For the Native Americans, this powerful creature is a sign of abundance and prosperity. Crocodiles are calculating animals that can sneak up on anyone. Additionally, it may also represent authority and dominion. Crocodile symbolism includes ancient wisdom, protection, strength, stealth, and efficiency. In Indian culture, this powerhouse was constantly used in battle and prominently endowed with religious symbolism through the various gods and goddesses. These animals are the deer, boar, and fox. As regards the virtues, the lion symbolizes courage and . As such, they can also represent peace, patience, stability, and calmness. As such, they teach us to find the balance between foolishness and wisdom. Upgrade your creativity and home decor with our one-of-a-kind ram skulls. This reading covered natural history and moral associations of creatures. While animals can impact the paintings message, theyre very evident of the rich history of animal symbology in Western art. 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. Despite these negative meanings, a shrimp can also have positive symbolism. Im Chris and I run this website a resource about symbolism, metaphors, idioms, and a whole lot more! This majestic creature has major symbolism across numerous cultures over thousands of years. Some animals represent romantic love, but others represent fraternal love, eternal love, or divine love. Whales are enormous yet gentle creatures; thus, they can symbolize peaceful strength. As such, this animal can be a symbol of renewal and new beginnings. In art, an animals presence shouldnt go unnoticed. courage A goose is a loyal creature, and it is often used to symbolize loyalty and devotion. In some cultures, a scorpion is used as a symbol of passion, sex, and lust. Aside from that, a spider also represents infinity due to its eight legs. Buffalo symbolizes bravery, freedom, kindness, strength, and respect. Make sure you meditate and journal about your vision. Cows are known as symbols of fertility, Mother Earth and power for centuries. Additionally, the Celts emphasized their powerful build to signify great physical strength. Plus, they can also symbolize playfulness, friendship, happiness, kindness, and never-ending curiosity. Because snakes are able to shed their skin, they can symbolize rebirth, transformation, and healing. Because horses are the means of transportation in ancient times, they can also represent movement and travel. Owls represent wisdom, patience, and solitude. Many animals symbolize love. notable artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Titian would create their own variations from the Renaissance onwards. This bird is symbolic of rebirth, hope, renewal, progress, and eternity. Because goats are often used as sacrificial animals, they are a symbol of sacrifice. The last animal in this all-star line-up is the wolf. The dolphin represents the church being guided by Christs love when it appears on an anchor or is pierced by a trident. Aside from that, whales can also represent solitude, compassion, and love. The swan is one of the creatures that people think of first when they think of animals that symbolize love. The symbolism depends on the culture, tradition, and iconography of different populations. For instance, a black butterfly is a sign of bad news. Aside from those meanings, a crow can also represent destiny, intelligence, and flexibility. survival connection Even Alexander the Great had his dynastic successors wear the elephant scalp as a crown or headdress. Because of this trait, this creature is often used as a symbol of beauty. However, the curiosity symbolism returned to the fold when monkeys were represented in art as copycats of painting and sculpting. fertility The impressive variety includes regeneration and renewal, female sexuality, agricultural fertility. Plus, he moves through the jungle with might and intensity. happiness Snakes in a dream could mean the dreamer should take things slowly and not to invite others in so easily. Many people attach significance to animals as symbols in various areas of daily life. They are always on the move unless they are sleeping. So, this animal represents power, nurturing, and fertility. Generally, crabs are a symbol of self-preservation and protection because they have an armored shell that protects them. If you find this website helpful - tip me a few dollars. As such, it can represent survival and protection. Learn more about animal symbolism in literature. Also, it can represent the inner child within us, reminding us of our innocence when we were young. The Doves white body and gentle nature makes it one of the universal peace, innocence, and purity symbols. In Greek art, she appears accompanied by dolphins and nereids. At this point, you may be wondering why this is relevant to you. Bat Dreams. This species embodies luck when considering prosperity, health, growth, development, and