It's Only Natural

Freyja received the most fabulous little package the other day...a beautiful amber necklace from Grandpa Theo and Grandma Szilvi...but I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to blog about it until now!

Over the centuries, people familiar with Baltic Amber came to believe that it had medicinal qualities. One of the things they believed was that it assisted in relieving tooth pain. Specifically, amber hung around a child's neck was said to help reduce the natural irritation and pain that accompanies the growing of new teeth.

But amber is special to Freyja in another way...

I named my daughter after the Scandinavian goddess by the same name, and she has a significant relationship to amber...

Freyja's greatest treasure was the Brisingamen necklace, which was hand-crafted with amber and gold by four dwarves with such artistry that it glittered like a constellation of stars in the night sky. Around Freyja's lovely neck it became an emblem of the fruits of the heavens and earth. She in her turn, produced treasures for the earth whenever she cried and Freyja wept profusely, especially during her search for her husband, Odur. When her tears fell on rock, they turned to gold. When shed at sea, they turned to amber.

It is my hope that, in addition to the medicinal benefits of amber, she also has, flowing through this necklace, the protection of the goddess for whom she was named.

I'm sure if she could, she would say thanks for such a pretty little gift!