11 Common Animal Symbols And Their Meanings
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For ages, animals have played a significant role in the human society. Many of us are unaware of their powerful representations and the depth of the meanings they carry.
In some cultural beliefs, animals exist for a purpose – as spirit animals. Otherwise called totem animals, they are believed to guide a person on his or her journey in life. That’s why there are times when one feels a strong personal connection with a particular animal.
The importance of animals are also seen in symbolism. Let’s learn about some common animal symbols and what they mean.
11 Common Animal Symbols And Their Meanings
1. Horse
Like every animal on this list, the horse comes with several meanings attached to its symbolism.
This mighty creature represents freedom and independence, endurance and nobleness, confidence and heroism, and competition and victory. This animal is also associated with courage and strength.
A horse’s color also plays a role in symbolism. In contrast to a white horse symbolizing triumph, a fiery-red horse may stand for destruction.
Horses are also symbolic of impetuosity or impulsiveness of men.
2. Fox
Foxes are said to be the very first animals in the world to ever use magnetic fields of the earth to measure the distance and evaluate the direction of their prey.
If you asked anyone for a word to best describe the fox, they would most likely answer “sly.” It’s no surprise that they have come to symbolize cunning.
They are adaptable creatures, inclined to commit naughty “crimes” for the fun of it, but foxes are very skillfull and nimble as well. Because of this, these animals are a symbol of playfulness, cleverness, mischief, independence, and resilience.
They also represent good luck as well as beauty and protection.
3. Cat
Cats are fascinating creatures revered in many cultures across the globe. They are popularly regarded as a symbol of good luck.
Cats also symbolize fertility and protection. However, because these felines are nightly creatures, people have also come to associate them with darkness, which is frequently linked to fear and things that are hidden.
In some cultures, these animals are even believed to have the ability to communicate with the departed.
As cats are nimble and agile, capable of moving quietly and with stealth, they are used as a symbol of grace and intelligence. They are also representative of cunning and independence, the very same qualities that they possess.
As per the legendary “nine lives,” cats have also come to stand for rebirth and resurrection.
4. Dog
Dogs have long been depicted as a symbol of love, loyalty and fidelity, alertness, guidance, guardianship, and protection.
In literature, dogs frequently represent the journey from the living world to the afterlife. In ancient Egyptian iconography, however, several dog-headed gods guarded not only the underworld but holy sites as well.
For ancient Greeks and Romans, dogs were prized for their bravery, loyalty, and faithfulness. These animals served not only as family pets and guardians but also as hunters and signs of the status of their masters.
5. Lion
Lions are the “king of the beasts,” a symbol of imperial power and strength. They are highly praised for their strength, courage, and majesty – the very things they also symbolize. In addition, they represent justice and military might as well.
In contrast, the lioness is commonly associated with the Great Mother and protection.
Lion is mentioned various times in the Holy Bible where it is referred to as a symbol of the power of Kings and entire Nations, courage and strength, watchfulness, fearlessness and ferocity, and many others.
6. Elephant
These gigantic creatures are native to Asia and Africa, where they are highly revered.
Elephants represent numerous things. While they’re a popular symbol of good luck and prosperity and are esteemed for their prowess in war, there are also some cultural depictions of these animals as a negative symbol because they are seen an unnecessary burden.
In India, elephants are considered as a symbol of divinity, royalty, and vitality. They are also viewed as an auspicious symbol for the needed rainfall for their crops.
Elephants are regarded as strong creatures that eliminate obstacles and ward off evil forces. They also symbolize nobility, long life, fertility, memory, wisdom, and protection.
7. Wolf
A wolf is a complex and extremely intelligent creature who is lively as well as caring and devoted to its family. This animal is hardworking and has good leadership skills. Wolves are also highly skillful hunters.
In American Indian culture, this beautiful animal is a symbol of understanding and intelligence, strong family ties, education, and efficient communication.
Similar to dog, wolf is also a symbol of loyalty and guardianship.
8. Bear
Bears play a significant role in American Indian mythology, appearing in numerous tales as a moral figure who imposes punishment for inappropriate deeds or behavior.
Bears are notable for their endurance in fighting, even when wounded. It is also believed that they have the ability to mend their own wounds. This links them to healing and medicine, hence symbolizing them. They are also often used to represent strength, wisdom, family, health, and vitality.
While bears are notorious for being savage and aggressive, they are symbolic of protection and trust as well as curiosity, power, strength, and courage. Additionally, they are also associated with intuition, motherly affection, elemental force, and oneness in nature.
9. Snake
The snake, or serpent, is among the oldest and most common symbols in mythology.
These reptiles are known to symbolize the devil, temptation, and deceipt, as well as poison, disease, death, and destruction. In contrast, snakes are also used in signifying love, immortality, wisdom, health, pharmacy, and medicine.
Snakes have been employed for worship and in magic potions and alternate medicine. Snake was an animal that both the Mayans and the Aztecs feared and respected at the same time.
Historically, they denoted fertility and spirit-energy. As they slough off their old scales, snakes have also come to symbolize transformation and rebirth.
10. Frog
Traditionally, frogs have long been regarded as bringers of good fortune. This tradition came to be due to the fact that these amphibians live near water, and water has always been and always will be essential to survival.
When frogs appear, it indicates that there is water close by. They are also seen as bringers of rain. And as rain/water is deemed life-saving, frogs are associated with good luck.
Frogs are also viewed as symbolic of abundance and wealth, as well as rebirth and ancient wisdom. Because a frog lays thousands of eggs, this animal also serves as a symbol of fertility.
11. Tiger
Tiger is one of the most majestic animals on the planet. It is the largest of all felines and is distinguished for its mighty power and strength, which makes it one of the most dreaded predators of nature.
In animal symbolism, tigers are used to signify strength, power, and bravery. In other cultures, these beasts are symbolic of fearlessness and military prowess. These mighty felines are linked with different gods and religious rituals in some cultures, which makes them symbolic of sacredness.
Generally, tigers are also seen as a symbol of ambition, independence, vigor, zealousness, dignity, belief in oneself, and a duty to assist others.
