(continued from Equus Part 1)
Asses:
Humility, patience, peace, stupidity, obstinancy, lewdness, fertility, sure-footedness
As a beast of burden, represents poverty
Buddhist symbol of austerity and humiliation
In Christian tradition, sacred animal of Christ, symbol of the flight to Egypt, the entry into Jerusalem, emblem of St. Germanus
Egyptian symbol of inert power, evil, emblem of Set as destroyer in his typhonic aspect
In Greece, represented sloth, infatuation, sacred to Dionysos and Typhon as a brutish aspect, sacred to Priapus as a protective principle, sacred to Cronos
Hebrew symbol of stubbornness, peace, salvation
Hindu mythological beast which pulled the chariot of Ravana
Zebras:
In researching zebra symbolism and myth, I was able to find an African folktale “How the zebra got his stripes”. You can easily find this tale with an internet search. I was wondering, since the zebra is a black and white striped animal, perhaps it could be a symbol of dualism. Could it represent a protector? Other plains animals will graze with herds of zebra because zebra will often alert the animals to danger. I imagine there must be more African myths or ceremonies about the zebra as it is an integral part of life on the plains. The Songye people of Central Africa, wear striped masks to be worn by males for ceremonies related to social control, exorcising negative forces, and enforcing allegiance to the rulers. Female masks reflect positive forces and are typically worn at night during lunar ceremonies.
“Zebras also represent awareness and self-protection. It is believed when an individual has an encounter with a zebra whether in waking life or through a dream, significant change is on the horizon and important information is ready to surface. Zebra encounters can also signify the individual's need to be aware of their current situation and surroundings in order to make necessary changes. The zebra represents the dual aspects of ying and yang energies, sending the message that every aspect in life requires balance.
Zebras are always on guard and are keenly aware of their surroundings, ready to blend in with the scenery at a moment's notice in order to avoid confrontation with predators. Zebras are unable to sleep unless another herd member is awake and standing guard. These aspects symbolize the human need for protection and partnership” From www.reference.com