Theyre known as a sign of connection, playfulness and adaptability. A seahorse has a boney structure that represents protection. In fact, a lot of stories are about a hero slaying a dragon. Within folklore that can be found throughout the African continent, elephants have a strong connection to people. As such, they also symbolize cleverness, slyness, and cunningness. Although strong, a panda is a gentle creature. As one of the fastest animals on the planet, its no surprise that leopards are highlighted for their ferocity and aggression. In Japanese culture, hawks are associated with wealth and status. Cows are also associated with rejuvenation and new beginningssimilar to Mother Earth. Nonhuman apes, elephants, cetacea, reptiles, and bowerbirds, among other animals, have produced animal-made works of art. In contrast, crows symbolize cunning, creativity, spiritual balance, and strength. There are numerous representations of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, with doves flying around her or resting on her hand. Also, wolves are known for their intelligence, desire for freedom, and being self-reliant. For instance, in some Asian countries, like China and Japan, these majestic creatures are considered auspicious. Aside from that, skunks can symbolize confidence because they are confident that they can protect themselves with their extremely foul odor. In Ancient Egypt, gods were often depicted as having animal attributes. In Native American cultures, animals can explain the universe and inform human values and morals. In Hindu mythology, many of the gods have sacred animals, and they are venerated in art and stories. Because of these qualities, this mighty creature can symbolize strength, power, courage, and confidence. In literature, authors use animal symbolism as a literary device to represent something greater than whats coming through in the literal text. Owls usually represent wisdom, ravens are often prophecies of doom, and vultures symbolize death. gentleness In fact, if a squirrel appears in your life, it is reminding you to take life less seriously. Butterflies are considered to be fickle, playful, and hard to catch. For the Roman, a lizard represents resurrection. If youre someone whos known for their strong, grounded nature, the cow is the perfect symbol for you. Animals that have shells are led by the turtle. Since then, symbolism has been utilized in literature and artwork to carry a deeper meaning. For this reason, this creature can symbolize endurance and adaptability. Because it has eight tentacles, it can also symbolize abundance and prosperity. As a result, theyre regarded as the symbol of resurrection and coming of new life. Copyright 2023, Life Family Fun. Dogs are symbols of friendship. These animals are the deer, boar, and fox. Animal Farm by George Orwell is a famous animal-centered allegory. As nocturnal creatures, cats are also associated with darkness. Crocodile Logo Design. As an Amazon Associate I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. Cows are known as symbols of fertility, Mother Earth and power for centuries. Also, it represents Horus, the god of the sky, in Egyptian mythology. There was an old legend that tells the story of a pelican piercing its chest to give blood and life to its offspring. It can also represent the things that you cant let go of. joy Traditionally, toads have negative symbolism because they are thought to be demonic creatures. Egyptians associated their deity with cows. A dream about a shrimp is a representation of your feeling of insignificance or inadequacy. In addition, this animal is representative of freedom, stamina, intellect, wisdom, and more. Other meanings include the sun, creativity and virility. They give their children a lot of love and attention and are commonly considered as a symbol for hope, peace, and love. Aside from that, this creature can escape its predators using its brain; thus, it can also represent intelligence and cleverness. With a cow skull, of course! Ladybugs are believed to come to people who are looking for love. Pigs symbolize the Bolshevik leaders, with Snowball representing Trotsky and Napoleon as Stalin. Also, a seahorse moves slowly along with the current; thus, they can also symbolize contentment, serenity, and patience. On the contrary, the rabbits feature with the Virgin Mary is emblematic of the triumph over sexual desire. Generally, these animals serve as your principal guide or protector. Some animals are led by the Chinese unicorn, such as furry animals. If an animal is led by the dragon, these animals most likely have scales. For this reason, this fierce animal is a symbol of guidance and protection. Symbolism of Deer (15 Surprising Meanings) - 2023 Crocodiles are calculating animals that can sneak up on anyone. Overall, a boa constrictor can symbolize guarding and protection. Many animals have powerful metaphors attached to them as universal concepts. As such, this creature is a symbol of tenacity, strength, dominance, self-confidence, and