quarta-feira, 6 de novembro de 2013

Donkeys in Religion

    Donkeys are frequently mentioned in religious books, tales and representations. They can found depicted in Egyptian, Mussulman, Jewish, Judeo-Christian and even in Indian culture and stories. For example, this animal is the vehicle for the Hindu goddess Kalaratri, one of the fiercest depiction of Hindu gods. She rides a donkey, which is a symbol of loyalty and destruction of darkness and ignorance.

Kalaratri riding a donkey, symbol of loyalty

    However, the donkey is very frequently cited and artistically represented in Christianity. Since it was a regular animal, spread among several areas as a common resource of load transportation, it is portrayed many times in the Bible (Old and New Testaments) becoming a solid part of this tradition. Often compared to horses, donkeys were not a kind of animal for war battles or for pushing cavalry and fancy chariots. Actually, these animals were a representative of the humble and lowly peoples, always loyal and a source of arduous money or supplies to provide human family survival. In the Bible, we have the passage: “Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey!" (Zechariah 9:9). This meant that the Messiah would appear to everyone riding a donkey for peoples’ salvation. In the New Testament, Jesus is the one who appears on a donkey, triumphantly entering into Jerusalem, period known as Palm Sunday.

Jesus riding a donkey on Palm Sunday. Notice that the animal is depicted in a central placement, and in a high dimension.


     When Jesus came into Jerusalem gates, the whole crowd recognized the Messiah prophecy because of the donkey and shout: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mt 21:9), which is still done as a salutation when the Holy Sacrifice is celebrated. The donkey represented Jesus as a humble rustic man, on a peaceful mission. This animal, then, became the sacred throne for a King. In addition, Jesus also challenged the way of how most of the people perceived those animals: they were frequently mistreated and considered as having no soul, no right to receive respect and compassion. Thence, we can also interpret Jesus’ triumphal arrival as a questioning regarding our treatment toward animals as well.
     A contemporary consequence of this could be the common association of donkeys to humble people, and especially the religious ones. Because of this kind relationship, these animals can be seen as peaceful, significant and even holy animals.

Famous depiction of Jesus' arrival at Jerusalem


Electronic Resources:
                Donkeys in Religion and Mythology
                Kalaratri – Hindu goddess

                Jesus riding a donkey on Palm Sunday

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