I regularly depict animals on my pieces as I am fascinated by the symbolism they hold in many cultures and stories. I thought I would make a quick post about cultural meanings behind some of the animals I often include, to see if it fascinates you as much as it inspires me.
Fox
Fox appears in stories from across all continents and is admired for their intelligence and adaptability. Japanese ‘kitsune’ foxes are shape shifters. They can be both protective and mischievous and are often associated with wisdom and the spiritual realms. European stories often depict Fox as a cunning trickster who uses wit to outsmart others. Indigenous American culture uses Fox to represent intelligence and resilience – a guide through the challenges of life.
Stag/Deer
Grace, gentleness, spiritual authority and regeneration are synonymous with Deer & Stag. Celtic symbolism links them with woodland gods and nature’s spirit, symbolising harmony & renewal. In Japanese Shinto and Indigenous American culture they are sacred messengers of the gods & spiritual realms. Norse mythology also considers them to be divine and are integral to their creation and afterlife stories.
Bear
Bear is a powerful emblem of strength and introspection. Indigenous American stories depict Bear as a protector and teacher who helps you tap into your inner wisdom. European folklore uses Bear to symbolise courage. In Alaskan native culture Bear is interwoven with family, in particular motherhood, embodying strength, protection and comfort.
Swift & Swallow
These graceful birds are often seen as symbols of hope, freedom, loyalty, renewal and safe return.Sailors viewed them as a positive omen of safe journeys home. Asian cultures drawn upon their monogamy as a representation of matrimonial gentleness and loyalty. Their annual appearance in Northern Europe accompanies the hope and renewal of the warming summer months.
Snake
Snake is a complex symbol of the cycles of life and death, transformation and renewal. The Naga people of Sri Lanka were often represented as shapeshifter who lived underground in serpent form. In Norse mythology Jörmungandr, the world serpent, is a three headed snake who encircles the world to bring about it’s destruction. The rainbow serpent is a powerful and widespread motif in Aboriginal Australian art representing the continuity of life.
Cat
I’m a big fan of cats and currently forever foster three black boys for the Cinnamon Trust. They were bereaved in early 2024 and it has been an honour to be able to offer them a loving home to feel safe in. Cat has long been associated with independence, mystery and protection. Held sacred in Egyptian culture they were often mummified with their owners to protect them in their journey to the afterlife.
The cat-sith is a Celtic fairy creature depicted as a very large black cat with a white spot on it’s chest who could steal the soul from a corpse before it was claimed by the gods. To prevent this watches were performed night and day to keep the cat-sith away from the room where the body lay until burial. Cat-Sith would be distracted by the music, riddles and games of leaping and wrestling during the wake and would not enter the cold room where the body lay as it was attracted to the warmth.
Chicken
Chicken embodies themes of nurture, fertility, protection and family care. In Macbeth, Shakespeare likens the death of Macduff’s wife and children to a hawk swooping down on defenceless chickens: “all my pretty chickens and their dam at one fell swoop?”. Chicken also symbolises cycles. In Chinese mythology Chicken was the first animal created by the goddess NuWa, so the first day of the Lunar New Year is dedicated to them. Chicken can also represent fear & panic. The nursery story of Chicken Little shows him running around in fear that the sky will fall on his head.
Squirrel
Squirrel is definitely one of my favourite folklore characters. Resourceful, playful, intelligent and adaptable, Squirrel also represents preparation and foresight, blending pragmatism and joy. In Norse mythology Ratatoskr funs up and down Yggdrasil, the world tree, carrying messages between the eagle at the top and the dragon at it’s roots. On route some of these messages are often twisted by the mischievous squirrel and discord follows. Indigenous American traditions highlight Squirrel’s resourcefulness and creative problem solving. You can only watch Mark Rober’s brilliant squirrel maze videos in wonder, as Squirrel’s unique ability to see opportunities where other’s see problems shines strong.
Well, I hope that you have enjoyed this little insight into some of the mind wanderings which go behind the choices of animals I put on my pieces. I realised as I got to the end of this I had forgotten Whale, Badger and Otter so I will need to do a second post soon!