What role play animals in cultures?

TenderBar September 15, 2021 at 07:35 1800 views 4 comments

I read a question about the difference between animals and people. I think there is merely a difference in degree, but that aside.

Many cultures have a connection with animals. The cow in India, the dog (or cat?) in ancient Egypt, or the eagle in America.

What role do they play? What are the origins of their "use"? Is religion involved? Do they represent the people?

Comments (4)

Hermeticus September 15, 2021 at 07:47 #595006 0 likes

These animals that have been intertwined with human culture all have/had a strong practical implication on human life.

Herding cattle became a major food source once agriculture was established.
Dogs and Eagles were used for hunting purposes.
Cats were used to control pests in settlements and food storage.

TenderBar September 15, 2021 at 07:50 #595009 0 likes

Reply to Hermeticus

You think animals are used only to eat them or as a tool?

Hermeticus September 15, 2021 at 07:56 #595016 0 likes

Quoting TenderBar

You think animals are used only to eat them or as a tool?

That is the origin of their use, yes. The impact they had on humanity, the improvements they brought to everyday life, got them deified along the line.

Agent Smith January 14, 2022 at 19:37 #643035 0 likes

Animals and, for that matter, even plants play a crucial role in culture (and religion).

The Occident.

Animals: Wisdom (owl), Pride (peacock), Courage (lion), Cunning (fox), Innocence (lamb)

Plants: Love (red rose)

The Orient

Animals: Bird (vanity), Snake (anger), Pig (ignorance) [Buddhism]

Plants: Lotus (enlightenment/purity)