Papercuts were hung inside Jewish homes in Europe from before the Middle Ages, when superstitious amulets were considered important charms to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Amulets which included any of the names of G-d carried the most powerful Jewish magic, giving special meaning to charms written on paper. Especially popular written amulets were mezuzot, affixed to the doorway of a house to keep evil spirits from entering, and papercuts which were hung inside a home particularly to protect women in childbirth and young children.

This amulet draws on designs from Pueblo Indian pottery, elements of Sephardic (Spanish) and "Santa Fe" style found throughout the southwest, and traditional Jewish symbols. It has a number of juvenile elements and was designed especially for children.

Across the heavens are the sun, moon and stars of the universe, held aloft by a rainbow arc, a powerful symbol for the covenant which spreads a canopy of peace over the earthly world below. Beneath the rainbow, the sky is full of thunder clouds and lightning, which bring life-giving rains to the people of the desert. Below the arch is a pattern of eagle feathers, which represent the strength of the spirit world to Native Americans. They rise up in the center from two different half-hidden symbols of the Star of David, enclosing squash blossoms/pomegranates, universal symbols of abundance and fertility.

Yosepha Reuvin -- -- has her name in the bottom center of the amulet because this is her special design. Her name is framed by the spirit of animals from the earth, sea and sky. Fish, symbols of wisdom, swim below, while birds, which represent peace and hope, soar above and bears, bringing strength and protection, surround her. Alluding to the book of Genesis, this amulet recalls the story of G-d’s creation of the entire world and everything which dwells therein.

 

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