GOLD - A metal which inspires awe,adoration and very often greed unlike any other. I've often wondered why gold was considered to be so valuable and auspicious. Why not silver or platinum?
From then,I started reading a lot on the value accorded to gold in various cultures and it's privileged place in society from time immemorial.
In the Inca civilisation,Gold was refered to as "Tears of Sun".The Egyptians buried thier pharaohs along with gold of all sorts in the pyramids.In India,gold is associated with the Goddess of wealth Lakshmi,consort of Lord Vishnu.
Gold is also associated with divine consciousness,when worn as an ornament it protects us from negative energies and increases the vital energy.This may be the reason why golden jewellery is popular in India from ancient times and all the Hindu Gods and Goddesses are adorned with Gold.
In all the early civilizations,people traded using 'Barter System' and subsequently gold,silver and bronze coins were introduced to establish a standard for valuing goods.Later,paper currency became the medium for trade but a standard had to be established so that the piece of paper had some value.
The "Gold Standard" was established where the value on the paper money could be exchanged for it's value in gold.
After the World Wars I & II,many countries left the gold standard because all thier gold reserves had been spent on the war. Though majority of the world countries do not follow the gold standard,it continues to remain a major factor in the world economy as always.
Gold remains to be a valuable metal,an ideal choice for investment,it's value never diminishing and an object of fascination for mankind.
From then,I started reading a lot on the value accorded to gold in various cultures and it's privileged place in society from time immemorial.
In the Inca civilisation,Gold was refered to as "Tears of Sun".The Egyptians buried thier pharaohs along with gold of all sorts in the pyramids.In India,gold is associated with the Goddess of wealth Lakshmi,consort of Lord Vishnu.
Gold is also associated with divine consciousness,when worn as an ornament it protects us from negative energies and increases the vital energy.This may be the reason why golden jewellery is popular in India from ancient times and all the Hindu Gods and Goddesses are adorned with Gold.
In all the early civilizations,people traded using 'Barter System' and subsequently gold,silver and bronze coins were introduced to establish a standard for valuing goods.Later,paper currency became the medium for trade but a standard had to be established so that the piece of paper had some value.
The "Gold Standard" was established where the value on the paper money could be exchanged for it's value in gold.
After the World Wars I & II,many countries left the gold standard because all thier gold reserves had been spent on the war. Though majority of the world countries do not follow the gold standard,it continues to remain a major factor in the world economy as always.
Gold remains to be a valuable metal,an ideal choice for investment,it's value never diminishing and an object of fascination for mankind.
Interesting!
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