Do You Know The Meaning Of Your Jewellery?
-More than half of Brits unaware of their jewellery’s symbolism-
-61% can’t identify Hamsa sign, 67% unable to identify Om sign-
-Uptake in ancient symbols lead by Jennifer Anniston, Heidi Klum and Miley Cyrus-
BRITONS are sending out unintentional messages about philosophy and religion by sporting ancient symbols with meanings they are unaware of, according to new research.
More than half of British adults are unaware of the meaning behind the ancient symbols they wear on their clothes and jewellery.
The survey of 1,000 UK adults, carried out by ChloBo, a British boho-luxe jewellery brand found that 52% were unaware of the meaning and significance of popular ancient symbols, often worn on charm bracelets and necklaces.
61% of Brits were unable to identify the Hamsa sign, an ancient middle eastern symbol often modelled in jewellery worn by Jennifer Anniston and Heidi Klum. While 67% could not identify the Om/ Pranava symbol, commonly used in Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, and often worn by Miley Cyrus.
69% of Britons failed to identify the Ankh symbol, recently sported by Beyonce in her most recent music video. Whilst the Jewish symbol, Chai faired no better with 71% of respondents being unable to identify the symbol of life.
One of the most recognisable symbols was the peace sign (92%), designed in the 1950s and popularisied by anti war and hippie bohemian culture in the 1960s, now commonly worn by Miley Cyrus.
Respondents were better at identifying ancient figures – more than three-quarters (79%) were able to identify Buddah, the enlightened one, and founder of the Buddhist way of life. 63% of respondents recognised Ganesh, the Hindu god depicted with the head of an elephant.
Brits also fared better at identifying zodiac symbols, with 52% able to identify at least six of the 12 signs of the zodiac.
ChloBo spokesperson said, “It’s interesting to see just how many people are unaware of the significance of symbols they are walking around wearing. Whilst we continue to explore a wider variety of fashions and cultures, people are simply adopting symbols, patterns and designs for aesthetic reasons, and are failing to understand their deeper meaning.
“The symbols and charms adopted and worn by many for fashion reasons actually hold a lot of significance and meaning, and are based on positive philosophies of life found in the world’s many cultures. If Britons researched the symbols and their meanings first they may feel an even stronger affiliation to their meanings beyond the celebrity trend.”
Women were better than men at identifying cultural symbols, however men (26%) performed better at recalling the meaning of the symbols commonly used in fashion and jewellery.
To view the full ChloBo jewellery collection, visit the website: http://chlobo.co.uk/
Least identifiable ancient symbols
- Chai – 71%
- Ankh – 69%
- Om – 67%
- Eye of Horus – 65%
- Hamsa – 61%
- Lotus Flower – 42%
- Ganesh – 37%
- Star of David – 22%
- Buddha – 21%
- Peace sign – 8%
A guide to the cultural significance of jewellery symbols:
Hamsa
The ancient Middle Eastern talisman symbolises the hand of god, and is a protective amulet that is believed to bring its owner good luck, happiness, and good health.
Om/ Pranava
The symbol, commonly found in yoga is derived from Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, and is called Pranava, which translates to ‘it infiltrates life and runs through our breath’. It is a primordial sound and represents god, creation and oneness.
Buddha
The Buddhist way of life is based on the teachings of Buddha, the term means ‘one who is wise’, who holds a state of intellectual and ethical perfection. The term literally means enlightened one, or knower.
Ankh
There are multiple interpretations of this symbol, however the Egyptian’s believe the ankh represents the Nile. Other interpretations claim the looped cross symbol represents eternal life. It is also referred to as the crux ansata, which translates to the ‘key of life’.
Chai
This Jewish symbol means life and symbolises the importance and appreciation of life. It is made up of two Hebrew letters, chet and yud, both of which have significance and mean good luck.
Ganesh
Ganesh is the Hindu god with great intellect and is often depicted with the head of an elephant. Use of the symbol is believed to remove arrogance, obstacles, narcissism, and selfishness.
Star of David
This Jewish symbol, also referred to as ‘the shield of David’ has six sides which reflect the belief that god rules over the universe and protects it from six directions, north, south, east, west, up and down.
Dove
The dove appears in Judaism and Christian culture, and signifies love and peace. The dove is a messenger and is often depicted with an olive branch in its beak.