Symbols of lust can help you explore your desires while taking control of your lust. But in general, lust is a deadly sin that can only lead to suffering once the initial rush wears off. To understand this, one must learn more about the meaning of lust.
What is Lust?
Lust is a strong desire for something. While it usually refers to a passionate desire for someone in a shallow sense, it can also refer to an appetite for anything. More often than not, the something lust refers to is sinful in nature.
In relationships, lust is used to describe a counterpart to love. While love is deep and intimate, lust is shallow and built solely upon physical attraction.
Love shows signs of empathy, respect, trust, and emotional connection. Lust is purely physical, without true intimacy or a desire to care for that person.
That said, when the word is used lightly or in place of a word like “passion and desire,” a healthy dose is good for you. But when it is used in its true and traditional form, it is one of the seven deadly sins.
Which Color Symbolizes Lust?
Blue is the color of lust. While many may believe red, green, or black is a better representation of lust, blue is the traditional color of lust. It is the color used to represent lust as one of the seven deadly sins.
Flowers That Symbolize Lust
- Red Rose – a symbol of both romance and lust
- Orchid – a romantic flower associated with luxury and desire
- Hydrangea – represents gratitude and lust
- Peony – king of flowers in China, associated with lust and desire
- Lily – the Calla Lilies are especially connected to lust
- Iris – flower associated with the Greek goddess of rainbows, Iris
Crystals That Symbolize Lust
- Agate – helps you build confidence in love
- Rose Quartz – a loving stone that can be used to control desires
- Garnet – helps create deep connections in intimacy
- Amethyst – a common stone for reaching higher love
- Tiger’s Eye – helps you take control of your desires
- Black Tourmaline – a dark stone that helps you connect with your body
Tree That Symbolizes Lust
The fig tree represents lust. It is often depicted as the Tree of Life with Adam and Eve to represent lust, sin, and fertility. This tree can sometimes be represented by an apple tree, but it is more likely to be a fig tree.
Animal Lust Symbols
- Goat – symbolizes many sins, including lust
- Scorpion – a sign of lustful personalities and weaknesses
- Cow – a symbol of feasts and unclean love
Symbols of Lust in Different Cultures
Greek
In Ancient Greece, Dionysus was a symbol of lust who lusted after Aphrodite. He is one of many gods that show the negative power connected to lust in Greek mythology.
Christian
In Christianity, lust is a sin. In Matthew 5:28, the Bible says, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This verse lets followers know that lusting after someone who is not their significant other is a sin, just as sleeping with them would be.
Hindu
In Hinduism, lust is natural but is also one of the gates of hell. So it is not a sin as long as you don’t follow through. However, it is encouraged to place desires on your lover rather than seeking them elsewhere.
Buddhism
In Buddhism, lust is a hindrance to enlightenment. So if one is focused on lustful desires, they can not reach their full potential.
Lust Symbolism in Literature
Lust is most commonly linked with the seven deadly sins in literature. In Homer’s “Iliad,” sinful lust starts a war. Paris is the prince of Try who lusts after Helen, a married woman.
Even in romance, lust is seen as a negative aspect of courting. In Jane Austen’s novels, lust is looked down upon and often shown to have horrendous outcomes, whereas those searching for true love are rewarded.
8 Symbols of Lust
1. Wine
Wine and grapes can represent lust. It is often called a love potion, having ties back to ancient Greece and the god Eros and the goddess Venus.
2. Lips
Lips are a symbol of lust in art. When drawn alone, especially partially open, they represent seduction and lustful desire.
3. Asmodeus
Asmodeus is a demon of lust and one of the seven princes of hell. He represents the deadly sin of lust and is known to have control over it, spreading it to humanity.
4. Apple
Apples are a symbol of lust and the fruit most connected to it. It is often called the forbidden fruit as it was once believed it was the fruit from the Tree of Life. The apple is also connected to lust in many fairy tales and mythology.
5. Himeros
Himeros is a Greek god of lust. He is a god of unrequited love, which often results in lust rather than the quest for true love, where two people share a fondness for each other rather than a desire.
6. Nikuyoku
Nikuyoku is a Jpanase smybol of lust. It represents the goddess of lust as well as the Kanji symbol for the sin.
7. Chocolate
Chocolate is a symbol of lust due to it being an aphrodisiac. It can boost desire and has been known to do so since ancient times.
8. Hathor
Hathor is an Egyptian goddess of feminity and lust. Though she can represent love, she is more often connected to lustful desire, which is why she is sometimes represented by a cow.