Geese belong to the Anatidae family, which includes swans and ducks. They are members of the subfamily Anserinae and tribe, ansernini. Geese are herbivores, eating grasses, aquatic vegetation, grains, reeds, berries and sedges. The gaggles forage in fields. Their nests, made from mosses, grasses and lichens lined with down and body feathers, are built near still water. Normally, the goose lays two to eight eggs. Geese and ganders mate for life and share in raising their goslings.
Part of goose communication is its distinctive honk, most often heard when the birds of migratory families fly in their distinctive V-shaped pattern. If a goose becomes injured and can’t fly during this journey, another goose will leave the flock to stay with it until it recovers or dies.
Goose: Celtic Symbolism
Goose, Gèadh, symbolizes parenthood, productive power and vigilance. Geese are excellent “watch dogs” and highly protective of their territory. Goose brings creative and constructive power to people and shows it’s possible to be both grounded and spiritual in daily lives. She also represents wisdom, new beginnings, happiness, inspiration, communication, protection, bravery, loyalty, practicality, determination, fellowship, teamwork and confidence.
Goose: AmerIndian Symbolism
Keywords are the call of the quest and the trek to legendary places. Cycles of power are autumn, the full moon and the winter solstice. Goose symbolizes fertility and fidelity. Goose represents the Sacred Circle, its life cycles, and family. She teaches people respect for tradition and authority and how to break free from ruts and soar into new patterns.
Goose: Other Symbolism, Superstition and Lore
- Ancient Greeks saw her as Hera’s emblem, a representation of love and being a good wife.
- She was a messenger of good news and symbolic of inspiration, light and marital happiness to the Japanese and Chinese.
- Celtic and Teutonic people’s belief was that she was a symbol of the gods of war.
- The English believe that eating a goose on Michaelmas Day, September 29, will ensure money to pay all bills.
- Rubbing bald heads with goose droppings will make hair grow.
- Some fishermen believed barnacles on ships’ bottoms turn to geese.
- Geese in the Temple of Juno were said to have saved Rome from the Gauls around 390 BCE when they were disturbed during a nocturnal attack.
Mother Goose
She’s a literary persona associated with faery tales and nursery rhymes, perhaps a figurehead for this genre of literature. Some believe the tales are allegorical ones depicting political life at a time and in places where truth was dangerous.
There are two discredited theories that she was a real person. One was that she was one of two French queens prior to 1100 CE; the other, she was an American woman, Elizabeth Goose. More likely, Mother Goose was a reference to farmer women who raised geese and collected stories about her flocks to tell children.
Some have postulated that Mother Goose is Pagan in origin. Her dress and appearance in illustrations appears to be an early model for witches’ pictures, especially her pointed hat, glasses, and sharp nose. Many modern illustrations portray her as a goose clothed in old-fashioned attire, which is in line with the anthropomorphic animals who entertain children.
Related articles:
Eagle: Pagan Symbol of Renewal
Sources:
Animal Magick, D. J. Conway, (Llewellyn Publications, 1996)
Animal-Speak,Ted Andrews, (Llewellyn Publications, 2002)
The Druid Animal Oracle, Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm (A Fireside Book, 1994)
The Medicine Wheel, Sun Bear and Wabun, (A Fireside Book, 1992)
http://www.wisegeek.com/who-is-mother-goose.htm
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