The Many Faces of Green - Artisan Handmade

 

 

 

 

GREEN is a favorite color of many people because of it being the predominant terrestrial color of Mother Earth.  It is considered by many to be the most restful color (green being a favorite color choice for bedrooms).  But the color green wears many faces, both in its numerous beautiful shades and its interesting historical context.  I found the history and symbolism of green to be fascinating and decided to share some of what I found:

 

 

 

Chunky Seafoam Green and Black India Lampwork Bracelet, 8", Handmade by Kathy of KatsAllThat

 

 

The word "green" is linguistically related to the Old English verb "growan" which means "to grow" or "to turn green.”  The first recorded use of the word as a color term in Old English dates to around AD 700.  Across most cultures, the color is commonly associated with nature, fertility, growth and healing.  A person with a "green thumb" is good at making plants flourish and "green rooms" are where performers relax before going onstage.  However, the color green has another face, and can be used to refer to envy, illness and even death.  If you are "green around the gills", you look sickly.  Jealousy is often called the "green eyed monster.”

 

 

 

Grasshopper Green with Silver Oblong Lampwork Glass Focal Bead Handmade by Charlotte of Covergirlbeads

 

 

Because ancient man lived hand in hand with the natural world, the color green has much symbolism and lore associated with it.  Green was the color of resurrection and immortality in ancient Egypt.  Osiris, the god of the underworld and vegetation, was one of the first "green men" because he was depicted as having green skin.  The floors of many Egyptian temples were often painted green to represent the grass which grew along the life-giving Nile River. Lining many bases of temples were carvings of papyrus, lotus and other plants. 

 

 

 

Natural Green Serpentine Gemstone and Sterling Silver Round  Pendant with Pink Cubic Zirconia Handmade by Diane of DianesDangles

 

 

In ancient Greece, green was an important symbol of victory.  In China, green was associated with the east because of the rising sun and, with it, the return of life and growth.  In Thailand, dark green was considered lucky for those born during the day on a Wednesday.  If you were born on Wednesday night, your lucky color was light green.  Scottish Highlanders wore green as a mark of high honor.  Up until the 20th century, green was the traditional color for European hunters to wear, especially the shade called, appropriately enough, "hunter green.”  Now most hunters wear olive drab or camouflage.

 

 

 

Hand Crocheted Green Turtle Bath Mitt Handmade by Jacki of Christie Cottage

 

 

The Green Man, a legendary being representing rebirth and the cycle of new growth that occurs every spring, is depicted surrounded by leaves and sometimes disgorging greenery.  It is most often associated with Celtic forest tribes in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe.  However, many researchers believe the symbol can be traced to south and east Asia.  Similar statues of the kirttimukha and makara are found in India and other symbols in the Apo Kayan region of Borneo.  Most likely, the figure traveled the trade routes linking Europe and Asia, slowly changing over time into the Green Man.  It was also worshipped in Egypt, Greece and Rome  Interestingly, some of the best Green Man carvings are found on Medieval churches in France and England.

 

 

 

 

Carved Green Moss Agate Leaf Pendant Necklace with Moss Agate Rounds and Sterling Accent Beads Handmade by Peggy of The Crystal Pegasus

 

 

Green has great religious meaning.  Roman Catholic and some Protestant clergy wear green vestments in the season after the Epiphany and after Pentecost to represent rebirth and life.  Clergy of the Eastern Catholic Church wear green on Palm Sunday and during Pentecost as a symbol of resurrection.  Because it was said to be Mohammed's favorite color, green is a sacred color to Muslims.  Mohammed was said to have preferred wearing a green cloak and turban and his writings constantly refer to the color.  A passage from the Quran describes paradise as a place where people "will wear green garments of fine silk."  In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the green heart chakra represents the point of balance between deep earth (prime creation, foundation) and elevated reality (spiritual and metaphysical creativity).  Green symbolizes the master healer and life force.

 

 

 

Green Onyx Gemstone Earrings in 22K Bezel Setting with Green Palace Opal and Clear Swarovski Crystals Handmade by Pamela of MagdaleneJewels

 

 

In early English folklore, green could also signify witchcraft and devilry.  It was often associated with faeries and evil spirits, especially those that snatched babies and young children.  Even today, with the exception of St. Patrick's Day, the wearin' o' the green can be considered unlucky in Ireland.  Green is supposed to be the favorite color of the Little People.  If you wore too much of it, you could offend them and they could cause havoc by drying up your cows, ruining your crops, etc.  Green cars, wedding dresses(!) and theater costumes are all objects of intense superstition.

