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German beer steins are
rife with symbolism, and animals are a favorite device. They may appear
as the primary element of the design, or as a seemingly minor
embellishment of another theme; they appear in side scenes, on both
inlaid and pewter lids and as thumblifts; and they are celebrated in
many character steins. The cat, monkey and herring all have special
meaning about drinking. Of course, each of these animals is from time
to time depicted in a drunken state. The caterpillar and butterfly are
sometimes seen together with a lesson about drinking.. The lion, eagle,
bear and wren are most often used as symbols of political dominion. The
fox, pig and goat have other symbolic meanings. We also find animals
poking fun at others, including the gentleman rabbit dressed in hunting
clothes and armed with his rifle and game bag.
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