The Traveling Necklace

The idea of having a traveling necklace had been on our minds for some time but it was now our last full day in Washington DC. We had less than 24 hours in Washington DC and we decided to spend it visiting some of our favorite sites. One of them was the Capitol. As we approached the Capitol stairs, Amy found a yellow maple leaf on the ground. She picked it up and twirled it until we reached security. Coincidence or destiny, in the Capitol gift shop, we found the perfect necklace: a gold maple leaf.

This necklace was handmade in the USA by jewelry artist, Michael Michaud, as part of his Seasons jewelry collection.

We believe that the necklace is perfect for us not only because of what it is, a beautifully handcrafted piece of jewelry, but also for what it symbolizes. We feel it nicely reflects our time in Washington DC and our friendship.

In nature, the leaf provides oxygen and eliminates harmful carbon monoxide. The leaf absorbs sunlight and creates nutrition for the plant, which in turn creates nutrition for creatures that consume the plant, tree, and leaves. Leaves are clearly connected with the circle of life and change. In religious symbolism, the leaf represents truth and honesty.

In nature, the leaf provides oxygen and eliminates harmful carbon monoxide. The leaf absorbs sunlight and creates nutrition for the plant, which in tern creates nutrition for creatures that consume the plant, tree, and leaves. - See more at: http://www.tattoos.net/articles/tattoo-meanings/leaf-tattoo-designs/#sthash.PEwmHYo6.dpuf

In religious symbolism, the leaf represents truth and honesty. In nature, the leaf provides oxygen and eliminates harmful carbon monoxide. The leaf absorbs sunlight and creates nutrition for the plant, which in tern creates nutrition for creatures that consume the plant, tree, and leaves. - See more at: http://www.tattoos.net/articles/tattoo-meanings/leaf-tattoo-designs/#sthash.PEwmHYo6.dpu

Maple leaves are symbolic in many countries. Maple leaves can portray patriotism and pride for these regions. Maples may mean liberty and strength. Maple leaves are associated with gifts and honor in China, while in Japan they are connected with October and gifts of love. In Victorian times, Maple blossoms and trees were synonymous with reserve and peace, both greatly valued in Victorian culture. In North American, settlers used to place the Maple leaves at the foot of their beds to ward off demons and encourage peaceful sleep. It is said that a single leaf is an ancient heraldic symbol that represents happiness. 
  
All maple trees though are associated with the linking and balancing. Maple trees balance the yin and yang, the electrical and the magnetic.It was a popular tree for making and using magic wands. For women, the staff or wand of maple helps them stimulate more outward creative expression. Maples have the energies of sweet promises and aspirations. They awaken the inner fire, which illumines without burning. Maples remind us to keep a balance between our masculine and feminine side. When they are in balance, our intuition is sharper, our creativity is stronger and we are healthier.

The Sugar Maple (also known as the Canadian Maple) leaf, which mostly closely resembles our necklace, symbolizes wisdom, unity, and connection.

Life. Change. Happiness. Patriotism. Pride. Liberty. Strength. Honor. Peace. Perseverance. Balance. Creativity. Intuition. Aspirations. Health. Love. Wisdom. Illumination. Unity. Connection.