Black snake symbol. Meaning of Snake Tattoo. Snakes dream, what does this symbolize?

The snake (snake) is a symbol associated with fertility, the feminine principle, earth, water, and also, due to its ambivalence, with fire and the male fertilizing principle. A snake shedding its skin is considered a symbol of immortality. When moving, the snake forms a sinusoid (sigmoid line), and in a state of rest it curls into a spiral, due to which it embodies the cyclic rhythm of existence and potential energy and strength. It can act as the personification of the evil principle in nature, but also as a cosmic element, the support of the world. In the ancient civilizations of the East - the personification of wisdom. A modification of the image of a snake is a dragon (half-snake, half-bird).

Serpent Apep and God Ra

Alan Elbridge

In archaic cultures, the snake, acting, on the one hand, in a phallic image, and on the other, correlating with a woman, was a symbol of fertility. Being involved in both the male and female principles (respectively, the upper, heavenly and lower, earthly worlds), it acted as a symbol of the sacred marriage of earth and sky (correlated with the creation of the world), and in this regard, a sacred sexual symbol. In the same context, a connection between the serpent and rain, which fertilizes the earth with heavenly moisture, can be recorded.

Like other reptiles, the snake is associated with the element of earth. Since snake venom is used as medicine, the snake is a symbol of health, hence the use of the image of a snake coiled around a bowl as a medical emblem. The chthonic nature of the snake is emphasized in its function as a guardian of treasures (Indian rajas lowered cobras into their underground treasuries to avoid robbery).

Ouroboros from the book "The Philosopher's Stone"

Ouroboros symbol

In various mythological and folklore traditions, snakes are guardians of the sources of life and immortality, as well as the highest spiritual values, symbolized by hidden treasures. The snake can represent the forces of evil and destruction. Lying in wait for travelers in the desert, she is a symbol of deceit. In accordance with the general symbolism of the desert as a space of the spirit and the abode of the righteous, it is associated with devilish temptation.

The Gnostic Ouroboros, a snake biting its tail, illustrates the connection of the image of the snake with the symbolism of the circle and emphasizes the duality of the latter; like the Chinese symbol of the duality of existence, the yang-yin circle, it is divided into two halves - dark and light.

The “energetic” aspect of the image is most clearly illustrated by the yogic concept of Kundalini, the serpent in the human body. Kundalini, curled up in a ring and located at the bottom of the spine - an analogue of the world vertical, as a result of special practices awakens and rushes upward through the chakras until it reaches the highest of them, located at the top of the head; at this moment the absolute is revealed to a person. Perhaps this concept in symbolic form conveys the idea of ​​​​the need to spiritualize the material principle.

Among other symbols with which the snake is associated is the world tree. The biblical tree of the knowledge of good and evil with a serpent lurking near it grows on the basis of a deep mythological tradition and goes back to the cosmic vertical of the world tree, which, like the serpent, symbolizes the marriage union of earth and sky. The tree corresponds to the masculine, while the snake corresponds to feminine; in biblical mythology they are images of Adam and Eve, respectively. Caduceus snakes, due to their symmetrical arrangement, are, first of all, a symbol of the balance of the two principles of existence.

In many religions of the world, snakes act as the embodiment of deities and objects of worship. The cult of snakes is known among the peoples of pre-Columbian America. Among the Aztecs, the snake became a symbol of strength, wisdom, earth and time. Snakes were revered animals in Hinduism and Buddhism, but their meaning turns out to be ambivalent.

In India, snakes were associated with sea ​​waters. According to Hindu views, the cosmic serpent Shesha supports the earth; the fire it spews destroys the world at the end of each kalpa; Shesha Ananta ("endless") is also a symbol of infinity. Snakes (nagas) were considered the guardians of the Buddha's teachings; at the same time, the green snake is depicted in the center of the wheel of being as a symbol of anger, preventing liberation from the chain of dependent origin. The headdresses of the rulers of the Indian area had the shape of a coiled snake, which suggests a connection between this image and the symbolism of power. In Mithraism, the snake symbolizes the element of earth; in Zoroastrianism he is a demonic creature.

Vishnu on the snake Shesha

Among the ancient Phoenicians, a West Semitic people, the snake was considered the personification of the sky god Thaautes and a symbol of the universe and was depicted biting its tail; perhaps it was originally represented as a cosmic serpent like the Scandinavian Midgard, and later turned into an emblem of eternity, the cyclical development of the world (Ouroboros - the Gnostic serpent devouring its tail).

The copper serpent in the Bible, which healed those bitten by snakes, reflects the ambivalence of the symbolism of the snake, associated, on the one hand, with fertility and rebirth, healing, and on the other, with destruction and evil.

In Ancient Egypt, the serpent Apophis personifies the forces of evil and darkness; his image is found on sarcophagi. In the ideas of the ancient Egyptians, he drinks all the water from the underground Nile and confronts the sun god Ra, who fights with him every night and defeats him. In the guise of the serpent Uraeus, the Egyptian proto-deity Atum will return at the end of the world to the chaos from which it arose; sign sacred snake The uraeus was a symbol of the pharaoh and was an element of the headdress of rulers.

