Description Beaded necklaces (namysto) are one of the oldest forms of women’s ornaments in Ukraine. They have many names (monysto, busy, korali) which testifies to their long history and important role in Ukrainian culture. Carrying deep symbolic significance, one would never leave home without covering their neck with some kind of ornament. As it was akin to going out naked! These beaded necklaces were also amulets, protecting one from evil spirits & bad people. The earliest neck ornaments were made from pits and seeds taken from vegetables, fruits, and grains. People later replaced these beads with stone, metal, and glass, or expensive natural materials like coral, amber, pearls, glass, smelt, and garnets. Only the wealthy could afford the latter. They were protective or informative, for instance, they could tell how wealthy a family was since six strings of real coral beads could cost as much as a pair of oxen. Many people have considered Rowan as a tree-amulet and a magical plant for many centuries. The ancient Slavs, Scandinavians, and Celts assigned an important role to it in their beliefs and rituals. When people returned from the cemetery, they hung rowan rods over the door, so that the deceased would not return home. People also nailed a stakes of rowan to the ground to prevent the deceased from turning into a ghoul after death. Wanderers carved walking staffs out of Rowan to protect themselves from any sorcery on their travels.” The colour red symbolizes protection, beauty, vitality, fertility and strength in the old-Slavic traditions. Every wood bead has been hand carved and hand painted by Carpathian craftsmen. They are pleasant to the touch, taking on the temperature of the body, and serves as a talisman. Imported from Ukraine Earrings Stretch necklace bracelet Vintage 90s
