Top Symbols of Life
Tree of life The tree of life is a universal worldwide symbol that suggests the connection between the physical and spiritual world. It’s also called the Tree of Knowledge or the World Tree and appears in cultures from the Nordic, Celtic, and Egyptian to Native American, Islamic, and Buddhist traditions. Most cultures illustrate the tree of life’s meaning by showing its branches reaching the heavens and the roots reaching the underworld.
Ankh The ankh is an ancient cross symbol of eternal life. It looks like a cross that has a rounded loop on the upper quarter section and is also called the key of life and death. Ankhs are considered the original form of all crosses and appear in ancient imagery alongside Egyptian royals, priests, and gods or goddesses. Ankh meanings are also associated with water, air, and sun. They’re said to signify the coming together of opposites like life and death or male and female elements.
Ouroboros The ouroboros represents eternity and the endless return. It typically consists of a cyclical dragon or snake appearing to eat its own tail. The ouroboros first appeared in ancient Egypt in Tutenkhamun’s tomb in the 13th century BCE. The Greek word “ouroboros” means “one is all” to connote the theme of eternity.
Mandala A mandala is an intricate Buddhist painting that portrays the idealized universe. It’s connected with life in that it connects the idea of the universe transforming suffering into joy. Mandalas are often used as tools during meditation when you need to visualize your ideal self and stand for the interconnectedness of all things. Mandalas are a symbol of a microcosm inside a macrocosm, which stands for unity and harmony in the biggest of things down to the smallest.
Yin and Yang The Chinese yin and yang symbol represents the idea that everything in the universe is balanced by opposites. Yin and yang are depicted in a circle of two halves—one white with a black dot (yin) and one black with a white dot (yang). With the two smaller dots, each side contains some part of the opposite to illustrate that light and dark, male and female, and cold and hot are all interchangeable.
Water Water is the ultimate natural symbol of life. It’s associated with contradictory forces like healing and suffering, protection and vulnerability, change and constancy, and stillness and rage. It’s a big part of many spiritual and religious rituals around the world. Hindus swim in the Ganga river for purification, while Muslims practice Wudhu daily, which means they cleanse their body using water before prayers. Christians use water symbolism in the baptism ritual to bring purity to the baby being baptized. Like water, rain and rainstorms symbolize the fertility and abundance of life. Rain is necessary for crops to grow and for life to thrive. The Mayans worshiped the rain god Chaac to enjoy an abundant bounty.
Lotus Flower The lotus flower is a symbol of life’s highs and lows, along with renewal and rebirth. They connote the life force reaching through obstacles because lotus flowers grow from the mud through the water into the sky. In addition to life itself, the lotus flower represents strength, persistence, and purity.
Triskelion The triskelion began as a Celtic pagan symbol that stood for earth, water, and sky, and death, life, and rebirth. It’s made up of 3 spirals joined at the center to connote the interconnectedness of life. The triskelion has even been associated with the triple goddess forms of maiden, mother, and crone.
Spiral The spiral best represents the cycles of life. It also stands for the connection to the cosmos, balance and harmony, sacred geometry, and a spiritual journey within. Whether used by Greeks and Egyptians in the ancient world or by Native American tribes, spirals focus on interconnectedness. It’s seen as a symbol of the cycle of time that is always moving and never ending.
Celtic Cross The Celtic cross symbolizes life in all its elements and has existed in Ireland since the 9th century. It looks like a general Christian cross with a circle at its center. The 4 arms of the Celtic cross are said to symbolize north, south, east, and west, or the 4 elements of earth, water, air, and fire.
Fleur de Lis This symbol emphasizes new life and the presence of God. It’s named after the French word for “lily” and is also called the bon secours symbol and contains 3 shoots emerging from a single stem. The fleur-de-Lis often appears in Christian paintings with Jesus Christ and has come to signify the holy trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
The Skull Skulls may appear to depict death, but also stand for life, transformation, and change. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead celebration uses colorful painted skulls to celebrate and honor the lives of loved ones. They are a reminder of the preciousness of life and how it exists in an everlasting cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
The Infinity The infinity sign suggests the idea of “forever,” without ends or boundaries. The symbol looks like a figure-8 on its side and is a reminder of the continuous cycle of life and death. The infinity symbol also signals the cycle of creation and destruction, along with the immortality of the soul.
Ancient Symbols of Life
Eye of Horus This ancient Egyptian symbol stands for health and healing in life. It appears as an almond-shaped eye nestled among other human-bird characteristics, including a wing and a claw. The eye of Horus is also called the Wedjat eye and was commonly used as an amulet that protected from injury and illness. Wedjat eyes can depict either the left or right eye. The right eyes represented Re, the sun god, while the left eyes stood for Horus, the falcon-headed god.
