The elephant is a symbol of what? The meaning of the animal in different countries and religions

Elephant in mythology

As the largest animal, in the myth of the flat earth, elephants were its support, along with turtles and whales. According to legend, three giant elephants held the earth's arch on their mighty backs, their monumental legs-pillars served as the foundation and reliable stronghold of earthly life.

It is not surprising that in mythology, elephants mostly have only positive images and meanings.

They are credited with:

Purity of soul and even holiness - Buddhists praised rare white elephants; they are a symbol of spiritual knowledge, virtue and purity. The white elephant is a solar, solar symbol of the Spirit and the manifestation of divine energy.

According to legend, before the birth of Buddha, his mother Maya saw in a dream a small white elephant that came down from the Golden Mountain and entered her room. And supposedly, Nepalese astrologers consulting the royal family, in this image of the queen’s dream, saw a sign of the imminent birth of the Savior of mankind and the Lord of the earth. And Buddha came!

Love and loyalty, the ability to maintain chastity - these qualities were attributed to elephants by medieval Europeans. This belief is based on the fact that during the pregnancy of his female, the male elephant abstains from sexual intercourse.

The destruction of evil and victory over death are Christian virtues attributed to the image of the elephant. He tramples the ground and kills snakes, which for Christians are symbols of devilish powers. Subsequently, this image multiplied and turned into figurines of the Seven Elephants, which became popular household talismans designed to preserve family well-being in all seven spheres of earthly life.

Wisdom and prosperity are the mythological properties of Ganesha (Ganapathi), the son of Shiva and Parvati, a humanoid creature with the head of an elephant. God Ganesha is very popular in Hinduism.

He can be classified as a being with the qualities of the planet Mercury. After all, reason and intellect, sacred speech, as well as success and well-being that are achieved by these qualities and abilities are associated with it. Ganesha is the patron of art and culture, bringing good luck and prosperity.

Ganesha's mount is a rat, into which he transformed his enemy, the giant Gajamukha. This act also shows wisdom and practicality - why kill an enemy when you can perfectly force him to serve you and perform a useful function.

Kindness and friendliness - in countries where elephants are found, there are beliefs that if an elephant meets a person lost in the forest, it will definitely lead him to the road, one way or another, and lead him to people.

Also, developed intelligence and prudence, good nature and peacefulness connect the elephant with the highest caste of Brahmins in India . It is these qualities by birth that are the distinctive feature of all earthly rulers, who are the bearers and keepers of higher knowledge. These same qualities allow one to maintain moral purity. And it is they who ultimately bring victory and glory, prosperity and longevity.

In history, elephants were periodically tried to be used as fighting animals (Indians, Hellenes, Saracens, etc.). Huge animals, on which towers were installed, where up to 10-15 shooters could be placed, had a powerful psychological influence on enemy armies, especially in the first moments of their appearance in battle.

However, in reality, in the heat of battle, the elephants were easily frightened and disoriented, in a panic, they swept away both their own and others. You may remember a graphic episode from the film “The Lord of the Rings”, when the Elephants and Saracens appeared on the battlefield...

As a result, in combat, elephants were recognized as an unnecessary burden for the army. That does not prevent the use of orders with the symbols of the Elephant as the highest national awards.

For example, in Denmark, in memory of the crusaders, who were not afraid of the war elephants of the Saracens, the elite Order of the Elephant - the highest national award.

Also in Thailand, one of the highest state awards is the Most Sacred Order of the White Elephant , awarded for special military and civil merits.

Another aspect associated with the elephant is exclusively natural, associated with the element of water. The divine white elephant Airavata was not only the fighting and riding animal of Indra, the supreme god of thunder in Indian mythology. But also a symbol of fertility bestowed by tropical showers .

White elephant Airavata, Krishna and Indra

This symbol is relevant not only for India, but also for Burma, Thailand and Cambodia. For all of them, the elephant is a symbol of the fertility of rain, like water given from above by the gods - for the earth and man.

Europe

In the dark Middle Ages, the elephant was treated very carefully. Together with the unicorn, it was considered a mythical animal that is found only in fairy tales and legends. The beast could often be seen in paintings depicting paradise. And during the Crusades, Europeans painted it on coats of arms and shields. For ordinary warriors, an elephant is a symbol of what? Researchers believe that the animal embodied fighting spirit, power and perseverance, and therefore became a companion of the Crusaders during hostilities.

If you plunge into the depths of history, then in ancient Rome the beast symbolized wisdom. In mythology, he was the partner of Mercury, the god of trade, who was famous for his excellent logic and developed analytical skills. The ancient Roman encyclopedist Pliny called the elephant a religious and sacred animal that worships the stars and the Sun. In the minds of the common people, he is the personification of victory, valor, longevity and immortality. In fine art, the beast embodied fearlessness and glory. When people adopted Christianity, the animal became a sign of Jesus' victory over death: in this context, the elephant was depicted as trampling a snake.