In ancient mythology, the snake was a symbol of Asclepius, huge pet snakes lived in temples dedicated to him and were considered his incarnations. Athena had a snake as one of her attributes and was considered the patroness of snakes; also (in the early stages of the cult) she herself was sometimes identified with a snake. The ancient Italians dedicated the snake to Juno and considered it a symbol of the fertilizing principle.

IN Christian tradition the positive aspect of the symbolism of the snake (wisdom) was associated with Christ. However, mainly the image of the serpent turns out to be rethought in terms of the personification of cosmic evil and correlated with Satan - based on a well-known biblical episode. The snake is also strongly associated with the feminine principle and sexuality. According to Jewish legend, the seduction of Eve by the serpent was precisely sexual seduction; in the tradition of asceticism, the formula “the ancient serpent played with me” appears, conveying sexual temptation.

In Scandinavian mythology, the image of the world serpent Jormungandr (“giant staff”, or Midgardsormr “mean worm” arose); this is a chthonic animal, the offspring of the evil god Loki, which “was thrown into the sea surrounding the earth, and there it grew so huge that it now surrounds the earth, biting its tail” (“Younger Edda”). Probably, it was originally perceived as “a support "of the world (as evidenced by its second name).
Common to many traditions is the motif of the struggle between an eagle and a snake, personifying the top and bottom of the world vertical. In contrast to this, in Nietzsche the eagle and the snake appear as the animals of Zarathustra; symbolizing the unity of two principles of existence, which were traditionally separated.

Their emotions are elusive. If we believe that feelings arise in the heart, then in snakes they can arise in any part of the body. The “motor” of cold-blooded people has no definite position. The organ moves around the snake's body.

Otherwise, the heart interferes with the movement of food. It is, as a rule, many times larger and wider than the killer. Snakes with a head diameter of 1 centimeter, for example, swallow the eggs of birds 5-7 centimeters wide.

It's just a couple interesting facts about snakes. In addition to facts, there are hundreds of legends and myths. All this is the “ground” for choosing the image of cold-blooded people for tattoos. Snake tattoo can tell you a lot. Let's get acquainted with the basic meanings of the symbol.

The meaning of the snake tattoo

Snake tattoo designs correspond different cultures, and therefore the views on the cold-blooded. In Asia, the Kundalini serpent is widely heard.

One yoga school was named after him. Kundalini is a coiled snake. This is a symbol of the concentration of life energy. She needs to be awakened. with Kundalini - a sign of readiness for awakening, a full feeling of life, action.

In Europe, kites are considered the embodiment of evil, the insidiousness of danger. Most Western countries are Christianized. In the Bible, the serpent is the embodiment of the Devil. Having sneaked into paradise, he tempts Eve and spoils God's plan.

However, at the time of the birth of the Christian faith, they would have answered the question differently, What does a snake tattoo mean?. In the treatise “Physiologist”, cold-blooded personifies rejuvenation.

The interpretation is associated with the ability to shed old skin. Likewise, the believer must “shake off the old age of the world” and strives for eternal life already rejuvenated. This is the moral of The Physiologist.

Christianity originated during the times of Ancient Greece. She is known for myths. One of them features the serpent Ouroboros. He eats his own tail. It will eat a piece, shed its skin, and there will be new flesh.

As a result, Ouroboros does not die, but on the contrary, lives forever. The animal is a symbol of cyclicity, eternity, a continuous series of rebirths. This interpretation is suitable for any closed tattoo.

Meaning of snake also has something to do with Friday. Those born on this day of the week can safely choose a cool-blooded one as their talisman. This is what the Aztecs and other peoples of pre-Columbian America believed. The Indians, however, did not particularly favor snake people.

They were predicted to be poor and have no shelter. The Redskins believed that on the day of the snake wanderers were born who did not have permanent shelter. If in bygone centuries Although this seemed shameful, in the 21st century it is only welcome. It’s not for nothing that the downshifter movement arose. They leave apartments and stable jobs to travel the world.

Snake tattoo and horns refers to the culture of Africa. It was there that the heads of cold-blooded people were decorated with attributes of bulls and chamois. Proof of this is the rock art of the aborigines. They consider snakes to be a symbol of water. Given the continent's arid climate, the value is positive. From snakes, as from gods, they expect rain, life-giving moisture, and therefore food.

Where does the snake tattoo look best?

Photo Many celebrities post tattoos with snakes online. Mom Zoe Kravitz, for example, “wrapped” cold blood around her left wrist. It turned out to be something like a bracelet.

It looks elegant and mesmerizing. The natural flexibility of snakes allows them to bend their bodies in any way they like in drawings. The reptile is able to go around the leg, wrap around the neck, waist, and head. So, Snake tattoo on arm is not the only option for symbol placement.

