On the importance of jewelry in different Asian cultures
Asia is probably the continent with the richest culture in the world. Any reference to Asia by Westerners marks it as a continent where superstition reigns and mysticism is alive. Asians see this positively, with their belief in gods. There are various religions in Asia that make it a convergence of cultures that contribute to its rich history.
Regardless of the differences between these cultures in Asia, there is a prominent similarity within the region. That is the presence of jewelry, as it is used in different circumstances. Asians represent their jeweled deities that express their desires and purposes. Some Asian cultures even enhance the adornment of the body with such jewelry to please the gods.
The gods want their followers to be presentable, and in Chinese culture jewelry is one of the things that keep their spirit alive. Feng Shui, for example, orders the parts of the house and offers different decorations to the house in the form of statues and symbols for good luck. Chinese stones are also added to jewelry for specific purposes such as good luck, health, love, or prosperity, among others. They contribute to the jewelry collection, as they are of Asian origin. The Chinese are very particular about their culture and believe that non-compliance will result in bad luck in the family.
Christian culture is nobler with its status. He believes that any material possession does not matter and can be ignored, as long as the heart is pure and good. The God they believe in also teaches them to repent and fast, which includes sharing their personal possessions with their brothers and sisters in need. Any Asian jewelry that has been named is not significantly maintained.
Muslims believe that their rulers should be adorned with the gifts of heaven, and also their rajas and princesses. Their jewels are presented in the form of tribal necklaces, headdresses loaded with stones and earrings of different meanings. They also have special jewelry that can only be worn on special occasions like marriage and burial. Their culture ranges from jewelry to the outfits they wear, which are instructed to have sparkling patterns that they revere.
Hindu culture is similar in this respect, with its colorful saris and headdresses. They also have their own collection of traditional jewelry handed down from generation to generation. However, not all have them. Due to the caste system, there are untouchables who are not allowed to have any possession except their body. That means they are not allowed any jewelry, or any food for that matter. They are the ones who are not blessed by the gods.
The Brahmins, the upper caste, are the richest. They have access to whatever form of wealth they want and they are the most free. They are also the most blessed by deities, as shown in their dresses and jewelry. They are the ones who shape the jewels that their culture treasures.