Since ancient times, people relied on symbols that represented strength and resilience to overcome hard times in their life. The perseverance symbols signify fearlessness, bravery, and endurance.
Perseverance is essential for life quality. It gives you the strength to deal with the inevitable challenges that life throws at you.
Mostly, the symbols in the jewelry, artwork, or talismans, boost and reinforce strength in times of need or during unpleasant times. In addition, they can serve as a reminder of your inner power and bravery, motivating you to reach your most significant potential.
In this article, we will show you some of the most famous symbols of strength and perseverance.
Eastern Symbols of Strength
Lotus Flower symbol (Eastern cultures – Buddhism)
The Lotus flower is an aquatic plant that grows in the deep murk and mud, far away from the sunlight, delta areas, and slow-moving rivers. But, at some point, the Lotus blooms and becomes the most beautiful flower in the world.
This flower was and still is highly significant in Eastern cultures as a sign of resilience and perseverance.
The lotus flower symbolizes courage and strength in the Buddhist religion because it can survive in a dirty and murky environment. The challenges it has to go through to reach the top are similar to obstacles one needs to overcome to become enlightened.
The Buddha and many Hindu gods are sometimes sitting on a Lotus flower, that symbolizes that the one has surpassed the suffering of the material world, and attained enlightenment.
Lion symbol of strength (Buddhist and Old World Cultures)
The lion is one of the bravest, most robust, and most resilient animals in the jungle. The determination to survive some of the harshest conditions, gives most of the cultures respect in it.
In Buddhism, where the Buddha seats on it, signifies strength, consistency, and wisdom throne.
Considered as nocturnal animals, they symbolize dominance and command over subconscious thoughts – where the night is a representation of a subconscious mind.
In ancient Egypt, however, their primary mission is to protect the weak and to banish evil from the community. A good example is that of Egyptian goddess of war and the vindictive manifestation of Ra’s strength, Sekhmet, where it often represented as a lioness.
Known for his heroic exploits and superhuman strength in Mesopotamian mythology, lion is one of demigod Gilgamesh’s symbolism.
More often than not, the similarity in the places of worship, with a pair of lion statues guarding shrines or temple entrances, depicts as a symbol in Japan.
Several countries, including Sri Lanka, Zambia, and Belgium, have lions on their national flags.
Dragon symbol of strength (China and East Asia)
The dragon is a mythical creature, primarily popular in East Asian culture. There are many different types of dragons in these cultures representing other things. However, dragons symbolize power, strength, and good luck for those worthy of it since ancient times. It also represents boldness, nobility, self-confidence, and success.
Some eastern cultures compares excellent and remarkable people to a dragon. Being called a dragon is the highest honor a person can receive because it symbolizes power and strength.
During Imperial China, the emperor would use a dragon emblem to symbolize his dominance and strength. According to legends, the first monarch of China, the Yellow Emperor, became an immortal dragon that ascended to heaven after he died.
Golden Eagle Symbol of Strength (Europe & Near East)
The golden eagle is a symbol of strength because it is a massive, powerful bird of prey that does not have any natural predators. As a result, they can hunt and kill much larger animals than themselves, like deer, sheep, and wolves.
Because of their fearsome nature, golden eagles represent strength, courage, fierceness, and immortality across various cultures. The messenger of God, is one of its known role. For the Ancient Egyptians, the bird was a symbol of Ra, and for the Greeks, a symbol of Zeus.
As to how the Phoenix exactly started, is not certain. But, is usually akin with Greek mythology. The Phoenix is a legendary mythical firebird that bursts into flames when it dies and then rises from the ashes.
Although this bird symbolizes rebirth and new life, it also represents strength, perseverance, and a spiritual totem.
According to historical records, ancient Egyptians believed in a bird god of rebirth named Bennu. Some believe there is a connection between these two mythical creatures.
Horse Symbol of Strength (Greece, Far East, and North America)
The horse has symbolized strength, speed, youthful energy, and intelligence across various cultures. In Ancient Greece, the horse represented wealth, power, and status.
