Serpent Worship: What It Is and Why People Do It

Serpent worship is a way people show respect or reverence to snakes. It isn’t just about fear – many cultures see snakes as symbols of power, rebirth, or protection. When you hear the term, think of rituals, festivals, and stories that put a snake at the center of spiritual life.

Ancient Roots of Snake Worship

Old societies loved snakes for a lot of reasons. In ancient Egypt, the cobra was a sign of royalty and the goddess Wadjet. In India, the Nagas – semi‑divine snake beings – are worshipped during festivals like Nag Panchami. The Greeks had Python, a huge serpent that guarded the Oracle at Delphi, while Mesoamerican peoples built giant stone snakes to honor deities of rain and fertility. These myths all share a common idea: the snake can bring life, protect the land, or carry hidden knowledge.

Many of these traditions link snakes to the cycle of life and death. Because snakes shed their skin, they became a natural symbol of renewal. That’s why farmers often pray to snake deities before planting, hoping for a good harvest. The act of offering milk, flowers, or incense is not about worshipping a dangerous animal – it’s about asking for the benefits the snake represents.

How Serpent Worship Shows Up Today

Modern serpent worship looks different but keeps the same spirit. In parts of South Asia, people still gather on Nag Panchami to feed live snakes, chant prayers, and protect them from harm. In West Africa, some villages hold ceremonies where a snake is placed on an altar and the community dances around it, believing the snake will bring health and rain.

Even in cities, you can see the influence. Temples dedicated to snake gods often have a small pool where a live snake lives. Visitors may touch the water or offer garlands. These sites become places for people to connect with nature and find calm in a busy world.

Some artists and writers also use serpent imagery to talk about personal growth. They might write about shedding old habits the way a snake sheds skin. When you read a story or see a painting with a snake, it can be a reminder to start fresh.

So whether you’re watching a lively street festival, visiting a quiet shrine, or reading a myth, serpent worship is about more than the animal. It’s a way to honor change, protect the community, and keep ancient wisdom alive in modern life.