介绍:
Pearl Hunters and the Real-life Mermaids of Northeast Asia 潛入深海尋覓珍珠的人魚 ── 海女（a)
The rhyming▼ expression1 "She's a pearl of a girl" is a sincere2 compliment3 suggesting that the girl in question is a rare beauty with a pure heart. According to The Bible, Jesus compared heaven to a "pearl of great price." Pearls have a long history with many cultures, and today they continue to be a valuable4 asset5 nearly everywhere.
Pearls are one of nature's rarest gifts to humankind. Unlike other gems▼ and precious stones▼, they are only collected underwater and are produced biologically▼ rather than geologically▼. Certain saltwater and freshwater shellfish▼ produce the best varieties of pearls. The oyster▼, for example, secretes▼ a natural compound▼ to protect itself whenever an irritant▼ — such as a piece of debris6 or a parasite▼ — enters the inside of its shell. This compound is composed mostly of calcium▼ carbonate▼, the same material that the outer shell is made from. Layer after layer of this compound forms a sac▼ around the foreign object to keep it separate from the soft tissue▼ that makes up the living part of the shellfish. This sac grows in size along with the oyster, and after two to seven years, a pearl forms inside.
Pearls occur in a number of shapes, sizes, and colors. Traditionally, white pearls have been favored, but other colors such as yellow or black have also proven to be popular throughout history. Ancient south-Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Greek civilizations7 all used pearls to designate8 royal or upper-class status. Chastity▼, modesty9, purity, and magical powers have been ascribed to the stone. The harvesting of pearls is also a fascinating10practice that remains beholden to the traditions of the sea.
大家还在听