Chinese symbolism has the horse symbol, being the most recurrent animal in their culture and arts after the dragon. Further, earlier Chinese traditions considers the horse’s strength more powerful than the one of a dragon.
The Native American tribes have various meanings, but a common association was with strength and power. Therefore, the majestic symbol representing perseverance, speed, strength, and youthful energy, is the horse.
The Sacred Oak Tree – Dara Knot (Celtic symbol of strength)
“Dara” is taken from the Irish word “doire,” which means wood. Celtic culture relates the term to the meaning of the oak tree, which was considered sacred by the Druids.
The oak tree symbolizes strength, resistance, morale, and knowledge. It was one of the most beloved trees of the ancient Celts.
Oak trees can also live for over 300 years surviving lousy weather and adverse conditions like storms, hurricanes, and tornados. They’ve become living legends that incorporate centuries of wisdom in their bodies.
The roots of the oak tree grow down to the point where they are almost the same height as the tree, which is why it is nearly impossible to knock them down.
Ailm Symbol of Strength (Celtic culture)
The Ailm is another Celtic symbol of obscure origin, but it has a profound meaning. Additionally, the symbol closely associates with the Silver Fir tree. These trees are evergreen plants that survive any weather conditions and keep growing. This is why Alim was considered a symbol of resilience, endurance, and strength by Celts.
The Griffin is another popular mythological creature with differences existing in various cultures worldwide. Celts often depicted the Griffin with the lion’s body, the wings and head of an eagle, and horse-like ears. It was believed to be extremely powerful, wise, and strong beasts. The Griffin is a Celtic symbol for courage, leadership, wisdom and strength.
Middle Eastern and African Symbols of Strength
Hamsa Symbol of Strength (the Middle East)
Hamsa (Khamsah in Hebrew and Arabic) means five, a palm-shaped symbol popular throughout the Middle East. Sometimes accompanied by the evil eye, this palm of the right hand represents blessings, femininity, power, and strength.
The evil eye inside the hand, for some, protects against evil. Some people interpret it as the eye that sees everything and warns the person carrying the Hamsa against evil.
Buddhists, Jews, and Muslims used Hamsa to symbolize protection, luck, and inner strength. The Hamsa is called the Hand of Mary or Miriam by Jews, the Hand of Fatima by Muslims, named after the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed.
Pempamsie, Adinkra Symbol of Strength (West Africa)
First, it is essential to define what Adinkra means, and it is a symbol from Ghana that expresses principles and concepts. Ghanaian people use Adinkra symbols on many things, like ritual objects and architecture, jewelry, pottery, and fabrics.
Pempamsie is a significant symbol of the Akan people. This word means in English “sew into readiness.” This ancient symbol looks like the links of a chain and represents the strength that you get with unity. It can be interpreted as a group of people that is only as strong as their weakest link.
The Pempamsie represents constancy, hardiness, and readiness; it also reminds us that it is essential to be prepared for anything.
Tabono, Adinkra Symbol of Strength (West Africa)
Tabono is another Adinkra symbol shaped like four joined oars to indicate unbreakable bonds. The word tabono means ‘paddle’ and ‘oar’ in the Adinkra language.
This prominent symbol represents unity, hard work, strength, and persistence. The strength that Tabono gives is not physical power. Instead, it is a person’s self-control and emotional strength.
The symbol represents the idea that great success is possible if they are willing to make sacrifices, have a strong will, and work hard. The Tobono is mentioned widely in West Africa through architecture, pottery, and fabrics.
The Sphinx (Ancient Egyptian Symbol)
The Sphinx combines a king’s head and a lion’s body, symbolizing strength, dominance, and intelligence.
In addition, the pharaoh’s shape could have represented him as “the link between people and the gods.” The scriptures in both Egyptian and Greek cultures describe it as a fierce mythological creature guarding the entrances of royal tombs and temples.
Djed Pillar (Egyptian Symbol)
In ancient Egypt, the Djed pillar was a symbol of strength and stability. It also symbolizes immutability, fertility, resurrection, and eternal life.
