Where do legs grow from?
Why did animals suddenly begin to mean something? Where did all these allegories come from? The point is that since ancient times, human life (including primitive life) in all its manifestations was closely connected with the animal world, one might even say inextricably linked. It was so before, and it is so now. It is no coincidence that we often call animals “our little brothers” - they are indeed present everywhere in human life: in signs, legends, fairy tales, myths, religious beliefs, and so on. Even in the sky there are animals! The word “zodiac,” by the way, is translated from ancient Greek as “animal.”
Among certain peoples, certain animals are considered sacred (more on this will be discussed later). All in all, it is clear that the lives of animals and humans are as closely intertwined as imaginable. Therefore, it is not surprising that it was animals that began to personify for people certain qualities that they wanted or did not want to be endowed with; began to personify moral and spiritual phenomena. It is no coincidence that in myths the gods always had symbols of animals - this means that each god possessed or desired to possess specifically the quality that was inherent in the animal he chose. It is noteworthy that often one animal could have more than one meaning: for example, everyone knows the fox as a savvy cunning person, but in some places it is also credited with wisdom (and, surprisingly, on the contrary, stupidity). Next, we’ll talk in more detail about the symbolism of animals.
Steppe mice voles
Although most rodents are known to be sexually promiscuous, prairie voles break this frivolous reputation by forming monogamous pairs. Moreover, these mice demonstrate an animal model of monogamy in humans. They care for each other, snuggle for warmth, share nesting and raising responsibilities, and generally display high levels of supportive behavior.
Fox
Since it has already been mentioned twice, then it’s probably worth starting with it. So, the fox, as mentioned above, usually appears as a very dexterous, cunning person, possessing a fair amount of cunning, often coupled with cunning, extraordinary patience, incredible selfishness and terrible hypocrisy. With all this, she is also quite smart, and often she is also credited with such characteristics as vindictiveness and cowardice/caution. Surely everyone at least once in their life has heard someone called a fox: “What a fox you are!” This can be said both in the sense of, for example, “Well, you’re a cunning one,” and “Well, you’re a suck-up.”
The concept of falsehood is often associated with the fox; in addition, in some nations the fox is a witch or sorceress. So, for example, in Chinese fairy tales, a fox, having reached the age of one hundred, turns into a sorcerer, and having passed the thousand-year mark, he generally goes to heaven and becomes a heavenly fox. In many tales of the same Chinese, Siberians, and North Americans, a red-haired cheat becomes a woman on a full moon, which also indicates her magical abilities, but only of an evil, demonic nature (good sorcerers and wizards do not change their appearance, since they have no need to hide their true appearance). Related to this is the meaning of the fox as the embodiment of the soul of the deceased (developed in China). The Chinese, like the Japanese, generally endowed it with a huge variety of qualities - if the Europeans declared it only cunning and insidious, then for the above-mentioned peoples it also became a symbol of eroticism and seduction. But in fairness, it is worth noting that there are exceptions to the usual perception of the fox as an evil and insidious trickster. Thus, among the Indians of California, the silver fox is a national hero, and among the Japanese, the white fox is generally a sacred animal of the rice god Inari.
Tiger
The Chinese consider the tiger to be a symbol of the earth, as well as fury and courage. Among the Chinese, the tiger replaces the lion, the king of animals, and therefore often acts as a symbol of the monarchy. The tiger is one of the four most ancient revered animals in China, in addition to the turtle, dragon and phoenix.
In China, there is a suburb of Kunming that is a tourist attraction due to the tiger worshipers that gather there. Traditionally he is depicted in a fight with a dragon, as a battle between good and evil, matter and spirit. His power, strength, fearlessness is a reason for worship for many peoples of Asia. In India, the tiger is associated with the god Shiva and Durga.
The Bengal tiger can be called the symbol of India. Tiger Festival is celebrated in Nepal. In Vietnam, every village has a temple dedicated to the tiger. It is believed that his figurine on the threshold can protect against evil spirits. In addition, the tiger in the East is a symbol of courage, brutality, and “Yang” energy. It’s interesting that if in the West Russians are called bears, then in China we are tigers.
Horse
We've sorted out the fox, but what does the horse (or horse) symbolize? Since ancient times, he, along with the dog, has been considered one of man’s best and most faithful friends, his devoted assistant. It has infinitely many meanings: courage, grace, endurance, intelligence, wisdom, strength, fertility, and nobility. The horse is simultaneously a symbol of both life and death. All the gods had horses harnessed to their chariots, symbolizing light and life; they are the messengers of the gods. But at the same time, in many traditions, horses are funeral animals, on which the souls of the dead go to the afterlife. For example, the Slavs had an interesting tradition: if a deceased person still had a horse, he was killed and buried along with the owner, so that the soul of the latter would fly on the horse to the kingdom of the dead. The color of the horse is also important - black means death, white means life. However, sometimes a white horse symbolizes otherworldly forces: for example, on Russian icons a white horse is a symbol of incorporeal beings.
