21 Top Symbols Of Fertility
Fertility has been a very important subject throughout history and it isn’t hard to tell why.
Fertility is what brings every single being here – everything that lives on earth. It’s no wonder that symbols of fertility and birth are held in high esteem, even worshipped in some cultures.
There are many different kinds of fertility symbols. Let’s check out some of the top ones.
21 Top Symbols Of Fertility And Their Meanings
Here are 21 top symbols of fertility, sorted out in different types, and their meanings.
Religious Symbols of Fertility
1. Priapus
Priapus is a Greek fertility god depicted as a grotesquely misshapen human with an exaggerated phallus. He is the representation of fertility in ancient Greek culture.
2. Crescent Moon
Ancient Egyptians used the crescent moon symbol to represent fertility, motherhood, rebirth, and birth cycle. It also symbolized water in ancient rituals and represented deities, such as Khonsu – the god of the moon.
In Wicca, the crescent moon represented the Horned God, who is a god of fertility.
3. Kokopelli
According to Native American legend, Kokopelli was a wandering minstrel who traded new songs for old ones. He carried songs on his back, hence the hunchback flute player depiction.
The legend goes that Kokopelli, who was a fertility god, bestowed good luck and prosperity to anyone who heard his songs.
As a fertility deity, Kokopelli rules over childbirth and agriculture. His image is often used as a symbol of fertility, as well as the spirit of music and everything pure and spiritual about it.
4. Shivling
The power of procreation is greatly honored in Hindu culture. This is why Hindus worship various fertility gods.
Lord Shiva is one of them.
While mainly associated with death and destruction, Shiva comes in many forms. The most common of these forms is the Lingam (Shiva in his phallic figure).
The union of male and female genitals – Shiva’s phallus (lingam) and his consort goddess Shakti’s vulva (yoni) – is called the shivling, which is the most commonly used symbol of fertility in Hinduism.
The shivling, which represents the union of male and female, is said to be the source of every new life. It also symbolizes the unity of the opposite and the oneness of the two sexes.
Gemstone Symbols of Fertility
5. Molvadite
Considered by many as a gemstone, molvadite is technically a type of glass that comes from meteors. It is used as an amulet in the belief that it provides luck in fertility, thus symbolizing it.
6. Moonstone
Perhaps the most popular stone associated with fertility, moonstone is dubbed a “woman’s healing stone.” It is believed to boost energy as well as balance female hormones and menstrual cycles.
Fruit Symbols of Fertility
7. Jujube
A tropical fruit also known as the Chinese date and Indian plum, this red-colored fruit symbolizes fertility as well as wealth and prosperity.
The Chinese word for jujube sounds similar to the Chinese word for “early.” Jujubes are used as a “wedding fruit” in China in the family’s hopes for a firstborn son.
In this manner, jujube is also representative of something that is coming or happening soon.
8. Pomegranate
The pomegranate fruit is a universal symbol of fertility, abundance, and prosperity. In China, pomegranate also symbolizes many offsprings.
In ancient Greece and Rome, however, it also signified death alongside fertility.
The fruit was also strongly associated with Hera, the Greek goddess of marriage and childbirth.
Animal Symbols of Fertility
9. Cow
Since ancient times, cow has symbolized fertility and female reproduction as well as power and Mother Earth. These animals are also associated with rejuvenation and new beginnings, traits attributed to Mother Earth.
10. Owl
The Welsh people view the owl as a symbol of feminine fertility. This is due to the animal’s connection with the moon’s renewal cycles.
In the old Welsh beliefs, it was auspicious for pregnant women to encounter owls so they could expect safe and quick childbirth.
11. Rabbit
Rabbits have symbolized fertility for centuries, which is not so surprising considering their reputation as energetic breeders.
The rabbit symbol being associated with fertility has pagan roots. It originated from the pagan festival of Eostre (Easter), the West Germanic goddess of spring season and fertility.
12. Frog
In various cultures around the world, the frog is symbolic of fertility because of how fertile these amphibians are.
In ancient Egypt, frogs were also viewed as a symbol of water and renewal. The Egyptian water goddess Heket is depicted as a frog-headed woman.
13. Snake
Snakes have historically symbolized fertility, rebirth, transformation, and a creative life force.
Every year, the Hopi Indians of North America perform a snake dance in celebration of the union of a Sky spirit and an Underworld spirit – Snake Youth and Snake Girl.
This snake dance is also done as a sort of prayer to the spirits of the clouds, the thunder, and the lightning in the belief that it will renew nature’s fertility and that the crops will receive rain.
14. Golden Fish
In Buddhist culture, the golden fish – often seen swimming in pairs – is the symbol of fertility and abundance as they multiply so fast. The golden fishes also represent salvation from suffering.
In China, a pair of golden fishes is a popular wedding gift as these fishes also symbolize fidelity and conjugal unity.
Flower Symbols of Fertility
15. Orchid
The name “orchid” is derived from orkhis, the Greek word that symbolizes fertility. Ancient Greeks consumed the orchid tubers because they believed that doing so would allow them to choose the gender of their child.
To have a baby girl, a mother should eat thin tubers. When the father ingested thick tubers, then they should have a baby boy.
16. Poppy
In most European cultures, the common poppy is a symbol of fertility. This is because of the abundance of seeds – which can be as many as 60,000 – that the poppy flowers contain.
17. Cornflower
Cornflowers are viewed as a symbol of fertility, particularly the cyanus kind that’s native to Egypt. This comes from the flower’s connection with Osiris, the Egyptian god who was eternally resurrected in the growing corn.
While Osiris was popularly known as the god of the dead, he also ruled over fertility and agriculture.
18. Rose
The rose, in the ancient language of flowers, is deeply associated with passion.
However, this flower is also linked with fertility – particularly the green rose. It has been believed for centuries that green roses aid in attracting fertility.
19. Lotus
The lotus flower symbolizes the cycle of life because of the daily process of regeneration it goes through. From muddy waters, lotuses surface above the waters in order to bloom.
The lotus is also seen as a symbol of fertility because it embodies giving birth, which is a natural part of the life cycle.
Color Symbols of Fertility
20. Orange
The color orange, created by mixing red with yellow, has symbolized fertility for ages.
People wear an orange ribbon to show support to people suffering from infertility. Infertility is often kept so privately that choosing orange to represent fertility is important as this color does stand out.
21. Green
Green, as the generally accepted color of nature and life, symbolizes fertility in many cultures. The color is also symbolic of self-respect and well-being.
