Amulets in Folklore

(based on the amulet class in charms)


Throughout history, many different amulets have come into play, varying considerably according to the time they came from and their origin. Many amulets through history have derived through religious purposes, Christianity being no different. The Cross itself represents the deity in Christianity, although if you look at the ancient Egyptians, the same symbol represents the ‘eye of Horus’. Even though the meanings differ, they still act as the same thing – a magical amulet to the owner, whether it actually be filled with natures magic, or simply the owners belief. Even into the present, these kinds of amulets still make their mark, People in Thailand can quite often be see wearing more than one Buddha ornament around their neck for protection of evil.

Chinese ancient tradition shows the capturing of a live cricket and keeping it in an osier box, (box made of willow), to attract good luck. The Chinese have also been known to keep coins as amulets, spreading them on the floor in hope of gaining money.

Other popular amulets through the ages include:
Magic squares, (a box of squares with numbers – to read more see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_squares)angels and angelic signatures, drawings, candles, perfumes etc etc.
The more modern trypes of amulet can include things like rabbits foot, four leaf clovers etc.

A typical folk lore amulet to ward against the evil of vampires is that of garlic and also the cross, which grew into tradition in Central Europe.
For the ancient Scandinavians, Anglo Saxons and Germans, the traditional amulet is that of the rune: Eoh (yew).

As you can see, this is simply a brush-over of the history of amulets. Whether these amulets are actually magical or whether it is mealy the belief of the owners, one thing is for certain. These amulets have kept people safe, their minds more than anything, and will continue to do so for many more years to come.

Main source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amulet

lol, another very interesting read, keep them coming - 50 points.