The formation of pearls is a unique phenomenon of mother nature--not only for their origins, created by certain mollusks in the ocean and accessible only in deep-sea, but for their unusual, beautiful luster, their pale color, and their roundness. All of these have contributed to the enduring public fascination with pearls.
Pearls have been celebrated in Western art and literature since they were first brought from the East, many believe by Alexander the Great between 334 and 330 B.C. The Pearl examines the various myths associated with pearls, including the belief that they had medicinal or talismanic powers; the response of the Church to the wearing of pearls and the symbolism of pearls in Christianity; and the various literary references to them.
Myths and legends of pearls in China are always have something with the moon. The first pearl was born because of the moon; one of the four beauties in Chinese history, Xi Shi was born from a big beautiful pearl of the goddess of the moon, Chang Er.
