Why the Lion?

[Homie]

Why is it that the Lion is the symbol of government, the symbol of Kings, throughout all of Europe's nations? You see it in many of the monarchy's flags, and the former monarchy's flags, like France. There is often statues of Lions in front of the old parliament buildings of Europe. The Lion seems to be the symbol of kingship.

So I wondered, why is that? The lion doesn't even exist in Europe. And this is my theory: Europe (historically) has been Christian and religion has strongly influenced its history. My theory is that the kings of Europe took the Lion as their symbol to reference the Bible:
Judah - The tribe of kings for the Israelites. Called the Lion by Israel (Jacob) and predicted to rule. And so it happened, Judah the Lion became the tribe from whence kings came from (David and his son). The kings of Europe took the symbol of the Lion because it related to the Bible.

Edit: Wouldn't it be natural for the Europeans to choose a Bear or wolf for their symbol? Considering that 99.999 % of people in Europe had never even seen a lion, since it didn't live there.

What do you guys think? Has there ever been done research on this? Can anyone confirm or debunk my theory?

 

[Ansar]

I always thought the government symbols were Elephants and Donkeys...

a Lion is powerful,strong,and fearless?

 

[Xanikk999]

Heh i bet almost all the people in europe during the middle ages have never even seen a lion.

 

[Gainy]

I think you're looking too far into it. More a symbol of strength/prowess/other related word.

 

[Riesstiu IV]

I think the fascination with lions predates the Bible. Assyrians were very fond of lion hunting in order to prove their masculinity and power. Romans used lions and tigers for gladiatorial events (which incidentally, often involved having Christians as lion food). The Eagle also seems to be a heavily used symbol.

To put it simply, the use of animals such as lions and eagles for symbols is related to how badass they are. I mean, who would honestly use something, like a squirrel or kitten.

I can see it now, an army of armored soldiers marching under the banner of the squirrel. They would be laughed at.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Because Lions are cool. Especially the part where the females do all the work, and the males just lie around, eat what the females catch, and mate.

Also, there used to be lions in Europe. I do not know when the lion population of Europe was wiped out.

 

[Homie]

All these are from different nations in Europe.

 

[Homie]

To all who say it is simply because a lion if powerful, I say:
Wouldn't it be more natural for the Europeans to choose a Bear or wolf for their symbol? Considering that 99.999 % of people in Europe had never even seen a lion, since it didn't live there.

Also consider that kings back then referred to the Bible to show that they were instituted by God by referring to that passage where Paul talks about all authority coming from God. They used religion to consolidate their power, so it doesn't seem far-fetched that the lion is another example of this. Or that they simply liked to consider themselves the continuation of the Israeli line of kings.

 

[Homie]

Because Lions are cool. Especially the part where the females do all the work, and the males just lie around, eat what the females catch, and mate.

Also, there used to be lions in Europe. I do not know when the lion population of Europe was wiped out.

Never heard this before. I don't think its true, do you have anything to back this up? The only lions that existed in Europe were the ones that the Romans brought over to kill martyrs in the Colosseum, or the lion (or was it elephant?) that Charlemagne asked a pope for.

 

[Yuri2356]

Because Lions are cool. Especially the part where the females do all the work, and the males just lie around, eat what the females catch, and mate.

Exactly. The social structure of a Lion pride is much like that of a Monarchy. The king if the toughest Mo-Fo in town, and anyone questions his rule will have the smack laid down upon them. The Serfs/Lionesses toil peacefully under his reign, and his son(s) will carry on the noble line.

Also, they're like the Steve Irwins of the animal kingdom. Just instead of catching animals to study and protect them, Lions just bite their heads off.

 

[Trajan12]

Screw the lion, the Double Headed Eagle is Supreme!

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Wikipedia says it, I believe it, that settles it.

 

[Urederra]

You forgot the Spanish province and city called León.

And about your question, i don't know, It might have something to do with colosseums, romans, christians and the roman empire.

EDIT: the arcadian got it right. Behold, the ommiscient wiki.

There is a lion in the spanish flag too... too lazy to look for it.

BTW: trajan, I think there is a lion in your coat of arms.

 

[Trajan12]

Are there any lions in America? Where did the Double Headed Eagle come from?

 

[Red Stranger]

Why do some people have dragons and dinosaurs. I doubt they've seen dragons and dinosaurs.

 

[warpus]

Erm...

The lion, the king of all animals ... ???

 

[JonnyB]

Lions and Eagles were highly respected by the Romans, I imagine that their power as a symbol carried over to the European nations that followed them.

lions- Believed to be draft animals for deities, the lion was respected by religious leaders. Lions apparently pulled chariots for the gods. They are also the religious symbol of the power of death, and are represented in funerary art.

link

 

[skadistic]

I find it odd they use the male lion. He may be the laziest animal in the word the female does all the real work.

 

[Homie]

Found this on Wiki

The Lion of Judah on the municipal emblem of Jerusalem.

This is what I'm talking about. Of course this is a modern emblem, but the "Lion of Judah" is recorded in the first book of the Bible.

How did Eran get it right? He quoted to a wiki link on lions, I'm pretty sure we all know they exist, I'm wondering what their connection is to the royalty of Europe using it as a symbol considering it is not a European animal.

JonnyB, I suppose that definately is a possibility, but I think my theory is just as likely. I'm wondering of there is any historian who have found out for sure, e.g. reading a quote of a European king or scholar explaining how this trend of putting lions in emblems came about.

 

[Homie]

Screw the lion, the Double Headed Eagle is Supreme!

Trajan, you are aware of that lion in the very centre of that emblem right? (Laughing with you buddy)