Amber is a golden-colored fossilized tree resin that has been used in jewelry and ornamentation for thousands of years. The word “amber” traces its origins back to the Greek language, where it had several meanings related to this golden material. Understanding the Greek roots and meanings of amber provides insight into how this substance was viewed and valued in the ancient world.
The Etymology of Amber
In ancient Greek, the word for amber was “ήλεκτρον” (ēlektron). This term came from the word ēlektōr, meaning “beaming sun”. The connection between amber and the sun refers to the brilliant golden shine of amber when it is polished. Other Greek words for amber included kēranion, from kēros meaning “wax”, and ligyron, meaning “bright”.
These names capture key visual qualities of amber – its sunny yellow color, waxy luster, and luminous clarity when cut and finished. The Greeks viewed amber not just as a beautiful material, but as one connected metaphorically to the skies and heavens.
Amber in Greek Mythology and Lore
Beyond its linguistic roots, amber played an important role in various myths and legends among the ancient Greeks:
- Amber was believed to be the solidified tears of the sisters Heliades, who were turned into poplar trees while mourning their brother Phaethon after his deadly crash with his father Helios’ chariot.
- It was also said to be formed from the tears of the daughters of Atlas as they mourned the loss of their sisters, the Hesperides.
- Amber was sacred to Apollo and people believed it came from the tears Apollo shed over his slain son Asclepius.
- The Greek name for the Baltic, “Mare Sucinum” meaning “Sea of Amber” refers to the mythology around amber’s marine origins.
These mythical connections positioned amber as a sacred substance associated with Greek gods, constellations, and legends. The Greeks clearly prized amber for both its innate beauty and its mythic heritage.
Historical Uses of Amber in Ancient Greece
Amber served various purposes in ancient Greek society:
- Jewelry – Greeks fashioned amber into jewelry more extensively than other ancient European civilizations. Men and women wore necklaces, bracelets, rings, and amulets made of amber for adornment and as talismans.
- Perfume – Powdered amber was used as an ingredient in perfumes and incense. The Greeks believed its scent was heavenly.
- Mosaics – Amber was used in mosaic artworks to create golden details and luminous highlights.
- Medicine – Amber was believed to possess healing powers and was ground into powders or elixirs for medicinal purposes.
- Currency – Rare colored varieties of amber were valued as currency for trade and commerce around the Mediterranean.
From the ancient Greek perspective, amber was more than just a pretty piece of jewelry. It was a sacred, multipurpose material that could be used for adornment, healing, art, and exchange.
Meaning and Significance of Amber to the Greeks
For the ancient Greeks, amber held symbolic value and deeper cultural meaning:
- It represented the warmth, vitality, and light of the sun.
- It was associated with cherished legends and Greek gods.
- It signified hope and protection via its use in amulets and talismans.
- It embodied the essence of the natural world from which it came.
- It was a representation of the illuminating power of art and beauty.
Beyond its practical uses, amber was interwoven into the cosmological and philosophical perspectives of the ancient Greeks. It reflected their spiritual reverence for nature, mythology, and artistry.
Conclusion
The story of amber in ancient Greek civilization is a fascinating one. To the Greeks, amber was a golden bridge between the heavens and earth – the petrified essence of cosmic legends, sacred myths, and the natural world. Amber meant reverence, healing, beauty, mythology, illumination, and exchange. From its names to its practical and symbolic roles, amber meant far more to the Greeks than just a pretty gem. It captured the enduring perspectives of ancient Greek culture and still connects us to that distant but brilliant past today.
