| Eve and the Serpent |
Possibly the most well known religious story involving snakes would be that of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. In this story, the serpent (symbolizing Satan) entices Eve to eat the forbidden fruit of God. In Christianity, because of this story, the snake is viewed in a negative way as a symbol of evil. The snake appears many times after, including when Moses faces the Pharaoh in Egypt to prove the power of God. I suppose this is a more positive view of the snake. Many Christians still believe, however, that snakes are a symbol of evil and sin.
| Hindu Statues depicting Snakes |
In ancient Hindu religion, the serpent, Naga, acts as the nature spirit that protects water sources. It is the symbol of fertility and brings forth the rain needed to survive. This is the positive view of the snake. However, because Naga controls the waters, it can also bring fourth flooding and drought. This is the negative view. Naga's actions are meant to reflect how humanity is treating the sacred snakes. The snake is also the symbol of infinity. As stated by Lord Krishna, "among the serpents I am Ananta". Ananta represents the infinite primal energy. Snakes also represent desire. Just as a person who is bitten by a snake suffers and dies, one who is bitten by desire also suffer when going through rebirth. Sexual energy in the chakras is also depicted as a coiled snake for similar reasons. Because of the large amount of poisonous snakes in India, the snake is a symbol of death. I don't truly feel the need to explain why.
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| Jormungandr and Thor |
In ancient Norse religion, Jormungandr (Great beast), the offspring of the mischievous god, Loki, was a great serpent destined to die by Thor's hand at the battle of Ragnarok. Odin, the king of the Norse gods, sought to delay this prophecy. In doing so, Odin tossed Jormungandr into the ocean, where it grew so large that it encircled the entire earth. From what I can find, it serves no purpose other than bringing forth the apocalypse (battle of Ragnarok).
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| artist's vision of Renenutet |
There is actually a goddess in Egyptian Mythology that is the protector of the snakes: Renenutet. Her tasks changed throughout mythology. She is often depicted with having a female body with the head of a raised cobra. The ancient Egyptians decided to depict her as a deadly snake because they saw cobras in a different way than modern day society. They acknowledged the power of the cobra, and recognized their usefulness -eating rats, birds, and other vermin that harm their crops. That is why, she was also the guardian of the crops of the farmers. She also acted as the personal body guard of the king on earth and in the afterlife, spitting fire at his enemies. During the rise of Christianity, she also became a symbol in the house, protecting the children. Supposedly, she named them and nourished them through the mother. A festival was held in her honor at the end of winter/spring when crops were planted as well as the beginning of summer, when the crops begin to ripen.
Snakes are a key part in many religions, mainly because they are EVERYWHERE. Though I was not able to name every religion known to man, I tried to cover the religions that would seem most familiar and talk about the snake frequently.
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| Let's not forget greek mythology |
http://www.2012-spiritual-growth-prophecies.com/serpent.html
http://www.egyptianmyths.net/renenutet.htm http://www.hinduwebsite.com/buzz/symbolism-of-snakes-in-hinduism.asp
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