Animal Symbolism:
the naming ceremony from Bearstone
An Seventh Grade Pathfinder
 

Over thousands of years, humans have developed many kinds of relationships with animals. We are dependent upon them for food. They are companions and pets, sometimes doing our work. We admire their courage, strength, intelligence, gentleness and many other “human-like” characteristics that we attribute to them. We also fear some animals—grizzly bears, rattlesnakes, sharks, and black widows again assigning them human traits such as vicious, man-eating, sly, venomous, etc.

In some Native American Indian cultures, naming is important in the development of the person. At various stages, names are given that define the character and potential of the individual. Often a type of animal or other element of nature becomes part of the name, symbolic of the person to whom it is given.

Begin the project by assessing your own personality, strengths and weaknesses, values, and culture. Next, research various animals and their real or legendary qualities and choose one that best represents or symbolizes who you are.

1)                          You will create a name and symbol that embodies the traits that you have identified.

2)                          You will write a minimum of two paragraphs describing the animal that inspired you, the name you have created, and the symbol that represents your name.

3)                          You will produce the symbol in some type of artwork.

          Below you will find links to a variety or resources, some in print but most are from the Internet. Please use these sources as they have been specifically chosen to help you complete this assignment.

Books	Internet Resources Databases	Internet Resources Websites	Keywords	Dewey numbers	Citation

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•  Names of animals
•  Naming

•  Rites and ceremonies

•  590 Animals
•  592 Invertebrates (worms, etc.)
•  593 Marine and seashore invertebrates (sponges, etc.)
•  594 Mollusks (clams, oysters, octopuses, etc.)

•  595 Arthropods (crabs, shrimps, lobsters, and all insects)
•  597 Cold-blooded vertebrates (fish, sharks, amphibians, and reptiles)
•  598 Birds
•  599 Mammals