The animal is not necessarily coiled. The body of a cold-blooded animal can stretch along the thigh or lower leg. Alice Milano has a similar one. She wears a tattoo on her bottom right leg. The snake rushes to the actress’s knee, emphasizing her slimness.

Snake on leg - tattoo, which can simulate the penetration of an animal under the skin. The cold-blooded “stitches” through it like a thread. In this case, there are no boundaries for the drawing.

The snake's tail can be located on the thigh, and the head can be shown in the lower back or chest area. Nothing limits your imagination. The main thing is to choose a sketch that suits you.

Popular “Snake” tattoo designs

The most commonly used image is a cobra. This is partly due to the aesthetics of the snake. She has a hood. In most paintings it is inflated, which gives the tattoos complexity and versatility.

There are also advantages to deciphering the symbol. It indicates royalty, the noble origin of the person wearing it. The interpretation is associated with the Egyptian custom of depicting a cobra on the headdresses of the pharaohs. The snake's name was Tuto. She personified all-seeing eye Ra - the sun god.

So, cobra is also a symbol of the sky, luminary, warmth and life. In India, hooded snakes are deified to this day. IN eastern country the reptile is considered the embodiment of the wisdom and power of heaven.

Snake tattoo without a hood are not so popular. Approximately equal numbers of requests are for paintings with vipers, cute snakes, and powerful boa constrictors. The symbolism of the drawings is emphasized with additional elements.

The skull is an image of death. A snake nearby is a sign of inexorable death, deceit. The apple is associated with the biblical fruit. The reptile nearby represents temptation, the Devil. Flowers are a symbol of fragility and beauty.

Next to the buds, snakes become emblems of wisdom and grace. Symbols can be combined. For example, the tail of a cold-blooded animal can easily be transformed into a rose stem, at the end of which a scarlet bud blooms.

Snake tattoo are divided into two types. In some paintings, reptiles are depicted with an open mouth, in others - in a calm state. The first option is more popular. It symbolizes readiness for defense, expresses aggression, and radiates danger.

Poison may drip from the sharp fangs in the snake's mouth. This is a sign of a mortal threat. as if he were warning: “Don’t come near, I’m not to be trifled with.” Few people want to be white and fluffy. Mostly these are girls.

Instead of intimidation, they rely on wisdom and grace. Women are also attracted by the opportunity to rejuvenate themselves by believing in the myth of the snake Ouroboros devouring its own tail. It becomes a kind of talisman that preserves youth and gives long life.

Let it be long life There will be a tattoo too. To do this, it is not enough to choose a suitable plot. It is necessary to properly care for the drawing and update it on time. Black and white tattoos require revisions every 10-20 years. Color plots are corrected every 5-10 years.

0 Vipers, Cobras or Sea Snakes, have attracted and at the same time frightened ancient people since ancient times. These amazing creatures have had a negative label attached to them, due in part to their role in the History of Abrahamic religions such as Judaism and Christianity. But snakes have been an integral part of human history long before the story of Adam and Eve was written.

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However, before I continue, I would like to show you a couple more interesting news on the topic of tattoos. For example, what does a Shark Tattoo mean? how to understand a Sheep Tattoo; what does Shield Tattoo mean? meaning of Rooster Tattoo, etc.
So let's continue Meaning of Snake Tattoo?

In Hindu mythology, the snake Shesha is one of the main creatures of Creation. As a Naga, Shesha supports the planets of the universe on her countless heads and often displays the Hindu deity Vishnu on her back as they float together on the cosmic river. Many pagan cultures represent the Snake as a symbol of Revival and Healing due to the cyclic change of its skin.

Snakes are seen as symbols of Renewal by many peoples around the world. In both the West African Ashanti culture and numerous pre-Columbian peoples of Central America, there is a legend of a snake god who bites his own tail. It is a mystical representation of the Cycle of Life and Death, similar to the famous Ouroboros from Ancient Egypt. The serpent Middraid in Norse mythology is another continuation of the tradition of the “snake biting its own tail.” According to folklore, JÖrmungandr ( known as the Midgard snake) was thrown into the ocean of space and became so large that it completely surrounded the world. It is assumed that last meeting the snake with Thor will happen in Ragnarok, when Jormunhandr comes out of the ocean and poisons the sky. Thor will kill Jormungard and then walk nine steps before falling dead from the serpent's venom.

From the legendary serpentine tail of the Chimera, to the infamous hair of Medusa, snakes are a recurring feature Greek mythology. Since ancient times, humanity has known that snake venom has the ability to protect and poison, so it is believed that such creatures have strong healing properties, like a multitude plant plants and medications combined. It is therefore not surprising that the god of Medicine and Healing, Asclepius, was always depicted with a staff around which a snake coiled.
The snake became a powerful symbol of fertility for many old religions, which may have influenced the sightings of these creatures intertwining themselves in balls to reproduce. These images have become synonymous Sexual Desire and Seduction in Abrahamic Religions and explain why the Book of Genesis shows Eve being seduced in the garden by a snake instead of another creature (it is difficult to imagine that an ordinary hedgehog would be Eve's tempter). This tradition also explains why Western cultures view snakes as vile, vengeful and evil creatures. Many powerful symbols pagan religions have often been demonized in the wake of the rise in popularity of Christianity, and the Snake is just one of many various animal victims in this rather unfortunate trend.