Two more interesting meanings of the horse are passion and the ability to predict. The latter was often played out in fairy tales and legends, for example, among the Brothers Grimm. And in Ancient Greece, the image of a horse was taken by Poseidon, the god of the sea, ruler of earthquakes and springs.
Many Indian tribes worship the horse. This has been the case since the time of the famous Spanish conqueror Cortes. He left his wounded horse for the Indians to get out; The Indians promised to take care of the animal, but they had never seen horses before, and therefore did not know how to care for them, and fed Cortez’s horse with meat. Of course, the horse died, and the frightened Indians made a stone copy of it, worshiping which they begged for forgiveness.
Here are a few more meanings of this animal: a broken horse symbolizes power, a winged horse symbolizes poetry, and loaded like a donkey symbolizes the human burden and the frailty of our existence.
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Ant : Ants are hardworking, sociable, purposeful builders. They symbolize patience, self-sacrifice, planning, faith in the future, completion, accumulation of energy, work, tight-fistedness, foresight, virtue and order. They are associated with Wang-ta Hsien, Demeter and Ceres. Bat: Bats symbolize rebirth, reincarnation, ritual death, initiation, facing fear, giving up old habits, happiness, good fortune, health, wealth, long life, peace, misfortune, anxiety, chaos, incomplete understanding, avoiding obstacles, transformation and past lives. They are associated with Shou-Hsing and the Underworld. Bear : Bears symbolize healing, divinity, invulnerability, spirit guide, protection, introspection, truth, feminine receptive energy, prophecy, endurance, harmony, patience, protection, revenge, transformation, intuition, answers from the Dream World, benevolence, strength and courage . They are associated with Artemis, Zeus, Callisto, Dea Artia, Thor, Odin, Freya and the Norse goddesses of the moon and water. Cat : Cats as protectors. They symbolize strength, cunning, dexterity, isolation, independence and the vision of spirits. They are associated with Freya, Artemis, Diana, Liberty, Shasti, Bast and Pasht. Coyote : Coyotes are tricksters who teach you not to be so serious. They symbolize lessons about yourself, humor, whimsy, night, werewolf, opportunity, mystery, creativity and experience. Deer : The deer symbolizes gentleness, grace, speed, abundance, intuition, introspection, a different way to achieve a goal, a message from the patrons, love, security, tranquility, sun, fertility and the warrior aspect (male deer). They are associated with Aphrodite, Artemis, Athena, Diana, Elaphaia, Dionysus, Apollo, Lu-Hsing, Cernynnos, Cocidius and Shou-Hsieng. Dog : Dogs are servants and guards. They symbolize loyalty, friendship, unconditional love, understanding, need for approval, stalking, camaraderie, intuition and truth. They are associated with Gula, Belit-ili, Astarte, Ashtareth, Amenti, Cybele, Artemis, Diana, Hecate, the Celtic Mother Goddesses, Arawn, Nodens, Hel, Odin, Saram, the moon goddesses, Quetzalcoatl and Xolotl. Fox : Foxes are deceivers. They symbolize camouflage, surveillance, adaptability, cunning, family, travel, unity, shapeshifting, wisdom and invisibility. They are associated with Enki, Dionysus and Inari. Frog/Toad: Frogs and toads symbolize feminine energy, fertility, water, new life, a new beginning, the mystery of creation, cleansing, refreshing, refilling, dispelling negativity, fulfillment, positive energy, transformation, beginning a new cycle, long life, good luck, change of luck, start of new projects and prosperity. They are a symbol of the Goddess and are associated with the moon. They are associated with Heket, Isis, Hathor, Ch'ing-Wa Sheng, Aphrodite, Sabatius and Ahriman. Horse : The horse symbolizes strength, ability to work alone and in a group, speed, endurance, endurance, loyalty, friendship, cooperation, travel, overcoming obstacles, loyalty, independence, caution, unconditional support, selflessness, freedom, strength, balance, compassion and generosity . She is associated with Epona, Quannon, Anakita, Vesta, Apollo, Mithra, Surya, Odin, Freya, Rhiannon, Leucippe, Velsi and Veles. Leopard : See panther. Leo : Lions symbolize royalty, tranquility, family, strength, courage and relaxation. They are strongly associated with the sun and with Ra, Osiris, Sekhmet, Apollo, Durga and the sun deities in general. Lizard : Lizards symbolize understanding dreams, wisdom, luck, facing fear and confrontation, death and rebirth. They are associated with the world of dreams, Hermes, Serapis, Ahriman and Moko. Lynx : Lynx is the keeper of secrets. Lynxes symbolize honesty, openness, uncritical politeness, secrecy, silence, clairvoyance of the secrets of others, suspicion and vigilance. They can help with spiritual skills, especially clairvoyance. Mouse : The mouse symbolizes