Bears have grown to become very popular in tattoo art recently due to their broad and rich use in symbolism throughout history and culture. Around 500 BC, the bear was used by the Celts across Europe as a symbol to represent war. In the Old Testament, this magnificent creature was used to symbolize evil influence and cruelty. In Christian symbolism, they were viewed as a positive representation of reform. In Ancient Greek and Egypt, it was believed that the Great She-Bear of the Ursa Major Constellation (The Big Dipper) was the incarnation of the great Goddess Diana or Artemis.Bears have also been used extensively in Native American culture. For some tribes, they were used to symbolize battle, hunting, and healing. For other tribes, this symbol denoted the whirlwind which was used in times of war to confuse ones enemies and for medical and healing purposes. Some tribes viewed them as supernatural creatures and some even as Gods. Their annual hibernation was an expression of the need for silence and self reflection. The quiet of the cave was a symbol of the quiet of the heart.