Whether you view these amazing reptiles with awe or intense fear, Snakes are much more than what we usually give them credit for. Because everything more people begin to treat these interesting creatures with respect and even adoration, it is not surprising that the number of snake owners and snake tattoo lovers is only growing.

Meaning of Snake Tattoo

Depending on your cultural reference, Snake tattoos can symbolize various characteristics and meanings. These include:

• Healing and rebirth
• Sexual energy and fertility
• Temptation
• Vindictiveness
• Intelligence and cunning
• Nobility
• Deity

Snake Tattoo Design Options

Whether you want a tattoo with Asian influences or something that's based on traditional tribal features, you can make some truly exceptional body art designs. The beauty of these designs is that they can be drawn and placed in a way that highlights your arms, back, legs or torso. If your artist is a true pro and has a wealth of knowledge about human anatomy, he or she can create the illusion of a moving snake by positioning your tattoo over key muscle groups. Of course, a tattoo of a moving snake will definitely attract attention to your person. Important variations of the Snake tattoo include:

Tribal Snake Tattoo

Each indigenous society captures its history and culture using a unique set of tribal patterns. The patterns have a special meaning and are usually associated with the spiritual world and elements of Nature from that region. Remember that Snakes are one of the oldest religious symbols in human history. From the Germanic tribes of ancient Europe to the Native Americans of the plains of the Midwest, numerous cultures around the world have associated these amazing creatures with countless deities and local folklore figures. As a distillation of a strong spiritual connection to your Indigenous heritage, the Tribal Snake Tattoo is a great way to present your thoughts to the world. You can read more about Tribal Tattoo in our detailed article.

King Cobra Tattoo

From the banks of the Nile River to Hindu temples in India, King Cobra revered as sacred symbol Divine. As the royal sign of the pharaohs, Urai represented the celestial line of the king, and was the key to the loyalty of the people of the Egyptian empire. Across Burma and India, snake charmers perform street performances with a king cobra in a wicker basket. They are tattooed with ink made from snake venom, according to legend, the tattoo protects the caster from any inappropriate snake attacks. Regardless of whether this information has a scientific background, but so far, much of the life of these amazing people remains a mystery. King Cobra tattoos embody your connection to the Divine and are symbols of status, nobility and wealth.

Eagle and Snake Tattoo

The Snake is a representation of Sexual Passion and Temptation, while the Eagle is an animal reserved only for the most noble and morally upright people. The two animals are a marked contrast to each other, so the Eagle and Snake tattoo represents the conflict between our good intentions and our deep, savage, vengeful nature. It is a reflection of the struggle between what is right and what is morally reprehensible, the war between Good and Evil. In most designs, "Good" triumphs, and the eagle is usually perceived as the winner. Be sure to read another one detailed article on the topic of Eagle Tattoo.

Rattlesnake Tattoo

These deadly animals were once highly prized by the Aztecs, Mayans and other indigenous peoples of Central America. The significance of these creatures in history North America cannot be overstated. When American colonists raised the famous Gadsden flag with the iconic rattlesnake symbol and the words “Don't Tread on Me,” the image of the deadly rattlesnake as a mascot for the underdog surprised many people, especially those behind the “big puddle.” Benjamin Franklin called on the various states of the young American colonies to rise up and join the fight against British oppression. In 1751, he jokingly suggested that, as a sign of gratitude for the British policy of sending convicted criminals to America, American colonists should send the king barrels filled with rattlesnakes. Since then rattlesnake began to personify hidden power and invincible spirit.

Coiled Snake Tattoo

A coiled snake is a deadly creature that is ready to unleash its fury at any moment. This is a sign that external manifestations can be deceiving, since under the calm surface the Snake is ready to strike straight into the heart. Tattoo " Coiled snake" shows the world that you have a deadly side hiding underneath your seemingly sweet and kind exterior.

Dagger and Snake Tattoo

You may have asked yourself why the universal symbol of healing and medicine consists of two things (a dagger and a snake) that can actually kill you. This image, known as the Caduceus, represents the character of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. Snakes have long been associated with pagan symbols of Rebirth and Masculinity, which explains why this tattoo design is so significant and is known as "Renewal and Transformation". I present to your attention interesting article on the topic of Dagger Tattoo.

Rose and Snake Tattoo

"A rose by another name would smell sweet". - William Shakespeare (" Romeo and Juliet»)

Roses are the quintessential symbols of love, affection and beauty. As a symbol given to the girl one loves, the rose is a sign of the pure, chaste nature of femininity. Besides, what girl can resist a bouquet of adorable flowers? But what exactly does a rose and snake tattoo mean? In a word, Temptation. Such a tattoo means the loss of the Innocence and Beauty of an elegant flower in the hands of the person who picked it. Gradually, the rose and snake tattoo became the personification of the quintessence of Temptation in the Garden of Eden. Check out the fairly detailed publication on the topic Rose Symbol.

