Holidays Highlight the Spiritual Significance of Animals

The following are excerpts from interviews with California author Diana L Guerrero concerning her book, What Animals Can Teach us about Spirituality: Inspiring Lessons of Wild & Tame Creatures (ISBN 1893361845).

Can you give me some examples of the holiday significance of animals during this winter holiday season?
During the winter months there are many holiday traditions that are celebrated throughout the world. If you peruse history and folklore there are lots of different animals incorporated into those stories. I'd defer to a biblical or religious scholars address the nuances of any symbolism within any particular faith or religious path, but it is possible to use the symbolism within any story to illustrate valuable lessons. For instance:

• In Christianity, the nativity scene features baby Jesus in a stable and placed in a manger surrounded by animals. From a symbolic perspective, the nativity scene could represent and teach unconditional acceptance (of situations and other beings). Animals and little children also share the same innocence. The nativity scene reenactments and figures go back prior to to St. Francis of Assisi (known for his gift of animal speak--as he got closer to God he was able to commune with animals). However, St. Francis is often given credit for popularizing taking the pantomime reenactment out of the church to the public (circa 1223).



• Las Posadas is the reenactment of how Joseph and Mary sought shelter and were given refuge with the animals. Since 1538 this tradition is celebrated annually in Mexico--complete with animal actors/participants. Las Posadas begins on December 16.



• In many European countries there is a tale of how the stable animals talked and were only heard by Joseph, Mary and Jesus--falling silent when other humans arrived. Animals communicate all the time but most people do not recognize what they are communicating. The symbolism here could be used to teach that when we establish a true rapport we can commune with others (humans or animals) on a deeper level.



• In the pagan world, the nativity scene figures of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus are replaced by the figures representing Mother Nature, Father Time, and the baby Sun-God. Here I see the illustration of the importance of celebrating change and honoring our links to nature--along with the Divine.

Your book touches on a number of different animals and uses analogies to illustrate spiritual and personal growth sparked by animals. Is there any significance to why you structured the book in this manner?
The publisher asked me to write this book after viewing another book proposal I submitted. My background as an animal behaviorist made the stories and the comparison with nature a given. During my meditative prayer sessions I asked for guidance from a higher source. On my own spiritual quest I noticed how animals impacted people and while working on this book I decided to draw parallels from the animal world to the spiritual path and used a variety of animals to appeal to a wider audience.

What other comments do you have about animals and spirituality?
The new terms for nature's and animal influences on spirituality have been recently coined as ecoevangelism or envirospirituality. One commentator dialoged on this when he talked about how some "self-serving" animal program developers were trying to convert the ecoheathen to a specific way of thinking.

Historically you can look back over time and see how animals are incorporated into most religious and philosophical teachings. They are symbols or examples--and sometimes even deities. The impact has always been there but as we become more removed from the nature world we crave a closer relationship to nature and animals. I feel that longing is the same for the Divine.

I also see ministers using animals in their sermons to illustrate principles. In addition, to the Blessing of the Animals, one local retired minister now conducts eulogies for pet owners.

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SPECIFIC ANIMAL SYMBOLISM

Love Birds & Doves

• The dove was sacred to Venus and other love deities.


• Doves also represented divine messengers.


• Some birds mate for life and the shared duties of caring, their cooing, and related activities have been represented popularly by lovebirds and turtledoves.

Snakes & Toads
St. Patrick is often artistically depicted holding a shamrock while driving away snakes. Some scholars credit his fame of running off snakes and toads to a interpretation error by the invading Scandinavians of the time. The Norse word "paudrid" (expeller of toads) is thought to have been confused with Patrick. (There were no snakes in Ireland and very few toads during Patrick's time.)

The other theory of the symbolism is that Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland and since many pagan religions worshipped serpents or serpent-like symbols, driving them out of the country is thought to represent casting out the pagans.

Hare
An English Scholar (Bede, 8th Century) suggested that the Teutonic goddess of springtime whose symbol was the hare, was worshipped during pre-Christian times. The hare was a fertility symbol (springtime) as was the egg (new life).

