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Snakes and serpents
Snakes and serpents
The snake and its symbolic attributes have been a rich source of inspiration for goldsmiths over the centuries. Some examples of snake (or serpent) bracelets of the type of the one pictured above were already made in Greece from the 3rd century BC and also in the Roman Empire. The timeless, evocative look of antique snake jewelry makes a distinctive addition to every woman's jewelry wardrobe.
The serpent is one of the oldest and most widespread mythological symbols. Considerable overlap exists in the symbolic values that serpents represent in various cultures. Some such overlap is due to the common historical ancestry of contemporary symbols. Much of the overlap, however, is traceable to the common biological characteristics of snakes.
The following are some of the particular symbolic values frequently assiged to serpents in myth, legend, and literature:
The serpent is one of the oldest and most widespread mythological symbols. Considerable overlap exists in the symbolic values that serpents represent in various cultures. Some such overlap is due to the common historical ancestry of contemporary symbols. Much of the overlap, however, is traceable to the common biological characteristics of snakes.
The following are some of the particular symbolic values frequently assiged to serpents in myth, legend, and literature:
- guardianship
- poison and medicine
- renewal, rebirth, regeneration
More information on snakes and serpents as symbols.
See also our:
other snake and serpent jewelry
jewelry with animal themes
extensive antique jewelry glossary
antique jewelry style overview
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