Gold and spirituality: everything you need to know

All around the globe, nations have highlighted their gold reserves to represent wealth, power and their relationships with the gods. We thus find the gold-bearing metal in numerous testimonies.

In the East

The Eastern tradition developed over the centuries on two axes: ancient Egypt and the Bible. In Egypt, the wealth of the land was such that the Pharaohs extracted large quantities of gold from deposits, which they then used to create objects, jewelry and give thanks to the deities. Often compared to the sun and its god, gold has become synonymous with eternity. This divine power was then applied to power. The Pharaohs then adorned themselves with the most beautiful jewelry, symbols of the divine power entrusted to them.

In the West

Greek mythology is full of legends and stories that help explain the world. One of them refers to King Midas. He receives a gift from the god Dyonisos: that of transforming everything he touches into gold. However, this gift turns out to be a trap for him, because he can no longer do anything. This accumulation of wealth does not make him any happier, and Midas then asks the god to take this power away from him. Once again, gold is associated with opulence, unreason and divinity. This symbolism is also associated with the king of Lydia, Croesus, renowned for his wealth.

In America

The lands of the Americas have experienced two great explorations linked to gold: the quest for El Dorado and the gold rush. The first is linked to a legend told to the conquistadors: a lost city called Eldorado is said to have a phenomenal quantity of gold. As for the gold rush, it consists of looking for gold deposits or rivers that carry nuggets. California was greatly impacted by this massive influx of newcomers in the 19th century.

The Latin word “aurum” gave the word “gold” in French, but other meanings exist, notably among the Hebrews where the term “zahev” means “illuminated by the sun”.

The symbolism of illumination is found in Hebrew stories, particularly that of Moses and the golden calf. This animal made of gold was adored by the liberated people, it illuminated them. Moses, seeing that the crowd was turning away from God, became violently angry. In his anger, he breaks the tables of the Law, the 10 commandments. The Torah also describes in detail the Ark of the Covenant, made of wood and plated with gold. The Ark was subsequently placed in the Temple in Jerusalem.

In Western Europe, gold and spirituality developed together. Indeed, gold has been found since the Middle Ages in churches, cathedrals and all types of religious objects. Thus, crosses, statues of saints and even walls and picture frames are made of gold. This color is used to show the importance of images and ideas, to give thanks to God and also to play with light. The reflection of the candles then guarantees a light which allows the various offices to be celebrated, even at night. As for the biblical stories, gold is present from the birth of Jesus, with incense and myrrh brought by the wise men. Then, references to the precious metal multiply in the book of Revelation, where objects and celestial light are all associated with gold.  

The spiritual meaning of gold in Eastern religions strongly resembles the Western idea. Indeed, in Hinduism, several deities are represented with gold. This is particularly the case of the goddess Lakshmi, who lets precious stones, but also coins, fall from her hands. Abundance and prosperity are the main virtues brought by the goddess.

Modern oriental spirituality, and particularly Buddhism, places emphasis on the symbol of happiness. This is why we can observe the Buddha with a broad smile. These statues are made or painted in gold. The Buddhist concept of happiness refers to good destiny and conscience. The awakening of the mind is an integral part of the symbolism of the Buddha.

Little by little, Christian religions abandoned gilding, judged to be out of step with society and living conditions. The material and luxurious meaning of gold thus gives way to the quest for spiritual wealth. Furthermore, religions take a dim view of the excessive accumulation of heritage resources, and favor the right measure.

However, despite this spiritual detachment from gold, gold retains its image of timelessness. Thus, men turn to purchasing gold products, which can be passed down from generation to generation.

Nevertheless, religions have not completely turned their backs on gold. Indeed, birth, baptism or bar mitzvah gifts are regularly made with gold. These are objects (curb bracelets, pendants with the number 18, etc.) which are kept for a lifetime and which have a high symbolic and sentimental value.

The symbolism of gold is primarily due to the original color of gold. The shine and golden hue of gold combine with sunlight, power and wealth. In other words, the divine, power and luxury.

This symbolism is linked to the use of gold by aristocrats, kings, queens and the powerful of the world, over the millennia. Gold was also used as currency until the 20th century. Indeed, the monetary system was then based on the value of coins and gold bars. Thus, gold and silver were used as currency, the coins were stamped with the effigy of the king and had a specific unit value. Nowadays, gold coins can have different values, depending on rarity and usage. The coin premium thus makes it possible to estimate the potential gain linked to this investment.

Moreover, gold is also present in all moments of life, including funerals. The objects, earrings, gold ornaments and even the decorations of the coffins reflected the beliefs of each population.

These ideas have stood the test of time, and now it is the range of colors, the gold color chart, that allows you to stand out. In fact, jewelers are doubling their energy to create specific shades, thanks to the different possible alloys.

Gold is fully associated with happiness, whether in Eastern religions or in Western societies. Between proven virtues and legends, gold can, if not really bringing good luck, contribute to a healthy state of mind. Indeed, gold would have virtues on the nervous system, help the development of inflation, or protect people more effectively, once associated with stones. In this more esoteric dynamic, there are pendants and talismans which are supposed to bring fortune and happiness to the wearer.

Beyond these beliefs, gold is given as a gift at many moments in life. Gold earrings always make a statement, and gold rings and wedding rings are the symbol of the couple's eternity. It is not for nothing that 50 years of marriage are called the golden wedding anniversary. Gold rings can also be adorned with a precious stone to highlight them. So, you can play with the different colors of gold to enhance your presents.

On the other hand, it is said that money does not bring happiness, but what about gold ? Gold is a symbol of social, economic success, and family. It is therefore a testimony, and does not directly contribute to happiness. However, an investment in gold can protect you from many economic troubles, and allow you to keep smiling while the various stock markets are shaken. 

At Gold Union, we offer gold coins, bars and ingots of different values. Our advisors are available to discuss your projects and objectives, whether purchasing gold or selling. In agency or via our e-commerce site, Gold Union experts support you in all your steps.