more. The Crow. Black cats are often the subject of superstition, but in general, cats are thought of as symbolizing dexterity and good fortune. Also, wolves are known for their intelligence, desire for freedom, and being self-reliant. A ram is a symbol of leadership because of the traits it possesses, like having the courage to face danger. Like the dogs, wolves are a symbol of loyalty, protection, and guardship. Sheep are cute and docile animals. Cats are a symbol of rebirth because of the saying that they possess nine lives. For this reason, they can symbolize strength, diligence, and determination. They also remind people that they must enjoy life. The wolf is well-established for its sharp intelligence, self reliance and an appetite for freedom. Additionally, a goose will mourn when one of its kind dies. The other meanings associated with a unicorn are romance, hope, joy, and healing. In Christianity, this gentle bird is believed to represent the holy spirit, and it is able to deliver our messages and prayers to God. In literature, authors use animal symbolism as a literary device to represent something greater than whats coming through in the literal text. Because birds are able to fly to any location, birds also symbolize freedom. In the Irish folklore, the Bull is a symbol of virility, sovereignty, and wealth. However, in some European cultures, cranes represent bad will and miserliness. She is also a symbol of redemption during difficult times. They depicted her as a giant cow that represents the heavens. Generally, cougars symbolize leadership, and they represent your desire to take charge of your life and become the best version of yourself. Its rare to encounter an owl, and if you do, you can view the sighting as a sign from the universe. Other cultures from the African continent and Indo-Pacific region pinpointed its fierceness and channeled it as their chiefs symbol. They are feeble, weak animals who are towards the bottom of the food change. Aside from that, bats are also sociable creatures. However, this mysterious creature is actually a symbol of mysteries and life magic. Artists have assigned meaning to real and imaginary animals since classical antiquity. Collectively, birds signify the transition between life and death. Some animals represent romantic love, but others represent fraternal love, eternal love, or divine love. Aside from that, it could also symbolize your insecurities and yearning to hide. Hands down the most intriguing yet polarizing symbols. Because birds can fly freely in the sky and roam the planet, they often symbolize freedom. This animal emerged in the Middle Ages and Renaissance and was rumored to only be captured by a virgin. Dogs represent Stalin's secret police force. balance The ancient Celts were great horsemen, and they associated the horse with Epona, whom they knew as the Horse Goddess. Because this creature lives in the dark, it can also represent mystery. As a talking bird, it can also represent communication, insight, and prophecy. Another meaning associated with the bear is strength and power due to their sheer size. Other cultures also use leopards to represent ambition and courage. community In general, coyotes can represent jokesters because of their playful nature. The reason is that they are believed to bring good luck to farmers. In other cultures, a frog can also represent abundance, wealth, prosperity, and good luck. Using symbols is one of the earliest recorded forms of human storytelling with hieroglyphics found on the insides of cave walls. As such, this animal can symbolize humility. change Seeing a snake could also mean a hidden threat is coming to the dreamer's way. On the other hand, Classic Antiquity art classified mans best friend as vigilant, faithful, and wise. Dogs represent Stalins secret police force. Because of these characteristics, an aardvark can also represent endurance. In fact, the cow is often used to symbolize femininity, while the bull represents masculinity. The Chinese link the horse with love and pragmatism in their zodiac. Symbolism is a device used to represent ideas or qualities beyond the literal meaning. Frogs are symbols of wealth, fertility, and wisdom. In other words, it is the inner essence of the heart. hummingbird is an ancient symbol of happiness and enjoyment of life. Lets go ahead and start uncovering these animals and their meanings: Some cultures correlate animals with fertility and vitality since theyre constantly living, moving, and growing. In this blog, were covering the varying animal symbolism, history, and more. Aside from that, crocodiles can also symbolize stealth and independence because they are solitary hunters that will quickly sneak up on their prey. Penguins are often seen in groups because they stick together through thick and thin. emotions Additionally, they are the missing connection to the spirit realm and afterlife. On the