The domestic goat is a
subspecies from the wild goat of southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The goat is
a member of the family Bovidae and is closely related to the sheep as both are
in the goat-antelope subfamily. There are over 300 distinct breeds of goat.
Goats are one of the oldest domesticated species and have been used for their milk,
meat, hair and skins over much of the world.
Goats are considered small livestock animals, compared to bigger animals
such as cattle. recognized breed of
goats has specific weight ranges, which vary from over 300 lbs for bucks (intact
male) of larger breeds such as the Boer, to 45 to 60 lbs for smaller goat does
(female goat). Most goats naturally have
two horns, of various shapes and sizes depending on the breed. And both male and female goats have beards,
and many types of goat (most commonly dairy goats) may have wattles, one
dangling from each side of the neck.
Goats are among the earliest animals domesticated by humans. Neolithic farmers began to herd wild goats
for easy access to milk and meat, primarily, as well as for their dung, which
was used as fuel, and their bones, hair, and sinew for clothing, building, and
tools. Historically, goat hide has been
used for water and wine bottles in both traveling and transporting wine for
sale. It has also been used to produce parchment.
Goats are extremely curious and intelligent. They are easily trained to
pull carts and walk on leads. Goats are
very coordinated and can climb and hold their balance in the most precarious
places. They are also widely known for their ability to climb trees, although
the tree generally has to be on somewhat of an angle. The vocalization goats
make is called bleating.
According to Norse mythology, the God of thunder, Thor, has a chariot that
is pulled by the goats Tanngniostr (tooth-cracker) and Tanngrisnt (tooth-gnasher). When Thor
stopped his travels for the night, he would find a humble farm family. Thor would eat and share the meat of the
goats, but takes care that all bones remain whole. Then he wraps the remains up and in the
morning, the goats always come back to life to pull the chariot. But once when a farmer's son who is invited to
share the meal breaks one of the goats' leg bones to suck the marrow, the
animal's leg remains broken in the morning and the boy is forced to serve Thor
as a servant to compensate for the damage.
The Yule Goat is one of the oldest Scandinavian and Northern European Yule
(Christmas) symbols and traditions. Yule
Goat originally denoted the goat that was slaughtered around Yule, but it may
also indicate a goat figure made out of straw. It is also used about the custom of going
door-to-door singing carols and getting food and drinks in return, often fruit,
cakes and sweets.
Pan is the most well
known Greek Horned God who has the body of a man and the head of a goat. Pan,
the bearded goat foot God leads a procession of dancing of satyrs and nymphs
while he plays the pipes (flute) that bear his name.
The
astrological sign of Capricorn is symbolized by the goat (December 22 - January
19). Capricorns are powerful philosophical signs and highly intelligent. They
apply their knowledge to practical matters and strive to maintain stability and
order. They are patient and persevering; they know they can
accomplish any task as long as they follow their plan step-by-step.
Perhaps
the most poignant lesson of the goat is about sacrifice. The term scapegoat is originally a Hebrew word
used when the people would attempt to cast their sins upon the animal, who was
then turned out into the wilderness. Often the goat has been wrongly symbolized
with the wicked, when truly the treatment of the animal represents the guilt
and cruelty of ignorant civilizations.
Positive
or negative, they have long been a part of human lives. Goats are insatiably curious. They will poke
and prod at everything within their environment. Goats
are a great symbol of faith, balance, nature, curiosity, sacrifice and
independence. For the Urban Pagan, use a trash compact or garbage person like a goat. In the 20th century, they
have gained popularity as pets.
The Goat
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by Aaron Fogel
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If you
are a goat, do you believe
What
people tell you about
Goats,
and eat
Tin cans?
There’s
no goat that foolish.
Or is
there?
The goat
of the universe believed
What
people told him about universes
And came
into existence.
Bang! How naive can you get?
Even the
scapegoat is not as naive
As (God
help him) the universe that
Agreed to
exist.
A word to
the wise: Don’t eat tin cans.
Don’t
listen. Don’t exist.
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