Triquetra The triquetra (also known as the trinity knot) is one of the Irish symbols that stand for the life cycle, the triple goddess, the 3 realms, and the Holy Trinity. Triquetra means “three-cornered” in Latin and its design includes 3 interconnected arcs. It dates back to the 4th century BCE but is most recognized for appearing in the Irish Book of Kells.
Phoenix The phoenix is an ancient symbol of life regenerating itself as represented by a bird-like creature rising from the ashes. When a phoenix takes flight, it signals birth, hope, renewal, progress, and eternity. They have appeared everywhere from ancient Egypt and China to depictions of the Virgin Mary in European artwork. The phoenix promises renewal that brings happiness and good fortune.
Om Symbol The om symbol represents the original vibration of the universe, or the first sound the universe ever made. It stands for oneness in the universe and is based in Hindu philosophy. The om symbol is designed with 3 curved lines, a dot, and a semicircle. You can repeat the om symbol’s sound during meditation to help yourself reach a state of transcendence as you meditate.
Star of David The Star of David symbolizes God’s rule over the universe in 6 directions: north, south, east, west, up, down. It’s an iconic Jewish symbol that has origins in Eastern pagan traditions and Islamic culture. The Star of David appears as a hexagram, or 6-pointed star, that includes 2 interlocking triangles. It’s also known as the “shield of David,” and is also associated with the opposites of good and evil, along with the spiritual and the physical worlds.
Hamsa The hamsa (also called the hand of Fatima) is a hand-shaped amulet that represents protection, power, and strength. It’s based in the Islamic and Jewish faiths and is also associated with the number 5. The hamsa is an open hand shape with 2 thumbs on either side and the fingers pointing either up or down.
Animal Symbols of Life
Scarab The scarab beetle is a potent Egyptian symbol of protection. It’s associated with the god Khepri, who ruled over creation and the rising sun. Scarabs are depicted as dung beetles, who roll dung across the ground in the same way Khepri rolls the sun across the sky. They were a sign of good fortune when worn as amulets by ancient Egyptians, who also placed scarab amulets in the tombs of the deceased for protection in the afterlife.
Butterfly Butterflies symbolize immortality, along with joy, fertility, and transformation. They are also linked to rebirth and resurrection, which is illustrated by the transformation of the caterpillar into a pupa and a butterfly. They have become modern-day symbols of personal metamorphoses when you want to transcend challenges to reach a new state of being.
Raven Though many associate ravens with death, they are also seen as signs of spiritual awakening, transformation, and cleansing. Because of their natural instinct as carrion birds, ravens are considered symbols of healing. They’re even connected to a shifting of consciousness or being able to draw on your subconsciousness as needed. Professional writer Melessa Sargent notes that ravens are “connected to spiritual growth and new opportunities. You just need to be able to perceive what's around you” when you see or notice a raven nearby. Take it as a positive sign that a transformation or change is coming your way.
Dove The dove is a graceful symbol of peace, love, and divine light. It’s become the Christian symbol for the Holy Spirit, along with serenity and calm. Doves embody the spiritual energy of the life force, with a focus on compassion and empathy. It reminds you that hope, light, and healing are always possible in your life.
Owl Owls are signs of the dualistic nature of life itself. They represent opposites, from good and evil to day and night. They can be a reminder to look within and find the wisdom you seek there. In ancient Greece, owls represented Athena, the goddess of wisdom (named Minerva in Roman mythology).
Lion Lions are symbols of majesty, strength, and courage. They’re also associated with the heat of the sun because of their golden color. Lions have appeared in sculpture and art, from ancient Rome through the Middle Ages as emblems of power and might. This meaning differs in Hinduism, where Lord Vishnu is a half lion-half man sent to earth to destroy evil and restore peace.
Swan Swans represent the soul itself, along with transformation, love, and loyalty. Swans are unique creatures that can move on the land, in the water, and in the sky, which mirrors their association with the transcendent. They were even considered shapeshifters who could transform into shamans and poets so they could live in the human and animal worlds at once.
Spider Spiders signify patience, creativity, and the power in creation itself. They’re also linked to ideas of balance, interconnectedness, and life cycles. Within mythology, spiders often represent feminine energy and are spirit animals that can inspire greater things to manifest in you. Spiders were associated with the goddess Neith, called the weaver of fate, and are teachers and protectors in Native American tradition. They’re a sign of good luck and prosperity in Chinese traditions.
Peacock The peacock is a symbol of the resurrection in Christianity. Because their new feathers grow in more beautifully than the old ones, they’re connected with themes of rebirth and new life. Peacocks often appear in medieval art as symbols of eternal life through faith in Christ.
