A snake on a necklace often holds symbolic meaning for the wearer. Snakes have been used as jewelry motifs across cultures for centuries. They can represent wisdom, fertility, protection, immortality, or transformation. The specific meaning depends on the cultural context and personal beliefs of the wearer.
Snakes as Symbols
In many cultures and mythologies, the snake symbolizes wisdom and knowledge. This is connected to the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, where a snake tempts Eve with the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. The snake embodied cleverness and secret knowledge. Wearing a snake can suggest the wearer is wise or values learning.
Snakes shed their skin, which represents transformation, rebirth, and healing. A snake on a necklace can symbolize the wearer overcoming difficult times or developing as a person. It’s connected to the idea that snakes can heal themselves by shedding their skin.
The snake also symbolizes fertility in some cultures. Because they lay many eggs and are seen as highly fertile animals, snakes adorned Greek statues of fertility gods like Hermes. For the ancient Egyptians, the snake represented women’s creative power. A woman wearing a snake highlights her femininity.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the snake forms part of the circular symbol Ouroboros – a snake eating its own tail. This represents the cycle of life and death. A snake necklace in these faiths has connections to eternity, continuity, and reincarnation.
Snakes represent protection and wards against evil in many cultures. This stems from ancient beliefs that snakes protected homes and frightened away demonic spirits. Many ancient people hung snake images on their doorways or wore snake jewelry for protection.
Snake Necklaces in Culture
Here are some of the key ways snake necklaces and snake motifs have been used in various cultures and faith traditions:
Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, the cobra was a protective symbol worn by pharaohs. It represented the goddess Wadjet and was believed to spit fire at enemies. Kings wore cobra symbols on their foreheads or crowns as a sign of power and protection.
Snakes like cobras and vipers were portrayed on jewelry as well as headdresses. Gold snake bracelets and neck plates with snake heads were buried with mummies to protect them in the afterlife.
Ancient Greece & Rome
For the ancient Greeks, snakes symbolized fertility and medicine. A famous statue of Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing, shows him leaning on a staff encircled by a snake. Greeks wore snake rings, bracelets, and necklaces to honor Asclepius.
In Rome, snakes were associated with Bacchus, the god of wine. Wreaths and jewelry with grape vines and snakes were worn during drunken revelries and festivals.
Hinduism & Buddhism
In Hindu iconography, Lord Shiva is often shown with serpents wrapped around his neck, arms, and hair. This represents his power over desire and temptation. Followers of Shiva wear snake symbols to show their devotion.
Within Buddhism, the naga is a mythic serpent believed to protect Buddha and his teachings. Naga snake motifs are common in Buddhist art and jewelry.
Aztec & Mayan Cultures
The rattlesnake was a powerful symbol for Aztec, Mayan, and other Mesoamerican cultures. Warriors wore rattle snake skins and jewelry, believing it imbued them with the snake’s strength and speed. High priests and kings wore live rattlesnakes coiled around their necks.
The feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl was an important Aztec deity. Quetzalcoatl necklaces depicting the god were believed to bring protection.
Native American Tribes
Many Native American tribes have snake deities and symbolic rituals related to snakes. Hopi snake dances pray for rain while Navajo snake legends teach morality. Cherokee legends describe a horned serpent that brought storms.
Native tribes use snakes in jewelry, tattoos, and ritual artifacts. Seminole tribes created necklaces with patches of snakeskin, while Hopi artisans carved kachina dolls with snakes wrapped around their bodies.
Types of Snake Jewelry
Today, snake necklaces and jewelry come in a wide range of styles. Here are some of the most common examples found:
Snake Chains
Snake chains are a popular necklace style where small rings are linked together to resemble a snake’s scales. More luxurious versions may use solid gold and silver links or diamonds mimicking scales.
Pendants
Snake head pendants that lie flat against the chest are a simple way to wear this symbol. More elaborate pendants may show a coiled snake or encrusted snake design.
Charm Bracelets
A snake charm is a common addition to charm bracelets. Options range from simplified snake outlines to detailed 3D snake heads with glittering eyes.
Arm Cuffs
Wide cuff bracelets shaped like coiled snakes used to adorn ancient Egyptian royalty. Today, more stylized snake arm cuffs mimic this royal look.
Snake Rings
From simple bands engraved with snakeskin patterns to ornate coiled serpent designs, snake rings allow you to display this symbol on your finger.
Meanings Behind Common Snake Necklaces
Here are some examples of popular snake necklace designs and what they tend to symbolize:
| Necklace Type | Meaning & Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Simple silver or gold snake chain | Wisdom, knowledge, eternity |
| Snake pendant with emerald eyes | Protection, warding off evil |
| Charm bracelet with snake charm | Transformation, healing from difficult times |
| Diamond-encrusted coiled snake pendant | Femininity, empowerment |
| Gold Egyptian cobra necklace | Royalty, status, protection |
Conclusion
Snake jewelry has been a significant symbol across human cultures for thousands of years. When worn today, snake necklaces and pendants allow the wearer to tap into these deep symbolic meanings. The snake can represent wisdom, protection, eternity, transformation, and power.
Of course, individuals may also simply appreciate the aesthetic beauty of snake motifs. The geometric shapes and textures of snakeskin provide interesting visual elements to jewelry. Whether to symbolically invoke its power or purely as an ornament, the snake has enduring appeal as a jewelry design.