Throughout history the serpent has been a mysterious and powerful symbol. Anyone who is familiar with the creation story as related in the Bible is well aware of the serpent’s association with temptation. But the serpent was a predominant figure in many ancient civilizations.

Although the serpent is widely known for its temptation of Eve as stated in the Book of Genesis, the slithery serpent has appeared in cultures far and wide including Chinese culture as well as the ancient Aztecs among others. The serpent has been a central character in ancient culture although the symbolism surrounding the creature is widely varied.

The serpent image has been found to adorn caves and temples. Statues of serpents were also quite common. Another common thread in the myths of many ancient cultures is the depiction of gods or goddesses with snakelike features. Many drawings and carvings show them to hold a snake or have it entwined about them in some manner. Regardless of the depiction there was an indication that the snake was an important figure in their culture even if the exact connection is not fully understood.

The serpent has also been referred to as a dragon and the myths surrounding this creature can be intriguing considering the dual nature of the tales inspired by its representation. Many myths and legends center around the mythical dragon but in others the dragon and serpent are used as interchangeable terms to represent the creature being referred to. The serpent has been bestowed with both positive and negative connotations representative of creation or other significance surrounding the character of this mysterious creature.

The serpent has been considered a sacred figure and has been used to represent the life force. It has been a symbol of wisdom and other positive virtues though it is usually viewed from the negative aspect. Most of us identify the serpent with the devil, temptation and evil but we must remember that these were not always the only attributes assigned to this creature. The serpent was also known as a symbol of divinity, healing, longevity and even life itself. It also represented the cycles of life and renewal.

The serpent has long been an object of repulsion and disgust mainly because of its connection to the devil and evil but at one time this lowly creature was viewed in a different light, possibly even revered as a healer and source of rebirth. The serpent is also associated with kundalini, the serpentine energy thought to be coiled at the base of the spine. A modern perspective may link the serpent with DNA, the blueprint of life, which also reveals its symbolism in the double helix, and the medical symbol of the caduceus, which is depicted as a staff with two snakes, entwined around it.

We continue to look to the past for knowledge and while we can’t explain every myth or vestige of ancient civilization, we are still left to wonder what the devil that old serpent was really up to.

This is very interesting reading, thank you. I have acutally met a person who believed that all snakes were actually evil - based on the Adam & Eve story. I countered with the opinion that god created all the creatures of the earth, so the serpent must be god-created, and she never spoke to me again.

Interesting; I was well aware of the Biblical meaning, but didn't know that it spread through other cultures.

The snaka has many features that looked amazingly to the ancients. It changes his skin, is revitalized in some way so it was connected with the cicle of death and resuraction. You can see this symbolism in the popular image of Ourovoros Ofis (tail biting snake).

Most of all snake know's how to make poison, he can combine the elements to make this deadly liquid, so it was connected with knowledge and wisdom.

Serpent as both symbol of life force, and reviled symbol of all things evil?

If snakes looked like kitty cats, they wouldn't be a symbol of anything.

I'm just sayin'.

Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.