
Usually the words ‘Donkey” “Ass” are used in a derogatory way ( Dumb ass, Jackass etc meaning people who are stupid or of very low intelligence ), even parading the donkeys during the times of Protests ( i don’t know about other countries but in India, it is a common occurrence). May be a kind of public humiliation. I do not know why should Donkey be referred as a stupid creature, when it is said to be an intelligent creature. I think it is the usual dominant human trait to do injustice to the donkey .
The other day I was surprised to come across a hung photo frame of two donkeys with Flower Garland, at the entrance point in one of the shops. The flower indicates that Donkey is being worshiped ,daily. The local language in the photo mentions that ” Have a look at the Donkeys…. and Good fortune follows ” So I realized it is a good Omen to see Donkey face in the morning before one ventures into the routine tasks. So I was glad Donkeys are given due respect, they deserve.
As I googled I learnt a new term ONOLATRY which means Donkey worshiping, used in ancient times.
I learnt that ‘Sheetala Ashtami’ (March-April) celebrated in Rajasthan ( North Indian State) when woman folks worship the Donkey, for well being of children and people. Goddess Sheetala is said to be Goddess of Smallpox and Goddess Sheetala’s Photo frame along with a broom and water filled pot are kept on the Donkey. Why the Donkey is chosen for this purpose…I am not sure. May be friends from Rajasthan can enrich us with better understanding
The symbolism of the donkey may also refer to the Eastern tradition that it is an animal of peace, versus the horse, which is an animal of war.
It’s us who degrades donkeys but donkey’s were given a fair share of it’s honour even by Jesus…
Jesus’ entry on a donkey has a parallel in Zechariah 9:9 which states that: thy king cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass.
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Love your comparison of Donkey representing peace and horse…war .I never new this.Also Jesus’s entry on a donkey.So much I learnt to day .Thank you
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It’s mutual learning from each other Sri… I learn so much from you too….
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Thank you.We belong to MAS or MAA.
Ha….ha….Birds of same feather flock together
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