All things divine
Plants and animals play a huge role in spiritual practices around the world. They are often worshipped because of the mainly positive qualities attributed to various species. But long standing traditions also matter.
Baboon
The ancestors of this aggressive-looking baboon here were considered holy creatures in ancient Egypt. The God Thoth, the God of science and the moon, was depicted at times in the form of a baboon or the ibis, a long-legged wading bird.
Date palm
The date palm tree and its leaves are ubiquitous. The plant was considered a symbol of resurrection since ancient times by Christians and Jews alike. The shade-giving palm has been an integral part of people's lives for centuries and is one of the world's oldest crops.
Scarab
Though the scarab is generally known as a large dung beetle, it was regarded as sacred in ancient Egypt. As a symbol of resurrection and planetary movement, small scarabs made of stone were important amulets that were often buried along with the deceased to protect them in the afterlife.
Baobab
The Baobab tree goes by many names - "tree of life," "upside-down tree" or "monkey bread tree." They all underline the significance of the hardy species. It's venerated right from the root to its tree top. Among its many uses, the leaves of the Baobab are used to treat a variety of diseases.
The holy ibis
The elegant Ibis, much like the baboon, is closely associated with the Egyptian God, Thoth. The deity is often depicted in the bird form. Thoth is considered the secretary of Gods and credited with having invented the hieroglyphics.
Pomegranate
The shining red and hugely healthy pomegranate fruit is considered holy by many religions. It symbolizes fertility, love and life. The ancient Greeks, for instance, are believed to have planted a pomegranate tree for the goddess Aphrodite. The fruit appears in many images in Christianity. Buddhism too worships the pomegranate and considers it a blessed fruit alongside the lemon and peach.
Holy cow
Cows are considered holy around the world. While some value it for its milk and hide and once sacrificed the animals to the Gods, Hinduism has a different take on the creature. In the religion’s oldest texts, the Vedas, the cow appears as a goddess, as a manifestation of the Earth. That's why the animal enjoys special status.
Lotus
Nothing is as pure as the lotus flower. That's a view widely held across Asia. The Hindus often depict the Gods Vishnu and Lakshmi with red lotus blossoms. Vishnu is even described as the "lotus-eyed one." What's considered special about the flower is that it grows in mud and slime and is still so clean.
Rat
While the rat is considered with disgust in much of Europe because of its alleged role in driving "the Great Pest" and its unappealing tail, many people in India see the rodent differently. Here, the rat is often considered cunning and loyal. The elephant-headed God Ganesha is often depicted as riding on or attended by a rat.
Gingko
A tree with heart-shaped leaves can only be considered holy. The heart symbolizes life, love and wellbeing. And, Gingkos have been flourishing for a long time. They're believed to be 300 million years old. They hold special significance in Japan and China where the trees are planted in temple complexes and shrines.