the May babies are blessed with the gorgeous green emerald as their traditional birthstone. During ancient times, the month of May was known as Maius, either because of the Roman goddess of growth or because of the Greek goddess of nursing mothers, both named Maia. You would be amazed to know that the Ancient Romans also celebrated Floralia, a festival honoring the goddess of flowers, Flora, in May. The May birthstone emerald has a rich history and meaning. Today, apart from discussing the history and meaning of emeralds, we will also discuss their properties and origin. The ancient Romans and Greeks saw emeralds as the manifestation of gods and goddesses. One of the particular associations of emerald in their culture is with Aphrodite (Venus), the goddess of love and beauty. In Vedic Astrology, Panna or emerald is linked to the planet Mercury and is believed to boost the wearer’s intellect. One of the famous Indian carvings featuring emeralds is the carving of Goddess Meenakshi, created from a single emerald crystal, displayed in Meenakshi Amman Temple.
