9 Symbols Of Brotherhood And Their Meanings

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People who share common interests, beliefs, and goals tend to develop stronger bonds with each other, even though they are not related by blood. Helping one another in times of need is one definition of what it means to be brothers or commonly referred to as ‘brotherhood’.

It is also similar to an organization where members are united and show cooperation by respecting and being loyal to one another.

The ability to provide people with a support system and the sense of being treated as a family and friends is one of the primary reasons why brotherhood is so important in the society. The following is a list of the common emblems of brotherhood used across the world.

9 Symbols Of Brotherhood And Their Meanings

Fleur-de-lis (Lily of French)

Fleur-de-lis is a popular symbol commonly associated with France, particularly in the monarchical period. In French, fleur means flower and lis means lily, so it is well known as the Lily of France, which had a huge part throughout French history. France uses this symbol to represent their Catholic saints.

Nowadays, the Lily of French can be seen in logos and badges of universities. The Fleur-de-lis is a symbol of brotherhood in the Scouts Royale Brotherhood of the Philippines. Members wear it on their badge to identify themselves as members of the fraternity.

It is commonly used as a scout badge because its three petals pointed upward are a reminder of the “Scout Promise”; duty to God and country, helping others, and keeping the Scout Law.

Salt

Salt has intriguing meanings. It can be associated with bad and good connotations. It can mean purity, luxury, and fidelity, but it can also mean death, contamination, and other negative thoughts. 

For some cultures, particularly in Arab countries, salt is a symbol that makes people unite against harm and pain.

It is believed to bring blessings to newborns, so some Turkish tribes and Hebrew communities practice rubbing their newborns with a mixture of salt and water. Salt is used in some cultures not only as a sign of purity but also as a way to show respect for visitors.

However, salt is also used to signify brotherhood, particularly during the Middle Ages. During that time, people believe about “Amicitia pactum salis,” which can be translated as “Friendship is a salt bond.”

Brother Symbol

A common representation of the brother’s symbol is a pictogram consisting of two men standing next to one another with a line connecting them at the bottom. It can also be drawn within a circle.

The two men represent togetherness and equality, and the line that runs between them symbolizes the connection they had together as brothers.

Another representation of the brother’s symbol depicts two men who are not related by blood but have chosen to be loyal to each other. A ceremony and a blood oath are held to make a pledge that the two men decided to be relatives even though they are not related by birth.  

A symbol for a father is somehow similar to the brother’s symbol; the only difference is that one man’s symbol is placed above the other.

Blood

The popular expression “blood is thicker than water” conveys the idea that one’s own family is more significant than the relationships one has with other people. Nevertheless, in terms of brotherhood, the members are not related by blood; however, they have chosen to treat each other as family. 

Blood is usually used in rituals especially in ceremonies for brotherhood. It is used as a traditional symbol for brotherhood because they treat each other as family. Two men mixing their blood by cutting themselves is a blood oath to signify their brotherhood.

Skulls and Bones

The skull and bones symbol are represented by a human skull and two bones crossed to each other that are placed behind the skull. In most cases, the symbol is usually engraved on tombstones or displayed as part of the branding for poisons to denote that the substance is hazardous or poisonous.

The skull and bones symbol originated in the Middle Ages. It became a symbol for the secret society founded in 1832 at Yale University. However, their symbol has a number 322 beneath the skull and bones symbol. 

The Skull and Bones secret society is a brotherhood organization that made the symbol skull and bones popular. In fact, Bonesmen is named for the male members of the organization, and their headquarters is called a Tomb.

Former United States presidents William Howard Taft, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush are just some of the famous people who have joined this brotherhood over the years.

Cheetah

Compared to other animals, cheetahs stand out due to their forceful and aggressive nature. Cheetahs that have been abandoned have the ability to form their own coalition with other cheetahs.

Their extraordinary trait helps them face challenges, which is why it is commonly associated with a symbol of brotherhood. They form an alliance and have a territory to rule together.

It is believed that male cheetahs accept other male cheetahs as brothers, helping each other become skilled hunters and sharing meals, which became one of the reasons why cheetahs have become a popular animal symbol of brotherhood.

Wolf

There is widespread admiration and respect for wolves across the globe. The Celts revere wolves as sacred animals because they believe that wolves are powerful guardians and helpers.

In addition, wolves frequently stand for various concepts, including authority, leadership, family, and protection. However, their qualities are often used to symbolically represent brotherhood, loyalty, and unity.

Wolf tattoos are also popular among members of brotherhood and fatherhood because the wolf is commonly interpreted as a symbol of power and protection.

Handshake

In modern times, how men and women greet each other is different. When it comes to the ladies, they either wave or kiss each other on the cheek. On the other hand, when men see a person they know, they shake hands or simply nod at one another as a form of greeting.

One of the most common gestures of brotherhood that can be seen in today’s society is the handshake. Every time two men shake hands with one another, it merely demonstrates that they have a strong relationship, either as brothers or as friends. 

Handshakes were the typical method of concluding peace treaties and agreements during the Middle Ages. This was done to ensure that both parties were committed to the terms of the agreement. Other cultures, such as the Romans, use the handshake symbol on their coins because they believe that it is a symbol of loyalty and friendship.

Celtic arrows

Celts love to be part of fierce battles where they risk their lives for victory. They use their arrows to symbolize power against their enemy. They believe that the arrows are a symbolic representation of the sun that defeats darkness.

On the other hand, arrows have a long history in Celtic culture as a representation of brotherhood and the bond between men. The Celts have a strong belief that the arrow, which represents brotherhood, can help them prevail in battle. 

Through brotherhood, a person can cultivate both a sense of purpose and the feeling that they belong in this world. Being a part of a brotherhood can provide its members the peace of mind and assurance that they will always be there for one another, regardless of the circumstances, which can be a very comforting and reassuring feeling.

The bond that they develop will be beneficial to both of them. Brotherhood can give its members the perspective of what is important in life. In addition, every member has the opportunity to gain knowledge from the other members that they can utilize in the future.

Symbols of brotherhood, such as those stated above, are vital to express culture, respect, and peace among people.