Note: Written in 2009 after listening to a discussion by prominent Archeologists. The topic was the ancient world’s use of Red Ochre, (Vermillion Cinnabar powder) in relation to Sacred Burials. The scholars admitted being clueless as to the cultural significance of Vermillion Powder. Yet a brief scan of the role of Vermillion Powder reveals that it has been considered sacred by all who use it. Was this merely based upon it’s obvious vibrance and richness? The historical evidence suggests something more. It is yet another clue highlighting an Ancient and Divine connectivity at work.
There is another fascinating link between India, Egypt, China and the Ancient Americans. It is Kum Kum or Vermillion Powder.
Archeologists are puzzled as to why many ancient tombs are drenched with Vermillion Powder. Whether it be in China, Peru, Mexico, Europe or Egypt, Vermilion/Kum Kum Powder was used.
The question asked is, “What significance did the red vermilion powder have to these diverse ancient cultures around the world?”
Of course Western scholars speculate, but to my knowledge not once have these experts considered that nearly a billion people still use vermilion powder on a daily basis.
Just perhaps these billion people have information as to the significance of Kum Kum Powder in the current era. By tracing its use we come to the obvious conclusion that India’s Modern Hindu Civilization provides many insights into the ancient world. This is because it is the only civilization that has maintained an unbroken link with the ancient world.
This fact, once accepted, will allow for the world’s academia to develop accurate theories. By a study of the ongoing, practical and applicable realities of everyday Hindu lifestyles, we are provided a window into the past. In this way we can understand the past.
As an example, an ancient potter’s wheel has the same use as a modern potter’s wheel. It is thus easy to deduce its applicable usefulness even thousands of years later. The same method can be applied to Kum Kum.
Archeologists are puzzled as to why many ancient tombs are drenched with Vermillion Powder. Whether its in China, Chile, Mexico, Rome or Egypt Vermilion/Kum Kum is used. If the archeologists truly want to know why the ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Europeans and Americans used vermilion powder, perhaps they can ask the Modern Hindus of India. Its only logical to learn from the people who have used it for thousands of years and continue to use it to this very day.
The value given to many ignorant theories regarding India is truly startling. They fail to accurately inform for they have been developed without the input of those actually living the culture. Prejudiced theories surely have no more value than holistic theories that actually take the traditions of a culture into account.
Many ancient mysteries can be resolved by combining such experiential wisdom with modern scientific research techniques. Once these two are unified, humanity can once and for all cross over the tyranny of politicized academia.
- In the Bible vermilion is listed as a pigment that was in use for painting buildings during the reign of Shallum the son of Josiah king of Judah and is named in the book of the prophet Ezekiel as a pigment used in art that portrayed Chaldean men. (Jeremiah 22:11–14, Ezekiel 23:14–17)
- The Vermilion rose is a symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“Research shows it has been used at various times and places to denote blood, victory, success, the duality of life and death, and immortality. For example, the pigment was used during triumphal processions by Romans. It was also applied to skulls and bones as part of burial rituals in neolithic cultures in Anatolia, China, Galilee, Spain, and Syria, and in many cultures of the ancient Americas.” The Story of Cinnabar and Vermilion (HgS) at The Met
Typically India and Hinduism are not mentioned despite being the only living culture that actually uses Vermillion Powder to this very day.
Two female mummies dated A.D. 1399 to 1475 found in Cerro Esmeralda in Chile in 1976 had clothes colored with cinnabar. Researchers still do not know the source of the cinnabar. Yet it was so valued that it was imported to Chile for the ceremony. Source
History & Culture 