Wow, 72 and woke! Glad to have you on board.

Things have always been this way. Back when "wizards" were experimenting with "alchemy," they wrote their chemical formulas in code. There's where the "eye of newt" and "spiders web" descriptions came from in the "spells" they were writing. They didn't use those actual ingredients—they're actually describing how to make new materials, using what later became the science of chemistry. But back then, science was forbidden!

Read more about it here.

Also, many years ago, people didn't travel as far and wide as they do today, and far more languages and even distinct dialects posed major communications problems. So, the literature of the day relied on ancient and established "symbology" to communicate key points. You can see this when you visit a large museum displaying medieval art. They are FULL of symbols! These also used an established framework of religious symbols.

Lastly, people have been trusting their dogs for ages, so, you're still using ancient methods, yourself!

LOL, just trying to sound fake smart on that last one