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Eka Chkheidze
Georgia, Tbilisi
Zoomorphic Images Symbol of Ox
Summary
Since the ancient times ox has been one of the main zoomorphic
symbols in beliefs, mythology and religions of farmer peoples. It is
connected with life-giving force and symbolizes fertility.
In pre-Christian religions the ox cult had astral dimension and was
paired firstly with the moon and later with then sun. In Georgian folklore,
twiddle and customs we can still trace pre-Christian layer, where the ox is
the animal connected with the cult ritual of either the moon or the sun.
Oxen of mythic King Ayety of Kolkheti throwing fire from their mouth
are considered to be the symbol of the sun.
It must be noted that the tradition of associating St George with the ox
is deep-rooted in Georgia and it is widely spread in both Eastern and
Western parts of Georgia. Ox is associated with St. George, who has killed
the dragon. We can observe that the ox has sacral horns and it can be
revealed in different forms. The horns sometimes are sacral themselves
(they are made of diamond and glitter). In other cases the horns are
decorated with gold and jewelry, but sometimes the ox horns are the means
for icon transportation. In Georgian mountainous regions people still
celebrate the ritual “Pelishieri” connected with the sacral horns of the ox.
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