Pendant facts for kids
A pendant is an object that usually hangs from a necklace. The name is from the Latin word "pendere" which means "to hang down".
Contents
Types
Throughout the ages, pendants have come in a variety of forms to serve a variety of purposes.
Amulet
Though amulets come in many forms, a wearable amulet worn around the neck or on the arm or leg in the form of a pendant is the most common. These are objects believed to possess magical or spiritual power to protect the wearer from danger or dispel evil influences.
Talisman
Similar to an amulet, a talisman is an object believed to possess supernatural traits. However, while an amulet is strictly a defensive object, a talisman is meant to confer special benefits or powers upon the wearer.
Locket
A locket is a small object that opens to reveal a space which serves to hold a small object, usually a photograph or a curl of hair. They typically come in the form of a pendant hanging from a necklace, though they will occasionally be hung from a charm bracelet.
Medallion
A medallion is most often a coin-shaped piece of metal worn as a pendant around the neck or pinned onto clothing. These are generally granted as awards, recognitions, or religious blessings.
Painting
Pendant is the name given to one of two paintings conceived as a pair.
Functional pendants
Tools worn as pendants include Maori pounamu pendants. Shepherd's whistles, bosun's whistles, and ocarinas can also be made as pendants. Portable astronomical and navigational instruments were made as pendants.
In the first decade of the 21st century, jewellers started to incorporate USB flash drives into pendants.
Images for kids
-
Amber pendants
-
Pushpaka Thali - Wedding pendant used by Pushpaka Brahmins of Kerala, India
-
Wedding pendant with 21 beads used by Saint Thomas Christians of India
-
Indonesian pendants
-
Carved agarwood imperial pendant, Qing dynasty, China. Adilnor Collection, Sweden.
See also
In Spanish: Colgante para niños
