As animals go, the bull is in a class all its own. Strong and majestic, the bull has a long and storied past. From astrology and myth, the bull represents many forms. The god Jupiter was thought to take the shape of the bull. The power and strength of these magnificent animals has long been the subject of art, especially in works of sculpture. Bull bookends are a perfect way to bring the storied history of the bull to your book collection.
In astrology, the bull is represented by the zodiac sign of Taurus. People born under the birth sign of the bull are known for being well grounded, sensible. Far from being bullheaded, the Taurus is considered friendly but cautious. In ancient Mesopotamia, now modern-day Iraq, the bull was considered a lunar symbol. Ancient cultures from the Egyptians to the Greeks treated certain bulls as the physical representation the god Apis.
In modern culture, the bull is still considered a sign of strength. If one is said to be bullish on an issue, such as the state of the stock market, the attitude is one of optimism and forceful resolve. Themes for decorative bull bookends vary from the sublime, to the classical to the comical. Bull bookends are strong enough to keep even the most unruly bookshelf in good order.
