Symbols for life are flowers, glyphs, and more, representing living matter. You can use these symbols to your benefit as reminders or spiritual conduits to breathe life into your soul. The word life is often thrown around, so to better understand what a symbol of life can mean, it’s best to understand what is meant by “life.”
What Is Life?
Life is matter that grows, reproduces, and has energy. The word can be used as a verb or a noun, but in the case of symbols of life, it refers to both. The essence of living things and the energy that connects us all, from nature to man. This definition is less scientific and more spiritual.
The Eternal Life Flower
The eternal life flower may change depending on culture, but it is most often represented by the lotus flower. Because the lotus flower represents rebirth, it is safe to say it also stands for eternal life.
Color That Symbolizes Life
Color symbolism changes depending on the culture you refer to. But more often than not, green is associated with life. In Christian, Japanese, and other cultures, green symbolizes life. The color has also been known in psychology to “breathe life” into those who are near it with feelings of peace, vitality, and balance.
Animal Symbol Of Life
The goat symbolizes life in all forms. It represents the beauty of creating and sustaining life and the ability to do these things.
10 Symbols for Life
1. Egyptian Symbol of Life: Ankh
The Ankh may be one of the most popular symbols of life. Created by Egyptians thousands of years ago, the Ankh represents eternal life. The Ankh is shaped like a cross with a loop at the top.
Another symbol for life that originated in Egypt is the phoenix, which rises from the ashes in the rebirth after it dies.
2. Japanese Symbol for Life: Sei
Sei is the Japanese symbol of life. It is kanji that literally translates to “life.” Another symbol of life in Japan includes the butterfly (choho), which symbolizes the eternal life of our souls. Traditionally, in Japan, it is believed that the spirits of the dead take form of a butterfly.
3. Hindu Symbol for Life: Aum
In the Hindu faith, Aum is a symbol that represents prana or the breath of life that is instilled into us by Parabrahman. Aum is said to be the “essence of the supreme Absolute consciousness.”
4. Hopi Symbol for Life: Labyrinth
The Hopi symbol for life is the tapuat, which closely resembles a labyrinth. In the Hopi culture, it represents mother earth and her inhabitants: a mother and her children. The center symbolizes birth, where people first emerge.
5. Hebrew Symbol for Life: Chai
You have probably heard the common Jewish toast, “L’Chaim!” which means “to life.” The symbol is used to represent life, which is also symbolized by the number 18.
6. Buddhist Symbol for Life: Dharma Wheel
Dharmachakra is the Buddhist symbol for life, which we often call the dharma wheel. Dharma means to hold, maintain, and keep, but the symbol is often meant to represent life.
7. Greek Symbol for Life: Tau
Tau is a Greek symbol that means life, which looks like a modern-day T in the English alphabet. It is the 19th letter of the Greek alphabet. The eighth letter of the alphabet, theta, is a symbol of death.
8. Celtic Symbol for Life: Triskele
The Triskelion is a Celtic emblem that also symbolizes life. The work triskele can also be used for this spiral that looks much like a fidget spinner. Many historians believe this is the oldest symbol of spirituality.
9. Aztec Symbol for Life: Quetzalcoatl
Quetzalcoatl is the Aztec god of life. He represents life, light, and wisdom. He is depicted as a feathery serpent in bright colors.
10. Chinese Symbol for Life: Shou
Shou is the Chinese symbol of life. It is a word that means longevity and is used in decorations to gift life to a home.