Folklore, Legend & Healing Properties of Coral
Folklore, Legend & Healing Properties of Coral:
Coral, which is not a true gemstone, but a product of marine life, has always been associated with helping protect against malevolent attack such as ‘the evil eye’. Coral comes in varied shades from white to pale pink, orange, red, brown and black. The name comes from a Greek word for sea nymph. It is protective when traveling, especially when moving from one country to another. It was originally used to staunch the flow of blood, cure madness, and bring wisdom. Plato suggested that it helped with gum disease, toothache and protection against sickness, especially if worn around the neck. It is another stone that aids digestion and assimilation of food. It is particularly helpful for people who worry too much about what others think of them. It can help to develop this type of attitude: “What others think of me is none of my business.” It is an excellent gift for a child to wear for their first stone, as it will help prevent them from falling without impairing their sense of adventure!
Coral in mythology
The origin of coral is explained in Greek mythology by the story of Perseus. Having petrified Cetus, the sea monster threatening Andromeda, Perseus placed Medusa’s head on the riverbank while he washed his hands. When he recovered her head, he saw that her blood had turned the seaweed (in some variants the reeds) into red coral. Thus, the Greek word for coral is ‘Gorgeia’, as Medusa was one of the three Gorgons.
Poseidon resided in a palace made of coral and gems, and Hephaestus first crafted his work from coral.
The Romans believed coral could protect children from harm, as well as cure wounds made by snakes and scorpions and diagnose diseases by changing colour.
