What is Apis the god of?
Like other bull deities, Apis was probably at first a fertility god concerned with the propagation of grain and herds, but he became associated with Ptah, the paramount deity of the Memphite area, and also with Osiris (as User-Hapi) and Sokaris, gods of the dead and of the underworld.
What gods symbol is the bull?
god ApisIn Egypt, the bull was a symbol of the fertility god Apis. In Mesopotamia the storm god Ishkur/Adad is called "bull of heaven" and "grand bull." In mythological texts from the ancient city of Ugarit, the bull is associated with the high god El, symbolizing both strength and fertility.
What is Apis in the Bible?
Apis. (Α᾿πις), the sacred bull of Memphis, worshipped by the ancient Egyptians, who regarded it as a symbol of Osiris, the god of the Nile, the husband of His, and the great divinity of Egypt (Pomp. Mela, 1:9; AElian, Hist.
Is there an Egyptian bull god?
Apis was the sacred bull-god of the gods Ptah, Osiris and Atum, with his cult centre located at the Egyptian Late Period capital city of Memphis. Two other other closely-rated sacred bulls can be found in the Cleveland Museum of Art and The Fondation Gandur in Geneva.
What does a bull symbolize in Bible?
The bull is Luke, because he starts talking of the sacrifice of Zachariah to God and the bull is the symbol of sacrifice, the desire for a spiritual life, which allows man to triumph beyond animal passions and to obtain peace.
What does Apis mean in Greek?
of the pear-treeApis (/ˈeɪpɪs/; Ancient Greek: Ἄπις derived from apios "far-off" or "of the pear-tree") is the name of a figure, or several figures, appearing in the earliest antiquity according to Greek mythology and historiography.
How was the Apis bull chosen?
The bull was selected, after a careful search, based upon its appearance: it had to be black with a white triangular marking on its forehead, another white marking on its back in the shape of a hawk's or vulture's wings, a white crescent on its side, a separation of the hairs at the end of its tail, (known as the " ...
Who worships a bull?
Cattle are prominent in some religions and mythologies. As such, numerous peoples throughout the world have at one point in time honored bulls as sacred. In the Sumerian religion, Marduk is the "bull of Utu". In Hinduism, Shiva's steed is Nandi, the Bull.
Who is the Egyptian god of war?
MontuMontu, also spelled Mont, Monthu, or Mentu, in ancient Egyptian religion, god of the 4th Upper Egyptian nome (province), whose original capital of Hermonthis (present-day Armant) was replaced by Thebes during the 11th dynasty (2081–1939 bce). Montu was a god of war.
Who killed the Apis bull?
CambysesAccording to Herodotus, this happened almost immediately after the conquest of Egypt, in the summer of 525. A new sacrilege was committed after the expedition to Upper Egypt: Cambyses killed the Apis bull. This was a manifestation of the god Ptah and therefore a sacred animal.
Why do people worship bulls?
Many ancient peoples respected the bull as a symbol of strength and fertility; its size, power and potency have impressed man for many thousands of years.
Who is the god of milk?
AristaeusAristaeus by François Joseph Bosio (1768–1845), (Musée du Louvre)AbodeLibya, BoeotiaPersonal informationParentsApollo and Cyrene4 more rows
What Greek god is associated with bulls?
Zeus took over the earlier roles, and, in the form of a bull that came forth from the sea, abducted the high-born Phoenician Europa and brought her, significantly, to Crete. Dionysus was another god of resurrection who was strongly linked to the bull.
What does the bull mean in ancient Egypt?
This animal was chosen because it symbolized the courageous heart, great strength, and fighting spirit of the king. Apis came to being considered a manifestation of the king, as bulls were symbols of strength and fertility, qualities that are closely linked with kingship.
What did the bull symbolize in ancient Mesopotamia?
The bull could therefore broadly be associated with power, authority and strength, and with fertility. The bull could also be both a symbol and an attribute of a god (Seidl 2011-13, p. 180).
What is special about a bull?
Bulls are much more muscular than cows, with thicker bones, larger feet, a very muscular neck, and a large, bony head with protective ridges over the eyes. These features assist bulls in fighting for domination over a herd, giving the winner superior access to cows for reproduction.
What is the meaning of the Apis bull?
Ancient Egypt Apis bull was considered sacred and worshiped as a symbol of strength, vital energy and power. The bull was the earthly incarnation of a god, a manifestation of the Memphite creation god Ptah; it was the ‘soul (Ba) Ptah’ and the ‘Herald (whm) of Ptah’. Apis was considered to host the God himself as unlike the other animal totems who ...
