Nothing says “have a great 2015” better than a good luck charm, inspired by Greek art, culture and history.
The shops of several museums in Greece offer a variety of beautiful handmade pieces, inspired by their exhibits or by Greek culture in general, that will ensure your loved ones an amazing year, full of happy moments.
These tiny masterpieces and can also serve as ornaments for your home and keychain or be worn as jewelry.
Se below some of the most beautiful good luck charms offered by Greek museums:
Acropolis museum: The God of Love
The theme for the Acropolis Museum charm for 2015 is the young and playful god that personifies the strong natural attraction between two people, the God of Love Eros. It is inspired by a scene from a vessel of the late 5th century BC from the Sanctuary of Nymph, which was located on the south of the Acropolis. Eros flutters between the two young women that are presenting the bride with parcels of presents during the preparations for the wedding.
Price range: 27,50-49 euros
Acropolis museum: Decorative porcelain
Inspired by a bronze wheel, an offering to the Sanctuary of the Acropolis. 6th cent. BC.
Price range: 12,80 euros
Benaki Museum: Silver Bull
Created by Artemis Valsamaki, inspired by a Cypriot bull-shaped clay rhyton. Because of their strength, bulls were considered to be a symbol of power, and their reproductive capacity also made them symbols of fertility and wealth.
Late Cypriot II period, 1450-1200 BC.
Price range: 35,00 €
Museum of Cycladic Art: Hygieia lucky charm
The Hygieia, the daughter of Asclepius, god of healing in ancient times, was worshiped as goddess, the personification of the supreme gift of good health. In mythology, the worship of Hygieia is equal to the worship of her father.
However, while Asclepius is associated with treatment, the goddess is associated with the prevention and maintenance of health status. She is presented as a young woman, holding the sacred snake, frequently associated with Asklepieia, healing centers of antiquity.
Price range: 36,00 €
Museum of Cycladic Art: Eye pendant
Inspired by a terracota votive plaque with eyes.
Votive offerings, objects dedicated to the sanctuaries, constitute a type of compensation offered to the god, an expression of their supplication or gratitude. They are important, as they depict the theurgy and therapeutic work, effected in the temples of the Gods.
Price range: 36,00 €