Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

I can think of no more misunderstood creatures on the face of the Earth than snakes.

Though they are not renowned for their obedience snakes make good low maintenance pets.  And contrary to apparent scientific experiments, conducted by people who don't own snakes, they do get to know and recognise their handlers, and can be socialised.

Different breeds have different temperaments.  I can only speak for the few species of Australian snakes that I've had contact with and stories passed on from various handlers I've met. 

I've had the baby Proserpine python in the photo, Shakira, for about 17 months now.  I let anyone that wishes to to handle her.  She is very docile and only shows aggression when she is being fed (or if you put your hand on her when she's asleep…).  Shakira has been handled by a child as young as 7.  Children are fascinated by her which helps overcome their fear of snakes.

If you want a more temperamental 'bitey' pet snake you would get an Olive python or a Scrub python.  I've seen an Olive python try and strike her handler through the glass front of her enclosure, hitting the glass with such force you would swear the glass would break.  She'd just had a clutch of hatchlings, her handler said it was an 'hormonal' thing.

Australia is home to 9 of the 10 most dangerous snakes in the world.  I'm not advocating handling any snake you see.  Snakes are generally shy creatures, if you leave them alone they leave you alone.  Over 90% of people bitten by snakes are bitten while trying to kill the snake that bites them.  Can you blame the snake?

Ever since Satan is recorded as appearing as a serpent in the Garden of Eden, snakes have been getting a bad rap.

I can say they make amazing pets.  There is something special about bonding with 300 million years of evolution.  And they give an unreal neck massage.

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Very nice.  Might I toss in the case of the spider?

It is often said that fear is born out of survival, but I'm not sure this is the case in this day and age; it seems like more and more people are developing fears of animals they have–and likely never will–encountered.  Tis a shame.

I bring up spiders simply because I have a bit of an obsession for them.  I collect them for the sake of their survival, actually (the people around me all try to kill them, so something must be done).

My apologies for the babbling, I'll get to the point.  The story of Arachne portrays the term as synonymous with a guiltless, immoral creature, thus the simple name creates a mistrust in and of itself.

Point of fact, very few spiders are actually deadly to your average healthy human, and in America, there are only two native ones, both of which are considered dangerous but not deadly in most cases (in out current time).  Yet the fear prevails.

Very few spiders bite unprovoked.  More often than not it's an issue of careless intrusion.  Consider it this way, if an intruder barged into your house and began ransacking it, would you stand idly by?  How about if said spider then began chasing you with a baseball bat?  It is perfectly possible to live in harmony with spiders, just keep an eye out for them and if they are in an area of heavy traffic, move them to a quieter location. (Apologies for my spider interaction ettiquette shpiel.)

Anywho, the basic idea here is that arachnophobia is one of the top ten fears internationally, and this is due in large part to the fact that these creatures are simply misunderstood.  They desire only to eat pest and spawn on a generation as any species would.

I will admit to having well over 50 spiders that I feed on a weekly basis, and it is no trouble to live harmoniously with them.

Offering understanding about my eight-legged friends,
Centri

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

I think snakes are more misunderstood than spiders so there!!!

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Haha, snakes are more personable, I'm sure.  You can't pet most spiders, afterall.

But based on the fact that I've seen spiders kill snakes, I will give you that snakes are the better choice for an icon, however misunderstood they REALLY are.   Xb

So nyeh nyeh!
Centri

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Apart from that, spiders are ugly, grose, horrible, belligerent, nasty furry little creatures with big teeth and bad attitudes, and stuff.

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Way to show your understanding and open-mindedness. ^_~

If I knew how to post pictures on here I'd have a few for you… >.<

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Isn't she beautiful?

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Oh, very nice color!  My friend has a ball python than has very cloudy scales.  It's sad.

And I jest plenty, but I actually am an animal lover.  Period.  The “stranger” the better to me.

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Shakira's scales go sort of dull and fades just before she sheds.

You know Centri you could start a post on what causes people to misunderstand you.  I think seeing spiders as anything but ugly, repulsive, antisocial misfits in the insect kingdom would give lots of people grounds to misunderstand you.

BTW, I'm using firefox as my browser and to place Shakira's photo I uploaded it to my profile photo folder, opened a second browser and opened to this pod, and then dragged and dropped her photo.  It was that simple.

Seasoning that post with photos of your little 8 legged darlings would probably guarantee you had it all to yourself….lol

Keep smiling Centri.

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

I know the scales lift up and lose color just before molting, but her's has always stayed dull after the third shedding.