silence, mystery, foresight, careful study, attention to detail, order, organization, shyness, stealth, invisibility, trust, innocence, initiative and discovery. Be careful because they may not see the full picture. Mice are associated with Apollo and Zeus. Panther/Leopard: Panthers and leopards symbolize the unknown, silence, silence, mystery, night, healing, darkness, hidden truth, fearlessness, speed, perseverance, beauty, cunning and strength. They teach you not to fear the future. They are associated with Dionysus, Pan and Argus. Mantis : The praying mantis symbolizes strength, adaptability, and ease of communication. Rabbit : rabbits are deceivers, companions of witches and “guardians of the gates” of the night and other types of consciousness. Rabbits symbolize fertility, mystery, fear of tragedy, long life, quick thinking, growing intuition, illness and disaster. They bring your mental fears into real life. They teach you to stop thinking “what would happen if...”. They are associated with Eostra, Holda, Andraste, Freya, Hermes, Aphrodite, Eros and Chandra. Raccoon : Raccoons symbolize ingenuity, adaptability, generosity, caring for others, goodwill, lack of greed, creativity, playfulness, curiosity, new ideas and new jobs or studies. They protect those who cannot protect themselves. Rat : Rats symbolize fertility, wealth, cunning, timidity, stinginess, wisdom, resourcefulness, caution and foresight. They are associated with Daikoku and Ganesha. Scorpio : Scorpios symbolize revenge, returning negative energy to those who sent it and dark magic. They are often considered a sign of evil. They are associated with the South and the Sun, Ishtar, Nanna, Siduri Sabithu, Set, Selket, Isis, Dadofori and Sabatius. Snake : Snakes symbolize knowledge, change, creation, wisdom, secrets, mystery, reincarnation, immortality, sexuality, reproduction, Fire element, duality, solar/lunar, good/evil, healing/poison, life/death/rebirth. They are an early symbol of the Great Mother Earth. They are associated with Isis, Thoth, Apep, Hermes, Sabatius, Bel, Ra, Ariamnes, Mithra, Kadi, Kadru, Akkadian Ningursag, Atargatis, Syria, Asclepius, Hygeia, Persephone, Apollo, Hera, Athena, Hecate, Gaia, Brownie, Shakti, Ananta, Suzanu, Uga-Jin, Nu Kua, Fu Xi, Bridget, Quetzalcoatl, Kulkulkan, Soatlikyu, coyolxauhqui, Vitzliputzli and Julungghul. Spider : Spiders are weavers and tricksters. They symbolize rock, feminine energy, creative energy, wisdom, creativity, new life, confusion, caution, divine inspiration, starting a project, conception, hard work, warning signs, illusions. They can serve as a sign warning of danger. They are associated with Nith, Ishtar, Atargatis, Athena, Moirai, Norns, Holda, Inktomi, Kokyangwuti, Tsitsicnako and Sussistanako. Squirrel : Squirrels symbolize meetings, foresight, energy, irrational behavior, storage, gossip, warning, change, discovery, truth, balance and harmony. They are messengers of the Gods and naughty people. They warn you to be careful about useless hoarding and teach you to take life lightly. Tiger : Tigers act quickly, are cunning and stealthy. They symbolize rage, royalty, fearlessness, authority, the warrior aspect, lack of procrastination and willpower. They are associated with Arc, Shiva, Dionysus and Tsai Chen. Toad : See frog. Turtle : Turtles symbolize longevity, strength, endurance, wisdom, patience, becoming defensive, goddess energy, grounding, shields, betrayal, perseverance, and slowing down to enjoy life. They are associated with the elements of earth, water and moon. They are associated with Prajapati, P'an Ku, Pan, Aphrodite, Venus, Hermes and Mercury. Wolf : Wolves symbolize family, learning, cooperation, insight, mystery, strength, leadership, loyalty, freedom, individuality, spiritual energy associated with the moon (hidden wisdom), sharing knowledge and wisdom, cunning, hunting, searching, introspection, listening, magic, dreams. They are associated with the moon and with Wepwawet, Zeus of Lycaeum, Apollo, Ares, Mars, Silvanus, Sernannos and Odin. Dolphin/porpoise : Dolphins and porpoises are guides to the Underworld and messengers of the world of dreams and progress. They symbolize joy, playfulness, inhibitions, strength, speed, the sea, eloquence, magic (especially water magic), discovery, communication, trust, truth, balance, harmony, breath, rhythm patterns and relaxation. They are associated with Water and Astarte, Ishtar, Isis, Apollo of Delphi and sea deities in general. Fish : Pisces symbolize love, fertility, victory over death, healing, prophecy, abundance, prosperity, harmony, regeneration, children, pregnancy and the arrival of love in your life. They are associated with the Moon, Water, Atargatis, Ishtar. Derseto, Isis, Aphrodite, Freya, Venus, Dagon, Poseidon and Kuan Yin. Otter : Otters symbolize playfulness, balanced feminine energy, curiosity, joy for oneself and others, lack of jealousy and envy, lack of worry, talent, fidelity, social