Solar deity
Origins and Beliefs
A solar deity (also sun god or sun goddess) is a sky deity who represents the Sun, or an aspect of it, usually by its perceived power and strength. Solar deities and sun worship can be found throughout most of recorded history in various forms. The Sun is sometimes referred to by its Latin name Sol or by its Greek name Helios. The English word sun stems from Proto-Germanic *sunnǭ.
In many ancient civilizations such as those of Egypt and India, the sun god is considered the king of all gods, associated with divinity, royalty, and power. In both ancient Roman and Greek religion, the sun was also seen as a god, a force that was responsible for the creation and the ongoing maintenance of life. In cultures such as the Maori of New Zealand, the sun is seen as the life-giving force of the world, and the sun god is often depicted as a powerful figure who wields the power of life and death.
Solar Deities in Different Cultures
Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, the sun god Ra was the supreme deity, considered the king of the gods and the creator of all life. He was often depicted as a man with the head of a falcon, crowned with a solar disk and a sacred serpent. Ra was believed to travel across the sky in a solar barque, and descend into the underworld at night, a journey that was seen as a metaphor for death and rebirth.
Ancient Greece and Rome
In ancient Greece, the sun god was known as Helios, often depicted as a handsome young man crowned with the shining aureole of the Sun. In ancient Rome, the sun god was known as Sol Invictus, the "Unconquered Sun", who was celebrated on December 25. The cult of Sol Invictus was officially instituted by the Roman Emperor Aurelian in 274 AD and continued to be an important part of Roman religion until the official adoption of Christianity in the 4th century.
Hinduism
In Hinduism, the sun god is known as Surya, one of the five principal deities of Hinduism. Surya is considered the creator of the universe and the source of all life. He is often depicted riding a chariot harnessed by seven horses, which represent the seven colors of the rainbow or the seven chakras.
Native American Cultures
In many Native American cultures, the sun is seen as a powerful spiritual being. The Sun Dance is a common ceremony in many Native American cultures, which involves dancing, singing, and praying to the sun for a successful harvest and the well-being of the tribe.
Symbolism and Iconography
Solar deities are often associated with the sky, light, heat, and life. They are often depicted as radiant figures, often with halos or aureoles of light surrounding their heads. They may be depicted riding in chariots across the sky, or as warriors or kings, symbolizing their power and authority. In many cultures, the sun is also associated with the concept of rebirth, as it appears to be 'reborn' each morning after 'dying' each night.
Solar Deities in Modern Times
Despite the decline of sun worship in most modern religions, elements of these ancient beliefs persist in modern times. The image of the sun still appears in many religious and secular symbols, and celebrations related to the sun, such as the summer solstice, continue to be observed in various cultures around the world.