The Djed pillar symbol is shaped like a column and has a large or rectangular base that tapers to a smaller capital as it rises, inspired by the human spine. Four parallel bars cross it, yet the symbol only consists of three bars, particularly art and architecture items.
This ancient Egyptian symbol is also known as “the backbone of Osiris” because it is associated with Osiris, the god of the dead, resurrection, and the underworld in ancient Egyptian religion.
Scarab Beetle (Egyptian Symbol)
The Scarab Beetle is one of ancient Egypt’s most prominent and ubiquitous symbols. It represents physical strength, vitality, fertility, resilience, transformation, and immortality.
In addition, the scarab is associated with Khepri, the powerful Egyptian sun god, who was also associated with resurrection. As a result, heart scarab and large-winged scarab beetle images and amulets were placed on the bodies of the deceased for protection against evil and good luck in the afterlife.
Many people wear Scarab amulets and talismans since they believe it will give them the necessary energy and strength to overcome any problems in life. It’s used as a good-luck charm. The toughness of its shell gives the feeling of strength and courage and serves as protection.
The bear is the largest of terrestrial predators, and it has incredible strength capable of taking down large animals such as bulls and moose. Aside from physical strength, the bear symbol also represents leadership, courage, and authority.
The bear symbolizes health, strength, energy, courage, and family for Native American tribes. It is independent and not reliant on many things. It also possesses strong will and endurance.
Hence, the symbol of the bear was held in high regard in Native American communities, as it brought great comfort and strength to those who needed personal reassurance and lived alone for long periods.
Some people believe that the bear is a powerful totem, while others believe that seeing a bear in one’s dreams symbolizes strength and independence. Eating the meat of the bear to give a person infinite strength and intelligence, making a person unbeatable is a practice in certain cultures beliefs.
Wolf Symbol of Strength (Native American culture)
The Native Americans revered the wolf symbol perceived as a powerful, loyal, and intelligent animal. They call on the wolf spirit animal to guide them through life, especially when things get tough and the future appears dark. According to them, the wolf is the most gifted hunter and possesses the most mystical powers of all the land animals.
Attributed to humans, wolves, are social animals who communicate through body movement, sound, and touch.
Many people who wear wolf totems are seeking direction in difficult times.
The native tribes revered the wolf as a powerful animal, connected with the creation of Earth. And according to the Pawnee tribe’s legends, the first creature to die.
B’alam Symbol of Strength (Mesoamerican and Mayan Cultures)
In Mayan culture, the logogram “B’alam” portrays the jaguar. The Mayans believed that the animal was the god of the underworld; it symbolized the night and day and controlled the celestial forces. The jaguar is one of the largest feline species and an apex predator of the New World tropics.
The jaguar symbolized strength in Mayan culture, representing ferocity, divinity, confidence, and leadership.
In the later Mayan civilization, many monarchs held the name B’alam, as the jaguar came to represent royalty.
Strength is the representation of this animal in Aztec tribes.
Many pre-Columbian cultures saw the fierce beast as a scared animal and used it as a symbol to depict strength and power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a symbol of strength and perseverance?
One of the most popular symbols of strength and perseverance is the lotus flower. Besides this symbol, Dara Knot and Alim (Celtic symbols), Pempamsie, and Tabono (West Africa).
What can symbolize good luck and protection?
Hamsa symbols sometimes have the evil eye inside the hand. That eye is a protection against evil for some people. The dragon symbolizes power, strength, and good luck in Chinese culture for those worthy of it. In Egyptian mythology, its purpose is for good luck charm.
What animal is a symbol of strength?
Animals that symbolize strength are a bear, Golden eagle, lion, jaguar, horse, and wolf.
What symbolizes a fresh start?
The Phoenix symbolizes a fresh start because it bursts into flames when it dies and then rises from the ashes. Although this bird symbolizes rebirth and new life, it also represents strength, perseverance, and a spiritual totem.
Diane has always been interested in spirituality and self-improvement. She is a happy and outgoing person. She started her spiritual journey with Chandra while looking for tools to bring positivity to their lives. She boosts her mind with self-care and affirmations. However, she also knows what crystals to wear based on her feelings. She also practices the law of attraction.
