Across the globe, December is synonymous with month-long celebrations, holidays and quality time spent with dear ones. It marks the end of a year, a month everyone looks forward and the time to look back at the year that’s about to end.
December not only holds a particular meaning to each of us, but has always been considered a special month throughout times.
Nowadays, December marks the twelfth and last month of the Gregorian and Julian calendars. Its name is derived from the Latin word “Decem” meaning ten, as, historically, the year consisted of 10 months. During the times when mankind created modern calendars, the months January and February did not exist.
December symbolizes the full emergence of the winter season. Poetically, it represents the end of the annual cycle, with the promise of a new beginning, marked by January. This is the time when work starts to wind down, giving you time to reflect and repose.
Throughout centuries, each month has been associated with certain stones, that ancient civilizations would worship to. Stones were believed to hold powers such as good fortune or protection from evil. If you were born in December, Lapis Lazuli is your birthstone. Greeks and Roman society believed that carrying your birthstone in an amulet (wrist watches were not invented until 1868 by Patek Philippe) would protect its wearer and bring good fortune.
Lapis is one of the oldest gemstones used throughout centuries and was been highly valued by ancient civilizations such as Egyptians, Mayans and Greeks. With its deep, striking blue color, this semi-precious stone has been consistently linked with gods, power and royalty. Egyptians used it to carve powerful talismans known as ‘ The protecting eye’ while Greek and Roman society believed Lapis can help to cure several diseases.
The physical attributes of its deep opulent blue, characterized with golden incisions of pyrite, shimmering like stars in the night sky have inspired countless tales of thousand and one nights.
Today, Lapis is believed to increase awareness, wisdom and truth for the wearer.
Whether it is time to treat yourself to a meaningful, timeless gift or to surprise a dear one, Myku has curated a stunning collection of unique timepieces featuring most spectacular Lapis dials, discover our collection here.
Did you know that Cleopatra used grounded Lapis Lazuli as eyeshadow? Click here to read more about the fascinating history and characteristics of Lapis Lazuli.