contrary, the rabbits feature with the Virgin Mary is emblematic of the triumph over sexual desire. Lastly, they can also symbolize parenthood for being devoted parents. Take a sneak peek into this essay! An octopus doesnt have bones; however, it is able to move freely under the sea because it is flexible. Aside from that, this bird also represents resurrection in Christianity because of its tail that molts and grows back after some time. Universally, elephants are a symbol of power and strength because of their enormous size and strength. Native American Bat Symbolic Meanings. They protect their eggs with their lives, and when the eggs hatch and their younger siblings come, they hold them firmly to their bodies to shield them from the harsh environment. Theyre known for their strong foundation that cant be uprooted. Additionally, it may also represent authority and dominion. For this reason, this creature can symbolize endurance and adaptability. The parent pair does not leave the babys side until it is old enough to care for itself. For instance, it can symbolize passion, enjoyment, and luck. They give their children a lot of love and attention and are commonly considered as a symbol for hope, peace, and love. Horses are considered to be powerful. In Native American culture, the buffalo is a large piece of different legends and oral traditions. For the Celtics, they consider salmons as the guardians of knowledge and wisdom that a mortal cant comprehend; thus, this unassuming creature can symbolize knowledge and wisdom. One of the ways they find their totem animal is through dreams. While the archetype of Sagittarius is depicted by the centaur, horses are also representative of this zodiac sign. Penguins are a symbol of faithfulness and everlasting love. Eagles are fearless creatures, and they are considered the chief of all winged animals. In the Middle Ages, Western European art depicted them as the devil. Swans. The crew ties the dead bird around the sailors neck, and he carries it as a symbol of his guilt. They form a family with their partners and commit their lives to each other. A boa constrictor is a protective animal. This animal also represents a deep connection and intuitive knowledge. . strength The Greeks and Egyptians, on the other hand, consider this animal as a symbol of godly wisdom and good fortune. As one of the most well-known predators across land and water, the crocodile has racked up a great amount of animal symbolism throughout history. As such, this creature is a symbol of tenacity, strength, dominance, self-confidence, and masculinity. The Greeks also called Aphrodite (the goddess of love) the Woman of the Sea and they thought she took the appearance of a dolphin. Like the buffalo, a bull is also a mighty creature, so it can also represent strength and power. Finally, it can also represent spiritual transformation and healing. Aside from that, skunks can symbolize confidence because they are confident that they can protect themselves with their extremely foul odor. Despite its positive meaning, a pig also has negative symbolism. As a spirit animal, it will inspire you to go after what you want without hesitation or fear. Because they rely on water to survive, they can represent the symbolic meaning of water, which is associated with our dreams, wishes, and hopes. Some common animal symbols you can find in literature include bears, doves, foxes, lions, owls, and more. On the contrary, eagles have been marked as signals to reconnect with your spiritual path or to embark on a spiritual journey. These animals give us a lesson of what it means to love someone else unconditionally. They go in line with Sagittarius free spirit. Some of these animals are bats, deer, cranes, and elephants, but there are many more. The cow is yet another animal thats easily connected to Earth. The other meanings of a lizard are clairvoyance, sensitivity, adaptability, change, and introversion. Lastly, some cultures also consider a monkey as a symbol of good luck. They build their nests near human populations. They can communicate using deep low sounds that . Animals are often revered for the traits they embody. Animal Symbolism in Literature: Examples of Animal Symbols Written by MasterClass Last updated: Mar 28, 2022 4 min read Authors use animal symbolism in literature as a literary device to imbue their stories with deeper meaning. Theyre primarily known for safety, power, lifes sacredness, and durability. Because of these traits, they can symbolize strength, agility, aggression, gracefulness, and instinct. The reason is that this creature is often hunted for sport and ceremonial purposes. The horse signifies power (because of its strong legs), freedom (that gracious run), and beauty (its charming body). Yellow Ladybug Spiritual Meaning & Symbolism, Brown Ladybug Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism. Aside from that, this mighty creature is also