Protective-Charm

Protective-Charm

Object name: Protective-Charm
Date: 1800-1916
Dimensions:
37 x 20 mm
Medium: Bone
Object number: LDCUM1916.001.012
DescriptionCord knob or blind pull in the shape of an acorn. The cup unscrews to attach the cord. Of a type used all over England in the beginning of the 20th Century as a charm against lightning. In the past, the Oak tree was thought to be the home of the thunder god. As such, the acorn (or any object made in its shape) was regarded as a charm against lightning. As it was generally supposed that lightning enters the house by the window, acorn shaped blind pulls, tassels and curtain pole terminals are common. Umbrellas could also bear acorn shaped ornaments.