This article was reviewed by Adeche Atelier and by wikiHow staff writer, Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.. Adeche Atelier, also known as Adwoa Botchey and Solomon Adebiyi, are fine artists, storytellers, and content creators inspired by African mythology, folklore, and spirituality based in London, UK. With over 5 years of experience researching this field, they now share what they've learned in a bite-sized, accessible format on their social media to a community of over 580k followers. Together they also host the Afro Mythos Podcast, releasing longer-form episodes every month that explore the world of African mythology and folklore. They have been commissioned to create paintings by major institutions, including The National Gallery London, BBC Arts, the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge, and EA Games in collaboration with Black Girl Gamers. They have produced digital content for The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool and The Hayward Gallery. In 2023, they had a solo exhibition at OXO Tower titled African Odyssey Exploring Cultures, Myths and Stories.
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Nearly every culture has symbols of life, from the tree of life to the ankh and the ouroboros. Some, like the Buddhist mandala and the Celtic trinity knot, also represent spiritual and religious concepts of life. Keep reading to find out more about the origin and meaning of 40 life symbols found in nature, the animal kingdom, and the celestial realms.
Powerful Symbols of Life
African mythology experts Adeche Atelier say the ankh is a powerful symbol of life from Ancient Egypt, representing eternal life, immortality, and rebirth. Other popular symbols are:
- Tree of Life: Symbolizes the life cycle and growth.
- Ouroboros: Points to life, death, and rebirth.
- Mandala: Represents the universe and enlightenment.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.uniguide.com/tree-of-life
- ↑ https://www.nps.gov/afbg/learn/historyculture/ankh.htm
- ↑ https://library.acropolis.org/the-symbolism-of-the-ankh/
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20171204-the-ancient-symbol-that-spanned-millennia
- ↑ https://asiasociety.org/exploring-mandala
- ↑ https://yogamedicine.com/yin-yang-symbolic-meaning-connection-to-yoga/
- ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3124912/
- ↑ https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/spiritual-meaning-of-water
- ↑ https://gearsinheaven.org/rain-rainbows-death-and-the-afterlif/
- ↑ https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/gardening/a45768436/lotus-flower-real-meaning/
- ↑ https://www.irelandbeforeyoudie.com/the-triskelion-triskele-meaning-and-history-of-this-celtic-symbol/
- ↑ https://spiralspiritual.com/
- ↑ https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/celtic-symbols-and-meanings/
- ↑ https://bonsecours.us/associates/about-us/history-of-the-fleur-de-lis-symbol/
- ↑ https://www.wanderarti.com/skulls-around-the-world/
- ↑ https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-modern-lives-of-ancient-symbols
- ↑ https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/the-triquetra-celtic-trinity-knot/
- ↑ https://worldbirds.com/phoenix-symbolism/
- ↑ https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/5-things-to-know-about-om
- ↑ https://mythologian.net/pentacle-symbol-meaning-history-origins-pentacle-vs-pentagram/#Pentacle_vs_Pentagram_A_Comparison_%E2%80%93_What_is_the_Difference
- ↑ https://aish.com/star-of-david-3/
- ↑ https://kashgar.com.au/blogs/ritual-objects/the-hamsa-khamsa
- ↑ https://www.naturalhistorycuriosities.com/insects/scarab-beetles-and-their-meaning-in-the-ancient-egyptian-history/
- ↑ https://www.uniguide.com/butterfly-meaning-symbolism-spirit-guide
- ↑ https://creationgirl.com/raven-animal-symbolism-and-fun-facts/
- ↑ Melessa Sargent. Professional Writer. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.aboutmybrain.com/cards/spirit-animals-oracle-deck/dove
- ↑ https://parade.com/living/owl-symbolism-meaning
- ↑ https://worldbirds.com/lion-symbolism/
- ↑ https://thedruidscauldron.net/2022/11/20/the-swan-symbols-of-love-and-oaths/
- ↑ https://www.centreofexcellence.com/the-spiritual-meaning-of-spiders/
- ↑ https://spiritualdirection.com/2017/04/24/why-are-peacocks-considered-symbols-of-the-resurrection
- ↑ https://dailydish.co.uk/sacred-roses-spiritual-meaning-of-the-rose/
- ↑ https://wc.edu/news/the-precious-flame-of-knowledge.php
- ↑ https://aleteia.org/2020/06/18/what-is-the-spiritual-meaning-of-the-heart
- ↑ https://dreamersia.com/blog/sun-symbolism/
- ↑ https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/c/crescent-moon-meaning.php
- ↑ https://cityastronomy.com/symbolism-of-stars/
- ↑ https://www.suziecheel.com/rainbows-symbol-of-hope-and-new-life/
- ↑ https://eyeofheaven.medium.com/the-spiritual-meanings-of-the-circle-and-sphere-an-introduction-59905bec471c
- ↑ https://www.thespiritualcentre.net/dragon.html
- ↑ https://library.acropolis.org/the-symbolism-of-the-angels/
- ↑ https://www.alimentarium.org/en/fact-sheet/eggs-symbol-life