Dragon and Snake Tattoo

It is not uncommon for Dragon and Snake tattoos to be an interpretation of the Yin Yang balance symbol. Dragons are the "Yang", the wild, passionate and often fiery person of the Sun, which has a specific masculine essence. On the other hand, Snakes represent the "Yin" symbol, the calm, cunning, rational nature of the Moon. Dragons act while Snakes think, and together they perfectly balance each other in the dance of Life. Here you can read a fairly detailed article on the topic of Dragon Tattoo.

Skull and Snake Tattoo

Skulls are the embodiment of Death and Decay, a grim reminder of human mortality. The meaning you get from a skull and snake tattoo depends greatly on your cultural context. In Western societies, both images have become a symbol of the complete physical and spiritual destruction of the human essence. The image represents complete decay and death at the hands of a frightened creature. However, in other cultures, the snake is the embodiment of Healing and Rebirth. When combined with a symbol of death, such as a human skull, the image represents the cycle of Death and Rebirth, similar to the symbolism of Ouroboros. Read even more about.

Snake Eyes Tattoo

In its modern incarnation, the expression “snake eyes” represents a person who is angry, intolerant and secretive. However, the roots of this phrase can be traced back to Ancient Rome. Back then, the "Snake Eyes" throw showed who would live and who would die, otherwise known as the "dog throw", and symbolized good or evil depending on the context of the situation. Today, Snake Eyes are commonly associated with infidelity, and Snake Eyes Tattoo is the quintessential representation of your inner scoundrel and devious deceiver.

The right design can mean the difference between a good tattoo and a cheap piece of art. Thus, the person who wants to get this tattoo pays to invest the time and resources required to create a design that will allow him to stand out from the crowd. Think about what your new tattoo symbolizes, where it will be placed on your body, and what other elements you will add to the overall design. Does the image match your style and personality? If you need some inspiration, check out our tattoos category for a truly unique design.

After reading this short but extremely informative publication, you learned Meaning of Snake Tattoo, and now you won’t be afraid to get this design on your body.

The snake is a symbol that has left a noticeable mark in the history and culture of many countries. For many centuries, it has evoked in people associations with death and rebirth at the same time. Some peoples deified reptiles, others were in awe of them. What is known about this mysterious symbol, which haunts researchers even today?

Snake - symbol of healing

Historians believe that people first figured out using the image of a snake as an emblem of healing back in the second millennium BC. This happened in Ancient Babylon, which researchers explain by the cult of animals that existed in this state. Initially, the reptile was depicted without attributes, but gradually they appeared.

Of course, one cannot fail to mention the most famous symbol. The snake cup is an emblem that appeared in medicine around the seventh century BC. At the same time, the image of Aesculapius’ daughter Hygeia, holding a vessel and a reptile in her hands, was actively used. As you know, in ancient times many diseases were treated with the help of a bowl that served as a container for it. The return of this image, forgotten for long years, happened already in the 16th century on the initiative of Paracelsus.

What other attributes were added to (the snake)? The ancient people did not limit themselves to the cup; the staff of Asclepius was also popular. Asclepius is a mythical Greek healer who was credited with divine origins. Among his many talents was the ability to resurrect the dead. Legend has it that one day it was a snake that helped a healer revive his murdered son.

Christianity

The snake is a symbol that in the Christian faith is associated with good and evil at the same time. On the one hand, the image of a reptile shedding its skin is associated with Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself and ascended to heaven.

On the other hand, in the Bible the snake is presented as a tempter, cleverly seducing Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. Consequently, this image speaks of deceit, greed, and rebellion. It is not surprising that the reptile was often endowed with a woman’s head; such drawings symbolized temptation, seduction.

Buddhism, Hinduism

The snake is a symbol that has been noted not only in the Christian religion. For example, in Hinduism sacred cobras, which were considered as protectors, were highly respected. Hindus believed that reptiles protected the gods while they enjoyed their vacation. No wonder that widespread received the image of Vishnu sitting in the ring of a cobra.

In general, in Buddhism there was an ambivalent attitude towards snakes. On the one hand, the followers of this religion also revered cobras. This can be confirmed by the image of Buddha, who sits comfortably in the shadow of a cobra, protecting him from the sun with the help of its hoods. Some Buddhists even saw snakes (cobras) as the most powerful god who reincarnates in order to save humanity from hunger and disease.

On the other hand, a creeping reptile, depicted next to a pig and a rooster, was considered by adherents of religion as a symbol of sins.

Greece, Rome

The snake is a symbol of wisdom. This statement was never questioned by the inhabitants of Ancient Greece, who loved to depict reptiles in the hands of famous healers and saviors: Hippocrates, Aesculapius, Hermes. In addition, the snake was considered a hypostasis of the legendary healer Aesculapius, who is credited with serious achievements in the field of medicine.