life and happiness. They are deceivers. They are associated with the elements of Earth and Water and are associated with Sernannos. Seal : Seals symbolize playfulness, parenthood, and protection (especially protection during water travel, a complete life change, divorce or a painful breakup with a loved one, from gossip and danger). Whale : Whales symbolize elegance, ancient teachings, history, clear hearing, telepathy, spiritual abilities, healing through music and sound, death and rebirth, initiation, waters of life, regeneration, the sea, music, longevity, family and friends, learning magic, magic elements and trust. Whales keep knowledge. They are associated with Derceto. Bee : Bees symbolize hard work, community, concentration, planning and saving, working with the spirits of the dead, prosperity, purity, achieving the so-called impossible, birth, death, resurrection, good luck, bad luck and the wisdom of the Other World. They are associated with Bridget, Ra, Vishnu, Krishna, Indra, Aphrodite, Demeter, Cybele, Artemis, Diana, Rhea, Zeus, Dionysus, Pan and Priapus. Butterfly : Butterflies symbolize joy, freedom, living in one moment, transformation, the cycle of birth-death-rebirth, mental powers, magic, life cycle prediction, understanding your place in the cycle of life, inspiration, immortality, leisure, beauty in old age, longevity, love , happiness, falsehood, vanity and soul. They are associated with the element Air, Orami and Zochiquetzal. Crow/Rook: Crows and rooks symbolize ingenuity, survival, death, the call to the magic and mystery that surrounds us, law, the supernatural, the mysteries of creation, werewolf, change, harmony, justice, integrity, bad omens, audacity, dexterity, cunning, prophecy , eloquence and prediction. These are the tricksters associated with Morrigan, Varuna, Rhea Kronia, Apollo, Macha and Babd. Dragonfly : The dragonfly symbolizes illusion, dreams, change, enlightenment, irresponsibility, insecurity, weakness, instability, speed and seeing the truth. They are messengers of the world of elements and gods/goddesses. They are associated with Summer. Eagle : Eagles symbolize nobility, clarity of vision, balance between the spirit world and everyday life, the ability to rise above the everyday, lightning, rising above the material in search of the spiritual, connecting with the spirit world, timely rain, warrior spirit, fearlessness, keen vision, war, freedom , greatness, authority, strength, victory and courage. They are associated with the divine and with the Sun, as well as with Air, Fire and Spirit. They are associated with Ninurta, Marduk, Ashur, Pan, Zeus, Indra, Vishnu, Mithra and Odin. Falcon : Falcons symbolize freedom, quick action, foresight, magic, astral travel, clear vision and healing. They help the dying to die. They are associated with Horse, Circe, Ra, Mentu, Freya and Odin. Hawk : Hawks are observant and receptive messengers of the spirit world. They symbolize embracing the big picture, using your talents, omens, dreams, courage, protection, wisdom, enlightenment, truth and experience. They are associated with Horse, Ptah, Rehu, Seker, Amenti, Apollo, Artemis, Indra, Ahura Mazda and Mithra. Hummingbird : Hummingbirds symbolize freedom of movement, energy, joy without tiring and feeding on the nectar of life, completing what is considered impossible, finding joy in life and learning from experience, flowers, love, beauty, art, relaxation and fearlessness. They are associated with Quetzalcoatl and Vitzliputzli. Owl : Owls symbolize wisdom, seeing hidden things, mystery, speed, darkness, freedom, dreams, werewolf, secrets, omens, clairvoyance, astral projection, magic, deception, observation, the full truth, night, death and failure. They are associated with the Lower World and the Moon. They are associated with the Goddess in general, as well as with Athena, Marie, Lilith, Anat, Gwynn ap Nudd, Blodeuwedd, Yama and Cailleach. Barn Owl: Barn owls see without seeing and hear without hearing; they hear the unspoken and see without physical vision. Raven : Ravens symbolize magic, inner fears, change in consciousness, healing, relief from illness, the unknown, mischief, adaptability, intelligence, ingenuity, death, war, bloodshed, battle, divination and the destruction necessary for creation. They are messengers of the spirit world. They are associated with the Old Man, the Sun, Odin, Apollo, Athena, Chronos, Asclepius, Brahma, Morrigan, Babd, Nantosuelta and Lugh. Swan : Swans symbolize grace, healing, altered states, intuition, transformation, transitions, spiritual growth, premonitions, omens, divinity of spirit, dignity, monogamy, milking and silence. They are associated with Apollo, Aphrodite, the Muses, Venus, Zeus, Saraswati, Brahma and Devi. Dragon : Dragons are teachers, warriors and protectors. They symbolize the Great Mother Goddess, matriarchy, benevolence, divinity, royalty, the supernatural, infinity, change, elemental magic