CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING PEARLS IN FIFTEENTH-SIXTEENTH CENTURIES
CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING PEARLS IN FIFTEENTH-SIXTEENTH CENTURIES

Summary/Abstract: The present paper aims to bring forth the perception on pearls, in the context of the mentalities present during the fifteenth-sixteenth centuries. The approach begins with the information “inherited” from previous epochs, through the preserved documents, which played a key-role as a source of information, not only as far as pearls were concerned, but other subjects as well, in a thoroughgoing approach, typical of the Renaissance period. Aspects regarding the pearl’s genesis are examined, according the information found circulating in the selected timeframe, observing how much of it was passed down from previous centuries and confronted with the information we have nowadays on the matter. The study continues by identifying the symbols, derived from those belonging to previous epochs, illustrating the manner in which pre-Christian symbols were reconfigured, in order to be compatible with the requirements of Christianity, as well as superstitions, brought forth from previous times, corresponding to the laymen realm. Last, but not least, one may observe aspects regarding the value of pearls in the period in question, based on the symbols with which they were endowed, as well as their use as remedies against various ailments of the period.

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