Why are they called Squash Blossoms?
12.08.2011
I always wondered – why these lofty horse-shoe-esque silver and turquoise necklaces, so characteristic of Southwest Indian jewellery, are called squash blossoms. I always looked at the squash blossom flower, squinting my eyes trying to somehow glimpse a similar design element… to no avail. Well maybe if you turn your head like – sideways…
I just googled it and apparently no one really knows why they share the same name as these sweet little zuccini flowers! I read that perhaps it may have been a mistranslation between English, Spanish, and one of the Southwest Indian languages, or perhaps someone thought the shape of the beads looked like squash blossoms at some point (though I cant really think how)… Though the squash is an important ingredient in Native American cooking – so perhaps the necklaces were inspired by them… If someone has a more coherent and less ‘stumbled on while googling’ explanation I’d love to know!
I love the image above of the necklace worn with an Iron Maiden Tee – such a twist on the image I had in my head of how these necklaces are usually adorned.
Happy Friday!
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Images from all over: Honestly…WTF, Peony Project, Forever Boho, Rapture and the Muses (follow this tumblr it’s amazing!!), Earth Age, the squash flowers from google hehe.
omg!
love and want everythin here!
how amazin:))
kiss kiss
I love this sort of necklace, can change an outfit in a second. Beautiful jewellery xx
Always wondered this. But now just more obsessed with them.
Always wondered this. But now just more obsessed with them.
Absolutely love the native american styles and its amazing love them all
http://www.rawfashionmagazine.com
I need to find me a squash blossom necklace. Beautiful photos. I was away from my computer for a week, and truly missed my daily dose of spell & Gypsy awesomeness.
Xo
http://wildthingsrunfaster.blogspot.com/
I love, love, love Native American jewelry and hope someday to own a squash blossom necklace. I believe the squash blossom refers to the beads on the side that have kind of a flowery looking end. The upside down crescent at the bottom of most of these pieces is referred to as a Naja. Most, but not all, squash blossom necklaces have naja pendnts. You can also find this motif applied to cuffs and other decorative surfaces.
beautiful powerful pictures love them xxx A Fox That Meows ♥
adore these necklaces! and ive always wondered that as well…cant tell why they are called like that but there is probably history behind the name. i wish i could afford a real one but boy are they EXPENSIVE we are talking 4 digits for an authentic one.
Wow, wonderful pictures !
xoxo
i want that maiden t, for real!
http://honeybeelane.blogspot.com/
<3 love it**