masculinity. They form a family with their partners and commit their lives to each other. Weve all heard the phrase rise from the ashes when it comes to the phoenix. Cranes have positive and negative connotations. Hailing as one of the animal kingdoms largest and most powerful entities, the elephant packs major animal symbolism across cultures. Grasshoppers are earth creatures that are attuned to the wind. Kangaroos are anything but dull and lazy. The Lindisfarne Gospels, Anglo-Saxon, c. 700, via British Library. For the Native Americans, this creature represents creation, and it marks the boundaries or separation between the earth and the sky or heaven. Plus, it is believed that its colorful appearance brings positive vibes and good luck into our lives. Additionally, cows also signify prosperity and abundance because they have provided humans with milk and food. Bears are a common symbol of strength, and lions often represent courage. Read Also: Yellow Ladybug Spiritual Meaning & Symbolism. In China, animal symbols come from the Chinese zodiac, where people fall into an animal category based on their year of birth. Want to learn what your favorite animals mean, symbolize, and how they may reflect you? Plus, they also represent fierceness, pride, and austerity. If the crow has become your spirit animal, it supports you in developing your vision and transformation in your life. Common Native American totem animals include bears, raccoons, turtles, butterflies, and crows. 13 Animals That Symbolize Love (A to Z List) - Symbolism & Metaphor The other meanings for this nocturnal animal are rebirth, death, change, and transformation. Additionally, it may also represent authority and dominion. Monkeys are mischievous and energetic creatures. For this reason, they can symbolize strength, diligence, and determination. Additionally, it can also symbolize determination and confidence because of its will to climb dangerous mountains. This animal also represents a deep connection and intuitive knowledge. Animals, Symbolism of | Encyclopedia.com We are governed by our disclaimer, terms and conditions and privacy policy listed at the bottom of this page. Animal Symbolism and Their Spiritual Meaning On the other hand, theyre championed for their courage, activity, and speed. Lastly, they can also symbolize parenthood for being devoted parents. Aside from that, some cultures also believed that this creature is a symbol of luck and good fortune; thus, they are often used as good luck charms. In Celtic myths, they were known as shapeshifters. It is also a courageous animal; hence, it can represent bravery and fearlessness. Animal Symbolism - An A-to-Z Guide - Symbol Sage While of course half of them are male, their names and their beauty make us think of feminine traits such as lovingness and caring for one another. Sheep are cute and docile animals. sensitivity Hands down the most intriguing yet polarizing symbols. Artists give meaning to the animals in their work, and an animal can have an impact on the artists intended message. Students studying literature as part of their education may have to analyze animal symbolism in books. Nonhuman apes, elephants, cetacea, reptiles, and bowerbirds, among other animals, have produced animal-made works of art. In the fairytale Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf is a symbol of danger. The Symbolic Meanings of Animals During the Renaissance A deer may symbolize a hunt. For this reason, they can also symbolize motherhood, femininity, strength, and intuition. You can think of it as your old self dying so that a newer version of you emerges. As such, they can also represent peace, patience, stability, and calmness. 1. The reason is that they are believed to bring good luck to farmers. In fact, these tiny creatures can teach us that good things require effort and patience. The Medieval Menagerie: Animals in Illuminated Manuscripts - TheCollector community For the Europeans, this mighty bird is treasured for their hunting assistance, and they often used it as an emblem for war and victory. So, hares can be a blessing on a couple who are hoping to have children, as the hare can be a message to the couple that they will have many happy children. fertility Penguins are a symbol of faithfulness and everlasting love. In Christianity, the Pheonix also represents Jesus Christ because the bird is willing to sacrifice itself to death to be reborn. When it comes to animal symbology, they represent stamina, wisdom, freedom, wildness, intellect, and loyalty. In some cases, their presence would even alter the meaning or symbolism of the work. In particular, the Ancient Egyptians depicted their god Sobek with the crocodile head. Additionally, armadillos can also represent endurance, resilience, and self-protection because of their hard shell. determination Some common animal symbols you can find in literature include bears, doves, foxes, lions, owls, and more. As regards the virtues, the lion symbolizes courage and .