Andrew, upon your request, I will make a different thread on the basis of misunderstanding in my case, but let me assure you, spiders are not the only reason.  I do love the creatures and think they are quite beautiful, but I do understand why people dislike them.  My thinking is that in the world we ought to strive to understand all things before wantonly casting them in a disparaging light.

And now I know.  But it sounds like more effort than I'll probably go in to, so I suppose I will be sticking with the plain text!  For the moment at least.

My darlings can wait, afterall, for they are as beautiful in death as they are in life.

Ever smiling, even without cause,
Centri

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Centri, I think you realise I'm playing the devils advocate as far as spiders are concerned.

Their 'beauty' somehow escapes me but I'm not given to hating anything.  Spiders serve a purpose like anything else in this creation.

At one time I lived on the Gold Coast, in Southern Queensland.  At that time redback spiders, which are considered fairly dangerous, were in plague proportions.  I had a job at the time cleaning up newly build houses, getting rid of the rubbish left behind by the builders.  The first piece of plaster I picked up off the floor of the first house I cleaned up revealed hundreds of redbacks, they were like ants.

After changing my underwear and putting on gloves I went back in and started again.  The redbacks were so prolific that by the end of the first day I had my gloves off and was brushing them off me as if they were ants.

I haven't been particularly worried about spiders since.  I still think they're ugly.

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Andrew, the misunderstood creature “argument” was all in jest, let me assure you.  I am aware that very few people in the world see spiders as I do, and that is perfectly fine.  In fact, it's probably better that way.  I like to argue jokingly, I'm not easily offended, so feel free to play along.

It's well within your prerogative to like or dislike any creature you choose, and I won't even for a second pretend I believe you to be a worse person for it.  I am an odd bird, I know, and I'm good with that.  Everyone has things they like, and spiders are mine.

If you want to talk funny, I adore spiders but am terrified of ants.  It's a legitimate fear, seeing as one crawling on me leaves a trail of what looks like mosquito bites and an ant sting swells up to a pingpong ball sized welt, but I still find it humorous that “dangerous” creatures are beautiful and “benign” creatures are terrifying to me.

Generally backward,
Centri

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

If you're generally backward, I'm full speed in reverse.  I knew you were blaspheming Shakira in jest.  She wasn't upset at all.

Ants are something else again.  I don't know what they are like in your part of the world but here they vary between little quarter of an inch harmless to over an inch long bull ants with very bad attitudes.

Anyway, I'm unoffendable. I'm guessing your are too.  If not you soon will be.

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Beautiful markings!   

We have a rubber boa, which is very simple it its appearance.  It is a solid silver with a green tinge in certain lighting, and it has small  eyes.  However, it is very sweet - very possibly the most docile snake I have ever encountered.

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

For me, I connect snakes in general with the spiritual symbolism of snakes… as the coiled serpent within the base of the spine and the Kundalini energy that springs forth from that 'coiled snake' as the energy awakens & rises up the spine….

So the symbolism of energy (snake… kundalini…) rising up the spine, & up from the 'mud'
of ignorance into enlightment
are the images I resonate with…
I see the snake as representing wisdom,
energy, consciousness,
soul empowerment, and the like…

Snakes are a positive sign to me.

(Please click the pictures, info best in the top one… I'll, again, be blogging about Kundalini experiences… soon.)

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

You are a girl after my own heart Peggy.

I was aware the serpent features symbolically but I'm ignorant in that area, as with some other areas… a lot of other areas… ummmm just about every other area.

So this is an excellent learning experience for me.

Shakire will be pleased too - you've cemented my resolve to keep her as the mascot for this pod.

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Shakira is quite that charmer isnt she! <3…

I'm rather glad you used our serpantine friends to represnt misunderstanding it's a great choice!

The snake has for a very long time been looked down upon for the tradgadies its caused and its cold blooded nature.

But before Adam and Eve and the tale of the forbidden fruit.

The snake was the icon or symbol of Gaia. Wrapped around the earth protecting it.  

The Chakras speak of the Kundalini serpant making its way through the Chakras to seek its consort of higher consiousness, or Shiva. ( I watched this very awesome dvd on the Charkras and the representation of the Kundalini serpant as each of the Charkras was so cool!)

So that being said.. Hopefully all that inhabit this lovely forum will look again on the snake slithering through their garden and smile. Snakes need love too <3

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

How did I miss your post Ashley???

