Significance of animals in religions across the world

A variety of animals and birds have special significance in different religions and indigenous cultures across the world. While we treat cows and elephants as holy in India, many other domestic and wild animals have a unique place in mythology of different faiths.
 
Owl: The owl is a creature of darkness and is also seen as an unclean bird as it defecates in its own nest. This behavior led it to be reviled by the Church and early Christians who considered the owl a messenger and servant of Satan. However, as the owl sits in one place for long periods it is also a common motif found on the walls and pillars in monasteries encouraging monks to meditate and contemplate peacefully. The owl is also associated with the occult and secret knowledge, therefore has been a popular symbol of the Illuminati and the Freemasons. Roman Goddess of wisdom and learning, Minerva who is known an Athena in the Greek pantheon is often depicted in paintings and statues with an owl perched on her shoulder. In India we associate the owl with wisdom and as the ‘vaahan’ of Goddess Laxmi.
 
Jaguar: The Jaguar has a special place in Meso American culture. The Mayans, Incas and Aztecs all worshiped a variety of Jaguar Gods and demi gods. In fact, the Olmec pantheon also had a were-jaguar. Jaguars were revered for their speed, strength and agility. Shamans believe that Jaguars can move between earth and the spirit realm. This is because they are perfectly comfortable on land as well as up in the branches of trees. They can hunt during both day and night and are believed to have the ability to protect people from evil spirits. In some tribal cultures the jaguar is also considered a ‘spirit animal’ or the essence of someone’s personality and core values. It represents bravery and strength.
 
Rabbit: In ancient Egypt, rabbits were associated with Goddess Ishtar who was the deity of fertility and motherhood. The concept later evolved and was appropriated into associating bunnies with the Christian festival of Easter. Christian art often depicts an image of three rabbits to symbolise the Holy Trinity. The rabbi is also associated with resurrection and reincarnation. However, in the Old Testament, the rabbit is seen as an unclean animal. It is a symbol of unbridled sexuality and lust that can lead one astray from the path to salvation. The Rabbit is also the fourth position in the Chinese zodiac. It represents harmony, creativity and good judgment.
 
Peacock: In Hinduism the Peacock is the vaahan of Kartikeya, the God of war. Peacock feathers also adorn the crown of Lord Krishna. In ancient Babylon and Persian, the Peacock was seen as a guardian of royalty. This is why many thrones of kings have peacock engravings. Melek Taus or the Peacock Angel is a central figure in the Yazidi faith. He was once a fallen angel but was redeemed by the grace of God and repentance. While he is often viewed as a parallel of the Abrahamic Lucifer, Melek Taus regretted his actions and cried for 7000 years and his tears put extinguished the fires of hell.
 
Cat: There were several temples dedicated to Bastet, the cat goddess in ancient Egypt who was the deity of protection, fertility and motherhood. Cats were known as ‘Mau’ in the local language. They were highly respected for their ability to kill mice and therefore help protect produce from vermin infestation. Cats were also revered for their ability to kill venomous snakes like Cobras. Infact, since they were highly revered in Egyptian society many cats were mummified just like humans. Cats also hold a special place in Islam. It is said that once Prophet Mohammed’s favourite cat Meuzza fell asleep on the sleeve of his prayer robes. So he cut off the sleeve instead of waking her up. In fact, he also prohibited the persecution and killing of cats. However, in medieval Europe cats, especially black ones came to be associated with witchcraft and many were killed along with their mistresses. Witches were usually wealthy unmarried or widows and designating them as witches was the easiest way to usurp their property. The so called witches lead solitary lives and probably just kept cats as pets.