Lamb
The Hebrew custom of the sacrificial lamb is thought to have been blended with Christian customs. The Easter lamb eventually became a symbol for Jesus.

WINTER HOLIDAY ANIMALS

Animals figure prominently during the winter holidays. Ponies, horses, donkeys, camels, sheep, goats, cats, and others are linked back to earlier traditions. Most figures are a mixture of old and new, religious and secular, native and foreign.

The Christmas goat is a typical Swedish Christmas decoration, usually made of straw. It is one of the oldest Christmas symbols the Swedes have. Historically it is thought to have developed from the figure of the devil found with St. Nicholas in the Middle Ages. Later the goat became the character in a Christmas play as performers collected food and drink for their dancing festivities from surrounding homes at Christmas time. In the 18th century, an actor was entrusted with the distribution of Christmas presents on Christmas Eve. The julbock (goat) is named for the goat that drew the cart of Thor, the god of thunder in Norse mythology. Today the Christmas goat is made of straw and found in homes each holiday season. Since 1966 an annual topiary is constructed in the city center of in Gaevle, 90 miles north of Stockholm.

St. Nicholas originally was led around by a white horse--now reindeer. In the 19th century a book appeared with the illustration of him with one reindeer and it was in 1882 that Dr Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem, "A Visit from St. Nick." This was later published as "The Night Before Christmas." In this poem, Santa Claus was accompanied by eight reindeer. In Sweden this image is still drawn by mountain goats.

Animal symbols appear to be handed down by old lore. Some of these include: Thor (a Norse god who rides the sky in a chariot drawn by goats), Odin/Wotan (a Scandinavian/Teutonic god who travels through the sky on a horse), Tomte (a Norse spirit known for giving gifts to children) and Herne (a Celtic antlered god) is thought by some to be at the root of the reindeer association.

Animals currently popular at this time are in stories such as, The Christmas Pony and The Christmas Cat.

Donkey
A group known as The White Donkey Society states, "In the Bible the donkey was a beast of burden. It helped people with their burdens. That is what the Grace of God does. It bears our burdens. When Jesus left his donkey at Calvary, He offered it to us today. His donkey is a physical symbol of the spiritual Grace that God offers us. (Matthew 24:2)"

Lamb
The lamb has often been the symbol of the ultimate sacrifice. Christ is called "the lamb of God." An excerpt from the Catholic Encyclopedia states:

"One of the few Christian symbols dating from the first century is that of the Good Shepherd carrying on His shoulders a lamb or a sheep, with two other sheep at his side. Between the first and the fourth century eighty-eight frescoes of this type were depicted in the Roman catacombs.

The signification which may be attached to this symbol, according to Wilpert's interpretation, is as follows. The lamb or sheep on the shoulders of the Good Shepherd is a symbol of the soul of the deceased being borne by Our Lord into heaven; whereas the two sheep accompanying the Shepherd represent the saints already enjoying eternal bliss. This interpretation is in harmony with an ancient liturgical prayer for the dead of the following tenor: "We pray God . . . to be merciful to him in judgment, having redeemed him by His death, freed him from sin, and reconciled him with the Father. May He be to him the Good Shepherd and carry him on His shoulders [to the fold] May He receive him in the following of the King, and grant him to participate in eternal joy in the Society of the saints" (Muratori, "Lit. Rom. Vet.", I, 751). In catacomb frescoes this petition is represented as already granted; the deceased is in the company of the saints."

Dove
The dove is one of the most popular symbols used to signify peace and the Holy Spirit. An excerpt from the BAHÁ'Í STUDIES REVIEW (Volume 4.1, 1994) comments:

"A traditional Christian understanding of the Holy Spirit comes from both Old and New testaments and suggests there is no conflict between their teachings. The main symbol of the Holy Spirit is a dove, but other symbols are used, notably fire, water, oil and air. The dove symbol is most often reproduced in art and literature. In Come Holy Spirit Come, Peter De Rosa connects the symbol through both testaments:

the dove is first mentioned in the Bible in the story of Noah and the Flood (Genesis 8). It is only when the waters subside that the dove appears. It represents God's kindness and his forgiveness of a world whose sins had brought so great a calamity. The Hebrew word for dove is Jonah. The Old Testament book that tells the parable of the reluctant prophet being swallowed by a big fish after refusing to preach to the hated Ninevites is really, therefore "The Book of the Dove." Jonah, despite his loathing for the task, eventually identifies himself with the saving work God gave him to do; and the Ninevites, who do not know their right hand from their left, repent in sackcloth and ashes. Once more the dove has been the messenger of God's kindness and mercy."

