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Next to birds, snakes are probably the
oldest creatures to be connected with divine
power. They were particularly associated with the
gods and goddesses of the underworld, probably
because the snake lived in the ground.
Consequently, it was also a symbol of the earth
element. Because the ancient people saw the
snake shedding its skin, they thought it was
shedding its old age and becoming young again. It
was therefore a powerful symbol of regeneration.
There never were any snakes in Ireland, but the
Celts brought with them a cult of the snake. The
story of St. Patrick banishing the snakes from
Ireland is probably an allegory for banishing the
cult of the snake.
This
snake is based on a stone carving from an Iron
Age hill fort in northern Spain (Galicia)
From
the Aberdeen
Bestiary (circa 14th c):
"...the snake... glitters with such a
variety of colour on its back that it slows down
those who look at it on account of its markings.
And because it is not a keen crawler and cannot
overtake the prey it pursues, it catches those
who are stunned by the marvel of its appearance.
It gets so hot that even in winter it casts off
its burning skin...
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Colour: Porcelain/Bluebird w/ gold
foils
Size: 1 1/2" x 1"
All
brooches can also be ordered as necklaces
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