Why Symbolism in Ancient Cultures Still Fascinates Us Today

INTRODUCTION Wanderlust can manifest itself beyond the physical realm—it can lead us through the winding paths of time and into the enigmatic territories of ancient cultures; it can instigate a longing to decipher the symbolism embedded in our historical tapestry. It's an allure that pulls us into the rich and vivid world of ancient legends, mythology, and folklore — a testament to the unwavering human curiosity and imagination. This enduring fascination isn't a mere coincidence. As we embark on this journey, delving into the heart of symbolism, we start understanding how deeply connected our contemporary life is to these ancient narratives and symbols. ORIGIN AND CULTURAL CONTEXT Every culture, across time and geography, endeavored to decipher their reality – life, death, nature, the cosmos, and human predicaments, translating these complex inquiries into a kaleidoscope of symbolic narratives. The origin of symbolism is as ancient as our ancestors who painted stories on cave walls. These narratives were steeped in mythic symbols - a pair of antlers represented the forest god Cernunnos for the Celts, a scarab beetle embodied the idea of resurrection for the Egyptians, and the mighty dragon depicted chaos and power in Chinese mythology. Each symbol carried a piece of a culture's beliefs, aspirations, fears, or philosophy. THE LEGEND OR STORY An example of symbolic storytelling can be seen in the epic tale of the Sumerian king, Gilgamesh. It's a sweeping saga of friendship, mortality, and human hubris. In one portion of the tale, Gilgamesh and his companion Enkidu confront the monstrous Humbaba — the guardian of the Cedar Forest. Enraged, they decimate the forest, kill Humbaba, and face the wrath of the gods. The cedar forest is a symbol of divine power and the natural order, while Humbaba represents the punitive aspect of transgressing ecological boundaries. INTERPRETATIONS AND SYMBOLISM Beyond the obvious narrative, the tale suggests a nuanced rationale for ancient Sumerians' respect for certain natural elements and illustrates the ensuing calamity from defying these sacred domains. The Cedar Forest represents a sanctified realm that ought to remain inviolate, suggesting a form of early environmental philosophy. On the other hand, Humbaba underscores the dire consequences of overpowering nature — a grim prophecy that resonates with our contemporary ecological crisis. COMPARISONS IN OTHER CULTURES Many cultures have similar eco-centric legends. In Norse mythology, the cosmic tree Yggdrasil encapsulates the universe, signifying interconnectedness and dependency of life forms. Meanwhile, the Native American legend of the Corn Mother emphasizes the respect for and sustenance derived from nature. These symbols serve as metaphysical blueprints reminding us of our interrelationships with the natural world and the profound consequences of disturbing this harmony. MODERN REFERENCES AND POP CULTURE The evocative nature of these symbols has made them a recurring motif in literature, cinema, and music. Consider J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional ‘Middle–Earth’ in ‘Lord of the Rings.’ The scenery as well as the creatures in this realm echo the essence of the Sumerian Cedar Forest and Humbaba. Here, Ents — the ancient, tree-like beings — personify the wisdom and power of nature, and their destruction by Saruman parallels the Sumerian story. Likewise, Dumbledore's phoenix Fawkes in J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ series mirrors the Egyptian scarab - a symbol of resurrection and rebirth. LEGACY AND LASTING MYSTERIES As we delve deeper into these symbols, we unlock doors to the past, pushing aside the veils of mystery and revealing insights into societies that lived thousands of years ago. However, the cryptic nature of these symbols means many mysteries still remain. What undiscovered symbolism lurks in the untranslated scripts of the Indus Valley civilization? Does the ancient Celtic spiral really symbolize the concept of reincarnation? It is as if we stand on the shore of a vast, unending ocean of hidden meanings and symbolism, yet to be fully explored. Symbolism in ancient cultures is an indispensable cornerstone in our collective journey toward self-understanding. It bridges our past and present, reflecting our deep-seated need to communicate, record, and explore existential queries and experiences — a testament to the creativity, intelligence, and spiritual grandeur of our species. As we marvel at these archaic symbols and tales, they continue to shed light on our past, enrich our cultural psyche, and inspire our creative impulses, proving, their relevance is far from ancient. It's time we plunged deeper into that ocean—after all, history is an estuary of symbols, eternally flowing into the river of time.