Eastern cultures have prized the perfect beauty of a pearl for thousands of years, so there's no surprise that they play a big role in legend, mythology and astrology. Here is some of the lore associated with the pearl from the practitioners of Hindu.

Throughout history, some cultures have placed little or no value on pearls and have focused instead on luminescent mother-of-pearl that lined mollusk shells. Before the 1800's, Japanese shell divers who found pearls apparently didn't even bother to keep them. One legend states that at one time Polynesian children used pearls as marbles. But for the most part, they've been prized treasures.

Pearls in Religion
Historically, pearls have been abundant in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Mannar, which is located between India and Sri Lanka. This geography is the reason that the Indian and Middle Eastern cultures most likely have been revering pearls longer than any others.

In Islamic thought, pearls represent perfection and completeness. The depth of the Middle East's affection for pearls is mentioned several times in the Koran. One of the most famous mentions is within its description of Paradise, which says:

"The stones are pearls and jacinths; the fruits of the trees are pearls and emeralds; and each person admitted to the delights of the celestial kingdom is provided with a tent of pearls, jacinths, and emeralds; is crowned with pearls of incomparable luster, and is attended by beautiful maidens resembling hidden pearls."

For Hindus, the pearl is one of the planetary gems, associated with the moon and second only to the diamond in regard. The Indian rulers considered the luminous gemstones symbols of love, union and purity. The Hindus, who spent a lot of time pondering where pearls came from, were convinced they formed in the brain and stomach of elephants. Hindu lore speaks of pearls as dewdrops that fell out of the night and into the sea. Ancient Indian legends say Vishnu plucked the first pearl from the depths of the ocean and gave it to his daughter Pandaia on her wedding day.

By the Middle Ages, pearls had become included among the most sacred of precious objects due to their identification with religious purity in Christianity. They adorned Bibles, icons, and religious artifacts. Early Christians described the Holy Grail as being embellished with pearls to give the holy water in the cup magical powers. These artifacts were frequently put on display during major religious holidays.

Pearl Superstitions
Pearls transmit the color orange. Orange rays have a cold effect, and can be used to treat the diseases relating to blood and bodily secretions that are caused by inflammation. Pearls reduce body heat to balance bodily fluids.

* Pearls symbolize tears. Depending on to whom you listen, this can be good or bad. Some old wives' tales say that giving pearls to a romantic interest is bad luck, because the tears imply eventual separation. Other tales indicate that a bride wearing pearls will keep her from crying during the wedding ceremony. Perhaps pearls are a great engagement gift! Ancient Indian warriors encrusted their swords with pearls to symbolize the sorrow and ultimate tears that a sword brings.
* Pearls ward off evil. Sailors, soldiers and those worried about danger often carried a pearl for protection. Even today, divers often wear pearls to keep them protected from sharks and other creatures of the deep.
* Fertility. Ever since Vishnu gave the first pearl to his daughter on her wedding day, this myth has persisted. Some people believe that if a woman sleeps with a pearl under her pillow that she will conceive. Pearls are still a common wedding gift in hopes that the bride will bear many children.
* Fire. The Chinese believed pearls came from dragons, so the gem is traditionally worn as protection against fire.