Blog to The World

We’ve
all seen them; those beautiful, mischievous, chubby-cheeked angels
that adorn romantic cards, baby nurseries and gift store shelves. But
many people only associate these cute little angels as current day
symbols of love and comfort when in fact, cherubs have a long and
interesting past that have their origins in many religions.

Cherubs,
also known as seraphim, were originally depicted in Zoroastrian, and
later Hebrew and Christian religious texts, as four-sided, four-faced
winged creatures that guard the throne of God, the entrance to the
lost Garden of Eden, and the covenant of the Ark. Later Christians
differentiated cherubs and seraphim, with cherubs being the second
highest order of angels, after the first-order seraphim. In both
Christian and Islam religions,
the cherubim (karibiyun in Islam) live in heaven and continually
praise God (or Allah).

In
fact, it wasn’t until the Renaissance period that westernized
Christianity began to change the image of the cherub into the one we
know now. In fact, the cherub that we encounter today, with its sweet
looking, child-like face and wings, better describe another form of
angel found in the Hebrew tradition, the ‘putti,’ another form of
angel entirely.

But
whatever the origin, cherubs today are associated with attributes of
God, such as love, divine thought and happiness. As angels, they are
looked upon by many as providing divine protection and guidance to
loved ones on earth. It is these meanings that make cherub figurines
such a
loving and wonderful gift for those celebrating the birth of their
child. While it seems unusual for a gift that celebrates birth to be
equally as good as a symbol to comfort bereavement and loss, it is
their representation of God’s love and protection that makes them
so.

Often
for those grieving in bereavement, adding angel and other cherub
figurines to their home environment help them to remember and focus
upon God’s love and immortality, and his eternal promise of being
reunited with their loved one in heaven in time to come. Even
bereaved without any religious belief or affiliation can be comforted
by depictions and figures of angels and cherubs, as in popular
secular culture they have come to represent
love and goodness. These angels can be a form of support that you can
provide to them for when you cannot be there.

Whatever
the religion, whatever the spiritual need, angels such as cherubs can
be wonderful symbols of your love and support. Best yet, there can
never be too many angels to watch over your loved one. A gift of an
angel, such as cherub figurine, or an angel pin will be a welcome
show of your love and support for those you love.

Cherub statues are popular collectibles, especially since the release of the
Dreamsicles figurines. These adorably chubby little people line the
shelves of collectors’ homes and grace Christmas packages and
Valentine’s Day gifts as endearing symbols of love.

Decorating
with cherubs

Cherubs
can be used in many situations to convey a feeling of love and
adoration. Their innocent looking, rosy cheeks and dimpled bottoms
can make anyone smile! Decorating with cherubs can go far beyond a
curio cabinet full of chubby figurines. Consider these ideas when
incorporating cherubs into your decorating plans.

A
cherub wedding theme is seeping with love! While dressing the
groomsmen in little diapers and arming them with bows and arrows is
not recommended, cherubs on the cake, dangling from the bridesmaids
bouquets and peeking out from behind that big bow on the back of the
bride’s dress can add a lighthearted romantic feel to a casual
wedding ceremony.

Angelic
garden decorations such as cherub statues, birdfeeders and plant
markers can bring the romance outdoors. These little angels can look
over your garden for you and may even scare aware a few hungry
rabbits!

A
cherub lined water feature can add ardor to your home’s
landscaping. Surround them with pink, red and white flowers or a bed
of roses with a cozy seat built for two, and you have created the
perfect setting for romance.

A
cherub themed baby shower and nursery are suitable for either a
little girl or a little boy. Those adorable chubby creatures will get
you in the mood for your own little bundle of joy! You can even use a
larger cherub for party guests to compete in a diapering race. For
another cherub-themed party game, hide cherubs throughout the party
room and see who can locate every little baby.

Make
your own Holiday cards with plain card stock and cut outs of cherubs.
You can even scan and print your favorite cherub images and decoupage
small gift items like flower pots and keepsake boxes to give as
gifts. Fill your cherub decorated box with fine chocolates and watch
your sweetie melt with appreciation.

Add
cherubs to your place cards at your next formal gathering and use
cherub statues surrounded by flowers as your table centerpieces.

Sneak
a small cherub attached to a steamy note into your sweetie’s lunch
to build anticipation for a special romantic evening alone.

Paint
a few groupings of cherubs on your child’s ceiling to lend a
playful and loving air to the décor.

Collect
and frame old Valentine’s Cards featuring cherubs. Vintage images
in an elegant frame will suit nearly any home décor.

Decorating
with cherub statues, figurines and images adds a sense of whimsy and
affection to your home. Special occasions, romantic get-togethers and
celebrations of love and life are all great opportunities to show off
your love for those pudgy winged creatures. The ideas for decorating
with cherubs are only limited by your imagination!