Ancient Legends
Amber, often referred to as the “sunstone,” has fascinated humanity since the late Paleolithic era (40,000–12,000 BC). Its radiant beauty inspired numerous myths and legends that still captivate us today:
- Goddess Jurate
In Polish and Lithuanian folklore, amber’s origins are linked to Jurate, a sea goddess who fell in love with a mortal fisherman named Kastytis. Their forbidden love angered Perkunas, the supreme deity, who destroyed Jurate’s palace and chained her to its ruins. Amber washing ashore during storms is said to symbolize fragments of her shattered palace and her tears. - The Giant Bird Gauja
According to Baltic Slavic tales, a giant bird named Gauja guarded a nest filled with amber treasures. When a servant dared to steal her necklace, the beads scattered into the sea, leaving fragments of amber along the shores. - The Great Flood
In the Kurpie region of Poland, amber represents the sorrow of those who perished during a mythical flood lasting 40 days and nights.
Amber was also believed to protect against illness, infertility, and evil spirits. Burning amber released aromatic smoke, believed to have purifying powers. Science later confirmed that amber smoke contains essential oils, acids, and trace elements beneficial to human health.
Modern Discoveries – How Did These Gemstones Form?
The origins of amber have intrigued scholars for centuries, from Pliny the Elder to Jan Freyer. Modern science reveals that amber is fossilized resin from ancient Pinus succinifera trees, which thrived in Fennoscandia’s warm, humid climates between 100.5 and 23 million years ago.
These towering trees produced resin to heal bark wounds. Over millennia, chemical processes and environmental factors transformed the resin into amber, often encasing insects, plants, and other prehistoric life within its golden glow.
Amber Souvenirs – From Primitive Crafts to Masterpieces
Amber has been a sought-after trade good for millennia, connecting civilizations across vast distances:
- In ancient Sumer and Egypt, amber was prized for its mystical properties.
- The Romans traded amber for silver, weapons, and glass, establishing routes from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean.
During the Middle Ages, amber craftsmanship reached its zenith in Gdańsk, Poland, where artisans created intricate jewelry and decorative items. Although the Teutonic Order monopolized the amber trade in the 14th century, Polish craftsmen reclaimed their heritage in the 15th century, producing masterpieces that combined artistry and cultural tradition.
Discover the Beauty of Amber Sunstone with Whole Amber
At Whole Amber, we specialize in the finest handcrafted amber jewelry and souvenirs. From timeless traditional designs to contemporary innovations, our collection showcases the natural history and cultural richness of amber.
By offering wholesale amber products of unmatched quality, we ensure that every piece reflects elegance, craftsmanship, and authenticity. Explore our collection and celebrate the enduring allure of amber with Whole Amber.