and spiritual guidance. They are associated with Mithra, Horse, Apollo, Indra, Aruna and Soma. Eastern dragons are more serpentine and often have mustaches. They symbolize the ruler's power, masculinity, yang, prosperity, rain, wisdom and hidden secrets. Western dragons are more reptile-like, more massive, and often have large, bat-like wings. They symbolize fire, confrontation, danger and solitude. Griffin : Griffins are guards. They symbolize spiritual enlightenment, the seasons, and the connection between spiritual energy and cosmic forces. They are associated with the Sun, Sky, Earth, Nemesis and Apollo. Pegasus : Pegasus symbolize inspiration, poetry, grace, freedom from earthly worries, the astral level, the transformation of evil into good, glory and eloquence. They are associated with Demeter and Osiris. Phoenix : The Phoenix is a symbol of resurrection, rebirth, spiritual growth, strength and energy to overcome life's challenges, fire and royalty. This is a moon/sun symbol associated with Osiris, Ra and Circe. Unicorn : Unicorns are a symbol of innocence, goodwill, glory, prosperity, healing, gentleness, purity of mind, personal strength, naivety, joy, life, nature and freedom. They are associated with Artemis, Diana and moon goddesses in general.
Owl
What does the owl symbolize? The first thing that comes to mind is wisdom. It is with this epithet that she is most often mentioned - wise owl. It is no coincidence that various intellectual clubs and circles often choose the image of this bird - omniscient and erudite - as an emblem or logo. The owl is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, as it has been considered since time immemorial. In mythology, she was a symbol of the goddess Athena - a wise warrior. In addition to wisdom, the bird is also credited with a prophetic gift - it often becomes a harbinger of certain events. This is a very sensitive and understanding bird, also prone to bouts of melancholy. And the appearance of the owl, the habit of looking without blinking, piercing yellow eyes, an equally piercing guttural cry and complete silence led to the fact that the owl began to be associated with death. So, answering the question of what the owl symbolizes, you can, in addition to the above, add: darkness, darkness, death. This meaning, as well as the meaning of loneliness, despondency, despair, is typical for countries such as Japan, China, India, North America, and Ancient Egypt.
In many nations, an owl is not just a prophet, but a harbinger of misfortune, misfortune, perhaps even death, a devilish bird that is tamed by witches and sorcerers (by the way, they themselves are capable of taking on an owl’s form). In connection with this meaning, it is interesting to recall the series of books about “Harry Potter” by the British writer JK Rowling, which largely relied on various beliefs and rituals: it is the owls in the magical world of “Harry Potter” who are a kind of postmen, bringing letters to the magicians as having good content (for example, about admission to Hogwarts school), and not very good ones (for example, about expulsion from it). It is this representative of the fauna that is a favorite pet and assistant among magicians, but it cannot be said that it is owned exclusively by evil sorcerers and witches: for example, the owl of the main character - a positive character - is itself very positive.
Returning to the symbolism of animals, we must also add that in Christianity, the owl, in addition to all of the above, also meant solitude and loneliness. She was often mentioned in the same category as hermits, and with praying hermits. The owl was also attributed the meaning of a widow, an old maid and the keeper of underground treasures. Thus, it cannot be said categorically that the owl is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. This image has many other interesting meanings.
Plants of love
It is recommended to decorate the love zone with plants that help attract passion, affection and well-being for the couple. In addition, well-groomed flowers will enhance the aesthetic appeal of the bedroom interior. The best plants from the point of view of Feng Shui are:
- aichreson;
- anthurium;
- spathiphyllum;
- balsam.
Aichreson - tree of love
Aichreson is deservedly called the tree of love. This plant resembles a mini-tree, which not only decorates the interior, but also attracts the energy of family well-being into the house. Anthurium is a “male” flower, and spathiphyllum is a “female” flower. It is recommended to place both plants in the love zone. Balsam is considered the flower of love and happiness. This plant combines ease of care and a pleasant appearance, allowing you to decorate the bedroom.
Expert opinion
Melnik Dmitry
feng shui master
Couples dreaming of having a child are advised to place a ripe pomegranate fruit in the love zone. It is desirable that the fruit is slightly burst. A fake pomegranate is also suitable for decoration.
