<span class="SFPTagline"> From SCIFIPEDIA </span>

Throughout history in northern climates, bear cults have thrived in tribal cultures. The bear enjoyed a large measure of respect in such cultures which resulted in religious traditions and bear festivals.

The most important developments of the cult were in East Asia among the Siberian tribes; among the Ainu of Sakhalin Island a young bear is caught at the end of winter and fed for nine months; then after receiving honors it was killed, and the people, who previously showed grief at its approaching fate, celebrated and feasted on its body.

There is a connection of bear cults to the Greek goddess Artemis. In ancient Greece, girls danced as "bears" in her honor, were forbidden to marry before undergoing the ceremonial dance.

The bear is traditionally associated with Bern in Switzerland. In 1832 a statue of Artio, a bear goddess, was dug up there.

The use of the term "berserk" is usually translated as "bear's skin" and comes from a Norse term. Berserker warriors (who fought especially violently) may have considered themselves to be invoking the spirit of a bear.