Confirmation that the snake is a symbol associated with wisdom in Ancient Greece can also be found in the fact that the inhabitants of the country dedicated this reptile to the god Apollo. The Greeks had no doubt that the beautiful god not only protects people from the forces of darkness, but also gives them knowledge. A similar function was assigned to Athena, who was often depicted in company with a snake.

Of course, symbols with snakes were extremely popular in Ancient Rome. They were given a meaning similar to that described above, so reptiles were often depicted in the hands of local gods and heroes.

In Russian fairy tales

In Russian culture, the dual symbol of the snake has also been repeatedly noted. Its meaning, as in most other countries, was attributed to it as ambiguous. On the one hand, in many fairy tales one can find a mention that a person who eats the heart of a reptile will be able to learn the language of the animal and flora. This suggests that creeping reptiles were associated in Rus' with wisdom and knowledge.

On the other hand, the famous Serpent Gorynych acts as an insidious villain, with whom brave heroes are forced to risk their lives to fight. Victory over it means nothing more than the absolute triumph of good over evil.

Two snakes

An even more mysterious symbol is often found in the culture of various countries - two snakes. If reptiles are entwined with each other, such an emblem is associated with the unification of two powerful forces - Fate and Time. The image of two creeping reptiles, tightly clutching each other's tail, hints at the fact that even two complete opposites come from the same source.

The image of two snakes entwined around a staff or tree is also often found in culture. An example of such a symbol is the famous caduceus, an emblem used in medicine. This also indicates the duality of reptiles, capable of bringing poison and healing, health and disease at the same time.

Various images

What does the image of an innocent child playing with a snake symbolize? This picture in many cultures is associated with paradise, lost and found again. She also speaks of the liberation of the immortal soul from the corruptible world. Some peoples considered this image as a symbol of triumph over enemies and liberation from slavery.

In some cultures, it is also common to depict a snake next to a deer or an eagle. This image speaks of the opposition between light and darkness, and it is the snake that is responsible for the darkness. The combination of a creeping reptile with an eagle or deer indicates cosmic unity and balance. A reptile that wraps itself around a female body indicates the relationship between the feminine and masculine principles. A snake curled up in a knot evokes associations with a hidden force that is ready to break out, overcoming all obstacles in its path.

Alchemists and magicians never doubted that the snake is a symbol of wisdom. Alchemists in the Middle Ages actively used the image of a snake entwined around a pole. This painting symbolizes submission vitality. The symbol, which depicts a reptile crawling through a circle, indicated alchemical fusion.

Various cultures

Why did the symbol (snake) not play a special role in Chinese culture? Because it was extremely rare to be separated from the dragon, the image of which had attracted the Chinese from time immemorial. However, it is known that the creeping reptile in this country was associated with the most negative qualities - cunning, deceit, malice, hatred.

The Celts treated reptiles much more favorably, as evidenced by surviving epics. Snakes were perceived by them as symbols of rebirth and healing. They were often depicted with a ram's head and horns - in this case, the emblem indicated masculine strength. And the image of the goddess Brigid, who adorned her hair with a coiled snake, symbolized fertility and reliably protected the human kingdom from dark forces.

The Aztecs traditionally attributed power to snakes, the ability to control the elements. They also associated these symbols with knowledge and wisdom. In the legends of this people, snakes often acted as mythical ancestors and brave heroes. Reptiles were held in high esteem in Africa. They were considered as signs of imperial power, symbolizing immortality, the return to the world of the living from the world of the dead.

Our days

It is curious that the symbol of the snake has managed to maintain great popularity in our days. It is this image that people from various countries invariably continue to choose when intending to get a spectacular tattoo. Representatives of the fair sex choose this image, as it is associated with temptation, forbidden fruit. Men most like the symbols of cobras and other snakes, which can emphasize such qualities as power and the desire to dominate. Those who consider reptiles as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge give preference to pictures that depict snakes with bowls.

The year 2013 is the year of the Snake, the year of the black water snake. The year 2013 is, as it were, a continuation of 2012 in terms of elemental significance, since the Year of the Dragon was also black and watery. What does the black snake symbol mean? and what the symbolism of the Snake is associated with in various cultures.

Snakeis a symbol of the years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025. Year of the Snake 2013 will come into its own with 10.02.2013 and will last until January 30, 2014

Snake is an important symbol in almost all cultures of the world. On the one hand, the image of a snake is associated with death (the poisonousness of snakes), on the other hand, it symbolizes rebirth, wisdom and power (shedding of the skin, medicinal properties poison).

DIY snake

Myths, fairy tales and legends about the Snake

Snake symbol in different countries

Snake Symbol- a traditional symbol of wisdom and power. The myths and legends of the countries of the Ancient East reflected echoes of the cult of snakes, often associated with the water element.