Turtle
Let's now talk about what the turtle symbolizes. Like the owl, it is a symbol of wisdom. And also - strength, eternity and inviolability (it’s time to remember the ancient belief in a flat earth, which is held on its back by a turtle). Many peoples associate this animal with immortality and the very creation of the world. What the turtle also symbolizes is fertility and procreation. In China, for example, she is a fortuneteller, a spiritually gifted creature (there are four of them in total - a dragon, a qilin and a phoenix), a long-liver (the latter meaning is also typical for Japan). The turtle is a symbol of strength, endurance, patience, hard work and perseverance. It was not for nothing that many warriors and rulers of different nations chose it as an emblem - it symbolized their slowness, but confidence in their abilities.
Christians also endowed the turtle with the meaning of decency and fidelity: it denoted a woman living in marriage, like a turtle in its shell. And among African peoples, the animal, on the contrary, was a male symbol - it denoted male fertility (Africans identified this representative of the order of reptiles with the male genital organ). The turtle also symbolizes invulnerability and security - the one in the shell is not so easy to reach!
Harmful creatures of Chinese mythology
They can be called antitotems of good animals; they also represent five groups: snakes; centipedes, centipedes; scorpions and spiders; lizards; toads.
The snake is one of the five harmful creatures, and at the same time belongs to the astrological symbols. This is the YIN principle, flexibility and fertility. The qualities of a snake, which are enshrined in Chinese traditions, are wisdom, but cunning and treachery. The snake's ability to grow by shedding old skin and acquiring new skin makes it also a symbol of transformation.
Some ancient Chinese deities are depicted with a serpentine lower half of their body, which describes their nature in a special way.
There is a legend about the seduction of a monk by a white snake that turned into a woman, and the birth of their son, a great scientist.
Snake skin is considered as a talisman of good fortune. Snake meat, liver and venom are used in folk medicine.
Centipede - as one of the harmful animals, it is used in potions that act magically and powerfully. The Chinese midsummer festival "Dragon Boats" symbolically gives people the opportunity to remove centipedes from their homes and cleanse themselves of them.
The spider - although it belongs (paired with a scorpio) to harmful animals, is at the same time recognized as a happy creature. After all, he with his web is located high, hangs over everyone and is perceived as luck descending to a person from above, from heaven.
Lizard, gecko is one of the negative creatures in Chinese tradition. Since it is found in houses and is an insect catcher, it is called the “wall tiger”, recognizing its hunting abilities.
The gecko was used in magic and folk medicine to solve issues of adultery (detection, suppression of “trips to the left”).
Toad (frog) is one of the harmful creatures. But as often happens in China, there are contradictions in the symbolism of toads. For example, the croaking of a toad resembles the sounds of a Chinese child, so it can be given as a wish for children.
She is also associated with monetary energy; she is a companion of the god of wealth. Therefore, this is a well-known symbol of coins, money - it seems that toads and wealth have a close connection. Banks of money in the shape of porcelain toads are placed at Chinese temples for offerings.
If you are given a toad, this is a simple and specific wish for wealth and financial well-being.
Cow
Many people are interested in why the cow is a sacred animal in India. This question will certainly be answered a little later, but for now we’ll just talk about the meaning of this animal. In all countries of the world, among all peoples, the cow is primarily a symbol of motherhood (since it gives milk), as well as fertility and prosperity.
In mythology, the cow symbolizes the womb of Mother Earth, where everything that exists on her is gestated. The symbolism of the animal among the Egyptians is vital warmth, among the Slavs it is a heavenly mother feeding the earth with her milk. The cow also signifies patience and endurance.
Eagle
It is not difficult to guess what the eagle, one of the most ancient symbols, symbolizes. Victory, strength and height of spirit, courage and power, freedom and power - these are not all of the meanings this animal has. By the way, the meaning of the double-headed eagle is also connected with power - it is a symbol of strengthening power. In addition, the eagle is considered a royal bird, symbolizing noble birth.
The ancient Greeks identified it with the Sun, since it soars in the sky as high and free as this luminary. It was also believed that only an eagle could fly to the sun, that only it could look at the sun without blinking. And this particular bird flies among thunder and lightning, which signifies true courage and fearlessness. Among Christians, in addition to all of the above, the eagle is compared with Christ - its flight is a symbol of Christ's Resurrection, the bird is considered a messenger of heaven.
Goat
It's no secret that goat's milk is considered healing; it is called a home pharmacy. Hippocrates and Avicenna recommended drinking it. The goat Amalthea suckled Zeus, the supreme god of Olympus. Her image, like the image of a cow, is associated with fertility, maternal care, and health.
The horn of plenty is also associated with this animal; it is believed that this wonderful horn of the Amalthea goat bestows wealth and prosperity. In the east they believe that a goat can bestow creativity and success. The Slavs saw cockiness and capriciousness in the goat, hence the expression “goat-dereza.”
