Origin and meaning of the cow motif
What is the meaning behind the cow motif that is seen in accessories, jewelry, architecture, and other decorative items?
The meaning of the cow motif from the perspective of the relationship between cows and humans
Cattle have been domesticated by humans since prehistoric times, and they are depicted alongside horses, wild boars, and reindeer in Paleolithic cave paintings at Altamira in Spain and Lascaux in France.
They have been valued as an important source of labor in agriculture and as a source of blessings such as milk, cheese, butter, and food.
Cows play an essential role in agricultural societies, helping with plowing, transporting goods and other tasks, and as such are seen as symbols of strength, endurance and stability.
Religious significance
On the other hand, it also has the character of a sacred animal.
The symbolism of the horned sacred cow has made it an object of worship as a god of fertility in Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, and in Christian iconography, the cow is treated as a sacrificial animal alongside the sheep.
Cow in Hinduism
In Hinduism, cows are considered sacred.
Nandi, a milky white bull, is said to be the vehicle of Lord Shiva, one of the Hindu gods, and is worshipped as a sacred being. Nandi is not only Lord Shiva's vehicle, but also the patron deity of all four-legged animals.
Cows in Buddhism
In Buddhism, the cow is the familiar zodiac sign "Ushi."
It became the second of the twelve zodiac signs because it was the second animal to greet Buddha in the New Year.
Being the animal of the Chinese zodiac, oxen are often seen as lucky charms, but they are also seen as representing the process of enlightenment, as seen in a painting called Ten Oxherding Pictures drawn by a monk from the Song Dynasty in China.
Humans and familiar beings that represent divinity and prosperity
Cows are animals that are very familiar to humans and have many different meanings, such as being used in agriculture and as sacred animals in religion.
Antique jewelry often uses animal motifs as if to symbolize the era or trends.
In silver accessories, it is also a motif that symbolizes courage and strength, like the buffalo skull in Indian jewelry.
Check out this article for tips on how to store your silver accessories and jewelry.