Gorilla symbolism can be found in many places throughout the world. These powerful primates are native to the forest and mountains in West Africa, making them a part of the region’s mythology and folklore. The gorilla spirit animal is also considered to be an important figure for those who feel a kinship to the animal.
What Does a Gorilla Symbolism?
- Strength
- Dignity
- Communication
- Tranquility
- Community and Family
- Intelligence
- Gentleness
Strength
The gorilla is known for its strength as it is capable of lifting objects ten times its body weight. It can remind us that there isn’t just physical strength, but also emotional, social, and intellectual strength, which are all important. We should use the power we hold wisely, and advocate for the betterment of people and society.
Dignity
The gorilla demonstrates a sense of self and self-respect, making the animal a symbol of dignity. While people can treat you poorly, it’s important to not stoop to their level.
This animal encourages you to rise above. In addition, when provoked, you still need to stick up for yourself and remind them of your boundaries.
Communication
The gorilla is a symbol of communication. Through facial expressions, body language, and sounds, gorillas are able to communicate with one another. The gorilla is able to communicate effectively, which serves as a reminder to us to be good communicators ourselves.
One gorilla named Koko is known for learning sign language. She had an active mind and would communicate with people as she had things she wanted to say. She was willing to learn the foreign languages of creatures and this allowed us to learn about her world.
The gorilla teaches us how it is important to listen to others. Many like to talk, but they might not make sure that are actually being understood. The gorilla can act as a reminder that communication requires attention and empathy.
Tranquility
As a symbol of tranquility, the gorilla is known to have a daily routine that involves sleeping, foraging and eating, napping, and grooming one another. The life of the gorilla isn’t too hectic or chaotic. Every night gorillas sleep on a bed they make of leaves before settling down to sleep.
Community and Family
Gorillas live in large groups, which can sometimes have dozens of members. Because of this, they are symbols of community and family.
They keep their friends and family close to them, therefore they are always surrounded by their parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and more. The gorilla also forms friendships, especially when a troop is very large.
The gorilla can remind us to cherish the people who are closest to us. If you have a large social circle, it’s good to keep your closest family members and friends around you. It’s important to put time, love, and attention into your relationships, especially the particularly close ones.
Intelligence
While the gorilla is known for its strength, it’s also highly intelligent. Gorillas can display complex emotions and they have complex social lives.
They are known to play practical jokes on one another and they have great memories. The gorilla is also capable of remembering places and faces for years.
They also have tools to make things easier and to more easily reach desired outcomes. Gorillas build their nests high up in the trees, and they use leaves to cover themselves from the rain.
Because of our busy lives and possibly shorter attention spans, the gorilla can also remind us that we need to optimize our brain power. The gorilla can remind us to sit quietly and take a moment to think as we need to take the time for deep and contemplative thinking.
Gentleness
Even though the gorilla is incredibly strong, it’s also mastered self-restraint and gentleness. As a symbol of gentleness, the gorilla can remind us to be more gentle and not take our frustrations out on others. The gorilla can remind us to stay calm and to have compassion for others.
Gorilla Totem Animal
The gorilla totem animal is considered to be a helpful talisman and it serves as a protective symbol. The talisman embodies the positive attributes of the gorilla.
It can help you find your inner strength and add more tranquility to your life. People who have the gorilla totem animal a good leaders as they are good at being decisive and can handle conflict.
The gorilla totem animal is also a good luck symbol if you desire to start a family or develop close friendships.
Gorilla Spirit Animal
Pros of a Gorilla Spirit Animal
- You possess inner strength even if you don’t realize it at times. You can summon it when necessary and you have reserves of power.
- You can be a rock for others when they are experiencing difficult times.
- You are a great communicator.
- You are reliable, and when people need you, you will be there.
- You know what it takes to be a good leader, and you can lead by example.
- You can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
Cons of a Gorilla Spirit Animal
- You can hide fear with anger.
- You can sometimes be too controlling of the things around you or feel uncomfortable when you aren’t in control.
- You might be a bit lazy and unorganized at times.
Are Gorillas a Good Omen?
Seeing a gorilla is considered to be a good omen, or a bad omen depending on your beliefs. In some cultures, if you see an angry gorilla it’s a sign of bad luck. Angry gorillas can be intimidating. If you see a gorilla at ease, it is considered to be a good omen.
Dead Gorilla Symbolism
In the Lebialem highlands of Cameroon, there are folk stories about the death of a gorilla. It is said that when a gorilla dies, the person connected to the gorilla dies also.
Gorilla Tattoo Meaning
While a gorilla tattoo can be unique and deeply personal to each person who has it, it can show the world that you are someone who is strong, but also gentle. The tattoo can also signify that you have a close circle of friends or possess a strong devotion to your family
Having an understanding of what a gorilla symbolizes or an understanding of gorilla mythology can help you get a deeper understanding of a gorilla tattoo.
What Does Seeing a Gorilla in Your Dreams Mean?
Seeing a gorilla in your dream can highlight unknown issues that need to be addressed once you are awake. Though dream meanings and interpretations are personal to the individual who has it, it is important to understand how you felt during the dream of a gorilla which can help you comprehend the meaning.
Dreaming of a gorilla can also be a sign that you need to move past who you think you are. If you are limiting yourself somewhere, let go of those beliefs and embrace the inner strength you possess.
Since gorillas can be calming and intimidating, if you feel threatened during the dream it might mean that you are feeling like someone is overpowering you. It could also be that you’re being overpowered in a situation. This is a sign to rely on your inner strength in order to deal with the situation.
If you experience a peaceful dream involving a gorilla or a troop of gorillas, it’s a sign that you have a beneficial spiritual connection to the animal. If the gorillas in the dream are in distress, it could mean that you are sensitive to these animals and you may want to protect them.
How to Interpret a Gorilla Encounter
If you happen to encounter a gorilla, you should pay close attention and take notice of your instincts. It could be that a spirit is trying to teach you something about who you are or the changes you have to make. Encountering a gorilla can remind you to learn from others.
A sighting or encounter can also be a spirit telling you that you need to seek out a loving and supporting community. You need to be more intentional about reaching out to those you care about. The encounter can also serve as a reminder of your own intelligence and how you are more capable than you think.
Encountering a gorilla can also indicate that you need more tranquility in your life. Take a moment to think about your daily routine and if there are ways you can bring more tranquility to your life.
What Should You Do When You See a Gorilla?
If you see a gorilla, take a moment to consider what the sighting may mean. Make sure to keep your distance, think about what the gorilla was doing when you saw it and what was going through your head. You can also think about what a gorilla symbolizes and its meanings to figure out what it might mean.
Gorilla Symbolism and Spiritual Meanings Throughout the World
Bulu Gorilla Symbolism
The Bulu People of Cameroon call the gorilla ngui or ngo, which translates to positive force. They believe that the gorilla is one of the wisest animals and consider it to be their closest relative.
In parts of Gabon, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic, there are stories about how people would be reincarnated as gorillas or shapeshift into gorillas. There are also sacred gorilla societies.
Kwele Gorilla Symbolism
Located in eastern Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and Cameroon, the Kwele People tell stories about gorillas who are reincarnated as human beings. They are believed to have special powers.
Additionally, some locals say that the gorilla is their ancestry. For the Kwele People, it is taboo to hunt or kill gorillas and they say that hunting or harming a gorilla can put someone in danger.
Gorilla Symbolism in Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, gorillas were viewed as mischievous characters. While they were known for their strength and power, they were also known for stimes causing trouble.