Award-winning author R.O. Kwon has found a unique source of comfort and strength in two jade rings passed down by her mother. These rings, received by her mother at her wedding from her mother-in-law, hold special significance for Ms. Kwon, especially during times of crisis.
Ms. Kwon, known for her novels “The Incendiaries” and “Exhibit,” explores themes of religion, desire, and questioning long-held beliefs in her writing. Despite growing up with a strong religious background, she lost her faith as a teenager, leading her to seek solace in her ancestral jade rings.
In a recent interview, Ms. Kwon shared how wearing the jade rings while writing provides her with a sense of connection to her ancestors and a source of strength. She described the rings as a talisman that she turns to for help during challenging times, emphasizing the comfort she feels from their physical presence.
While Ms. Kwon values the jade rings for their symbolic and emotional significance, she also acknowledges the importance of eventually passing them down to future generations. Reflecting on her own mortality, she expressed a desire for a tree burial, envisioning a mythic transformation that aligns with her connection to the earth.
As Ms. Kwon continues to navigate the complexities of faith, identity, and creativity in her writing, her ancestral jade rings serve as a tangible reminder of her roots and a source of inspiration for the journey ahead.
