Bears are associated with myths and cultures of the northern hemisphere. They can be a solar symbol when associated with hero myths and a lunar symbol when associated with moon goddesses. Bears have been depicted in ceremonies through the use of masks, decorated clothing, or actual bearskins. Bears can represent brutality, clumsiness, gruffness, bravery, endurance, and strength. They also symbolize resurrection - as bears hibernate and emerge from their winter cave with newborn cubs in spring. They have been associated with initiation and rites of passage. Here is a brief list of the symbolism of bears:
Alchemy – symbol of the nigredo of the prima materia, related to initial stages and to the instincts and “has consequently been considered a symbol of the perilous aspect of the unconscious and as an attribute of the man who is cruel and crude“ (Chirlot, 1995, p. 23)
Amerindian – symbol of immortality, The self-existent as it dies and rises again; supernatural power; strength; the whirlwind
Ursa Major Constellation
Astronomy – either of two constellations in the northern hemisphere, Great Bear or Little Bear
Celtic – lunar symbol of power; attribute of the goddess Berne (means bear)
Christian – symbol of evil, cruelty, greed, carnal appetite; on Norman churches represents Satan; battle between David and the bear symbolizes the triumph of Christ over the forces of darkness
14th-century shield with the arms of Berne
Heraldic – signifies ferocity and protection of kindred; German heraldic symbol of the devil’s power
Finno-Ugrics – Master-of-the-forest, holy hound of God, honey paw, wise man, fur man
Greek – sacred to Artemis, virgin goddess of the hunt and the moon; the priestesses of Artemis Brauroneia (Athens) were known as she-bears and were concerned with times of transition for women; sacred to Athena, goddess of the hunt; attribute of Atalanta and Euphemia; Atalanta was nursed by a she-bear, for Aristotle, the bear symbolizes silliness
Japan – benevolence, wisdom, strength; for the Ainu people (who live in the north of the Japanese island of Hokkaido and the Kuril Islands) the bear is a mountain deity, culture hero, and devine messenger
Norse – in myth, Odin appears as the bear Björn
Persian – symbol of the foolhardy, powerful, and rich enemy
Roman – sacred to Diana, goddess of the hunt, woods, forest, and moon
Russia – emblem of Russia, friend to man; Siberian instructor of shamans and mythological ancestor
Scandinavian – sacred to Thor; female principal as she-bear Atla; the masculine principle as the heat bear Atili
Shamanistic – messenger of the forest spirits known as Shih; Chinese yang symbol, bringer of blessings; universal preserver
Twin Ursae – nurses to the infant Zeus; associated with children and the bear-mother-cult; evolved into the two biblical she-bears called by Elisha as avengers to maul the boys who mocked him (II kings 2:24)
Zuni – beast god; supernatural patron of the medicine society