12 Most Popular Symbols Of Masculinity And Their Meanings
Are you looking for symbols of masculinity?
Depictions of males vary among cultures. However, symbols of masculinity have generally been viewed as representations of strength, power, and protection.
These symbols were employed to exhibit dominance in some cultures and show simple differences in others. They are found in ancient and occult literature, representing varied roles, characterists, and ideals.
Let’s explore some of the most popular symbols of masculinity.
12 Most Popular Symbols Of Masculinity And Their Meanings
1. Mars Symbol
The Mars symbol is the classic symbol used to represent the male sex, while the Venus symbol represents the female sex.
It is the most common symbol of masculinity, depicted as an arrow coming from a circle, with the arrow pointing northeast. This symbol represents the shield and spear of the war god, whereas the Venus symbol represents Venus’ hand mirror.
The likely reason for this symbol being the representation of masculinity is the image of the Roman god of war, Mars, who is the counterpart of the goddess Venus whose own symbol denotes femininity.
2. Lingam
Lingam, the phallic symbol of the Hindu Lord Shiva, represents all the energies of the world and beyond. The phallus itself – the male reproductive organ – is representative of the generative power in nature.
The Sanskrit word lingam means “sign” or “distinguishing mark (or symbol).” It is sometimes referred to as “linga” or “Shiva linga.”
The lingam can be seen in Shaivite temples as well as in private shrines throughout India.
3. Green Man
A symbol of virility, life cycle, and fertility, the very masculine Green Man symbol is commonly depicted as a face that’s made of – or completely surrounded by – leaves. The legendary Green Man represents the cycle of new growth that takes place in spring.
The Green Man was originally paganistic and has generally been identified with fertility cults. The symbol can be seen in carvings on many pagan religious sites. However, a number of Green Man images can also be found in church carvings throughout Europe and Asia (particularly in India and the Middle East).
These carvings are said to date back to the Renaissance era.
4. Crook and Flail
As a sign used to denote leadership and protection, the crook and flail are undoubtedly a very manly symbol. It is, in fact, a symbol of masculine fertility.
The crook, or a shepherd’s staff, is symbolic of leadership. The flail that comes with it was used in agricultural processes to separate the grain from the chaff back in ancient times.
Depictions of Jesus Christ with a crook and flail are meant to signify his role as protector of flocks from wolves, or figuratively: Christians from the Devil.
In Egyptian culture, the crook and flail symbol also signified the balance between chaos and cosmic order.
This symbol is also used in Freemasonry, with the crook seen as authority over lower life forms and the flail as an occult symbol for agriculture and its suitability to man’s nature.
5. Stag
Considered the king of the forest, the stag – or male deer – is exalted among other deer. The stag protects his fellow deer, thus, the Hittites revered the stag as a protective deity.
The stag is sometimes referred to as hart, which is specifically a male red deer. The stag’s antlers serve as a crown to show his kingship, having experienced and endured challenges in the forest.
Primarily a symbol of protection, the stag is the symbol of the Celtic Horned God Cernunnos, who was “lord of wild things.”
The stag symbol also represents grace, virility, stamina, instincts, and maturity, as well as regeneration and spiritual enlightenment.
6. Aries
The Aries symbol, which is associated with the first sign of the zodiac, owes its dominance to Mars, being a cardinal fire sign.
Aries has been used as a symbol of masculinity in various cultures. The ancient Egyptians, for instance, wore the ram’s head to show their status as “Lord of Animals.”
Aries is represented by a ram, or a male sheep, and symbolizes virility and command.
7. Bull
A symbol of masculine virility in different cultures, the bull was also worshipped by ancient Egyptians. Women drank potions with the semen of wild bulls, believing it increased fertility.
In North America, a bull-roarer was used to evoke the high God during male initiation rites. Traditionally, the bull is also used to represent masculine strength, power, and fertility in many other cultures.
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8. Fire
An alchemical symbol of masculinity, fire also symbolizes life and potential, as well as transformation and change.
Fire is a purifying masculine energy that is associated with strong will and energy. While it destroys, it can also create new life.
Fire is symbolic of the masculine aspect of the Divine. It has played a very important role to mankind since the dawn of time, not only as a method of cooking food but as the difference between life and death on a frigid winter night. In this manner, fire is seen as both a destroyer and creator or regenerator.
9. Sun
While the moon is symbolic of femininity, the sun symbolizes male energy. As such, the sun is associated with strength and dependability.
Sun is also the symbol of glory. It has always been depicted as a masculine figure in many cultures. In Greek mythology, for instance, Helios is the sun personified.
The sun god Sol was seen by ancient Romans as the personification of the “unconquerable sun.” Ancient Egyptians viewed the god Ra as the masculine sky god who ruled over all other deities.
10. Was Scepter
The was scepter symbol is depicted with a stylized animal head – usually a dog or a fox – atop a long staff.
This symbol was associated with Seth and Anubis, Egyptian gods of disorder and of death, respectively.
Gods, pharaohs, and priests carried the was scepter by priests, pharaohs, and gods, hence, symbolizing power and dominion.
To learn more about this Was Scepter , click here.
11. Thunderbolt
A thunderbolt or lightning bolt is identified with the Sky Father in Indo-European mythology, therefore, as a symbol it is very masculine.
As a divine manifestation, the thunderbolt is a very powerful symbol that has appeared in various mythologies throughout history. It is often used as the divine weapon of a sky and/or weather deity.
The hunderbolt was the very weapon the Greek god Zeus received from the Cyclopes.
Thor and Taranis are Norse and Celtic gods of thunder, respectively.
With such a powerful association, it is not surprising that the thunderbolt has become a prominent symbol in modern heraldry and military symbolism as well as in semiotic representations of electricity.
12. Knife
The knife is a ritual tool which is symbolic of authority. It has always symbolized power and strength.
The knife is considered a masculine symbol because of its phallic form. When a knife penetrates or slashes the flesh, it shows its power.
In some cultures, knives as a symbol of masculinity is even more powerful.
In Yemen, for instance, a good knife – “jambiya” as Yemenis call it – is the premier status symbol. Jambiyas are ornate knives that Yemeni men wear around their waist as a symbol of both manhood and prestige.
Yemeni boys, when coming of age, are given knives with belts to put the knife in. This is done in a traditional ceremony that is extremely significant in the Yemeni culture.
