A little more detail…

The mouse often symbolizes vulnerability, humility, and the precariousness of life. It can also represent the consequences of unforeseen events, the best-laid plans gone awry, and the fleeting nature of even the most secure situations. Furthermore, the mouse can embody themes of innocence, resourcefulness, and the individual’s struggle for survival. Mice are physically small and often perceived as defenseless, making them a potent symbol of vulnerability. Their humble status as prey animals can also represent a sense of humility and the acceptance of one’s place in the larger ecosystem. The wee mouse’s reliance on shelter and its constant need to find food highlight the precariousness of existence, especially in the face of harsh weather or other external forces.

Robert Burns’ poem “To a Mouse” poignantly illustrates how even the most carefully constructed plans can be destroyed by unforeseen circumstances. The poem emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, where joy and sorrow, security and loss, are intertwined.

To A MOuse..

This poem is a cornerstone of mouse symbolism, using the creature to explore themes of human suffering, the fragility of life, and the shared experience of adversity.

“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck draws heavily on the themes of “To a Mouse,” using the characters of George and Lennie, and their dream of owning a farm, to represent the precariousness of hope and the destructive power of circumstances.

Lovely little mouse.

The Lucky sixpence itself…

Each pendant is carefully handcrafted to order, using only these recycled sterling silver sixpence coins. The coins themselves are the perfect medium for this beautiful design, inline with a love of nature using these coins is the perfect ethical and green solution. No new silver is destructively ‘mined’, rather, old, uncollectible coins are saved from the ‘melting pot’ so some of their history and story live on.

The lucky sixpence tradition, where the coin is given as a symbol of good luck, has its roots in British history, particularly in wedding and Christmas traditions. Introduced in 1551 during the reign of Edward VI, the sixpence was a circulating coin for centuries. Its association with good luck is linked to various customs, including placing it in a bride’s shoe or including it in a Christmas pudding. The lucky sixpence lore has been firmly establish through many of our traditions. These traditions are part of the soul of our culture.

Origins of the Sixpence as a Lucky Charm:

Wedding Tradition:It’s common for a sixpence to be placed in a bride’s shoe to wish her good fortune. This practice is thought to have originated in the early 1600s when the Lord of the Manor presented the coin as a wedding gift, and later, it became a customary dowry gift.

Christmas Pudding Tradition:Another tradition involves placing a sixpence in the Christmas pudding before it’s cooked. The person who finds the sixpence in their portion on Christmas Day is said to have good luck for the coming year. This tradition is believed to have started during Victorian times, specifically on the Sunday before Advent, known as “Stir Up Sunday,” according to The East India Company Collections.

Fairies and the Sixpence:Some folklore suggests that fairies would reward a tidy maid or housewife by leaving a sixpence in her shoe.

The Sixpence’s History as a Coin:The sixpence was first struck in 1551, during the reign of Edward VI, and was initially a silver coin. It was a popular coin in British pre-decimal coinage for over 400 years. It was demonetized in 1980, but its legacy as a lucky charm endures.

The sixpence’s journey from a circulating coin to a symbol of good luck is a testament to its enduring presence in British culture and tradition.

Once the wee mousey design has been freehand sketched on to the coin it is carefully hand cut and carved using traditional hand saws, chisels and files. This traditional process allows me to have a close connection to each piece, ensuring the end result is personal and unique.