Symbols of suffering are a great way to handle pain and grief. They can help you pinpoint why you suffer so that you can learn to embrace the right kind of pain and let go of the needless suffering in your life.
What is Suffering?
Suffering is taking on pain and distress. This can be a personal undertaking or one suffered by a group of people, such as an oppressed nation.
From most perspectives, suffering is a part of life but is a negative aspect rather than a positive one. However, there are some systems or theories that paint it as a central aspect of life.
In Hedonism, pleasure and suffering are the only components of well-being. So if one isn’t feeling pleasure, then they are suffering.
On the other hand, asceticism is a moral theory that is the complete opposite of hedonism. Closely related to asceticism is stoicism, in which self-control and disconnecting from emotions is painted in a good light.
In this belief system, if one is virtuous, one need not be happy, or rather, virtue is all one needs to be happy. This is widely recognized as a theory that relishes personal suffering as virtuous.
These are just a few of the suffering-focused belief systems, each valuing one or more of the different types of suffering.
Types of Suffering
- Physical – physical pain in the body
- Mental – distress of the mind often caused by childhood trauma or social pressure
- Emotional – related to mental stress but is usually temporary and caused by daily stresses related to finances, health, and other issues
Which Color Symbolizes Suffering?
Purple is the color of suffering. It is a mixture of two other colors – red and blue. Red represents anger and pain, while blue represents sadness and depression. These paired together are a perfect representation of suffering.
Flower Symbols of Suffering
- Lotus – this flower has many meanings, including suffering that leads to enlightenment
- White Poppies – this color of poppy represents current suffering, whereas the red poppies are used to remember the suffering and sacrifice from previous wars
- Daffodil – this flower can represent joy as well as sadness, depending on the culture
- Bleeding Heart – the aptly named flower represents pain, suffering, and sorrow
Crystals That Symbolize Suffering
- Malachite – healing powers that fight against physical suffering
- Black Tourmaline – absorbs suffering and protects
- Bloodstone – blood purifier that works for all types of suffering
- Fluorite – balances chakras to relieve suffering
Tree That Symbolizes Suffering
The weeping willow represents suffering. The droopy branches are a good representation of the feeling of pain, sadness, and suffering. It is a common tree used to represent suffering in art and literature, often without words, as many users subconsciously understand this connection. With the weeping willow’s pain comes beauty, resilience, and personal growth.
Animal Suffering Symbols
- Lamb – a pure animal that represents grief and sacrifice
- Raven – an omen bird that represents knowledge, wisdom, and heartache
- Penguin – an enduring animal that symbolizes suffering due to the climate in which it lives
12 Symbols of Suffering
1. Tragic Mask
The mask of tragedy is a symbol of suffering in the theater. It represents the goddess of tragedy, Melpomene, who was a muse in ancient Greece. To this day, the mask of tragedy is used in the arts to represent a dramatized yet disconnected version of suffering.
2. Ankh
The Ankh has many meanings, and one of those is suffering. In Ancient Egypt, the Ankj was a talisman that could protect those who were suffering and offer comfort to those facing adversity.
3. Phoenix
The phoenix continues to rise from suffering better than ever, used to represent the ability to regenerate after struggles. Though not immortal, it can die many times before keeling over for good.
4. Empty Chair
An empty chair represents a specific type of suffering. This is the type of suffering one experiences from the loss of a loved one. It comes from the fact that through the years, people seem drawn to specific chairs which become theirs, whether it’s spoken or not. So their absence is felt intensely when one is near that chair.
5. Ribbon
Many colors of ribbons represent suffering. The black ribbon is the most prominent, which is a way to show compassion toward those who are depressed. However, every color of the ribbon is used in the same way to show empathy for different types of suffering.
6. Icarus
Icarus is a Greek character known for not surviving the transition to adulthood. He suffered greatly, as did his family, as it was his not listening to his father that caused his demise when he flew into the sun.
7. Star of David
The Star of David is a symbol of suffering in the Jewish faith. The tie to suffering began during the Nazi persecution of Jews in World War I, which is why the start now has more meanings than its original Jewish ties from the 17th century.
8. Guanyin
Guanyin is a Chinese goddess of compassion who is known for reducing suffering. She’s commonly referred to as the epitome of compassion and revered for her mercy and ability to give those who are grieving hope.
9. Oizys
Oizys is the Greek goddess of suffering and misery (Miseria in Roman mythology.) She is the daughter of Nyx and Hesiod. Though not much is known about Oizys, she’s still a powerful goddess that represents everything that creates suffering.
10. Cross
The cross is a symbol of suffering in Christianity. It was used during Christ’s crucifixion, which was the ultimate sacrifice and act of suffering in the Christian religion.
11. Crown of Thorns
The crown of thorns carries the same weight as the cross in terms of suffering. It and the cat of nine tails are weapons used to inflict pain upon Christ during his crucifixion.
12. Soldier/Warrior
Soldiers and warriors represent suffering that is brought on by sacrifice. This is the type of sacrifice that has been made millions of times throughout history for the greater good of mankind.