Now I don't have OPHIDIOPHOBIA, yet I'm at a loss as to why a person would care for and sometimes even love a SNAKE. My neighbor's adult son, Tom Premont, explained, "They are peaceful and beautiful. I currently have 45 of them. They have different personalities and some seem to enjoy being handled. All snakes are fascinating."
The snake could be said to be a symbol of negativity. Biblical references, including the Garden of Eden's 'evil doer,' can leave us to see the snake as a Devil. Psychologists have found that children and adults can quickly detect images of snakes among a variety of non-threatening objects. Perhaps this ability helped in human survival in the wild? Could there be a "Fear of Snakes Gene?"
Interestingly, infant research at Carnegie Melon University found that little ones have no fear of snakes and spiders. Their research shows that the babies who developed these phobias did so through adult mentoring. "I don't buy that theory," stated Tom. "My mom has a wicked fear. I did have a teacher though that probably started my studying and getting them."
I have begrudgingly held non-venomous snakes. I have gawked at the the 20 footers at the zoo. I made a stink at a local pet store when I saw these creatures without water, living in filthy conditions. I've had a few snake nightmares in my time and had to turn off the movie, "Snakes on a Plane," because I had the willies. A 'Snake Person?' No, not me, though I do try to respect all creatures.
----I just learned there are Leporiphobics...( I'm not telling ya, look it up)
----Tom lives in Massachusetts. (Thank goodness)
----"Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of a snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake." ~~W.C. Fields~~
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