Mogok, Ruby and Religion

Ruby
The world’s perfect rubies are found in Mogok. Other countries produce good rubies but they never catch up with the qualities of Mogok’s grade. It is like they are missing something when compare to Mogok’s stuff

Mogok just celebrated the city’s 800th birthday officially, however, according to archeological artifacts found in that area suggested that people from Mongolia region started residing in Mogok area as early as 3000BC 

People in Mogok have been devoted to various religions of their choice since ancient times

Precipitation wise, Mogok has a lot of rain. In 1892, it received the record rainfall of 141 inches. Between 1906 and 1913 it had annual rainfall of 110 inches

In Burma, rubies were not only valued for their beauty, but for their ability to confer invincibility on the battlefield. Rubies were inserted under the skin to protect against spears, swords, and bullets.

Wearing a ruby, especially on the left side of the body was also thought to stimulate circulation and impart sexual strength. Rubies were buried under the foundations of buildings to protect against evil spirits, a practice that continued well into the 19th century

Rubies & Religion

The History Of Rubies In Religion

A ruby stone carved in the likeness of Radhakrishna.

Throughout recorded time, rubies have been believed to possess powerful protective properties when worn as amulets or talismans.  In antiquity, rubies were engraved with images of Venus (to signify the power of love), Osiris (to signify life, death, fertility), Mars (to signify honor, victory), and Gorgon’s Heads (to ward off evil).  Greek sailors used rubies as amulets to protect themselves from drowning. 

During the Middle Ages, rubies were thought to insure victory in all circumstances, and capable of offering special protections from all manner of maladies. Rubies were thought to change color as a warning against danger, and sorcerers and magicians used ruby amulets for protection against evil spirits.

Rubies As Amulets & Talismans

In an example of ancient Burmese art, rubies appear as jewelry and in clothing.

In Burma, rubies were not only valued for their beauty, but for their ability to confer invincibility on the battlefield.  Rubies were inserted under the skin to protect against spears, swords, and bullets. 

Wearing a ruby, especially on the left side of the body was also thought to stimulate circulation and impart sexual strength.  Rubies were buried under the foundations of buildings to protect against evil spirits, a practice that continued well into the 19th century.

An untreated ruby that would often be used in home amulets in the Middle Ages.

Sacred images of the Buddha have been engraved on rubies for centuries.  The Chinese once prized an amulet that consisted of a ruby, a diamond, an emerald, a pearl, and a piece of coral–each representing a different deity–which were wrapped together in a paper that bore the names of the deities, the name of the moon, and the 27 constellations or houses of the moon.  

The amulet was hung at the entrance of the home in order to protect those who resided there. In Islamic tradition, Atlas was an angel appointed by God to carry the earth on his shoulders while standing on a large ruby. According to the Qur’an, the fourth of seven heavens is made of rubies. 

Painting of a Jewish high priest wearing a bejeweled breastplate.

In Christian tradition, ruby symbolizes the divine sacrifice of Christ on the cross, as the blood of Christ is represented in the purity and deep hue of the gemstone.  Rubies are mentioned several times in the Bible, including an account in Exodus of the gem-encrusted ceremonial breastplate of the High Priest of Israel