Anyone that says nice things about Shakira is my friend but you are my friend, in fact my special friend already. 

This just about elevates you to Princess status as far as I am concerned.

I sit in awe of your beauty, wisdom and presence.

An eccentric 'knows a pretty Princess when he sees one' Aussie and friend

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

The snake is an old symbol of the fertility of men and women.  A snake is also a sign of renewal, rebirth.  Because of the molting of their skin, I think.

I also can't help but recall the symbol of the snake eating itself, in a perpetual circle.  The cycle of life.

I am mindful of something I recall hearing:  that perhaps the snake is not trusted simply because it can move so well and sideways on land yet have no legs or feet.

In any case, your pet is your pet.  Proserpine?  Fascinating.

Why did you name her Shakira?

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Hi Persephone

I had the choice of 2, one was really docile and I thought I'd take it but as I was being passed the other one she whipped out and struck the breeder on the arm.  As he was a hard boiled sarcastic type with a very dry sense of humour I said I'd take the one that was a good judge of character, the one that had struck him.  And Shakira came into my mind at that moment.  I know next to nothing about the singer, just the name seemed appropriate.

She always seems slow and casual but people are amazed how quickly she can move, particularly at feeding time.

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Snakes being misunderstood probably come from the combination of several factors.  Snakes are not seen as “useful”  (dogs guard or work, horses plow, chickens provide eggs, etc.), nor do they present themselves as cuddly companions to most people.  Even if a snake seems to have some recognition or even some level of affection, they are not hopping, drooling, preening, or purring to see you.   For these reasons, snakes have often been overlooked, and the lack of attention and knowledge leads to a greater potential for misunderstanding.

Add to that the poisonous nature of some snakes, and even a cute little garter snake can strike fear in a large man.  Of course, it doesn't help that one usually discovers a snake up close; you don't exactly see them from any great distance, especially since most prefer to be in the undergrowth. 

You can't control for a snake – can't build a fence to keep it out; lack of control of the potential for interacting with this animal probably doesn't help any (also, anybody ever successfully “train” a snake?).

The lack of understanding and fear are perpetuated in stories, including those presenting the snake as something evil.  There are also those people who do not have snakes for the beauty of the creature, but solely for the “deviance” associated with it, meaning that these particular owners are not always the best ambassadors for the snake's image – especially if they are not aware of the snake's needs and/or do not put in the time handling their pet.

Wow - how many species of snakes are in the world anyway?  Each with its own disposition and unique set of needs.  Some are truly dangerous.  Most are not.  Also, some make better pets than others. 

Re: Why Use a Snake to Represent Misunderstanding?

Hi Tamra,

I apologise for being so slow to acknowledge your contribution to a subject that is so close to my heart.

You are absolutely correct regarding certain breeds of snakes being more people friendly than others.  My knowledge is limited on whats friendly and what isn't.

A Coastal Taipan is one of the most intelligent snakes in the world and have been domesticated by people that are probably more insane than brave. This breed of snake has extremely good eyesight and remembers events from weeks before.  One owner told me that if he does something to upset his Taipan he gives it a wide berth for at least a fortnight.

The Coastal Taipan is second only to the Inland Taipan or Fierce Snake in the potency of it's venom.  Fierce Snakes are recluses and are rarely seen in the wild.  Tiger snakes are a bit flighty to be pets, getting very agro very quickly if disturbed. 

Of the non venomous snakes, the carpet python family, which are defined by the markings on the snakes, make the best pets.  There are some exceptions, I've seen some bad tempered Diamond pythons that liked nothing better than to stick their teeth into the nearest human, but I think these had been raised to be nasty.

If they are relentlessly teased and aggravated any breed of snake can become viscious. An Australian man that was known for teasing and provoking his python, I don't remember the breed, had a bit too much to drink one night and fell asleep on his couch.  He was found dead the following morning having been asphyxiated by his snake.  He hadn't locked it up prior to falling asleep.

They are an amazing pet.  Shakira is as placid and easy to handle as any snake because she has been socialised and handled by as many people as have asked to.  It is amazing how many people, mainly girls, that have said they'd like to keep her.

I'm not sexist but girls seem a lot more comfortable handling her than boys. Even my 6'2” rugby playing tuff son wont handle her. Yet she's been held by a 6 year old girl who, to her mothers horror, wanted to keep her.

Your right about 'controlling' a snake.  I don't think you can train them like a dog.  Shakira does pretty much what she wants to do.

Thank you Tamra for your contribution to this thread.

an eccentric Aussie