The Snake is a common figure in many pre Christian communities across the world. There are many differences in the Snakes symbology and mythology. Unfortunately, Christian mythology has demonised the Snake and have identified it with a form of the Christian Devil, who, according to their Holy Book, was the tempter in the garden of Eden and led to the downfall of all people. I won't continue highlighting the sad change of the Snakes image as a result of the popularity of the Christian religion.There really are lots to explore in other Pre Christian cultures, which I won't attempt as this blog post would become a novel In view of this, I will just stick with how the Snake was seen in the traditional Lithuanian way.
The Snake is often represented in Lithuanian art and crafts of today, including woodworking and steelworking. It would appear that the symbol of the Snake has remained in the Lithuanian psyche for thousands of years and anyone could reasonably say that the Snake was an important figure in the traditional Lithuanian worldview. Generally Lithuanian peoples believed that the Snake deserved love,care and protection. There were even written accounts of Lithuanians picking up a snake and running away with it when a missionary attempted to kill it. We wouldn't do that in Australia as many of our Snakes are highly venomous and deadly. The Snakes in Lithuania are smaller and non poisonous. Although the Snake was never revered as a Deity, it was special to them and Lithuanian peoples considered their house to be blessed if a Snake takes up residence in it.
In the Lithuanian worldview, Snakes were considered to be an animal of Saule, the Sun Goddess, as it was often found basking in the sunshine. It was also believed that as Snakes lived underground that they could have the power to visit the ancestors in the Underworld. The Snake cross is a whirling swastika made of Snakes. This is a common symbol and is also used by the Romuva religion in Lithuania. I was pleased to find out that there were many Pre Christian Lithuanian crosses, as my surname means Cross and I didn't want to be known as Steven Crucifix! Lol
According to Archaeological finds that Lithuanian peoples used several forms of the cross.
*There was a "Sun Cross", that was simply a circle with a cross in it. This was also a representation of the traditional Lithuanian wheel of the Year.
*An "Earth Cross", was used which was a square with a cross in it.
*A "Thunder Cross", was simply a swastika. Yes! a swastika which is also a common symbol with Hindu peoples of India. The swastika was a positive symbol before Hitler and his Nazi movement had demonised it. Unfortunately, Hittler saw the symbol of the Indo Europeans and added to his quest for the, Blond hair, blue eyed Aryan race.
*Peoples in western Lithuania reportedly used the symbol of a five pointed star as the, "Fairy Cross".
Of course there;s also the Snake Cross, as discussed earlier. I now understand that my surname is not referring to the conversion to Christianity but the many Pre Christian crosses of the past. On a side note, I have always been drawn to "Goorialla", the Rainbow serpent of the Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime. I have had many visions of other realms by meditating on the rainbow seen in the mist of a waterfall. Even though my experiences were edifying and useful at the time, I know it's not a Lithuanian practice but it does highlight my own inherent attraction for Snakes which may connect me to my Lithuanian ancestry.
In summary, the Snake was always revered by my Lithuanian ancestors. Personally, I couldn't keep a snake in captivity. Not only do I like to see all animals free but I also don't like the idea of having to regularly feed a snake with home grown mice. In Australia, we have a healthy respect for Snakes understanding territories and aggression in breeding and rearing times. Respect for Snakes, in Australia, is akin to the mindset of my Lithuanian ancestors.
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