Description
Hands have a multifaceted function in religious life. When folded (with eyes closed), they indicate concentration and surrender to God. They also have this meaning when pressed together and raised upward. Open hands with palms up—a gesture common in praying the Lord's Prayer—refer to receptivity. When the arms are raised and the person praying stands upright, it is called the orante (praying) position. The same position, standing upright with arms raised, but with palms down, has a greater meaning of mediation. It is therefore appropriate for asking for a blessing at the end of a celebration. There is also the laying on of hands, a gesture that symbolizes the transmission of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and is used, for example, in the ordination of a priest and the administration of Holy Confirmation by the bishop. More generally, open hands symbolize receiving love.
Jasper is an opaque and finely crystalline variety of quartz. Its chemical composition is identical to that of agate, flint, and chert. Its colors are variable, from yellow through red and reddish brown to green. Jasper stones are cut and polished for jewelry. The name jasper derives from a Semitic language via Latin and Greek (íaspis) and means "spotted or speckled stone." The main deposits of jasper are India (Dekkan Plateau) and Mexico (yellow), Germany (red), and Africa, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, France, and the United States (other colors). Jasper has been used as a gemstone since ancient times. It was made into seal stones, small cut stones, and trinkets. Jasper was believed to have magical powers. In ancient times, it was called the mother of all stones. Today, it is used in cabochons, tableware, and handicrafts. Imitations are made from glass. The Egyptians and Greeks already used jasper to enhance sexuality and achieve rapid pregnancy. Among Native Americans, yellow jasper served as a rainstone. Several medicinal properties are attributed to jasper, such as stress reduction, weight loss, treating stomach complaints, and resolving liver problems. According to various literary sources, jasper is associated with the zodiac signs Aries, Virgo, Cancer, and Scorpio. The Christian text Revelation 4:2-3 states: "In that moment I was in the Spirit. There was a throne in heaven, and someone was sitting on it. The one sitting had the appearance of a jasper and a sardine stone, and around the throne was a rainbow like an emerald.".
