Symbolism- Animals (2024)

FAQs

What do some animals symbolize? ›

Cats symbolise elegance, curiosity, courage and adaptability. Dog - Typifies loyalty, kinship, bravery, perseverance, and happiness and also conveys protection and reliability. Penguin - These aquatic birds symbolise devotion, loyalty, unity, and lasting love.

In New Age spirituality, the four animals most commonly represented as f spirit keepers for the medicine wheel are the Bear, the Buffalo, the Eagle, and the Mouse.

Bulls are known for bringing luck to a variety of cultures. Greek, Celtic, Egyptian and East Indian people all see the animal as a powerful force. The bull is said to be a sign of positive things from good health to wealth. The Greeks looked upon the bull as a master of love and fertility.

The rabbit is often used to symbolise the moon. In ancient times, the Chinese believed there was a rabbit who lived on the moon (known as the Jade or Moon Rabbit). The rabbit was the closest companion to the immortal Moon Goddess, and it would sit with her making medicine by grinding herbs with a mortar and pestle.

Throughout history, dogs have been depicted in art, literature, and folklore, representing qualities such as loyalty, bravery, and unconditional love. In religious contexts, dogs often symbolize loyalty, faithfulness, and protection.

The fox, a symbol of cunning, intelligence, and adaptability, has left a lasting imprint on cultural and mythological narratives globally. From folklore to mythology, it is frequently depicted as a crafty trickster, outwitting both animals and humans with its wit.

The dove is the Holy Spirit, and the four animals that St. John saw in Heaven are used as personifications of the Four Evangelists.

A snake coiled around a staff is a widely recognized symbol of healing. The staff belongs to Asklepios, the mythical Greek god of medicine. In ancient Greece the sick would go to be healed at shrines called “asklepieia” where priests often used sacred serpents in their ceremonies.

Swans. Often depicted as symbols of love, swans are famous for their graceful courtship rituals, which include synchronized swimming, head bobbing, wing flapping and even forming heart shapes with their necks.

What animal represents power and wealth? According to Feng Shui, the elephant represents power, loyalty, and wealth.

What animal is a symbol of protection? ›

In many cultures, the wolf is considered a symbol of protection and guidance, representing the ability to navigate through the challenges of life.

Deer often symbolize change, new beginnings, hope, and innocence; whereas rabbits represent abundance and prosperity in many cultures and are said to be tricksters who may also bring good fortune according to the myths and legends of some countries.

The dove is a symbol of peace, love and elicits the promise of hope.

As a spirit animal the wolf symbolizes an intriguing mix of power, loyalty, guardianship, teamwork and wildness. Many cultures traditionally value the wolf as a powerful guiding force. Wolves are extremely intuitive and have an almost supernatural instinct that can detect dangerous situations.

The lion holds immense cultural and mythological significance across various civilizations throughout history. In many cultures, the lion symbolizes strength, power, and courage, often associated with royalty and leadership. It has been a prominent symbol in heraldry, representing nobility and authority.

In Christianity, the lamb represents Christ as both suffering and triumphant; it is typically a sacrificial animal, and may also symbolize gentleness, innocence, and purity. When depicted with the LION, the pair can mean a state of paradise. In addition, the lamb symbolizes sweetness, forgiveness and meekness.

Spiritually, cats are often associated with mystery, independence, and intuition. In many ancient cultures, they were considered guardians of the supernatural realm and were believed to possess magical powers. Physically, cats are known for their agility, grace, and keen senses.