Symbols of longevity can grant you the energy and mindset necessary to live a long life. There’s a reason longevity has little to no synonyms; because it’s a special term that you can gain strength from if you recognize the symbols.
What is Longevity?
Longevity can mean the duration of life but, more commonly, is associated with a long life. When the term longevity is used, it generally refers to a population living a long life.
Not long ago, longevity had a different relative meaning. That’s because, in 1900, the US had a life expectancy of around 45.
In 2019, it was around 80. Because of this type of change, longevity has a relative meaning that changes as life expectancy changes.
There are many aspects to longevity, with the most well-known being a healthy diet and exercise. Other common ties to longevity include avoiding certain substances such as alcohol, nicotine, and chemicals.
Lesser known ties that affect your life span are genetics, stress, and general living conditions.
Because longevity is still limited no matter how healthy you are, many myths and legends have been born. The Fountain of Youth is a great example of how people have been searching for something beyond longevity, such as immortality, for thousands of years.
But since that’s unachievable, putting your energy into what you can change is a wonderful choice.
Which Color Symbolizes Longevity?
Green and red are the colors of longevity. Green symbolizes longevity because it represents life in all forms.
It is the color of such a large portion of life on the planet because most plants are green. Red is the color of longevity because it symbolizes health, which is a key factor in longevity.
Flowers That Symbolize Longevity
- Chrysanthemum – the flower given as a gift to new mothers represents good luck and longevity with beliefs in China, Victorian England, Australia, and more
- Lotus – a spiritual flower with all positive meanings, including longevity
- Amaranth – used in ancient rituals to grant a longer life
- Tansy – pretty yellow flowers with Grek ties to immortality and longevity
- Wisteria – the white Wisteria represents a long life because it can live to be over 1000 years old
Crystals That Symbolize Longevity
- Jade – a green gem with Chinese ties to longevity
- Diamond – many phrases give it this meaning, such as “diamonds are forever”
- Larimar – a rare and beautiful gem of longevity
- Green Agate – means longevity and good health in Japan
Plants That Symbolize Longevity
Bamboo is one of the most common symbols of longevity. They can last all year long, unaffected by the seasons, leaving each one with a strong base.
Other plants and trees that symbolize longevity have something in common. They are related to Christmas. Mistletoe can blossom in the winter, gaining energy from the plants around it and being able to withstand fires as well as ice.
The wreath represents longevity because of similar reasons and because it is made into a circle.
Finally, the pine tree stands for longevity because it is tall, strong, and can live longer than almost any other tree in the world.
Animal Longevity Symbols
- Snakes – a symbol of longevity in Egypt with many gods and other symbols containing snakes to represent immortality and life
- Tortoise – one of the longest-living animals
- Deer – often considered magical animals that can travel through the realms
- Elephant – a symbol of longevity in Hinduism represented by the god Ganesha
- Magpie – a symbol of longevity in China
- Crane – this bird represents longevity wishes in Japan
25 Symbols of Longevity
1. Infinity Sign
The infinity sign is one of the most common symbols of longevity. It can be used to represent an infinite number of anything, including years on Earth.
2. Gnosa
Gnosa is an interesting Reiki symbol that means secret knowledge. However, it is often associated with gaining a longer life full of passionate relationships, careers, and hobbies via the opening of all seven chakras.
3. Red Crystal
The red crystal symbol was used in the early 2000s to offer a new health symbol for those who believed others were too religious or had a dark past. It still isn’t as popular as the others, but it has gained traction since its introduction.
4. Cho Ku Rei
Cho Ku Rei is a Reiki symbol of longevity. It represents a burst of energy needed for emergency medical attention.
5. Red Crescent
The Red Crescent was invented as a symbol of health and longevity in the 1800s. This happened during the war in the Ottoman Empire.
The symbol of a red crescent shape was used by them because they believed the red cross could be offensive to Muslims who may believe it was a Christian symbol.
6. Shaman’s Hand
Shaman’s Hand is an ancient symbol associated with healing and good health. It transcends culture and religion because it spans many, though it got its start from Reiki shamans.
7. Circle
The circle is the shape of longevity. Because it can represent immortality as well as anything that is infinite.
8. Eye of Horus
The Eye of Horus has many meanings, one of those being longevity. Anything that lengthens life, such as health and protection, is represented by the Eye of Horus. It is a common symbol of jewelry and other items you can keep with you.
9. Fukurokuju
Fukurojin is a god of immortality and longevity. He is one of the seven lucky gods in Japanese mythology, this one granting a long life.
10. Shou
Shou is a Chinese symbol that represents a long life. It is a symbol often gifted to the elderly by loved ones who wish for them to live many more years.
Those who use the Shou symbol often believe our life spans are decided when we are born, and it is only the star god Canopus, who is represented by Shou, who can change that.
11. Pear
The pear is a fruit of immortality. It is known as Amrita Phalam in Sanskrit, which translates to Fruit of Immortality.
12. Idun
Idun is a Norse Goddess of spring and longevity. She is said to grant youth, joy, and new life to those who follow her and eat the magical applies of immortality.
13. Cadeceus
The winged rod with two serpents spiraling it is a common health symbol. It is used in America to represent healthcare. The history of this symbol dates back to Ancient Greek and Rome.
14. Rod of Asclepius
A similar rod with only one snake and no wings is called the Rod of Asclepius. This rod also has Ancient Greek ties with the staff belonging to the god Asclepius, the god of health and medicine.
15. Ruyi Scepter
The Ruyi Scepter is an Ancient Chinese object of longevity. It is a decorative item now used as a talisman of good fortune and long, healthy life.
16. Sei He Ki
Sei He Ki represents longevity physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is a Reiki symbol of longevity that encourages us to look inward for long life.
17. Eight Immortals
The eight immortals are elements of the Taoist faith. They are represented by six men and two women who are all different yet have all achieved immortality.
What they did to achieve this immortality isn’t confirmed, though many believe they all ate the same peaches.
18. Phoenix
A symbol of longevity because the phoenix is considered immortal. It may die but it is always born again out of the ashes of its grave.
19. Dai Ko Myo
Dai Ko Myo is another Reiki symbol of longevity. This one stands for the light found in each of us, which is an important factor in living a full life. It roughly translates to, “Great being of the universe, shine on me, be my friend.”
20. Ouroboros
Ouroboros is a symbol of immortality and longevity. It is represented by two other symbols of longevity, combining the serpent and a circle. This sands for the never-ending cycle of life.
21. Gourd
The gourd is a common symbol of longevity. In Eastern Asia, it represents the bridge between heaven and earth and can bless the sick by promoting good health.
22. Sun Face
The sun face is a Zuni symbol that represents the Sun Father. It stands for longevity, stability, and abundance.
This Sun Father is very important in the Zuni faith as it takes care of families who practice. Sun Face symbols are usually decorated with different gems. The gems represent different aspects of the Sun Father’s powers.
23. Coral
Coral is a symbol of fertility, happiness, and longevity. It has been a symbol of immortality for thousands of years due to its ability to live for thousands of years.
24. Peach
The peach fruit has the ability to grant longevity and immortality in many cultural tales. This tie is likely due to the lightness, sweetness, and juiciness of the fruit.
25. Red Cross
The red cross is a medical symbol used to represent unbiased healthcare. The symbol was popularized during the 1800s. Medical teams in Switzerland, Italy, and the US helped to spread the representation of the symbol to make it more universal.
The point of the teams was to help every wounded soldier they could, regardless of who they were fighting for.