a survivor and a protector. I Recommend This one: Click Here To Get It on Amazon!As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For example, the Greeks view elephants as a symbol of military strength and power. In this article, you will find some examples of animals that symbolize love. Ants and bees are often symbols of industriousness and hard work. As one of the fastest animals on the planet, its no surprise that leopards are highlighted for their ferocity and aggression. Cranes have positive and negative connotations. Dogs generally symbolize loyalty, faithfulness, and companionship. Flamingos engage in fairly intricate courting rituals, including what appears to be synchronized dancing. PHEASANT - denotes a spiritual seeker. The other meanings for this adorable animal are balance, preparation, prudence, and high energy. This fun website offers you all kinds of affirmations for all kinds of purposes. The owl is the most rare spirit animal and creature. In the Bible as well as in the liturgy, so-called clean animals are clearly distinguished from those that are unclean. Many of the deities have animal heads. Lastly, this animal can also symbolize lethargy because it spends most of its time sleeping. The whale is a modern symbol of wisdom as we have learnt to understand its nature more. The below are examples of possible interpretations only, and may not be the correct interpretations for you and your situation. Traditionally, toads have negative symbolism because they are thought to be demonic creatures. The other meanings for quails are family and community. The lioness is the great matriarch of a family. Piggybacking off of Bestiary, notable artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Titian would create their own variations from the Renaissance onwards. They aid in self-discovery and capture our imagination, giving us incredible avenues of self-expression and awareness., Animals assist in understanding our past, and if we are attentive, animal totems can reveal glimpses into our future. Hands down the most intriguing yet polarizing symbols. Aside from that, cats patiently wait for their prey; thus, they can also signify patience. Like other predators, a tiger is commonly used to represent strength, power, courage, and willpower. Despite being able to fly, pheasants spend most of their time on land, hiding in tall grasses. Lastly, cows are calm creatures, making them a great symbol of calmness. Leopards hunt with stealth and grace. In fact, if a squirrel appears in your life, it is reminding you to take life less seriously. This is partially attributable to its link with Delphi, which means womb in Greek. Also, this animal can symbolize survival because of its unique body structure that allows them to endure severe weather conditions. They are often the subject of stories and art where each animal has its own special meaning. During the Renaissance era, they represented fidelity and female seduction. Nonhuman apes, elephants, cetacea, reptiles, and bowerbirds, among other animals, have produced animal-made works of art. As an Amazon Associate I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. These birds also represent love, purity, chastity, grace, and sincerity. Pigs are a symbol of abundance, fertility, wealth, and prosperity in various cultures. For the Native Americans, turkeys are a symbol of fertility and abundance. Aside from that, they can also signify protection. A thunderbird is believed to be the most powerful animal. Worldwide, cows are a symbol of maternal love. With a cow skull, of course! Groucho Marx was famous for saying, "A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere." (Maybe Marx was a cat lover.) Just as the Wildcat has ties to clairaudience, it also corresponds with clairvoyance and visions. A skunk has a white patch on its body that symbolizes creativity. Some animals are led by the Chinese unicorn, such as furry animals. In Native American culture, the Buffalo plays a major role in legends and oral tradition. Some cultures also use this animal as an emblem of war. The starfish represents the Virgin Mary (Stella Maris, which means Star of the Sea) in Christian iconography. However, I believe that the animals represent Gawain at different stages of the seduction. In a lot of cultures, dragons are considered evil creatures and the enemy of mankind. Blind man's bluff is a favorite game. Even though a mouse has a small body frame, it has the strength to endure worse weather conditions. Dogs are one of the most noted and symbolic of animals. Because of these qualities, this mighty creature can symbolize strength, power, courage, and confidence. Make sure that you visitA Daily Affirmation, abundance Epona was famous for her wealth, love, and fertility, among other things. Some people believe that crows are a symbol of death and misfortune because of their black color. For this reason, bats may also