In addition, the goat was an everyday occurrence, it was present in almost every village house, if it was not completely poor. The expression “retired goat drummer” means that if you have lost a goat (meaning work, service, home, family) - the limit of disaster has arrived.
Bear
It has long been a custom that clumsy people are called by the name of a clubfooted forest dweller. “What a bear!” we say if someone stomped loudly, broke a cup, or missed a turn. The meaning of clumsiness is the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning this animal. However, what the bear symbolizes, besides this, is good nature. In many fairy tales, legends, and beliefs of different peoples, he appears as a good-natured lump who loves to sleep, eat raspberries and suck a paw. However, there are a lot of contradictions in the image of a bear - it is often associated with anger, rage, and mortal danger.
Another meaning of the bear is courage, strength. In addition, Potapych also symbolizes the beginning of a new life - after all, in the spring they come out of hibernation and seem to begin to live in a new way. This is a symbol of change for the good, as well as endurance and patience. For the American Indians, the bear is a symbol of supernatural strength, for the Chinese - courage, for the Japanese - goodwill. In Russia, the brown bear is a national symbol, and for many of our Slavic ancestors it was a totem animal.
a lion
Everyone knows: the lion is the king of beasts. It is royal (and generally higher) power, nobility, aristocracy that this animal symbolizes. The lion is a symbol of courage, fearlessness, and courage. It denotes honor, strength, greatness. But the lioness symbolizes motherhood and endless love. In many nations she is revered as a mother goddess. And Buddhists believe that Buddha used a lion as one of his guises. The features of this animal were often used in the depiction of other mythical characters to endow them with qualities inherent in a lion (for example, sphinxes or chimeras).
In the Middle Ages, people endowed the king of beasts with the ability to sleep with his eyes open, which is why the lion is a symbol of the vigilant eye, the vigilant eternal guard. Like the bear, this is a contradictory figure - on the one hand, Christians saw in him the personification of the Son of God, on the other - devilish forces, since the devil wants to devour human virtue with the same force as a lion seeks to catch prey.
Insects - the meaning of their symbolism
The ant is a collective insect, distinguished by its hard work and excellent social organization. Although his image is not often used to give symbolic meaning to works of art, he is credited with Confucian virtue and righteousness. But this applies to ordinary black ants. Another thing is the white ant, termite, which spoils the element of wood. The Chinese consider selfishness and a narrow vision of life to be a negative quality of an ant, which in their opinion is akin to self-interest.
The dragonfly is born of the wind, a symbol of Chinese summer, a predator among insects. Can be considered a useful friend, as well as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life's moments.
Paired with the white lotus symbol, it is used to indicate purity and height of intentions.
Bees are not a very common motif in paintings and are most often seen with some other symbol.
First of all, the bee is a pollinator of plants, so the meaning of its image is traditionally associated with men. The presence of a bee and peony flowers in the paintings hints at the state of a young man experiencing a desire for love, looking for love.
The combination of a bee and a monkey in the plot triggers the motive of social elevation, obtaining a position, a high position, and wishes for career growth.
Butterflies are a very common “inhabitant” of Chinese art. Like a bee, a butterfly with flowers symbolize a person seeking love and pleasure, with varying degrees of success:
- for example, the traditional motif of a plum blossom and a butterfly that flies to it means the search and acquisition of blissful love;
- a blooming tangerine and a butterfly symbolize a situation of unrequited love.
In addition, the presence of butterflies in the image “repeats”, enhances, increases the meaning and strength of other figurative meanings of this picture.
If an item with a butterfly symbol is given to very elderly and respectable people, it means a wish for them to prolong their life.
The most famous Chinese legend involving the presence of a butterfly refers to the dream reflections of the Taoist philosopher Zhuang Tzu: “Am I the person who dreams that he is a butterfly? Or am I a butterfly who dreamed that she was a man?
Another story of the same sage is connected with the love theme traditional for this symbol - with his pursuit of a beautiful butterfly. After which a beautiful young woman appears, with whom Chuang Tzu fell in love.
Cicada - since this insect has a complex life cycle and appears from underground, as if a magical creature, its symbol is immortality and man’s desire to prolong his life. In ancient times, cicadas made of jade were placed in the mouth of the deceased.
Firefly (glow worm) – females of which produce light to attract males. In Chinese culture, it is associated with the qualities of beauty, perseverance and loyalty. In fairy tales, fireflies help heroes, especially poor ones, illuminate their lives, provide conditions for the growth of their abilities and success in life.
