Power Animals: Ferret/Ermine

Domestic ferret or ferret these are the names of one of the most wonderful animal, who has ever been living next to a human being for the whole history.

Ferrets were already known by ancient people. In the times of Aristotle they have already been used for hunting rabbits and secure barns from rodents. Long time ago Ferret predator from the mustelidae family became a good friend and a little helper for a human.

Nowadays, domestic ferret is not only a pet or an animal-companion, but also a symbol of new way of living. This animal, in our days rush, does not allow us to forget all the eternal values and moreover helps us to be more attentive and cautious with the nature. All this is well known by ferret owners.

The ferret is a ferocious carnivore and so could easily be used to represent aggressiveness or forceful seeking of ones needs. It is also a great survivor, so can represent survival. The ermine was traditionally linked with virgin saints and thus purity.

Throughout the Renaissance, the ermine was a very important symbol of purity. The ermine is depicted in heraldic symbols, royal gowns, and in significant portraits of the Renaissance. The ermine, classified as Mustela erminea, is of the weasel family, and is commonly found in Canada and Northern Europe. The ermine is known for its pure white fur with its noticeable black tip on its tail, which has been highly prized by trappers since the 16th century. Ermines are very small animals, only 6 to 12 inches from head to rump, with a long, bushy tail. It is the tail that is prized by traders to make coats, stoles, or robes for monarchs, clergy, and the extremely wealthy. Legend has it that the ermine, with its beautiful white coat, would die before soiling its fur, which idea has lent itself to the ermine as a symbol of purity and chastity. We can find numerous examples in art, literature, and heraldry of the ermine representing the purity that its white coat suggests.