Ancient Egyptian tale tells the story of a shipwrecked sailor thrown ashore by a wave onto a wonderful island. Soon he heard a loud noise: “ the trees trembled, the earth shook. I opened my face and realized that it was a snake that was approaching. His length is 30 cubits, his beard is more than 2 cubits, his limbs are gilded, his eyebrows are made of real lapis lazuli. He moved forward». Serpent In this tale he is called the “Prince of Punta” - the legendary land of incense, “the land of the gods”.

Another, later Egyptian tale tells about an immortal serpent guarding a wonderful book at the bottom of the sea.

In Eastern mythology boundaries between snakes and dragons are often blurred. If the snake acts as an independent symbol, it can personify a negative principle.

At the same time in Chinese fairy tales snakes sometimes give pearls to their saviors. The Chinese believed that snake skin brought wealth, and that a snake in a dream hinted at sexual energy.

In Japanese mythology The image of a snake is associated with female deities, in particular with the figure of the “Eternal Mother”. At the same time, in Japan the snake is an attribute of the god of thunder and thunderstorms. In the modern world, the snake, as an ancient zoomorphic symbol, is considered a symbol of longevity and wisdom.

In ancient times the Hindus They believed that, together with the elephant and the turtle, the snake could serve as a support for the world. The thousand-headed ruler of the snakes Ananta, whose rings encircle the axis of the world, in Hinduism personifies boundless fertility.

That is why in modern India snake, cobra - a symbol of happiness in marriage.

Traditions of Babylon and Assyria, Jewish and Abyssinian legends tie up prehistoric times with the kingdom of the serpent. This is what the Abyssinian legend says about this: “ There is a great serpent; he is the king of the land of Ethiopia; All the rulers bow to him and bring him a beautiful maiden as a gift. Having decorated her, they bring her before this serpent and leave her alone, and this serpent devours her... The length of this serpent is 170 cubits, and the thickness is 4; his teeth are a cubit long, and his eyes are like a fiery flame, his eyebrows are black like a raven, and his whole appearance is like tin and copper... He has a horn of three cubits. When he moves, the noise can be heard for seven days' journey».

Legends about islands inhabited by snakes have been preserved in Greek chronicles. Herodotus and Theophrastus mentioned snakes guarding jewels on wonderful islands; Diodorus Siculus talks about a “snake island” filled with jewels, and describes a hunt for a 30-cubit-long snake, in whose mouth one of the hunters died.

So another one greek myth tells about the wonderful remedy that Zeus gave to people. It could restore a person's youth. However, people did not want to carry this priceless gift themselves and put it on a donkey, who gave it to the snake. Since then, people have been bearing the heavy burden of old age, and snakes enjoy eternal youth.

African tales and legends they talk about the first people who, like snakes, could exchange old skin for new ones and live forever.

In Sumerian myth Gilgamesh finds a flower of eternal youth in the depths of the waters, however, while he was swimming, a snake stole the flower and immediately became younger, shedding its skin. Since then, legend teaches, snakes have gained immortality, but people have remained mortal creatures.

Legends Ancient China they call it huge snake- the dragon was the ancestor of the first emperors; its claws, teeth, saliva and horns are endowed with healing properties. On the back of a dragon one could reach the land of the immortals.

In the ancient world, a snake played the role of homemaker. During excavations in Pompeii, an image of a snake was discovered on the walls and home altars of many houses, which symbolized the peace and health of the inhabitants of the house.

Ancient Roman Chronicles preserved evidence that during the plague, Asclepius was symbolically transported from Epidaurus to Rome in the form of a snake. According to one of their hypotheses about the origin of the name of the god of medical art, Asclepius, it came from the name of a special kind of snake - “askalabos”. Later, these snakes, harmless to humans, began to be called “Asclepius snakes.” The snake was depicted on the first aid kit of a Roman military doctor.

Often snake also associated with rain. For example, this connection is reflected in ancient rites worshiping the serpent as a sacrifice during the rainy season or waiting for rain during a drought. These rituals correspond to myths about the victory of a snake fighter over a snake, followed by a thunderstorm, rain or flood.

We encounter a similar myth in ancient Peruvian myth about the snake, who spewed out water that flooded the whole world after he was killed by the three sons of the first man.

A myth one of Brazilian tribes says that once a woman kept a snake, which was in a cage immersed in water. Every day the woman fed the snake meat. But one day she did not bring food to the snake, and then the snake ate the unfortunate woman that same day. After the tribesmen killed the snake, the heavy rain - « At the same time, the rain poured down, the winning wind blew, the winner of the big anaconda snake».

Symbol of the Snake in Slavic mythology

Snakes (as symbols) had several meanings and purposes.

1. In the Slavic calendar there are two holidays where snakes are honored (usually harmless snakes).

March 25 is the time when cattle are driven out “to St. George’s dew” and snakes crawl out of the ground, i.e. the ground becomes warm, agricultural work can begin. And September 14th is the departure of the snakes.