Pigeon
Everyone probably knows what the dove symbolizes. A symbol of peace and goodness, love, friendship, sincerity - this is what this seemingly simple bird carries within itself. The common expression “dove fidelity” also appeared for a reason - a pair of doves means marital fidelity and eternal love. There are many tales, legends, stories and even songs about the dove as a symbol of peace (let’s remember the Scorpions and their White Dove - “White Dove”).
Among Christians, among other things, the dove also symbolizes the Holy Spirit. This bird, in principle, symbolizes an unbreakable connection with the soul, as well as the transition from one state to another. The dove is a mediator between earth and sky; it is he who is the messenger of the gods. In Eastern countries, for a long time, killing pigeons was considered the highest sin.
Wolf
Cowardly and narrow-minded are the first epithets that pop up in the head when it is necessary to reveal the meaning of a wolf. In almost all fairy tales, the wolf appears just like that, and also as a loser and a klutz to whom something always happens (you don’t have to look far for an example - the wonderful Soviet cartoon “Well, wait a minute!” is an example of it).
However, there are other animal symbols. For example, caution, vigilance - this is exactly the meaning that is put into the image of a wolf when it is used on coats of arms. The wolf is also a symbol of protection and reliability (“Mowgli”), but also of deceit, anger and rage. For many peoples, the wolf is the ancestor, and in some myths it is he who accompanies souls to the other world. The Romans revered the wolf as the sacred animal of Mars; for them, as for the ancient Greeks, it signified victory and valor. But Christians perceived this animal as a devil encroaching on the souls of believers. They attributed to it the meanings of cruelty and evil.
Hare
If we're talking about the wolf, how can we not say a few words about the hare and what it symbolizes? If an eagle, for example, is compared with the sun, then a hare, on the contrary, is identified with the moon: ancient people recognized galloping hares in spots on the moon. Or rabbits, which, in general, doesn’t matter. The symbol of the hare is fertility, dexterity, magical power, as well as excessive self-confidence and bragging.
Among the ancient Romans and Greeks, the scythe was considered the animal of Aphrodite/Venus, Eros/Cupid and Hermes/Mercury, who used it as a messenger. And among many peoples of the world, hares, known for their frequent reproduction, denote the female process of reproduction (for example, among the Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, Celts, Indians, and so on). But among the Jews, the hare/rabbit symbolizes wickedness and lust, which is perhaps partly why in Christianity the meaning of the hare is lust. However, thanks to the animal’s ability to quickly jump, wandering and covering its tracks, Christians also identify it with a believer, restless and seeking salvation in God.
Which animals are sacred in which countries?
It's no secret that some peoples especially revere certain animals. But which ones and why?
The Egyptians, for example, have especially revered cats since ancient times. In ancient times, you could lose your life by accidentally or intentionally killing a cat, and by injuring it, you could easily get hurt yourself. Cats were given all sorts of honors because, firstly, they exterminated rodents, and secondly, they were a symbol of the goddess Bast - a woman with a cat's head.
Let's return to the question of why the cow is a sacred animal in India. The fact is that Hindus consider it a symbol of the planet that provides food and life in general. That is why this animal cannot be eaten or killed, and it should be revered no less than its own mother. And among the Japanese, in Nara Prefecture, deer are revered more than other animals - according to an old legend, it was on the back of this noble animal that Buddha arrived at his temple located here. What other animals are sacred in which countries? Sheep - in Madagascar. Local residents believe that the souls of deceased ancestors settle in these cute bleating artiodactyls. Therefore, it is impossible to eat sheep on this island. But the Thais worship elephants. These animals have a special symbolism in this country - Thais believe that elephants are endowed with a magical gift. In addition, it is a symbol of peace and great strength.
Of course, this is only a small fraction of the animals and their meanings. However, you can learn a lot of new and interesting things about these representatives of the fauna.
Snake
It would be strange if such a mysterious creature were not revered as magical. Initially, the mythological serpent was depicted as a huge snake. Later they added the characteristics of a dragon or a feathered serpent with the head of a horse. In Japanese and Indian mythology, he also became horned.
The image of the tempting serpent is known to us from the Bible, as well as the fiery serpent. In Ural tales, the Great Snake appears as the keeper of countless treasures.
His curled figure symbolizes the cycle of phenomena - the sun and the moon, winter and summer, rain and drought, good and evil, life and death. Even the qualities assigned to him are both divine and human - wisdom and passion, healing and poison, preserver and destroyer.
The snake is the subject of the cult of the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena, and Apollo. The serpent Apophis, who wants to devour the Earth, is struck by the Egyptian god Ra, and the sun rises every day. The snake is depicted on the symbol of healers and healers.
Most of all, snakes are worshiped, of course, in the country of “snake temples” - in India. Hindus not only love snakes and consider them their equal neighbors, but also know how to handle many of them. Snakes crawl on the earth, which means they are closest to it and know its secrets more than others. Therefore, their image often inspired awe and fear.