Elephant symbol - meaning

Basic meanings of the elephant symbol:

• developed intelligence, wisdom and prudence;
• connection with eternity, longevity;
• marital fidelity and family well-being;
• kindness and compassion;
• supreme power (in some countries);
• prosperity and happiness, strength and energy - in all areas of life;
• fertility bestowed from above.

There are several vivid metaphors associated with the elephant symbol:

A bull in a china shop means a clumsy and clumsy person who is unable to cope with the nuances and subtleties of the external and internal situation. That is, with all his intelligence, such an “elephant” has his own weaknesses and life situations in which he is not able to behave adequately.

The ivory tower is a symbol of female inaccessibility, distance and avoidance of sexual relations with men. Emphasizes a certain exclusivity and idealism of this woman, her reluctance to condescend to ordinary physical relationships.

Elephant symbol in heraldry

This symbol is actively involved in heraldry, traditionally they denote strength, glory and prosperity .

The elephant is a traditional symbol of the African continent ; it can be seen in the state heraldry of the Central African Republic, Congo, Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, and Swaziland.

In India, the elephant emblem is placed on the standard of the country's highest ruler, currently the president. The elephant also adorns the flag and seal of Bangkok.

Flag of Bangkok

In the USA, Republicans made the strange elephant an unofficial, but recognized and traditional symbol of their own party.

This animal is often depicted on banknotes and coins in a large number of countries in Southeast Asia, Africa and even Europe. Apparently, its symbol is intended to indicate the special reliability and stability of this money.

Elephant as an emblem

Since the elephant is a slow-moving , its normal speed is only 2-6 km. per hour, so the elephant symbol is rarely used in areas related to movement and speed.

A rare exception was the elephant figurine that adorned Bugatti's luxury car, the Bugatti Type 41, better known as the Bugatti Royale.

And although the Bugatti Royale appeared in 1926 and was produced in only 6 copies, it is still considered one of the most luxurious cars ever produced

Most often, in corporate styles of companies, logos and trademarks, elephants are used as a symbol of the egregor in which a particular crop is grown.

tea and coffee companies are widely known : Indian teahouses, Three Elephants tea, Williamson Tea, Moscow Tea Factory, Vietnamese coffee “Elephant” and many others.

The Japanese brand “Three Elephants”, known in Russia for its quality umbrellas, was founded in 1888 in Osaka. At first, the company's products were intended for the Indian market, where the elephant is a sacred and untouchable animal.

The Japanese took all this into account, but added the number 3 to the elephant talisman, which is considered lucky in their country, and they were right.

The Elephant emblem is best used by companies that rely on the reliability and quality of their own products , and intend to enter the market seriously and for a long time.

It is a symbol of patience, wisdom and non-aggressive power, which means that the company has a good idea and sufficient financial resources necessary to gradually conquer the market, step by step, and slowly displace competitors.

Ancient Greece and Rome

In ancient times, animals were quite actively used in land military campaigns. This was started by Alexander the Great, who faced the power and strength of giants during the conquest of Persia and India. He immediately decided to strengthen his army with them, recapturing the animals from the enemy. Historians called the branch of troops equipped in this way Elephanteria.

Thanks to Alexander's conquests, a deep interpenetration of the cultures and religions of India and Greece began - a special religion called Greco-Buddhism arose. Accordingly, the symbolism was borrowed. Thus, elephant silhouettes adorned Indo-Greek coins. They were in use until the new conquerors of India, the Indo-Parthians, who professed Zoroastrianism, gained power. Since elephants were considered one of the symbols of Gautama Buddha, money with this religious symbolism went out of circulation.

Later, the fighting giant was recognized as one of the official symbols of Rome. True, the Romans preferred to use not the Indian, but the North African, smaller variety of animals, which, although inferior in strength, was easier to train. And the wise, peaceful elephant was considered one of the attributes of the god of trade and diplomacy, Mercury, because, in addition to war, the power of giants was used by merchants to transport goods.

Elephant totem

A person with an elephant as his main totem is outwardly quite tall and large, he has a large head, arms and legs, although he may look slow and clumsy. It can be distinguished by large ears and protruding ears, thick skin and not very thick hair.

By nature, he can be calm, he is the most good-natured and benevolent person, with a philosophical mindset and leisurely conclusions and behavior. Chess develops the mind of such a person very well.

Elephants have a pronounced musicality, they can be prone to creativity in the musical field, good performers - they are best able to handle wind instruments.

Physically he is very resilient and strong. Sometimes passions will rage within him, he is characterized by sexual impulses and is capable of great feats in the name of love.

But not only creative abilities lead elephants forward; they are all practical and know how to combine their high aspirations with commercial talent and practicality. They are capable of doing big things, they plan and organize everything on a grand scale, they do it reliably, for centuries.

They are very economical, love elitism, luxury and a high standard of living, strive for respectability, and are able to live “in grand style.” They can become excellent collectors and even philanthropists - out of conviction.

Savva Mamontov - the most famous Elephant

Men are very fertile and idolize their wives and children. At exceptional moments they can show jealousy and are sometimes capable of trampling a competitor.

Elephant women are like men, they are calm and self-possessed, faithful and constant. They are large and do not have classical beauty, but they are charismatic and have powerful energy, which completely replaces their external data.