The agricultural cycle is basically ending. That. snakes as if symbolized cyclicality rural field work were a kind of natural-climatic clock. It was believed that they also helped to beg for rain (heavenly milk; breasts falling from the sky), since snakes love not only warmth, but also moisture, hence in fairy tales snakes often suck milk from cows (clouds). Images of snakes, snakes decorated ancient vessels with water.

2. Snakes from the Perunova suite. They symbolized the heavenly thunderclouds and the powerful revelry of the elements. These snakes are multi-headed. If you cut off one head, the other grows and shoots out tongues of fire (lightning). Serpent-Gorynych is the son of the heavenly mountain (cloud). These snakes kidnap beauties (the moon, stars and even the sun). The snake can quickly turn into a boy or girl. This is due to the rejuvenation of nature after rain; rejuvenation of nature after every winter.

3.Snakes- keepers of countless treasures, medicinal herbs, living and dead water. From here - snake doctors and symbols of healing.

4.Snakes from the retinue of the gods underground kingdom - Viy, Death, Mary, Chernobog, Kashchey and others. Death (Koshey, Nedol) mows down, collects the ominous kosht, the harvest of the dead, and the snake guards the underworld.

5. Option snake ruler of the underworld- Lizard (less often Fish). The lizard is often found in folk songs; sometimes, having lost the ancient meanings of symbolism, it is called Yasha.

In religions, the symbol of the Snake

The staff of the legendary physician Asclepius is wrapped around a snake. Prototype of the famous biblical serpent the tempter should be sought in ancient Sumerian myths. One of them tells how once the hero Gilgamesh returned from the divine palaces with the plant of life. One of the gods, not wanting people to gain immortality, turned into a snake and snatched this plant from Gilgamesh as he swam across the river.

In Buddhism the image of a snake in the Wheel of Samsara personifies anger and symbolizes cosmic force in her negative manifestations. At the same time, the multi-headed cobra protected Buddha Shakyamuni during his meditation. Cobra in India often associated with the Buddha himself, who could transform into the Naga snake to heal people.

Snake was also a symbol of eternal youth: the annual change of skin symbolized rejuvenation. This idea has found an interesting embodiment in the religion of the Egyptians. The change of day and night was associated with the fact that at midnight the sun god Ra leaves the solar boat with his retinue and enters the body huge snake, from which everyone emerges as “children” in the morning, gets back into the boat and continues their journey across the sky.

Yoga likens the spiritual energy of a person to a snake - kundalini (means “coiled in a ring”, “coiled in the shape of a snake”).

Snake symbol - description of the symbol

The supremely Snake is a complex and universal symbol. The snake symbolized death and immortality, good and evil. They were personified by her forked tongue, the poisonousness of her bites, along with the healing effect of the poison, and the mysterious ability to hypnotize small animals and birds. This apparent contradiction, the combination in one image of two different, often opposing principles, is characteristic of symbols that have come to us from ancient times. Snake can be both male and female, and also self-reproduce. As a creature that kills, it means death and destruction; as a creature that periodically changes its skin - life and resurrection.

Coiled in coils snake identified with the cycle of phenomena. This is both the solar principle and the lunar principle, life and death, light and darkness, good and evil, wisdom and blind passion, healing and poison, preserver and destroyer, spiritual and physical rebirth.

Phallic symbol, fertilizing male power, "the husband of all women", the presence of a snake is almost always associated with pregnancy. The snake accompanies all female deities, including the Great Mother, and is often depicted in their hands or coiled around them. Wherein the snake takes on feminine qualities, such as mystery, enigma and intuitiveness, and symbolizes unpredictability as it appears unexpectedly and disappears unexpectedly.

The snake was considered bisexual and was emblem all self-generating deities, also symbolizing the power of fertility of the earth. It is a solar, chthonic, sexual, funereal symbol and represents the manifestation of power on any level, the source of all potential in both the material and spiritual realms, closely associated with the concept of both life and death.

Because the snake lives underground, it is in contact with the underworld and has access to the powers, omniscience and magic of the dead. The chthonic snake is a manifestation of the aggressive power of the gods underworld and darkness. She is widely considered the source of initiation and rejuvenation and the “mistress of the subsoil.” In its chthonic form, the snake is hostile to the Sun and all solar and spiritual forces, symbolizing the dark forces in man. In this case, the positive and negative principles are in conflict, as in the case of Zeus and Typhon, Apollo and Python, Osiris and Set, the eagle and the snake, etc.

She symbolizes also the original instinctive nature, the surge of vital force, uncontrolled and undifferentiated, potential energy, animating spirit. It is a mediator between Heaven and Earth, between the earth and the underworld.

Snake is associated with the sky, earth, water and especially with the Cosmic Tree.

It is also a cloud dragon of darkness and a treasure guardian. The snake can symbolically depict Sun rays, the path of the Sun in the sky, lightning and the power of water, being an attribute of all river deities.

Snake- this is knowledge, power, deceit, sophistication, cunning, darkness, evil and corruption, as well as the Tempter.