What was the sacrifice of the Apis Bull?
As a sacrifice to the Apis Bull, all oxen which were entirely free from black spots not even with a single black hair was considered “clean” were chosen as a sacrifice to the Apis Bull.
How long did the Apis Bull festival last?
The Festival of Ancient Egypt Apis Bull. The Festival of the Apis Bull was celebrated by the Egyptian that lasted for seven days. Throngs of people gathered in Memphis to watch the solemn procession where the priests lead the sacred bull through the welcoming crowds.
How much did the animal weigh before being buried?
This is evident from the facts that before being interred in the “Serapeum” in a stone sarcophagus which could weigh over 60 tons.
Who is the bull god?
Apis, the bull God is usually depicted as a black bull with a sun disk between his horns, and a uraeus snake. Findings at the tomb of Apis show this about this horned deity who died in September 524. It is also interesting to see that the Persian king Cambyses, who had conquered Egypt behaved like a normal Pharaoh, venerating the bull.
What is the name of the calf in Ancient Egypt?
Ancient Egypt-The Golden Calf. An Apis calf could be identified by its distinctive marks. It was a black calf bearing a white diamond on its forehead, an image of an eagle on its back, two white hairs on its tail, and a scarab mark under its tongue.
What does the bull symbol mean?
The Bull meaning is deeply related to solar energies, determination, strength, and, of course, virility. Bull symbols have been depicted since prehistoric times and can be found in ancient art, literature, astronomy, and astrology.
Why is the bull symbol used in Chinese culture?
In Chinese culture, the bull symbol is linked to farming use, mostly since China was an agricultural society.
What does the bull do to you?
You are being asked to gather all your inner strength and hold your ground when the going seems to be getting tough. The spirit of the bull will guide you and teach you how to be healthy and patient.
What does a cow symbolize when seen?
When someone goes on a journey, the Cow might indicate the events happening in the near future. If you meet a cow and its calf, this is a good omen.
What does the bull medicine card do?
However, the bull medicine card should grab your attention when you need to gather your strength. It also helps with calling abundance into your life.
What is a bull totem?
People with bull totems are natural leaders and have an aura of toughness . They have a tremendous power to hold back; however, if they reach the boiling point, it is not wise to be around them.
Why do people get bull tattoos?
Bull tattoo designs are prevalent among people with a strong fighting spirit. Due to their association with strength, masculinity, protection, or death, bulls have fascinated humankind since prehistoric times , so it was a matter of time until they started to decorate warriors’ bodies.
What is the significance of the Apis bull?
The Apis bull was an important sacred animal to the ancient Egyptians. As with the other sacred beasts Apis' importance increased over the centuries. During colonization of the conquered Egypt, Greek and Roman authors had much to say about Apis, the markings by which the black calf was recognized, the manner of his conception by a ray from heaven, ...
Where did the Apis bull originate?
Worship of an Apis bull, experienced by ancient Egyptians as holy, has been known since the First Dynasty in Memphis, while worship of the Apis as a proper god, at least according to Manetho 's Aegyptiaca, seems to be a later adoption, purportedly started during the reign of king Kaiechos (possibly Nebra) of the Second Dynasty.
What was the significance of Serapsi?
The significance of this Serapsi in the Hellenic psyche, however, due to its involvement in Alexander's death, also may have contributed to the choice of Osiris-Apis as the chief Ptolemaic deity during their occupation of Ancient Egypt.
What is the bust of Serapis?
From animal to human. Bust of the Hellenistic-Egyptian deity Serapis, Roman copy of an original by Bryaxis that stood at the Serapeion of Alexandria, Vatican Museums. Egyptian amulet represents lions or Apis, Walters Art Museum. Mask of a mummy of a sacred bull with the sacred disk of Hathor, Kunsthistorisches Museum.
What is the Apis symbol?
As a manifestation of Ptah, Apis also was considered to be a symbol of the king, embodying the qualities of kingship.
What is the sun disk on Apis' head?
Occasionally, Apis was pictured with the sun-disk symbol of his mother, Hathor, between his horns, being one of few deities ever associated with her symbol. When the disk was depicted on his head with his horns below and the triangular marking on his forehead, an ankh was suggested.
What is the animal of the apis?
Apis is named on very early monuments, but little is known of the divine animal before the New Kingdom. Ceremonial burials of bulls indicate that ritual sacrifice was part of the worship of the early cow deities, Hathor and Bat, and a bull might represent her offspring, a king who became a deity after death.
