John ; Serapis denoted our Lord ; and Cupids were used for
cherubs. The word bagues (rings) was formerly synonymous
with personal effects or baggage ; hence, in capitulations, the
phrase, " sortie vie et bagues sauves," meant to depart with
life and rings safe — that is, with all one's personal property.
Perhaps the origin of the English phrase, "bag and baggage,"
may be traced to the same source.
Ear-riiigs. —Jewels for the ears as well as the fingers have
a great antiquity, and have been worn in all ages for decoration,
and sometimes for amulets and talismans. The Persians and
Peruvians have always cherished a special fondness for this
ornament, and frequently wore them of large size and remarkable beauty. They constituted an important article in the
regalia of their kings and rulers, as may be learned from the
numerous ear-rings found in the tomb of Cyrus, at Pasargadae,
and from the narratives of the Spanish conquerors of Peru.
These jewels were sometimes made to be inserted in an orifice
pierced in the lobes of the ear, which was enlarged from time
to time, until of the necessary size, instead of pending from
that organ, after the usual custom. They have in some instances been regarded as the badge of servitude, as well as the
symbol of rank. The Jewish rabbies say that Eve was condemned to have her ears bored after her expulsion from Eden,
as a sign of her subjection to her husband. If that is true, she
had her revenge, in the great expense it entailed upon him to
supply the necessary jewels. That they were worn by persons
of both sexes and of all ages in ancient times is shown from the
great number of these ornaments among the Israelites, who
bestowed them liberally to make the golden calf and the ephod
of Gideon, unfortunate offerings in both instances. After his
defeat of the Midianites, this valiant warrior obtained as spoils
a collection of ear-rings, which altogether weighed one thou-
