GOLD, the noblest and most precious metal ever discovered, has been linked to deities, kings, eternity, and perfection since ancient times. Gold in cultures throughout human history has served as a store of value, but its symbolic significance has shifted over time and across cultures. Compared to copper’s revolutionary effects, no other metal comes close.
This precious yellow metal has long been associated with beliefs and values shared by people worldwide, including vitality, health, life, wisdom, virtue, light, union, and, of course, prosperity.
Value Of Gold In The Past & Present
Gold has always been associated with the ideas of royalty and aristocracy and thus with opulence and luxury. Gold in cultures in some regions in the past was used as currency. It was also extensively used for decorative and ceremonial purposes. But one thing was and is still sure: everyone wants gold.
Gold and other precious metals remain haven investments even though most countries now use paper currency not backed by stores of gold (fiat currency). It has persisted where paper currencies have faltered in the past. The times of crisis and economic uncertainty highlight this fact even more. Let’s take a quick look at the significance of gold in cultures worldwide.
Prestige Of Gold In Cultures Around The World
Gold In Culture Of Egypt
The ancient Egyptians thought gold was like the flesh of the gods, so they used it in their funeral ceremonies. Many pharaohs’ tombs had beautiful gold decorations and gifts, even in the mummies’ sarcophagi. Wall paintings show how the Egyptians made gold, from how they weighed the metal to how they showed off the finished product. These skilled workers came up with many techniques, some of which are still used today, though more refined.
Gold in Ireland
Irish people used to make bracelets and necklaces from gold a long time ago (torcs, gorgets and crescent). They often hid them deep in bogs and rivers as gifts to the Celtic gods.
Gold In Culture Of Africa
Gold was used a lot in many African cultures. Most of the time, gold was used to make things that would look nice in the homes of their chiefs and officers. In many countries, there are special workshops where only gold items are made. Most of the things made in these shops were used for ceremonies and were often very complicated. Gold has been sent abroad in the past, mainly from Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Bantu region.
Gold In Asia Culture
Around 1100 B.C., gold was used in many forms of jewellery, especially in temple decorations. One of the most well-known is the Forbidden City in Beijing, which has golden furniture, decorations, drapes, and other items. There are also temples in Japan that are covered in gold from top to bottom. Bangkok, Thailand, is also home to the world’s largest statue made of solid gold. Between 1600 and 1750, someone made the Golden Buddha.
Gold In Culture Of Rome
Gold was a prevalent precious metal when the Romans were alive. As Rome’s cities and culture grew, it attracted skilled craftspeople who made a wide range of gold jewellery (cameo pins, rings, pendants, earrings, headpieces). Historians think the custom of giving a gold ring to show marriage and commitment dates back to the Roman Empire.
Over time, the Romans made more than just jewellery out of gold. They also used it to make pots, ornaments, and other things for the homes of the wealthy. There was a lot of gold in the house as a sign of wealth. When Christianity came along, people no longer buried their dead with gold jewellery.
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