Stones have had a place
in religion for thousands of years. The Bible refers to the twelve stones set in
the breastplate of the High Priest symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel.
In the book of Revelations twelve stones
are once again mentioned as the foundation stones of the wall of New Jerusalem. Though the symbolism of
each stone is open to speculation, most of these stones have been used in churches in one form or another
since the
inception of Christianity . Precious stones adorn the tiara and
miter of the Pope and Bishops as well as the shrines and icons found in Christian churches.
Temples and places of worship of all religions were and still are adorned with
stones, as signified particularly by
moonstones in
India, malachite and
azurite in
Egypt, agates in
Rome,
jade in
China, crystal in
Japan,
turquoise in
Persia (Iran)
and amethyst wherever
Christianity developed in
Europe.
While many of the beliefs surrounding
stones are regarded in the
scientifically-influenced Western (and mainly Christian) thinking as perhaps primarily of historic influence, the
Eastern religions have a far greater reverence for
stones.
The Chinese
believe that all natural things have an animate spirit of their own.
Jade
is the symbol of the virtues of mercy, modesty, courage, justice and wisdom.
The Japanese regard rock crystal as the symbol of purity,
patience and perseverance.
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