The Magical Color of Purple - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade

 

 

Since purple is a fairly rare color in nature, an almost magical aura has been associated to it throughout human history.  The first historical record of a purple dye, called Tyrian purple, indicates that it began to be manufactured in the Phoenician city of Tyre in the eastern Mediterranean in the 14th century BCE.  The dye was extracted from the glands of several types of shellfish, but especially the Murex brandaris.  The process to extract the dye took about three days.  Thousands of putrefied, crushed shellfish were left to bake in the sun.  Salt was then added and the mash of glands were boiled down.  (Can you imagine the overwhelming stench of the process!!!).  It took about 12,000 shellfish to extract 1.5 grams of the pure dye, barely enough to dye a single garment the size of a Roman toga.  In 301 A.D. during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian, one pound of purple dye cost 150,000 denarii or around three pounds of gold. This is the main reason the purple color was reserved for emperors or individuals with titles of royal authority.

 

 

 

Amethyst Pebble Earrings on Fancy Copper Earwires Handmade by Pamela of Pebbles at My Feet 

 

 

 

Interesting purple tidbits:

 

• When Nero became Emperor, the wearing of purple (except by him) and even the sale of purple (except to him) was punishable by death.  
• The Byzantine emperor signed edicts in purple ink.
• Leonardo da Vinci believed that the power of meditation increases ten times when done in a purple light, as in the purple light of stained glass.
• Purple represents the planet Jupiter.
• Purple is the color of the Crown Chakra, also known as the Sahasrara.

 

 

Lavender Purple Colorful Copper Flower Component, 1 Pair,  Handmade by Kristi of KristiBowmanDesign 

 

 

More interesting purple tidbits:

• Purple amethyst is the birthstone for those born in February.
• Purple is considered a cool color in landscape design. Its appearance has a calming effect in a garden.
• In Thailand, purple is worn by a widow mourning her husband’s death.
• The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the United States armed forces who have been wounded in action.
• The first man made dye, made out of coal tar, was purple.  The recipe was concocted by by William Henry Perkin in 1856 and the resulting color was named “Mauveine.”

 

 

 

Hand Knit Purple Merino Wool Shawl with Lace Border Handmade by Nancy of Nancy's Knots, Lace and More 

 

 

You certainly don’t have to be royalty to wear or use any of the handmade items in this post which feature purple as part of the design.  And they definitely do NOT cost anywhere near three pounds of gold.  But any of the handmade beauties will definitely help you look and feel more than a little royal.  Enjoy the rest of the picks:  

 

 

Purple, Pink and Yellow Flowers in Vase Mixed Media Blank Greeting Card Handmade by Jacki of Christie Cottage

 

 

Mystical Purple Four-strand Czech Glass Bohemian Necklace with Sterling Silver Handmade by Gloria of Chrysalis Tribal Jewelry

 

 

"Razzle Dazzle" Outrageous Purple Dichroic Fused Glass Dangle Earrings Handmade by Jo of Umeboshi Jewelry Designs

 

 

Lilac Ceramic Pendant with Purple Lace Flower Pattern Handmade by Linda of LInda Landig Jewelry

 

 

Purple Gemstone Earrings with Gold Wires and Turquoise Cluster Handmade by Lin of Flaunt Designs Jewelry

 

 

Easter Bunny with Purple and Pink Spring Dog Bandana, Collar Slipcover or Scrunchie-style, Handmade by Donna of SewAmazin

 

 

Butterfly Arrowheads and Purple Amethyst Lampwork Earrings Handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

I hope you have enjoyed each and every one of these marvelous selections with purple. If you would like to make my day and the day of the artists featured, please leave a comment.  And any promotion you can do will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

 

 

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Beautifully Unique Handmade Jewelry

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