represent communication. Cows are often associated with femininity, motherhood, and fertility due to their nurturing and selfless nature. Other meanings for this wonderful creature are optimism, joy, appreciation, hope, comfort, and love. Once it has chosen a mate, it stays with them until death. adaptability Animal symbolism has been around for thousands of years and animal symbolism has a part of many different cultures. Throughout history, their meanings and perceptions have constantly evolved. The beaver can be a spiritual symbol for couples and can bless them with a long happy life together in their own little house raising their family. For this reason, a goat can also represent independence and faith. Other representations included the fall of man or one whos encompassed by earthly desires. As for most religions, this mighty creature represents hope and salvation. Crocodile Logo Design. 13. Pigs symbolize the Bolshevik leaders, with Snowball representing Trotsky and Napoleon as Stalin. In addition to love, the Starfish possesses qualities such as guidance, attentiveness, inspiration, brightness, and intuition. They describe Horse people as hot-tempered but loveable, and very passionate and sensual. Animal symbolism examples are present in many books. One of the first publications of this was Bestiary during the Middle Ages. Monkeys are mischievous and energetic creatures. Hindu scriptures describe it riding a dove bird. We can see this symbolism in images of animals such as the lion, ram, wolf, and many more. Plus, they can also represent courage and adventure because of their courageous and adventurous nature. On the other hand, theyre championed for their courage, activity, and speed. In this context, she is the one who lovingly facilitates safe navigation through stormy waters. Among Hindu communities, the cow is a sacred creature to the point that they dont consume meat and have special housing for older cows. To be specific, a loon can symbolize the reawakening of our old dreams and wishes. Aside from that, they may also represent your ability to rise above your adversities because of the capability to soar high into the sky. They both symbolize Christ the lamb that was sacrificed and the Lion of Judah. In Japanese culture, hawks are associated with wealth and status. On the other hand, Classic Antiquity art classified man's best friend as vigilant, faithful, and wise. Also known as the king of beasts, the tiger is well-known for its ferocity, Earthly power and anger. Generically speaking, the bear is known for hibernating during winter and re-emerging in the spring. Because of their beautiful appearance, a hummingbird can also symbolize beauty. In Japan, turtles are a symbol of good fortune, and they are believed to bring 10,000 years of happiness. Her birth takes place in a chariot pulled by doves. Additionally, it can also symbolize determination and confidence because of its will to climb dangerous mountains. Owls usually represent wisdom, ravens are often prophecies of doom, and vultures symbolize death. The double-edged nature of this animal is representative of those who use magic and those who manipulate. Aside from being a flute player, a Kokopelli is also a storyteller and a jokester. Christianity views peacocks as a representation of the resurrection of Christ and eternal life. These words are often associated with sports, and crocodiles make appearances in many sport logos or sport-related brands. Animal symbolism examples in Celtic and Welsh mythology are tied in with fertility and vitality. The voluptuous flowers evoke the pleasure of a romantic dalliance. In contrast, crows symbolize cunning, creativity, spiritual balance, and strength. Known for creating their intricate webs, spiders are meant to inspire you to create the life you always wanted. As such, it is considered a symbol of rebirth, immortality, renewal, and resurrection. The reason is that they will do everything in their power to complete their tasks. Also, this animal symbolizes freedom since they have the liberty to fly to any location. The other meanings of this adorable creature are creativity, agility, and imagination. As a result, people can see the enormous love, care, and loyalty that white doves demonstrate. In China, the black and white color of this bear represents the ying and the yang. Connect and keep it playful. Many animals have powerful metaphors attached to them as universal concepts. Snakes symbolize regeneration and renewal, female sexuality, and agricultural fertility. However, in some cultures, a white duck represents lies and deceit. Although strong, a panda is a gentle creature. Aside from that, this creature can also signify tenderness or gentleness due to its gentle nature. 10. In Japanese culture, the fox is considered a fertility and agriculture symbol. focus The ladybug landing on you or biting you could be a sign that new love is coming soon.