What is the apis of a bull?
The Apis was an extremely rare genetic variation of a bull with unique markings that had to be identified and confirmed by Egyptian cult priests.
What does the bull represent in Egypt?
Egypt viewed this bull as the physical manifestation of the Egyptian chief god Osiris on earth. If the bull moved left as opposed to right or took seven steps instead of eight, the priest would declare this significant prophecy. Once the Egyptian priest established the bull as an Apis a great celebration ensued.
What is the significance of the red heifer?
The scapegoat and red heifer show a symbolic antithesis to the idolatry practices of Egypt and fit much with Maimonides explanation of the role of huqqim. The Apis Bull mentioned above was so revered that the ground that this bull stepped on was literally worshipped by ancient Egypt. It is highly significant that Jewish law also appoints a priest to seek out and confirm the rarest of bovine in its own tradition - with the red heifer.
What is the expression of a brave person taking the bull by the horns?
The expression of a brave person taking the bull by the horns is widely understood throughout the world and in several languages. The Astrological Taurus is an idolatry vestige still prevalent in modern popular culture that also glorifies the bull. Present Hindu culture similarly deifies bulls as a source of sustenance, virility and strength.
What does the bull symbolize in the book of Ezekiel?
Later in the rabbinic mystical traditions the bull came to symbolize the Kabalistic concepts of Geburahand Yesod. Bull Symbolism in the Ancient World.
What animal was the most revered in ancient times?
Leviticus 17:7 states And they shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices unto the goats (Seeirm) that you chase after. In pagan societies Saytrs and the constellation Aries were commonly worshipped. The Bull however was the largest domesticated animal with the greatest physical strength and therefore the most revered in ancient civilization. Even today the bullfighter is considered courageous for standing up to the most ferocious of beasts while being cheered on by thousands.
What scriptures talk about bulls?
The strength of the Bull(Proverbs 14:4) is stressed numerous times throughout the scriptures. Strong individuals are associated with bulls such as Simeon and Levi who Jacob curses in their anger they slew men, and in their self-will they houghed oxen. (Genesis 49:6) .
Overview
Herald of Ptah
This animal was chosen because it symbolized the courageous heart, great strength, and fighting spirit of the king. Apis came to being considered a manifestation of the king, as bulls were symbols of strength and fertility, qualities that are closely linked with kingship. "Strong bull of his mother Hathor" was a common title for Egyptian gods and male kings, being unused for women serving as king, such as Hatshepsut.
History of worship
Worship of an Apis bull, experienced by ancient Egyptians as holy, has been known since the First Dynasty in Memphis, while worship of the Apis as a proper god, at least according to Manetho's Aegyptiaca, seems to be a later adoption, purportedly started during the reign of king Kaiechos (possibly Nebra) of the Second Dynasty.
Apis is named on very early monuments, but little is known of the divine animal before the New K…
Burial
Details of the mummification ritual of the sacred bull are written within the Apis papyrus. Sometimes the body of the bull was mummified and fixed in a standing position on a foundation made of wooden planks.
By the New Kingdom period, the remains of the sacred bulls were interred at the cemetery of Saqqara. The earliest known burial in Saqqara was performed in the reign of Amenhotep III by hi…
From animal to human
According to Arrian, Apis was one of the Egyptian deities Alexander the Great propitiated by offering a sacrifice during his seizure of Ancient Egypt from the Persians. After Alexander's death, his general Ptolemy I Soter made efforts to integrate Egyptian religion with that of the new Hellenic rulers. Ptolemy's policy was to find a deity that might win the reverence of both groups, despite the curses of the Egyptian religious leaders against the deities of the previous foreign rulers (i.e.
Modern use
The pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk uses Apis as its logo.
In modern day Egypt, an entire district of the city of Alexandria is named after the Apis bull.
See also
• Ankh
• Auðumbla
• Golden calf
• Hathor
• Hesat
Further reading
• J.-F. Brunet, The XXIInd and XXVth Dynasties Apis Burial Conundrum, in: Journal of the Ancient Chronology Forum 10 (2005), 26-34.
• M. Ibrahim, en D. Rohl, Apis and the Serapeum, in: Journal of the Ancient Chronology Forum 2 (JACF 1988) 6-26.
• Mark Smith, Following Osiris: Perspectives on the Osirian Afterlife from Four Millennia. Oxford University Press, 2017.