 

 

 

Green and Brown Swirled Round Polymer Clay Beads, Set of 7, Handmade by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions

 

 

If you look at the flags of the world, many use green in the designs for symbolic or cultural reasons.  Green is one of the three colors, along with red and black, of Pan-Africanism and represents the natural richness of the continent.  Many African countries use green in their flags, including South Africa, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Benin and others.  Many flags of the Islamic world are green due the sacredness of the color.  Jamaica uses the color to represent the country's lush vegetation.  The green in the flags of Wales, Hungary and Brazil represents "jolliness and youth.”  Often referred to as the "Emerald Isle", Ireland adopted its tricolor flag in 1919:  green represents the Gaelic tradition of the country; orange represents the followers of William of Orange in Ireland; and, white represents the peace, or truce, between the two.

 

 

 

Rustic Green and Yellow Polymer Clay Boho Leaf Earrings Handmade by Linda of VictorianStyleTreasures

 

 

Chosen for its association with nature, health and growth, today green has become the symbolic color of environmentalism.  The political Green Party emphasizes ecology, grassroots democracy, nonviolence and social justice.  Green Parties are active in over 100 countries.  A heightened public awareness and concern about the environment has sparked a "go green" movement.

 

 

 

Green Beaded St Patrick's Day Shamrock Refrigerator Magnet Handmade by Crystal of Crystalscraftycorner

 

 

I could have written MUCH more with what I found about the fabulous color green, but maybe since you've had a taste of what I found, you'll read a little more on your own.   The beautiful green creations above and below are from handmade artist friends.  I hope you visit their shops to see what they have to offer . . . and maybe you’ll buy a loved one or yourself a beauty in gorgeous, soothing green.  Enjoy the rest of the handmade items created from talented artist friends.

 

 

 

Spring Green Crystal And White Pearl 17" Necklace Handmade by Connie of Thesingingbeader

 

 

 

Purple, White and Green Tropical Bird of Paradise Watercolor Print Handmade by Roxanne of watercolorsNmore

 

 

 

Green Loom Woven Alpaca Scarf Handmade by Andrea of Andrea Designs

 

 

 

Faceted Green Aventurine and Peach Coral Gemstone Necklace Handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

 

Green Jasper Bicone and Swarovski Lime Dangle Earrings with 14k GF Handmade by Kathy of KatsAllThat

 

 

 

Etched Pale Emerald Green with Starlight and Silver Lampwork Glass Beads Handmade by Charlotte of Covergirlbeads

 

 

 

Natural Green Seraphinite Gemstone and Sterling Silver Pendant Handmade by Diane of DianesDangles

 

 

 

Wire Wrapped Green Glass Focal Bead Keyring Handmade by Jacki of Christie Cottage

 

 

 

Lime Green Artisan Lampwork Bead Bracelet with Thai Silver Spacers and Peridot Set Silver Clasp Handmade by Peggy of the The Crystal Pegasus

 

 

 

Green Chinese Jade Beaded Necklace with Emerald and Peridot Swarovski Crystals Handmade by Pamela of MagdaleneJewels

 

 

 

Green and Yellow Lampwork Beaded Necklace Handmade by Julie and Harry of Blue Morning Expressions

 

 

 

Opaque Blue Green Czech Glass Beaded Bracelet Handmade by Linda of VictorianStyleTreasures

 

 

 

Peridot Green Shell Loop Earrings with Lever Backs Handmade by Crystal of Crystalscraftycorner

 

 

 

Olive Green Russian Serpentine Pendant Necklace Handmade by Connie of Thesingingbeader  

 

 

 

Copper Wire Wrapped Green Stone Cabochon Pendant Necklace Handmade by Roxanne of watercolorsNmore

 

 

 

Green Nylon Cord and Orange Beads Macrame Boho Chic Adjustable Bracelet Handmade by Andrea of Andrea Designs

 

 

 

Green, Pink and Purple Ceramic Spiral Seashell Earrings Handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

I hope you enjoyed each and every one of these unique handmade creations using the color green!  If you would like to make my day and the day of the talented artists featured, please leave a blog comment.  And any promotion you can do will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

 

 

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SHADOW DOG DESIGNS

Beautifully Unique Handmade Jewelry

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