medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Paul Chandler wrote:
It seems unlikely that it is a symbol of patience or obstinacy as puzzlingly suggested here.
After perusing multitudinous books, dictionaries and encyclopedias of symbols, I've concluded that double, even frequently contradictory, symbolisms are given certain animals, etc. The goat, for instance, may symbolize Satan OR Christ. The first is obvious and familiar; but the second is surprising. The argument goes thus: the goat may climb very high and observe all from his vantage point. So... Louis Charbonneau-Lassay's _Bestiaire du Christ_ makes this point. Acc. to C-L, many animals we associate with evil or negative aspects may symbolize Christ including, if memory serves, the serpent. My _Dictionnaire des symboles_ also gives the ass many different symbolic values, including the two you reference above. Assigning double and contradictory symbolic meaning seems to be a favorite pastime in our period.
MG
_____________________________________________________________
Make the most out of every dollar. Click here to find websites and services to help invest wisely.
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2111/fc/Ioyw6iiejYNf8S3H52MdCK94Bdnah6s5lkiP2PEYKnTqo7ACCbGQYj/
**********************************************************************
To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME
to: [log in to unmask]
To send a message to the list, address it to:
[log in to unmask]
To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion
to: [log in to unmask]
In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to:
[log in to unmask]
For further information, visit our web site:
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html
|