The snake is one of the oldest symbols of mankind. Any visitor to Lalish in Northern Iraq will be stunned and fascinated by the image of a huge black snake that greets them as they enter the courtyard of the main Yazidi shrine.

The snake is an ancient symbol that has been used in many cultures around the world. In Yazidi tradition, the snake is a symbol of protection, wisdom, rejuvenation, life and death. The patron saint of snakes in the Yazidi religion is Saint Sheh Mand.

Some people have misunderstood the symbolism of the snake and used it to sow doubt in Yazidi religion. However, it is important to remember that the snake is a powerful symbol with many positive meanings.

The snake is a symbol of protection because it is often associated with the underworld. In many cultures, the underworld is seen as a place of mystery and power. The snake is considered the guardian of the underworld and can protect people from harm. The snake is also a symbol of wisdom, as it is often associated with knowledge and secrets. In Yazidi tradition, the snake is seen as a messenger of God and can bring wisdom to those who are open to receiving it.

The snake is also a symbol of rejuvenation as it sheds its skin and begins life anew. This symbolizes the cycle of life and death. The snake is a reminder that even if we die, we will be reborn again.

The snake is a powerful symbol with many positive meanings. It is important to remember this when we see the snake in Yazidi temples or other contexts.

The snake as a symbol is found in many religions.

In Hindu myths, the huge snake Vasuki assists the gods in plowing the world's oceans, the serpent Ananta serves as a support for the demiurge Vishnu, but the storm god Indra has to fight for the sun with the serpent Vritra, who represents primordial chaos.

Indian nag, cobra, guarding the scattering of sparkling gems, symbolizes the safety of spiritual values. Hindus and Chinese believed that the snake - guardian kills only sinful seekers of easy profit, and people virtuous it generously rewards for purity of soul and unselfishness.

In the history of ancient Egypt, a special place belongs to the Ureus - the sacred snake of the pharaoh, the main symbol of his unlimited power over life and death. Urey, made of gold and enamel, decorated the headdress of the pharaoh, and in some cases - and his beard.

In Christian iconography, the snake appears in the darkest light. In the scene of the Fall, the serpent - the tempter, identified with the devil himself, is the embodiment of universal evil, sin and deception. The serpent at the foot of the cross is a symbol of original sin, atoned for by Christ on the cross. Snake trampled deer or elephant, it is held in the claws or in the beak of an eagle, the Virgin Mary tramples her feet - all these are Christian emblems of victory over evil.

In Christianity can be seen and the opposite, positive interpretation of the snake as a symbol of wisdom.

In the Orthodox tradition of the staff of the patriarch is also decorated with the symbol of the snake. From above, the staff is crowned with a cross, reminding that archpastors should shepherd the flock of words according to the example of the Shepherd Master, in the name and glory of Jesus Christ. The curved serpents on the hierarch's staff, mutually facing one another, signify the wisdom of pastoral authority (see: Matthew 10:16).

Also, the serpent as a symbol of wisdom is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew:

10:16. Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves:

And so be wise as serpents, and simple as doves.

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