. The symbol, when combined with other lines and shapes, may have had altered meanings to these people. This is the origin of their written words, as the first Americans were also some of the earliest people to develop an alphabet, and were the first to have a printed newspaper.
To these Mound Builders, this symbol represented the barrier between the land of the dead or Underworld, the physical world, and the upper world, or Heaven. Some of their artwork showed this symbol coming together in a circle. Within that circle was the symbol again, in the center, showing how these four worlds, or dimensions, intersect.
The most rudimentary of this equilateral symbolism, contained within a circle, has roughly the same meaning as the Celtic variety. It represents the four elements which emanated from God and created the Universe. Some tribes also use it to represent the four tribes of mankind, coming here to keep balance in the world.
This is also known as the medicine wheel in many tribes, most of which still use this particular meaning. The term Medicine Wheel was not actually a term used by these original Americans, but was terminology placed upon it by the European settlers. The colors utilized on the wheel were dependent upon the tribe or family group utilizing the symbol.
When contained within a circle, as it is generally shown here in the Americas, it can represent perfection or continuity. Each of the four zones or quadrants has a color, and the colors do vary. While it is intended to be viewed as a sphere that floats freely in space, the four quadrants, when colored, make the symbol of the Swastika.
What meaning is attributed to the symbol can relate to a tribal or clan group, or it can be a personal totem. When wearing this symbol, it is recommended that the wearer assign their own spiritual attributes to the item. This gives the jewelry greater significance for the wearer, and shows a great deal of respect for the ancient cultures who passed their heritage to us.
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