The meaning of coral in Christian symbolism

Let us uncover the secrets and significance of coral, a precious material that has always fascinated humanity. An amulet against evil and misfortune, it has been associated by the Church with the Blood and Passion of Christ.

Since ancient times, humanity has attributed special meaning and properties to coral. Our prehistoric ancestors believed it had medicinal virtues and magical powers since the dawn of time. Perhaps this stems from its very nature, from the fact that it is a living organism—or rather, a part of one. What is coral, after all? It is nothing more than the exoskeleton, or armour, that a colony of small polyps constructs to protect and support its soft body by secreting calcium carbonate, forming the fascinating branching structures we recognize. As these secretions layer over time, coral fuses with other coral, resulting in extensive formations—think of coral reefs. This growth is endless, for when a colony of polyps dies, the coral is colonized by new polyps.

Fragments of red coral found in Neolithic burial sites indicate that it was already being used as a protective amulet for the deceased. The Egyptians also made extensive use of it in this way, even spreading coral powder mixed with seeds over fields to promote a good harvest. The Greeks and Romans used coral as a remedy for various ailments and as a protective charm for newborns, a tradition that persisted into later centuries. Many Renaissance paintings depict children wearing coral amulets. In the medieval period, red coral was believed to protect against lightning and sudden death. In medicine, it was used as a treatment for hemorrhages and as a coagulant for wounds and ulcers, likely due to its colour.

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Coral

Take a look at our selection of coral products

Considered for centuries to be an effective remedy for illnesses, as well as for epidemics, infertility, and bad luck—as evidenced by the enduring tradition of coral lucky charms in Naples—coral has also been widely used in Christian symbolism. Inevitably, it was connected to the blood of Christ and His Passion, adorning reliquaries and sacred paintings.

Let us explore the various meanings of this fascinating material and why it is beneficial to wear coral jewellery.

The meaning of coral

There are many legends about the origin of coral. For the Greeks, it was born from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa, decapitated by the hero Perseus. Just as the fearsome Medusa turned anyone who met her gaze to stone, so her blood, dripping from her severed head, was said to have turned sea foam into the red, hard material we know as red coral. Roman writers such as Ovid in the Metamorphoses and Pliny the Elder in Natural History perpetuated this theory about coral’s origins. Over the centuries and across various civilizations, coral has been considered alternately a mineral or a plant. Its proper classification as part of the animal kingdom was only recognized in the 18th century.

Valued and sought after for its rarity and transformative qualities, coral has always been used as adornment, especially as an amulet.

The principal characteristic of red coral has always been its protective virtue, whether to prevent illnesses and accidents, ward off plagues, or protect the deceased from the perils of demons and monsters in the afterlife. More recently, it has been used as a charm against the evil eye, curses, and misfortune. Gifting a piece of red coral or coral jewellery was a way to wish someone good luck and happiness, as well as to express love and affection, since coral is believed to awaken vital energy, love, and sensuality. Roman matrons, for instance, wore coral earrings to captivate the hearts of men, and in the 16th century, coral powder was burned as incense to encourage romantic endeavours.

While red coral is thought to stimulate vital energy and help balance one’s internal energy, fostering positive internal changes, white coral is said to dispel nervousness and fear and combat depression and panic attacks. Finally, pink coral is believed to help one live each day with inner peace and harmony.

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925 silver rosary orange coral beads

925 silver rosary orange coral beads 5 mm 17.8 g

Coral in Christian iconography

The Christian Church adopted many attributes previously ascribed to red coral in pagan traditions, reframing popular magical beliefs in favour of Christian symbolism tied to the Blood of Christ and His Passion. The branched and cruciform shape of coral twigs also evokes blood circulation, the tree of life, and the Cross—thereby conveying ideas of salvation and redemption.

Coral and the Passion of Christ

As mentioned earlier, coral amulets often appear in paintings depicting the Christ Child, such as Piero della Francesca’s Madonna of Senigallia or Andrea Mantegna’s Madonna della Vittoria. In some works, coral is shown as an amulet worn around the young Saviour’s neck, while in others, it appears as a symbolic element within the painting.

Later, artists focused on the symbolic connection between the salvific blood of Christ shed during the Passion and the red coral, whose colour and appearance evoke it. Stripped of its pagan associations with protection and good fortune, coral became a symbol of Christ’s death and human suffering—both necessary to purify humanity from sin and offer hope for salvation. Representing the blood of Christ, coral also alludes to His dual nature, both human and divine.

Coral jewellery on Holyart

Coral has always been crafted into various forms, including bracelets, necklaces, and amulets. The Romans were the first to carve coral into small sculptures. Over the centuries, jewellery-making techniques have become increasingly refined, making coral a central feature of both Italian and international fine jewellery.

On our online store, you’ll find coral jewellery, such as the charming 925 silver bracelet, suitable even for younger people, featuring a classic chain adorned with 11 coral beads and a finely crafted small trefoil cross. This is a unique artisanal creation, as every stage of production is entirely handcrafted by highly skilled professionals.

From traditional designs, we offer stunning 800 silver crosses with a coral circle at the centre and a magnificent burnished silver pendant cross with a pierced design and a central red coral oval—both handcrafted.

The 800 gold-coloured silver rosary features coral beads and is made in Italy by expert silversmiths.

When it comes to coral jewellery, if you’re wondering how to clean coral, remember that it is highly sensitive to corrosive substances such as perfume, soap, and detergents, and should be kept away from heat sources. Over time, coral inevitably loses its shine, but you can restore it by soaking it in a bowl of lukewarm water with two handfuls of coarse salt for 10 minutes and then drying it thoroughly with a soft cloth. It will look as good as new! If the jewellery or coral object is very dirty, you can add a few drops of detergent to the lukewarm water (but don’t overdo it) and remove dirt using a cotton swab.

Bracelet in silver 925 and rose coral beads. This rosary bracelet has a classic silver chain, a trilobate cross and it is finely adorned with 10 coral beads. Buy on Holyart

Pectoral Cross in silver 800 filigree with coral stone. This high quality silver 800 made pectoral cross is completely handmade in Italy by skilled craftsmen. Buy on Holyart

Pendant cross in bronzed silver with a red coral oval in the centre. The whole cross is finely worked and perforated. This jewel is 100% made in Italy and is made of 925 silver. Buy on Holyart

Rosary of gold-plated silver and coral beads. Rosary made of gold-plated silver with beads of coral, made in Italy by craftsmen specialized in silversmithing. Buy on Holyart

Bracelet in silver 925 and rose coral beads. This rosary bracelet has a classic silver chain, a trilobate cross and it is finely adorned with 10 coral beads. Buy on Holyart