The sacred deer and bear

[blow_fly]

This is a link to an excellent article that richly details the immense symbolism that both the bear and deer possess in the religious existence of the Lapp people. As a  people who simultenously herd rein deer and hunt bears  for their sustenance, the Lapps have developed numerous rituals that are intended to propitiate the spirits of slain rein deer and bears alike and honor them  for the ultimate sacrific that these animals make on  their behalf.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1310/is_1988_Feb/ai_6331584