10 Popular Symbols Of Hope And Their Meanings
Are you looking for some popular symbols of hope to inspire you?
Hope is that positive mental state that relies on an expectation of positive things to come in connection with occurrences and circumstances in your life or the world in general.
When life sends you into a situation riddled with struggles and obstacles, apart from prayer you tend to search for symbols of hope to somehow lift your spirits.
Symbols of hope abound. We see them everywhere, even in the most common things around us. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular symbols of hope on the following list.
10 Popular Symbols Of Hope And Their Meanings
1. Anchor
The anchor, a device used in mooring a vessel, is one of the most prominent symbols of Christianity, representing hope as well as steadfastness.
Anchors are a popular motif used in jewelry and body art. In the past, this symbol was often carved on old religious gems. Today, anchors are mostly featured in metal jewelry, being extremely popular as gold or silver pendants.
This popularity has also been observed in funerary art, with numerous inscriptions found in the catacombs of Rome. The origin for the usage of this symbol is found on Hebrews 6:19, which states: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
2. Cross
The most prominent symbol of Christianity, the cross is where Jesus died on to redeem the world from sins.
For theologians, the crucifixion of Jesus is viewed as a divine intervention, which should serve to reconstitute the covenant between God and man that had been ripped apart by man’s fall from grace.
Hence, the cross has come to stand for hope and represent the pardon of sins as well as the reconciliation of God and humanity.
3. Petunia
Petunia is a colorful flower that comes in various shades such as pink, white, blue, and purple. It is native to South America, where, in ancient times, the Maya and Inca people believed that its scent possessed the power to ward off evil entities. They also used petunia buds in creating drinks purported to be magical.
For a long time, these vibrant blooms have been employed to symbolize hope and optimism, as well as healing and well-being.
Petunia carries more other symbolic meanings. It is used to signify empathy, affection, and new beginnings.
According to New Age beliefs, petunia flowers can only bloom in a place with positivity and will wilt where there is negative energy around where it’s planted.
When gifted, these flowers convey two meanings: denoting on one hand the camarederie between the giver and the receiver, and on the other displeasure and indignation by the giver toward the receiver.
4. Color Yellow
Can we agree that yellow is the liveliest of all warm colors? Its energy is often linked with hope, laughter, and sunshine.
So if you’re feeling down and needing a little boost of energy, this color can make you feel happy, hopeful, and full of energy.
5. Rainbow
This optical phenomenon happens under particular meteorological conditions. Rainbow stems from reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in droplets of water, coming out in the sky with an effect that calls to mind a light spectrum. It comes in 7 colors and in the shape of an arc.
There is a legend that says there is a pot of gold and great treasure awaiting at the end of the rainbow, which results in this amazing phenomenon being viewed as a symbol of hope. It is also representative of the beauty that occurs when a storm has passed.
A rainbow bears more symbolic meaning, denoting joy and happiness, diversity and inclusivity, and friendship and love. Rainbows symbolize new beginnings and a promise of good things to come.
In today’s society, however, a rainbow conveys deeper meanings. The rainbow flag used by the LGBTQ community represents pride and serves as a celebration of their identity.
6. Eight-Pointed Star
The eight-pointed star symbol is also called the star knowledge, popularly used in Native American culture as a symbol of hope. It also serves to stand for guidance.
For American Indians, eight is a very important number due to its representation of balance. The star knowledge symbol’s outer circle – consisting of eight points of the star – is a symbol of protection.
The eight-pointed star was used by Native Americans in marking events to come that are based on celestial alignments. This was due to the symbol being regarded as a giver of hope for the future.
7. Birch Tree
Because of this sturdy tree’s beauty that lasts all year round, birch has come to stand for hope and new beginnings. These are just a couple of the many special symbolic meanings that are represented by the birch tree.
Also because of these, birch wood has been used in making cribs for infants. Birch barks were used in artwork, shoemaking, and basket-weaving by Native American tribes.
Native Americans believe that these beautiful trees are bearers of so many important meanings that they hold birches in high esteem. These trees are symbolic of truth and are believed to denote the cleansing of the past in order to give way to a new beginning.
8. Seed
It is said that one of the best things you can do in life is to sow seeds because doing so produces seedlings and eventually, new plants and trees. Care for it properly, give it water, feed it, and you will be rewarded.
This is a concept of giving something in order to receive something in return. In this manner, a seed becomes a symbol of hope.
A seed is both the beginning and the end. This single grain becomes the source of a thousand more.
9. Apple
Apples are probably better known as a symbol of sin and desire, thanks to the story of Adam and Eve and the serpent in the Garden of Eden. However, the symbolism of this fruit has come a long way since the Biblical times.
In modern times, the apple has become associated with positivity for the Jewish people. Its faultless shape, sugary taste, and sweet scent make this fruit a very fitting symbol of beauty and sweetness.
However, a deeper symbolic meaning of the apple links it with the hope for good fortune to come owing to the hardiness of the fruit. When celebrating the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah), Jews dip this special fruit into honey – an act that serves to indicate their hopes for a pleasant year ahead.
10. Ginkgo Leaf
Do you know how long the ginkgo can last? Over 1,000 years. That’s right. The earliest existence of these trees can be traced back prior to the Mesozoic Era, so it’s no surprise that ginkgos are dubbed the “living fossils.”
These trees are native to Southeast Asia. They are also grown in other parts of the world now, including the United States.
Ginkgo, or its leaves in particular, are beautifully structured. But more than their admired form and structure, these leaves are honored with important symbolisms. Ginkgo leaves are seen as symbols of hope as well as strength and resilience.
