Animal-Inspired Jewelry: What Different Animals Represent

Animal-Inspired Jewelry: What Different Animals Represent

Much of the symbolism that animals have is related to ancient tradition, but there are also certain qualities that animals have that are part of the general consciousness. Animal jewelry has shifted in and out of vogue over the years, and is once again popular. Owls and other birds have been cropping up in style reports for years, but any animal will provide a unique twist to your look. Animal jewelry is often over-the-top and used in costume jewelry, but it can also be elegant and chic. The key when deciding to wear animal jewelry is to find balance with your overall look. Animal influence on jewelry dates back to the ancient Egyptians and before. These animals may have represented protective symbols or referenced gods, and they still have meaning today.

Cat

Cats have a variety of associations, including as a good omen, guardians of the afterlife and even evil and bad luck (such as the old superstition of not letting a black cat cross your path). Cats have also been considered guardians of the home and symbols of domesticity. Today cats generally communicate that the wearer is a cat person,' since they are so heavily domesticated. A sweatshirt with kittens on it does not likely signal meanings of good omens! Jungle cats and large cats have long been tied to power, energy and royalty.

Fox

The fox is an intelligent, independent animal, therefore its image evokes wit and wisdom. Foxes were also thought to be helpful and good luck in many countries, as with legends of the nine-tailed fox (Kumiho) in Korea. Ancient texts mention benevolent Kumihos assisting humans in distress. Over time ideas about the fox shifted away from benevolence toward trickery and even evil.

Horse

The horse is a symbol of hard work. Due to their history of assisting in war, horses are also often associated with strength and power. Indeed, the Greco-Romans associated horses with the spoils of war, and thus attributed them to things like power, victory, honor and virility. The loyalty of a horse to its rider and the horse as one of the symbols in the Chinese zodiac equates horses with devotion, practicality and love.

Bird

Birds have an intrinsic connection to the sky, which according to many cultures creates the link between the heavens and the earth. Birds are therefore often associated with the soul and immortality. The ability to fly also references freedom, as with the idea of the eagle. Cranes are symbols of long life and immortality and nightingales suggest love and longing. The owl is synonymous with death, and also wisdom, insight and virtue since it is the animal associated with Athena.

Fish

Water has historically been considered mysterious; since water is the home of all fish, thissentiment creates a mystique around fish. The ocean can also be seen as a womb symbol, the source of life, birth, fertility and femininity (flood waters are also a source of fertility which makes this connection). This results in fish being associated with Fertility, creativity, femininity, good luck and transformation. These and many other animals can be found in the wide variety of jewelry offered by individual artisans on ArtFire.com, the premier online handmade artisan venue.

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