All You Need is a Little Luck
Today, I thought I'd share a little something from my personal collection. I have always liked charms. I have several charm bracelets which I have shared in past blog posts. I like the sentimentality of charms. You can really see someone's story in their choice of charms.
Well, this little 14k yellow gold charm necklace is a bit different. Collected over several years, each of these little charms represents luck, love or protection. I guess you could say I wanted to make sure that I had all my bases covered!
In Italy (one of my favorite vacation destinations!) people wear the "cornicello." A cornicello is an amulet of good luck that is used for protection against the evil-eye curse. It is a twisted, horn-shaped charm and originally resembled the twisted horn of an African eland, though over the years they have become stylized and less horn-like. A regionally popular amulet, they occur primarily in Italy and in America among descendents of Italian immigrants. According to some Calabrese traditions, the horn was once modeled after a chili pepper, because of its abundance in the region.
On of my favorite charms, is this little tiny carved, white coral Buddha. His joyful face brings a smile to my face every time I look at him. A common practice in Thailand as well as the many throughout the world who follow the traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices based primarily on teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha. He is recognized by Buddhists as an awakened or enlightened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings end their suffering through the elimination of ignorance and craving. Buddhists believe that this is accomplished through direct understanding, the perception of dependent origination and the Four Noble Truths. So for me, this little Buddha is a reminder to try be the version of myself that I can be. To live a generous, enlighten and positive life.
Seen in India, the Corna was a gesture very commonly used by Gautama Buddha as Karana Mudra which is synonymous with expulsion of demons and removal of obstacles like sickness or negative thoughts. The same usage can be seen in Italy and in Mediterranean cultures where, when confronted with unfortunate events or even when these events are mentioned, the sign of the horns is given to ward off bad luck. Just like the cornicello, it is also to counter or ward off the "evil eye." With fingers down, like on a necklace, it is a common gesture, by which people seek protection in unlucky situations.
Well, this little 14k yellow gold charm necklace is a bit different. Collected over several years, each of these little charms represents luck, love or protection. I guess you could say I wanted to make sure that I had all my bases covered!
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| My little charm necklace! Each charm has a special meaning. |
In Italy (one of my favorite vacation destinations!) people wear the "cornicello." A cornicello is an amulet of good luck that is used for protection against the evil-eye curse. It is a twisted, horn-shaped charm and originally resembled the twisted horn of an African eland, though over the years they have become stylized and less horn-like. A regionally popular amulet, they occur primarily in Italy and in America among descendents of Italian immigrants. According to some Calabrese traditions, the horn was once modeled after a chili pepper, because of its abundance in the region.
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| My little cornicello charm is from Italy & has a lovely vintage feel to it. It has this amazing texture to it that is just so hard to see in the photographs! |
On of my favorite charms, is this little tiny carved, white coral Buddha. His joyful face brings a smile to my face every time I look at him. A common practice in Thailand as well as the many throughout the world who follow the traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices based primarily on teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha. He is recognized by Buddhists as an awakened or enlightened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings end their suffering through the elimination of ignorance and craving. Buddhists believe that this is accomplished through direct understanding, the perception of dependent origination and the Four Noble Truths. So for me, this little Buddha is a reminder to try be the version of myself that I can be. To live a generous, enlighten and positive life.
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| His little giggly smile; round dimpled belly & happy look just seem to radiate joy. I think that is why I was so drawn to this little carved coral Buddha. He is, by far, one of my favorite charms! |
Seen in India, the Corna was a gesture very commonly used by Gautama Buddha as Karana Mudra which is synonymous with expulsion of demons and removal of obstacles like sickness or negative thoughts. The same usage can be seen in Italy and in Mediterranean cultures where, when confronted with unfortunate events or even when these events are mentioned, the sign of the horns is given to ward off bad luck. Just like the cornicello, it is also to counter or ward off the "evil eye." With fingers down, like on a necklace, it is a common gesture, by which people seek protection in unlucky situations.
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| For such a tiny charm, the detail work on the corna charm really got me. You can the ruffled bracelet around the wrist & the indentions in the palm. Each finger is drawn out, including the nailbeds. Simply amazing. Pottery by artist Vicki Grant. |
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