Ouroboros is a mystical symbol representing the concept of eternity, via figure of a serpent (or dragon) that bites its own tail.
Based on semiotics, the circular representation of the ouroboros symbolizes the constant evolution and movement of life, in addition to other meanings such as self-fertilization, resurrection, creation, destruction and renewal.
Etymologically, the word ouroboros originated from the junction of the Greek terms gold, which means "tail", and boros, which means “eat” or “devour”.
Also known as oroboro or urobores, this symbol has been present in different cultures and religions over the centuries. Traditionally, ouroboros is used as a representation of the creation of the Universe and everything that is considered eternal and infinite.
Currently, the Ouroboros symbol is widely used as an option for tattoo, representing precisely the original idea of renewal, eternity and the cycle of life.
Origin of Ouroboros
The first known record of the ouroboros is present in an ancient Egyptian funerary text found in the tomb of Emperor Tutankhamun. For the Egyptians, this symbol was the representation of the union of
Frog (sun god) and Osiris (god of life, death and resurrection), meaning the concept of beginning and end of an era.The creation of this symbol would be related to the alchemy, a mystical science that, among other purposes, sought to find the “elixir of life and immortality”.
Learn more about meaning of alchemy.
The representation of the Ouroboros serpent is usually interpreted negatively by Christianity, as this animal represents the infernal beings, according to the canonical texts.
However, it is noteworthy that the creation of ouroboros belongs to pre-Christian cultures which, in this case, attributed a positive meaning to the symbol: evolution, reconstruction, fertilization and change.
Over time, the Ouroboros symbol was absorbed by other cultures, religions and mystical doctrines, such as Gnosticism, Buddhism, Freemasonry and some African religions, for example.
Even being present in different cultures and assuming different interpretations, the basis of its meaning is the idea of eternal and continuous creation.
See also: O meaning of the Symbol of Infinity.
