ANIMALS
Sacred animals from around the world: did you know them?
Zoolatry is the religious cult that regards animals as manifestations of divinity, characteristic of ancient and primitive religions. The symbolism used is common in some religions, and even today respect for the animal is more than a popular belief, such as the sacred cow in India.
In some nations the pig is a sacred animal, recognized as a symbol of wealth and good fortune, in others we find for example wolf, snake or dog. Mahatma Gandhi said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress are judged by the way it treats its animals."
What animal species are considered sacred in some countries and why? Browse through the gallery to find out.
Sacred animals from around the world: did you know them?
Zoolatry is the religious cult that regards animals as manifestations of divinity, characteristic of ancient and primitive religions. The symbolism used is common in some religions, and even today respect for the animal is more than a popular belief, such as the sacred cow in India. In some nations the pig is a sacred animal, recognized as a symbol of wealth and good fortune, in others we find for example wolf, snake or dog. Mahatma Gandhi said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress are judged by the way it treats its animals." What animal species are considered sacred in some countries and why? Browse through the gallery to find out.
Ancient Greece - Horse
In ancient Greek myths, one of the most recognized figures was the centaur Chiron (half-man, half-horse), master of Hercules, Perseus, and other heroes. Horses were worshiped in China, considered a symbol of fire, speed, endurance and good intentions, and in Japan, where the merciful goddess of the Great Mother Bato Kanon was depicted as a white horse.
India - Cow
A special attitude toward cows has developed in India. Cars stop if there is a cow on the road. And traffic is paralyzed until the animal moves. In India, the cow is a symbol of Mother Earth, personifying purity, holiness and abundance.
European and Asian Peoples - Wolf
For many European peoples she is the she-wolf who suckled Romolo and Remo, the founders of the city of Rome. In ancient Iranian mythology, a she-wolf bred the great King Cyrus. Among Turkic peoples, the wolf was chosen as a tribal totem, so their banners often had wolf heads.
Thailand - Elephant
The elephant was credited with receiving the souls of the dead, especially those with pure thoughts. In Thailand it is forbidden to buy or sell a white elephant; one can only send it as a gift to the royal family. An elephant is mourned as a human being after death. In elephant worship they are the only creatures besides us who can empathize with death, not only of the race but also humans. They even bury their relatives.
India - Elephant
In India, unengaged women dedicate a ritual dance to a clay figurine of an elephant to help them find a boyfriend and happiness at home. A sacred animal in India, an indicator of the health and greatness of the nation, according to Mahatma Gandhi who said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress are judged by how it treats animals."
Ancient Egypt, Syria, China - Pig
The pig is a sacred animal, recognized by many nations. As far back as ancient Egypt, Syria and China, the pig was revered as a symbol of wealth and good fortune, and the profession of pig breeding was the most revered.
A person who touched a pig was considered unclean or sinful. This is probably where some peoples' tradition of not eating pig came from. But not because it is unclean but because it is considered sinful. In the Christian religion, the pig is the image of the demon of lust that took possession of man. It was Jesus who turned a legion of evil spirits into pigs and threw them off a rock.
Ancient Greece and beyond - Serpent
Its twisted figure symbolizes the cycle of phenomena: sun and moon, winter and summer, rain and drought, good and evil, life and death.
The serpent is the object of the worship of the Greek gods Athena and Apollo. The snake Apep, which wants to devour the earth, strikes the Egyptian god Ra and every day the sun rises. The serpent is depicted on the symbol of healers.
India - Snake
Snakes are obviously worshipped especially in the land of "snake temples"-India. Hindus not only love snakes and consider them their equals but also know how to handle many of them.
China - Tiger
The tiger is one of the four oldest revered animals in China, along with the tortoise, dragon, and phoenix. The Chinese consider the tiger a symbol of the earth, as well as of fury and courage. For the Chinese, the tiger replaces the lion, the king of animals, so it often serves as a symbol of monarchy.
Nepal and beyond - Dog
In Nepal, a 5-day festival of lights is held every autumn. The second day is dedicated to dogs: they are believed to guard the gates of heaven. The Aztecs worshipped the dog as a protector against evil spirits. Some nations had a custom: a dog was left in the room with the deceased; they believed it could see and ward off evil spirits.
Villages
12/05/2024
Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is a landlocked city-state on the Italian peninsula, the world's smallest sovereign state by population (869 according to a 2019 census).
The Vatican is what remains of the ancient Papal State, a portion of Italian territory over which, for centuries, the authority of the Pope reigned supreme. The real problems began with the birth of the Kingdom of Italy and the Pontiff's loss of temporal power. Today, only a tiny part of the State that once was remains.
Always a place of intrigue and mysteries but also a place of preservation of a great deal of Christian art, Vatican City still remains one of the most visited places in the world, and not only by Catholics or Christians, but tourists from all over the globe.
Beach vacation
11/05/2024
The MSC Seascape was delivered, the largest cruise ship ever built in Italy, which required a total investment of one billion euros.
The numbers of this ship are really impressive, as are its size. It is 339 meters long, 41 meters wide and 76 meters high. Its gross weight is over 170,000 tons and it can accommodate 5,600 people in 2,270 cabins. 1,658 crew members work on board.
MSC Seascape will become the flagship of the MSC Crocierefleet. Inside, of 13,000 square meters, there are lounge bar, outdoor restaurants, swimming pools and areas to relax and enjoy.
Attractions
09/05/2024
The Moscow Kremlin is a fortified citadel located in the geographical and historical centre of the city of Moscow, on the left bank of the Moskva River, on Borovicky Hill. It is the oldest part of the city and is the seat of the parliament and government of Russia and the home of the head of state, as well as one of the nation's most important artistic and historical complexes.
Since 1990, the Moscow Kremlin has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and cultural importance, including the Alexander Gardens, one of Moscow's first urban parks.
Despite these years of conflict, one cannot ignore the cultural power of Russia, Moscow and its architecture. Indeed, there are many curiosities and secrets in the Kremlin, and some are truly worth discovering.