5 Sacred Animals
One of the most important lessons to learn while traveling is that your point of view can vary greatly depending on where you were born or raised. In some countries there are sacred animals that are worshiped there, but seen very differently in other countries.
Get to know some sacred animals in our post!
What are sacred animals?
The belief that there are sacred animals has been around for a long time. Ancient civilizations gave divine characteristics to the animals around them and there are many myths and legends about them. Here are some examples of sacred animals:
1.Elephant (Thailand)
It is a national symbol – the silhouette of an elephant adorned the flag until 1917 – and an animal that is very closely linked to the history of this Southeast Asian country.
The white elephant is the most sacred animal for the Thai people and has been worshiped as a symbol of royalty and prosperity for 5,000 years.
Nowadays the Asian elephant – as you can see on our picture – is threatened with extinction. This is due to hunting, the destruction of forests and abuse by tourism.
However, there are also various reserves where you can observe the animals in the wild without disturbing them.
2. Cow (India)
One of the strangest impressions of India is seeing cows making themselves comfortable on the street or in the market. Nobody harms them and you treat them almost better than your own children.
An Indian would never eat beef even if he was on the verge of starvation, which happens often enough in this country.
The cow is a sacred animal in Hinduism and it is a symbol of life. Cows even have an annual festival where they are bathed and decorated in various temples.
In ancient India only those who did not give milk were killed.
3. Jaguar (Mexico)
There were three sacred animals in Mesoamerican culture, as can be seen in the remains of the Aztec temples: the snake, the eagle, and the jaguar.
The first is associated with fertility, the second with the warrior and the third with the mountains, strength and might.
In the worldview of this civilization, the jaguar – because of its nocturnal habits – is also associated with the night and darkness and also with maternal love (because the females raise the young).
This carnivore with the wonderful fur is very feared in Mexico. This is not only because he is an aggressive feline animal, but also because of his supposed powers.
4. Tiger (China)
Not only does the tiger appear in the Chinese horoscope, but he is also one of the four mighty heavenly gods of this land, along with the turtle, the dragon and the phoenix.
He calls himself Byakko and is the guardian of the teachings of men, the king of all animals and lord of the mountains.
It is said that the element of the tiger is metal, its virtue is justice, and its season is autumn. Sometimes it was also associated with the war. That is why it was the symbol of the armies that the emperors defended.
5. Wild boar (Northern Europe)
The wild boar was one of the most sacred animals for the Celts because it symbolized courage, strength, prophecy and magic. In Western Europe it was also seen as a symbol of protection against danger and health.
So it was offered at the celebrations before the warriors set out to fight.
A female wild boar meant sensuality. They were the pet of witches and the goddess Arduinna, huntress and forerunner of the Roman goddess Diana.
In some northern European countries you can also buy amulets and totems with wild boars to decorate your house with or to wear.