Holiday Meal Traditions

• Christmas traditions have often included the consumption of a holiday goose, turkey, or ham. In England, hunting for the Christmas boar was an annual sport. It was also a tradition to sing "The Boar's Head Carol." (Claimed to be one of the oldest written Christmas carols it was first published 1521 by Wynken de Worde in Christmasse Carolles). Norse and Celtic traditions also served up this beast--and some customs shape bread loaves in the form of a wild boar. I've read commentary that the boar represents Satan (a destructive boar) and that carrying the boar's head out on the platter is symbolic of Satan's final defeat by Jesus Christ.



• Hanukah, or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in memory of the victory of Judaism over Hellenism. At the time of the solstice, the Greeks rededicated the Temple to a Pagan deity.The attempted sacrifice of an animal (some say swine) on an altar was the last straw that sparked the rebellion.



• Although pigs are among the animals considered "unclean," the Celts linked the hunting of boar with the symbolism or metaphor of the journey of the Spirit--an animal giving life connecting the shedding of blood with rebirth and renewal.



• In Sweden, Christmas was the only time of the year when people could eat fresh meat (from the Autumn slaughter) and some sources cite that is how that tradition of eating swine started.

Animal Symbolism or Urban Myth?
The Christian Research Institute in their online magazine, The Voice, published an article called, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." In the article they discuss the possible symbolism of the song called. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" It states,

"The popular song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is usually seen as simply a nonsense song for children. However, some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Faith. They contend that it was a mnemonic device to teach the catechism to youngsters. The "true love" mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the "days" represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn."

Debate exists as to whether this is a historical fact or an urban myth. Either way the symbolism again relates to animals. Here is the theorized key to the meanings:

Day One: The "true love" represents God and the "me" who receives these presents is the Christian. The "partridge in a pear tree" was Jesus Christ who died on the cross. (The birthday of Jesus Christ is celebrated on December 25, the first day of Christmas.) Christ can be viewed as symbolically presented as the mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so..." (Luke 13:34)

Day Two: The "two turtle doves" were the Old and New Testaments. Which are said to cohesively "bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the story of God to the world."

Day Three: The "three French hens" were the three gifts of the Spirit (or Three Theological Virtues): 1) faith, 2) hope, and 3) love. (I Corinthians 13:13)

Day Four: The "four calling birds" were the four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John.

Day Five: The "five golden rings" were the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy.

Day Six: The "six geese a-laying" were the six days of creation. (Genesis 1)

Day Seven: The "seven swans a swimming" the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion. (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4:10-11)

Day Eight: The "eight maids a milking" were the eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10) (Does it matter if they were milking cows or goats?)

Day Nine: The "nine ladies dancing" were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,
6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Day Ten: The "ten lords a-leaping" were the Old Testament ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)

Day Eleven: The "eleven pipers piping" were the eleven faithful disciples: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the Romans.

Day Twelve: The "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed:1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy Catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

The Urban Legends website debates the validity of the suggestion the song is a link to any faith based mnemonic: However, it also goes on to explain:

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is what most people take it to be: a secular song that celebrates the Christmas season with imagery of gifts and dancing and music. Some misinterpretations have crept into the English version over the years, though. For example, the fourth day's gift is four "colly birds," not four "calling birds." (The word "colly" literally means "black as coal," and thus "colly birds" would be blackbirds.) The "five golden rings" refers not to five pieces of jewelry, but to five ring-necked birds (such as pheasants). When these errors are corrected, the pattern of the first seven gifts' all being types of birds is re-established.