First of all, Bridge is the symbol of the transition, in particular through the water, which separates the earthly world from the world of the beyond. It replaces the ferryman (carrier), which is similar to the system of the world carries the souls. However, bridges not only connect, but also symbolize the situation of transition to a new form of existence. Such locutions as “burn all the bridges behind”, “seek ford” (tip of the bridge), “build golden bridges” (promise much) and ‘donkey bridge’ (crib, a leading question) quite clearly express associated with that word symbols.

Known as the Devil’s Bridge, Bridge Rakottsbryuke decorates the German park Kromlau (Gablenz, Saxony, Saxony). Built in 1860, this surfaced basalt arch is still affecting many by its diabolical precision and picturesque surroundings. Bridge with its reflection, at the appropriate level of water, forms a clear circle, regardless of the point of observation.

According to legend, one dismal architect made a deal with a devil spirit, who had promised to help him create an unusual bridge. As a reward he demanded the first soul who will pass the new built bridge to the other side. When the bridge was completed, the evil spirit came out of the body and waited for his “fee”. Cunning architect let the dog on the bridge. The furious scum rushed into the water and was never seen again.

Meanwhile, in the mythology of the northern peoples, bridge shakes when any immortal walks on it. Aiming bridge between everyday world and the other is so important event that it requires bridge builder (lat. Pontifex, Pontifex, Pontifex Maximus, the high priest), to encourage communication in both zones. Before the constructing bridges with their deep symbolic meaning it was necessary to bring the victim: in ancient Rome, vestal virgins threw reed dolls from the old bridge into the river Tiber where started building a new bridge.

Interestingly, Rainbow bridge and the Milky Way in the sky – regarded as bridges between areas of life. Accordingly, Islam knows the symbolic image of the bridge to heaven, which is narrow as the blade of the sword. Thus, a sinner falls into the abyss (similar motifs are found in the tales of the North American Indians, where a narrow wooden beam forms a bridge).

According to the ancient Chinese world of images, a bridge to the other world is also very narrow, and the wicked fall from it into muddy stream of blood and pus. God protects bridges river crossings from bringing disease demons.

Meanwhile, in the religion of the ancient Persians, Parseeism, the deceased must cross the Sinvat bridge that is as narrow as hair. Sinner fall from it into hell.

Bridge mystic symbols