21/01/2025
In Western culture, the image of the serpent carries complex and multifaceted meanings. Strong influences from Greek mythology and later the Bible have imbued the serpent symbol with the ominous hues of danger and sin. However, in some isolated regions and in specific ‘niches’ of Western culture, this image still retains its positive aspects, associated with protection, healing, and rebirth
In the Year of the Snake, let’s explore the world with Newlifepack and discover prominent snake symbols in Eastern and Western cultures through the flow of human civilization.
This article is copyrighted by www.newlifepack.com. Please share from this site or cite the source when quoting.
Medusa is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, known for her ability to turn anyone who looks into her eyes to stone. Before becoming a monster, Medusa was once a beautiful goddess. She was abused by Poseidon and later cursed by Athena, transforming her into a gorgon. The image of Medusa’s snake-like hair became a symbol of resistance, representing women who have been pushed to the brink and are forced to fight to protect themselves.
The Hydra is a multi-headed snake monster in Greek mythology. Each time one of its heads is cut off, two more grow back in its place. The Hydra symbolizes the hidden dangers of problems that aren’t thoroughly addressed and warns of severe consequences when evil is not completely eradicated.
Basilisk is a giant serpent creature from Greek mythology, known for its ability to kill with just a glance. It symbolizes death and destructive power. The basilisk image was used by the author of the Harry Potter series to create a serpent monster in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This creature specifically targets students with Muggle blood (the mixed blood of witches and wizards with non-magical people).
Jörmungandr is a gigantic serpent in Norse mythology that coils around the Earth. In the event of Ragnarok, Jörmungandr will confront Thor, and they will both destroy each other. Jörmungandr symbolizes chaos, the opposite of Thor, who represents the strength to protect order.
The Lambton Worm is a giant snake in the folklore of Durham, England. It attacks livestock and destroys crops, causing fear and confusion in the community. The Lambton Worm represents the consequences of past mistakes, and the only way to defeat it is by cutting it into pieces and eliminating each part.
“Worm” is a variant pronunciation of the Old English word “wyrm,” often used to refer to legendary creatures resembling giant snakes.
The Linton Worm is a giant serpent in the folklore of Roxburghshire, Scotland. It can swallow everything, including livestock and humans. The hero Somerville defeated the creature with a spear fitted with a wagon wheel. The story represents humanity’s aspiration to conquer nature.
The traditions of Judaism and Christianity view the snake as a deceitful creature, a symbol of the devil and evil, representing the dark side of the universe and the negative aspects of humanity.
The serpent in the Garden of Eden is a classic antagonist in the Jewish and Christian Bibles. It tempted Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, defying God’s warning. This led to the fall of humanity and introduced suffering into the world.
The image of the Virgin Mary trampling the serpent symbolizes the triumph of holiness over sin. This is a common motif in Christian art, illustrating how Mary is the reverse of Eve, as she overcame the serpent through her absolute obedience to God.
Leviathan is a giant serpent-like sea monster, influenced by ancient Mesopotamian mythology. In the Bible, it represents dark forces that cause chaos and will eventually be destroyed by God on the Day of Judgment.
In the Christian Book of Revelation, the serpent is described as red with seven heads and ten horns, symbolizing Satan. Its battle with the angels represents the struggle between good and evil on the Day of Judgment.
Due to their shedding of skin to grow stronger, snakes are associated with healing and rebirth. This image evokes ideas of immortality and regeneration after death.
During the 40-year journey of the Israelites through the desert toward the Promised Land, Moses was instructed by God to make a bronze serpent and raise it on a pole. Anyone bitten by a venomous snake who looked upon the bronze serpent would be healed. The bronze serpent symbolizes forgiveness and healing. In Christian tradition, it is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to save humanity from sin and death.
Asclepius is the Greek god of healing. His rod, with a serpent coiled around it, symbolizes healing, medicine, and the restoration of health. This image has become the symbol of modern medicine, representing the power to heal and rejuvenate.
Hygieia is the Greek goddess of health and cleanliness. Her bowl, with a serpent coiled around it, contains medicine and symbolizes the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease. This image is used as a symbol in the field of pharmacy today.
Quetzalcoatl, or the Feathered Serpent, is one of the most important deities in the belief systems of Mesoamerican civilizations, particularly the Aztec and Maya. Quetzalcoatl is the god of wind, clouds, knowledge, and creation. He is also a protector of humanity, teaching people about agriculture, the calendar, and the arts.
The Ouroboros is an ancient symbol depicting a serpent eating its own tail. While its exact origins are unclear, the symbol is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, later spreading through Greek civilization and developing in the Arab world with the practice of Alchemy.
The Ouroboros symbolizes the continuous transformation of all things in an endless cycle of life and death, destruction and rebirth. It reflects ancient ideas of the infinite and the eternal nature of the universe.
The concept of Ouroboros shares similarities with ideas such as the Yin-Yang (China), Reincarnation (India), and Karma (Buddhism).
Like dragons, the snake is one of humanity’s most universal and multi-faceted symbols. The snake not only reflects human understanding of the natural world but also embodies the depth of civilization’s perceptions of the metaphysical world. The snake figure carries different messages across various cultures—sometimes contradictory, yet wonderfully complementary—aiming toward wholeness and eternity.
Thus, the snake has become a timeless symbol, a vessel for storing profound spiritual and societal values. Its image of shedding skin is not only linked to survival but also symbolizes the continuous transformation of all things, sparking a desire for wholeness and immortality. Through its flexibility in conveying abstract ideas, the snake has maintained its enduring vitality through the ages, becoming an essential part of humanity’s understanding of itself and the world around it.
This article is copyrighted by www.newlifepack.com. Please share from this site or cite the source when quoting.
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Back to Part 1: Snake Symbol in Eastern and Western Cultures (Part 1/2)
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