Both domestic and feral dogs are/were domesticated grey wolves, carnivorous members of the canidae family. They have been human’s helpers since these canines were first domesticated; canine domestication is thought to have occurred during the Stone Age.
It's believed that the Stone Age man noticed that wolves were pack animals and hunters, so when the opportunity arose, they found either a cub or an injured wolf to domesticate in order to help them hunt. Humans began to breed their dogs for different purposes, reflected today in the American Kennel Club's groups – the terrier group, the sporting group, the non-sporting group, the hound group, the toy group, the working group and the herding group.
Scientists proved that dogs are so closely related to the grey wolf that, in 1993, the domestic canine was reclassified as Canis Lupus from Canis Familiaris. Dogs and their symbolism are found in many cultures. Their keynotes are protection and faithfulness and the cycle of power is year-around.
Celtic Dog Symbolism
Cù is usually pictured as a hound and represents loyalty, faithfulness, companionship, trust, protection, vigilance, guidance and courage and skill in the hunt.
Druids believed Cù was the Guardian of the Mysteries and led people through the dark waters of the subconscious into light. He offers blind love and obedience, symbolizes sun, wind and fire and is believed to share the after-life with humans. Cù was considered to be good luck and an omen of good health.
The Dog as an AmerIndian Symbol
This canine is considered humanity’s servant because he symbolizes loyalty, nobility, faithfulness, protection guidance and teaching. The dog guarded tribes’ homes against attacks. He embodies the qualities of gentleness and protection.
Canines are used to guide the blind and to be service animals, assisting people by doing things they can’t do, such as picking up items that have fallen to the floor or guiding a blind person across the street.
Negative Dog Symbolism
While most cultures regard the dog as a positive symbol, the Semitic and Moslems societies view the dog as evil, unclean and/or demonic. Dogs and women weren’t allowed to enter Islamic shrines.
During the Christian Burning Times — the height of the witch persecutions — hunts, trials and executions, dogs were believed to be witches’ lovers and familiars. Evil sorcerers made a black dog pull a mandrake root from the earth because the plant’s screams made people to go insane. Alchemists had symbols of wolves devouring dogs because they represented antimony purifying gold.
Superstitions about Dogs
The custom of carrying a bride over the threshold is, most likely, based on the Assyrian symbol of death showing the dog guarding a house doorway. Carrying the bride over the threshold shows that the dog and the woman is welcome.
Gypsy superstitions hold that when a dog digs a hole in the garden, there will be a death in the family and human wounds will heal when the dog licks them. The Irish believe the dog can help break curses. An ancient Semitic tradition is that the dog can see the Angel of Death approaching howls at the sight.
Many Europeans believe that the dog howls because he can sense death and see the ghosts of departing people. In reality, there are many documented cases of dogs howling being a death omen. When Lord Carnarvon died in Cairo, his dog, in England, howled at the hour of his demise.
Canine Articles Related to Dog Symbolism
People who enjoyed this article might like:
- Coyote – Pagan Symbol of a Trickster explores the animal and coyote symbolism.
- Fox – Pagan Symbol of Camouflage discusses the fox's symbolism of shape-shifting. The fox is the smallest wild canine.
- Wolf – Influential Pagan Symbol discusses the wolf's highly structured society and cross-cultural symbolism.
Sources:
- Animal Magick, D. J. Conway, (Llewellyn Publications, 1996).
- The Druid Animal Oracle, Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm, (A Fireside Book, 1994).
- Medicine Cards, Jamie Sams & David Carson, (Bear & Company, 1988).
Jill Stefko - I'd rather deal with the paranormal than human abnormal - having dealt extensively with both.
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