Symbols of animals in tattoo

Animals are used as symbols because they have qualities with which we have drawn human parallels since time immemorial.

Whether because of their behavior or because of their strength, sometimes because of some old legends or folk beliefs, we use animals as symbols. Each of them for hundreds of years has represented something different for people. Therefore, in this article we will tell you in detail about some of the symbols of the animal world.

Why do we use animals as symbols?

Since time immemorial, people have attributed great qualities to animals: speed, courage, ferocity, domination, etc. Then they became symbols: to tell about the event, we used various species and presented them in the famous "legends".

Over time, the perception of these animals became more and more assertive, and many societies used the examples of animals to refer to something or someone: "brave as a lion", "smart as a lion." Monkey "," memory of an elephant ", etc.

Some of these meanings are arbitrary and have more to do with popular beliefs than scientific facts. In other cases, however, animals have been used so often as symbols that when we see an image, we automatically associate it with the “human” definition that was given to it.

Animals used as symbols: eagle

Let's start by looking at one of the most "famous" examples of the use of an animal as a symbol: the eagle. Since time immemorial, this bird of prey has been associated with strength and victory. Therefore, it can be seen on badges and coats of arms and even on some national flags.

In fact, the eagle was the emblem of Ancient Rome, the Crusades and Catholic kings. He was also associated with the gods Jupiter and Zeus. It is even a symbol of monogamy and foresight.

Lion symbolism

Another example that should be highlighted among the animals used as symbols is the lion, who is considered the “king of the jungle” because of his bravery. We believe that he is the most powerful animal in the African savannah, although in fact other animals are stronger than him.

It should not be forgotten, for example, that the male lion spends most of the time asleep, and the females are responsible for hunting. However, many societies and cultures have embraced it as a symbol of power even in areas where the species does not exist, such as Rome and Greece.

Thus, in Egypt, the lion personifies the goddess Sekhmet, who protects the good and destroys the bad. In alchemy, he is associated with the sun, enlightenment and gold.

In the Middle Ages, many families depicted this animal on their coats of arms because of its courage, bravery and greatness. King Richard I of England even received the name "Richard the Lionheart" for the great courage he displayed in defending religious authority during the Third Crusade.

Elephant as a symbol

This huge mammal, the largest of all land mammals, lives in Africa and Asia and has been revered by various cultures and religions for millennia, especially in India and China.

The elephant symbolizes strength, patience, intelligence and memory, and for some it is also associated with honor, dignity and pride. In the Hindu religion, elephants occupy a very important place in everyday life and personify the god Ganesha, good fortune, protection and fortune.

This animal lives in groups organized according to the matriarchal principle - females are leaders, and is also a model of family life and values, therefore it was chosen as an amulet that personifies prosperity, wealth and protection of the home. ...

Animals and Symbols: Cat

These felines have been revered since the days of Ancient Egypt, when they were considered (as in the Celtic world) the guardians of the underworld, no doubt because they are silent and mysterious.

Because they see very well in the dark, thanks to their anatomical eyes, they are said to have our dreams and are spiritual beings. However, it was these nocturnal habits that almost made them disappear in the Middle Ages, when they were considered witches transformed into animals.