They love smart and practical men, they are ready to invest 100% of their own energy in their husband and family. They often have few children, prefer to raise one child first, then have a second, and then switch to grandchildren.

Good organizers and practical leaders, capable of working for two, are extremely constant in their affections and life goals. Therefore, they are often accompanied by success and luck does not pass by.

How to activate energy?

If you have studied Feng Shui, then, of course, you know about the need to activate any talisman or amulet. If not, be sure to spend time on this issue.

Add beauty to it, decorate it, as the elephant is a big fan of decorations. He will like beads, bracelets, necklaces wrapped around his neck or legs. If you do this, then you can safely expect a pleasant turn in fate, the elephant will be very grateful. The elephant also loves precious metals, try storing your chains and bracelets on it.

This can be explained simply - the elephant will not approve of the killing of its own kind and will punish you for it. It’s better to choose a decent bright frame for the elephant, he loves it. This could be a bright napkin or a multi-colored silk flap in the form of a scarf. Conversations with an elephant one-on-one will accumulate its energy and awaken it. Of course, it is necessary to wash the dust and care for the talisman more often.

Talisman Elephant

The elephant as a talisman, amulet, talisman is used to increase positivity in your life. But you need to be prepared for this flow of grace, that is, live with an open heart and use your own intellect for good.

The elephant as a symbol is most suitable for those people:

• who has this animal as his main totem ;
• born in the years of the Elephant according to the Zoroastrian calendar: 1924, 1956, 1988, 2020;
• in whose horoscope the degrees are manifested, are associated with elephant totems, these are the first degrees of the fixed signs : 1 degree of Taurus (Indian); 1 degree Leo (African); 1 degree Scorpio (mammoth); 1 degree Aquarius (white, mastodon).

Elephant tattoo - since the trunk of an elephant is generally associated with a phallic symbol, it can serve as a purely masculine tattoo to strengthen male potency and fertility.

But at the same time, remember that this animal is an example of fidelity, patience and chastity. Therefore, this image as a tattoo is suitable for those men who are ready for a serious relationship and know how to be both passionate and patient.

He will emphasize that you are smart, hopeful, know your worth, have strength and power in the sexual sphere, but know how to restrain yourself and accumulate energy for the sake of quality relationships.

As a female tattoo or decoration , the elephant emphasizes the fact that you are a woman definitely from the bright side of the universe. You value knowledge and know how to understand people; it is more important for you to live in peace with your own Soul than to chase fashion, popularity or quick results. You are a supporter of eternal values, and your family will be strong, prosperous and sustainable.

An elephant with a raised trunk - as a tattoo and talisman symbolizes that your business is going up, you have potential and you are realizing it powerfully and steadily:

• in love and relationships - for singles: you are ready to meet and develop a new partnership that will soon enter your life,
• in love and relationships - for those who are already in a couple: strengthening the connection with your partner, reaching a new level;
• in the profession - you strive for growth and will increase your qualifications and career level;
• in financial and social status - you can grow even more, increase your assets and advance socially.

A figurine of an elephant with a raised trunk will be an excellent talisman for a person who wants to stand firmly on his feet and realize his own talents in the realities of life.

The Amulet of the Great Elephant and its raised trunk also means:

• your appeal to Heaven and the help of higher powers,
• the presence of a higher channel, a spiritual source - through which knowledge and necessary information flow for you;
• sensitivity to the turns of your own destiny, quick understanding of the life tasks that are set before you.

Talisman of several elephants in one composition:

Three elephants mean well-being on three levels of your life: intellectual, cardiac and physical. Or at the level of Body, Soul and Spirit. This is a harmonious symbol of the integrity that you want to bring into your own life, and such a talisman will contribute to this.

Seven elephants means the presence of a positive force of growth and development on all seven layers of earthly life, on each layer of reality (physical, etheric, astral, mental, causal, budhial, atmanic levels). This is a traditional symbol that unites the power and positivity of elephants and the magic of the number 7.

The talisman can be vertical, and then the animals are located one on top of the other, like a pyramid. So it is horizontal, and then the trunk of one elephant holds the tail of the previous one, which means unhindered flow from one level of energy and vibration to the next.

On the topic – section “Totems”

Tags: Talismans and amulets, Totems of birds and animals

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African interpretation of elephant symbolism

India suffered a lot due to colonization. However, Africa had, and still has to, fight no less than India. Slavery, inter-tribal wars, dictators, outside encroachments on the enormous riches of the Black Continent instilled in Africans a special strength of spirit. It is from Africa, and not from India, that a special type of figurines comes: a figurine depicting an elephant warrior, a symbol of a protector standing on its hind legs and blowing its trunk. It is believed that the animal figurine represents:

• power;
• fearlessness;
• power;
• dignity;
• loyalty to principles;
• longevity;
• glory;
• intelligence.

This is not a peaceful elephant in a colored blanket, a faithful assistant to the farmer. You can see the warlike animal on banners and coats of arms. Its trunk is raised - it is believed that the animal trumpets, indicating its readiness for battle.