Re: Figa I have a charm bracelet from the 1930's -1950's of my Jewish mother in laws. It has a gold figa on it along with other things, like my father in laws faternity pin, and a Jewish star.
My Portuguese mother had one in her jewelery box, that I now have. I remember as a child seeing it in her drawer, but was not allowed to touch it. It seemed to have some sort of a secretive meaning at that time. Theresa ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [email protected] Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2008 11:58 PM Subject: [AZORES-Genealogy] Re: Azorean Customs/ Jewelry Hi Sharon, I was always told the hand was given to children to ward away evil spirits. I have had one since childhood as do my daughters and grandaughters. The set that I have has a star and a moon also. The story goes that most newborns are born with their thumb between their first two fingers to ward away any curses that might befall them. I bought my latest set in Sao Miguel when I visited last year although most Ouriversarios (Portuguese jewelry shops) will have them. There are several sizes and they are not very expensive. Joanne -------------- Original message -------------- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > My grandmother, born on Graciosa Island, always wore around her neck a > gold Lady of Fatima holy medal, and a gold replica of a human forearm, > (left hand as I recall) with a fisted hand showing the thumb tucked > between the index and middle fingers. Can any of the Azores listers > tell me what the Portuguese call that amulet? What is the > significance of such an item in the Portuguese culture? Is it unique > to the islanders? > Thanks! > Sharon > > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive. For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership." -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