Uncommon Symbols of Life
Rose The rose is the ultimate natural symbol of beauty, love, and life. It’s also connected to themes of spiritual awakening from Christianity and Islam to Hinduism. The Virgin Mary is often referred to as the “mystical rose” in Christianity, while it also dates back to pagan times when the rose was a sign of divine feminine energy. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, revives Adonis, only to have red roses pop up whenever his blood touches the earth.
Fire Fire is an elemental symbol that represents eternity. It’s also linked to wisdom, knowledge, and power. It’s been a source of light, heat, and energy for countless civilizations throughout history. Fire equals passion for anything you may want in life. It’s a constant reminder of the spiritual energy within you and every element in life itself.
Heart The heart is a symbol of love and affection, as well as an emblem of the soul. It’s linked to the Latin word “cor,” which means “core.” A heart is often depicted in Catholic imagery as the center of morality. The Sacred Heart of Jesus appears in paintings as a red heart with rays emerging from all sides, along with a crown of thorns, a cross, and fire, as a sign of Jesus’ love for humanity.
Sun The sun symbolizes the creator, as well as vitality, energy, strength, warmth, and divinity. The brilliance of the sun’s light beams works as a spiritual symbol that brings radiance into your life and your soul itself. Ancient civilizations worshipped a sun god, like Apollo in Greek myth, Ra in Egypt, and Surya in Hinduism as symbols of life. The sun also signals gold in alchemy, which is considered the most perfect of all metals. The sunrise in particular is linked to new beginnings and hope.
Crescent The crescent moon (also called the half moon) is associated with fertility, along with the cycles of life and death. In early civilizations, the crescent moon signifies the changing seasons and cycles of life. Some 14th-century Christian artwork also depicts the Virgin Mary standing upon the crescent moon, and in other paintings portraying the assumption of Mary.
Stars The stars stand for the divine and infinite energy of the universe. In addition to Earth and other planets being called stars, humans are thought to be made of star material to some degree. Stars like the sun and the moon symbolize the divine power which makes life possible. A falling or shooting star was considered a good luck sign from the gods, which is why you’re often told to “wish upon a star” so your dreams come true.
Rainbow Rainbows are one of nature’s many signs of life that signal new beginnings and transformation. In Greco-Roman mythology, they are personified by Iris to provide a link between earth and heaven. Rainbows are also considered a bridge between the worlds in Chinese tradition when embodied by a double-headed dragon.
Circles The symbolism of the circle is associated with wholeness, unity, and the divine. It is without beginning or end, so it comes to symbolize eternity and infinity, as illustrated by the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The symmetry and balance of a circle also signal divine perfection, along with protection, celestial bodies, and life’s natural rhythms. Circles are also associated with pursuing personal growth to achieve natural harmony within yourself.
Dragons The dragon represents transformation and eternal wisdom in multiple world cultures. It’s a symbol of protection and power in Celtic traditions where they’re seen as guardians of the earth and all sacred things. Dragon energy exists in 4 directions (north, south, east, west), and for the 4 elements of earth, fire, air, and water.
Angels Angels are beings of light who act as divine messengers. They’re a symbol of the relationship between God and humanity and are present in religious traditions from Christianity and Islam to Hinduism. They inhabit the heavens and are also linked to light, fire, and martial power.
Eggs Eggs have symbolized life everywhere from ancient Egypt to modern-day Easter celebrations. Egyptians considered eggs symbols for the world's creation, while Romans offered them during ancient burial rites. Eggs also represent nature, fertility, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ during Easter. They’re also associated with rebirth, which can be seen in the phrase, “Which came first—the chicken or the egg?” Painted eggs were given as gifts 5000 years ago in ancient China, while people decorated their homes with colorful eggs in ancient Greece and Rome to celebrate the new beginning of the spring equinox.
Life Symbols FAQs
What does it mean to wear an ankh necklace? The ankh is an Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol of life associated with immortality once worn for protection in ancient Egypt. Many people still wear an ankh necklace today to help them feel closer to the idea of eternal life. Many African Americans also wear ankh jewelry or get ankh tattoos as a symbol of racial pride. Some say musical artist Erykah Badu inspired this recent trend in ankh jewelry.
What is the meaning of this symbol (;) in life? The semicolon symbol has recently become popular in schools as a sign of inspiration and support. Those who use the symbol consider it a sign to keep moving on in life, no matter what challenges you might face. It’s been used in everything from texting and social media to being an emblem for social movements and included in the latest tattoo trends.
What life symbols make the best tattoos? The most visually striking life symbols make up the most popular tattoos, which include the Egyptian ankh, the Tree of Life, and the infinity loop. Other animal or nature-related life symbols that end up as tattoos often include the butterfly, the phoenix, or the lotus flower. Equally memorable images of life symbols that aren’t as common for tattoos are Celtic knots, mandalas, and the fleur-de-lis.
Comments
0 comment