What I'm describing is not a matter of coincidence, but rather the inevitable realization of one of Mother Earth's most valuable and majestic resources. For instance, you'll find direct references to fish in iconic ancient theological texts, early science/biology archives, etc., and especially on the tongues of legendary hunters and gatherers.
Symbolic meaning of fish in history:
- In China, fish are symbolic of fidelity and unity. An iconic fish to the Chinese, the koi, often swim together in pairs and may mate exclusively. Thus, fish likenesses (statues, charms) are often given as wedding gifts in representation of perfect union. Fish are also representative of fertility and abundance, due to their reproduction speed and volume.
- In ancient Celtic lore, the symbolic meaning of fish (particularly salmon) encompassed wisdom, knowledge, prophecy, and inspiration. Celts believed the salmon gained wisdom from eating sacred hazel nuts from the Well of Segais, or "well of knowledge". Also, they believed consuming the salmon would pass—on the knowledge from the well onto themselves.
- In Christianity, the fish is a symbol of abundance and faith as observed in the Biblical story of fishes and loaves of bread that multiply to nourish all. Many Biblical references of Christ and his disciples as "fishers of men" (evangelists). Also, you've probably seen the popular "Jesus Fish" bumper sticker.
- In ancient Norse cultures, the fish held meanings of adaptability, determination, and ultimately the flow of all life. Fish were observed displaying characteristics of adaptability in the wild, which these cultures respected and sought to embody themselves. Salmon were especially revered, due to their rigorous annual pilgrimage to their spawning grounds, swimming against the current for the entire journey.
Early fishing for survival:
- The first evidence of humans using tools to catch for food comes from specific archeological finds. They were barbed tools likely used as spears, and are approximately 90,000 years old. The evidence suggests that humans were already catching fish in the early Paleolithic Age.
- It is proposed that about one-third of the pre-historic human population of hunter-gatherer societies subsisted on fish. Fishing was a staple Egyptian and Chinese civilizations.
- The first recoded fish recipe is from ancient China, dated 1300 BC, which was a fish salad based on marinated and spiced carp.
- The Egyptians caught fish in shallow pools and tributaries along the Nile during times of territorial conflict and harsh weather conditions, as a means to sustain their animal protein resources.
- Diodorus Siculus proclaimed that the Nile contains all varieties of fish, as it supplies the natives not only with abundant subsistence, but yields an abundance of resources necessary for salting (a means of sustenance preservation).
- In ancient times, the most significant achievement in the use of fish as a source of protein was the processing of hydrolyzed protein from fresh fish. To Romans, this product was known as liquamen.
- Ancient Romans used ice mixed with seaweed to keep recently caught fish fresh. The ice was taken from the mountains near Rome, and the seaweed taken closely from where the fish were caught.
In keeping with the above, I refer to a poignant Wikipedia entry: "Hunting and gathering was humanity's first and most successful adaptation, occupying at least 90 percent of human history, and until 12,000 years ago, all humans lived this way." You see, fishing wasn't always simply about an excuse to dodge your spouse and drink beer, while hanging out with your buddies.
Important to consider are the universalities that have driven fishing for millennia. Just as Elk invoked hunting, or treasures attracted pirates, fish have always (ironically) been irresistible bait for human sport and consumption. Fish themselves are something that human life would be quite different without; now or whenever. Coincidence; I think not.
Today, about 1 billion people (largely in developing countries) rely on fish as their primary animal protein source. In 2010, fish provided more than 2.9 billion people with almost 20% of their intake of animal protein, and 4.3 billion people with about 15 % of said protein.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, more than 40 million licensed anglers generate over $46 billion in retail sales with a $115 billion impact on the nation’s economy, creating employment for more than 828,000 people. Also, the culture is strong, as at least 60 million anglers have fished at some point over the past five-year period.
As you can see, fish are an historically iconic species of animal. With respect for all other species that have been integral to human existence thus far, fish are "kind of a big deal." They are also extremely resilient, as they've weathered the challenges of the fast growing world population, pollution, habitat infringement, and the massive global commercial fishing industry. From their numerous symbolic theological influences, to simply nourishing our bodies, they cannot be overlooked. How about a round of applause for fish...
