[November 1st, 2004] Donkey | Ass

In times of presidential elections it is fitting to follow last weeks elephant with the donkey.

The name itself is interesting. Donkeys were exclusively called asses until the late 18th century. One hypothetical reason for the name to change could be pronounciation similarities with arse - a word that later turned into ass. Wikipedia labels the word donkey one of the most etymologically obscure in the English language. No cognates for the word has been identified.

Symbolically the donkey is ambigous, interpretations varying. It is perhaps mostly associated with stubbornness and ignorance. The other various associations span from pure stupidity, indolence and being ridiculous to leniency, humility and awareness.

Several godly men have been riding donkeys.

In greek mythology Silenus, companion and teacher of Dionysus, was - naturally - an enthusiastic consumer of wine. In his helpless state of drunkenness he either rided a donkey or was supported by satyrs.

Zhang Guo-lao, one of the eight immortals in taoist mythology, owned a white magical donkey able to travel long distances. When not needed the donkey was foldable like a handkerchief to fit in a pocket. Some water turned the handkerchief back into the white magical donkey.

In the bible (Numbers 22) the donkey of Balaam is eqipped with an unusual ability to see angels and even speak. Balaam had decided to act contrary to instructions from God. His donkey was used by God to make him change his mind.

Jesus rode a donkey when he triumphantly entered Jerusalem. According to both Matthew and John this was to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah (9:9) that says: See your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey. A poem by Chesterton refers to this event.

These days when the presidential election soon will take place - the donkey, unofficial symbol for John Kerry's democratic party, is seen a lot. Just like the republican elephant it was created by Thomas Nast for Harper's Weekly cartoons and appeared first in 1870.

The donkey, finally, is mostly stubborn and ignorant. Who knows, maybe it is a disguise so it can continue to carry godly men undisturbed.