STRANDS OF HOPE SYMBOLISM

Hi,

I’m Joy, one of the founders of ‘Strands of Hope.’

In creating the Strands of Hope® pendant we went through a number of iterations.  We knew we wanted to capture the continuous or the infinite in our design; in this, we were guided by the ‘Mobius Strip.’ Additionally, in our culture, the heart seems a natural to symbolize caring and compassion; therefore, it informed our basic design.

What I didn’t realize was the symbolism that revealed itself to me when studying our final design.  Take a moment to look at the graphic of the Strands of Hope pendant and note for yourself any symbolic elements that you see.  I’d love to know what you find, so please share your thoughts with us on this blog.

One of the things I see is a cradled being at its center. Look again, and that ‘being’ is the symbol for infinity.

Next, do you see the larger heart supporting the smaller heart?  The smaller heart is upside‐down, like a signal of distress when a flag is flown upside‐down.  In this, I see the loving embrace of the larger heart reaching upwards to support the smaller heart.

Where does the larger heart begin and where does it end?  As you trace the path, you will find the larger heart is continuous with the smaller heart.  As in life, at any given time, you may be the one needing support while in the next moment, you may be the one giving support.  To me, this is the essence of hope, the ability to give as I have received, in love and with compassion.

Our Strands of Hope® pendant is deeply meaningful to me.  Often as I wear one of our beautiful necklace designs I clasp the pendant in my hand, and breathe a thanksgiving for this necklace ‘made with love, worn with hope.’