Cows and How Symbolism (Kind of) Works

Have you ever walked into a Hobby Lobby, just minding your own business, trying to find some craft supplies, when, all of a sudden, you run into a cow? Not an actual cow, but cow decor, cow pillows, cow art, cow-print; cow-everything. You might wonder, why cows? With so many animals out there, what makes cows so special that cow-related merchandise can be found from slippers to body pillows to art? 

Turns out cow-related things are not just a fad in our current times. Cow art has been around as long as humans! The finding of cave cow art confirms this. In ancient Egypt, the bull symbolized strength and masculinity, associating cows with positive characteristics. It was also a symbol of creation and new life, with the bull god Apis serving as the incarnation of the creator god Ptah. In Greek mythology, cows are often tools of the gods, serving as symbols of power, from Helios’s sacred cattle to Minotaurs, half-bull, half-man monsters. Again, we see the symbol of power and physical strength, as well as status, all wrapped up in the cow. 

Moving from ancient Western cultures, there is also Hinduism, where cows are considered sacred and symbolize life, nourishment and the connection between humans and the earth. And in certain African communities, cows symbolize wealth, community and sustenance. Even in the modern Spanish bullfights, the fight represents the conflict everyone experiences in life, with the bull’s death viewed almost as a sacrifice; as such, bulls are greatly revered. And in certain literature, bulls represent passion, energy and freedom, while cows are seen as symbols of motherhood, nurture, and harmony with nature. Throughout all these cultures and times, cows symbolize prosperity, power, life and the land. 

This unified front, as well as the fact that cows live on pretty much every continent, except Antarctica, explains why there could be such a universal appeal for these creatures, as, regardless of a person’s origin, cows will always represent good and positive things. This is quite different from, say, lions, which are not as universal and have mixed mythic roles, or dolphins, which are limited to only certain geographic locations and cultures. Thus, their prevalence can be attributed to the simple fact that cows do not really have much negative press. Besides, with their chill life chowing down grass in pastures and enjoying life, who wouldn’t be drawn to these gentle giants?

So what does our obsession with cows say about our society? One potential theory is that humans tend to be drawn to serene and calm creatures that live their lives in relative tranquility. And so, the serenity of a cow munching on grass is very attractive. Additionally, like the cat, dog, chicken, goat and sheep, cows are farm animals that have long been associated with contentment in rural life. 

Unlike a lot of other animals, which are limited to only certain food items, cows are responsible for so many things. From ice cream to cheese, to milk, to yogurt, cows do it all. It is very hard to forget something that accounts for the majority of dairy products and also a large amount of meat, so we seek to remember it. Or it could be correlated with the fact that cows are a symbol of peace (wartime would mean most of the cows would be killed for meat and not kept as herd animals), contentment and prosperity. I think that it is our association between cows and wealth, good fortune and food that results in us esteeming them so highly. Another theory is that because they are so useful, we cannot imagine a life without them; this is reflected in our choice of cow-related products. The rise of the farmhouse chic style, in which rustic wood is combined with chicken or cow-themed decor, could be another reason. Or it could be because we put value on creatures that enhance our existence, so while there are plenty of creatures in the world, the humble cow will still steal the show.

Whatever you may think, cows are incredible creatures. Throughout their many mythological roles, they have always been portrayed as a comfort to mankind, be it through the sustenance of milk or the emotional support of ice cream; cows deserve all the attention we give them.