Talisman and amulet Elephant: meaning, activation, where to place. Elephant - a symbolic gift for a wedding or birthday Elephants meaning

According to legend, three giant elephants held the earth's dome on their mighty backs, their monumental legs-pillars served as a foundation and a reliable stronghold of earthly life.

It is not surprising that in mythology, elephants are found for the most part only positive images and meanings.

They are credited with:

Purity of soul and even holiness- Buddhists praised rare white elephants, they are the 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 descended from the Golden Mountain and entered her room. And allegedly, the Nepalese astrologers, advising 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 the Buddha came!

Love and fidelity, the ability to remain chaste- these qualities were attributed to elephants by medieval Europeans. The basis of this belief is the fact that during the period of pregnancy of his female, the male elephant refrains from sexual intercourse.

Destruction of evil and victory over death are Christian benefactors attributed to the image of an elephant. He tramples the ground and kills snakes, which among Christians are symbols of the forces of the devil. Subsequently, this image multiplied and turned into figurines of the Seven Elephants, which became popular household talismans, designed to keep family well-being in all seven spheres of earthly life.

Wisdom and well-being- the mythological properties of Ganesha (Ganapati), 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, which are achieved by these qualities and abilities, are associated with it. Ganesha patronizes art and culture, brings good luck and prosperity.

Ganesha's mount is a rat into which he turned his enemy, the giant Gajamukh. This act also shows through wisdom and practicality - why kill the enemy when he can be perfectly forced to serve himself and perform a useful function.

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

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

Elephants in history have periodically tried to use 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 effect on enemy armies, especially in the first moments of their appearance in battle.

However, in fact, in the heat of battle, the elephants were easily frightened and disoriented, in a panic, swept away both their own and others. Perhaps you remember a vivid episode from the film "The Lord of the Rings", when elephants with Saracens appeared on the battlefield ...

As a result, in combat, elephants were recognized as an extra burden for the troops. That does not prevent hitherto from using 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 fighting elephants of the Saracens, there have been for 6 centuries Elite Order of the Elephant- the highest national award.

Also in Thailand, one of the highest state awards is Most Holy Order of the White Elephant awarded for special military and civilian merit.

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, bestowed from above by the gods - for the earth and man.

Elephant symbol - meaning

The main meanings of the elephant symbol:

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

There are several vivid metaphors associated with the elephant symbol:

Elephant in a china shop e - means a clumsy and clumsy person who is not able to cope with the nuances and subtleties of the external and internal situation. That is, with all his mind, such an “elephant” has its own weaknesses and life situations in which it is not able to behave adequately.

Ivory tower- This is a symbol of female impregnability, remoteness and avoidance of sexual relations with men. Emphasizes a certain exclusivity and idealism of this woman, her unwillingness to condescend to ordinary physical relationships.

Elephant symbol in heraldry

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

The elephant is traditional symbol of the African continent, it can be seen in the state heraldry of the Central African Republic, Congo, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Swaziland.

In India, the emblem of the elephant is applied to the standard of the highest ruler of the country, at the moment it is the president. The elephant also adorns the flag and seal of Bangkok.

Flag of Bangkok

In the United States, the Republicans have made the outlandish 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 testify to the special reliability and stability of this money.

Elephant as an emblem

Since the elephant is an animal that moving slowly, its usual 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 released in only 6 copies, it is still considered one of the most luxurious cars ever made.

Most often in corporate identities of companies, logos and trademarks, elephants are used as a symbol of the egregor in which this or that agricultural crop is grown.

For example, there are numerous well-known tea and coffee companies, using elephant symbols: Indian tea companies "with an elephant", Three Elephants tea, Williamson Tea, Moscow Tea Factory, Vietnamese coffee "Elephant" and many others.

The Japanese trademark "Three Elephants", known in Russia for quality umbrellas, was founded in 1888 in Osaka. Initially, 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 did not lose.

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 crowd out competitors.

elephant totem

The person with the main totem of the elephant outwardly is 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, this is the most good-natured and benevolent person, with a philosophical mindset and slowness in conclusions and behavior. Very well develop the mind of such a person - chess.

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

But it's not just their creativity that drives elephants forward, they're all practical and able to combine their high aspirations with commercial talent and practicality. They are able to do great things, they plan and organize everything on a grand scale, they do it reliably, for centuries.

They are very economic, they love elitism, luxury and a high standard of living, they strive for respectability, they are able to live “in a big way”. They can become excellent collectors and even patrons of art - by conviction.

Savva Mamontov - the most famous Elephant

Men are very prolific, idolize their wife and children. In exceptional moments, they can show jealousy and are sometimes able to trample on a competitor.

Elephant women are like men, they are calm and self-possessed, faithful and constant. Large and do not have classical beauty, but are charismatic and have a powerful energy that absolutely replaces their external data.

They love smart and practical men, they are ready to invest in their husband and family 100% of their own strength. 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, able to plow for two, exceptionally constant in their attachments and life goals. Therefore, they are often accompanied by success and good luck does not pass by.

Mascot Elephant

The elephant as a talisman, amulet, amulet is used to increase the positive in your life. But you need to be ready for this flow of grace, that is, to 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 degrees are manifested, are associated with elephant totems, this first degrees of fixed signs: 1 degree Taurus (Indian); 1 degree Leo (African); 1 degree Scorpio (mammoth); 1 degree of Aquarius (white, mastodon).

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

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

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

How female tattoo or decoration, the elephant emphasizes the fact that you are a woman unambiguously 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 an adherent of eternal values, and your family will be strong, prosperous and stable.

Elephant with trunk up- as a tattoo and a talisman, it symbolizes that your business is going up, you have potential and you realize 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 are striving for growth and you are waiting for an increase in the qualification and career level;
in financial and social status - you can grow even more, increase your assets and advance socially.

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.

Amulet of the Great Elephant and his raised trunk also signifies:

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

Talisman of several elephants in one composition:

Three elephants- means well-being on three levels of your life: intellectual, heart 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, ethereal, astral, mental, causal, budhial, atmanic levels). This is a traditional symbol that combines the power and positiveness of elephants and the magic of the number 7.

The talisman can be as 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 an unhindered flow from one level of energy and vibration to the next.

In almost every country since ancient times there has been an animal that is its symbol. Like many other representatives of the fauna, our distant ancestors endowed the elephant with extraordinary magical powers. Talismans in the form of figurines of this animal can now be seen in almost every apartment. What is an elephant for different peoples, the symbol of which is this royal hero?

Feng Shui elephant figurine meaning

In Feng Shui, the elephant is one of the most striking symbols. According to this teaching, there must be a figurine depicting this amazingly majestic and very beautiful animal in the house. The elephant is credited with a number of very valuable qualities that it gives to a person, namely:

well-being and stability;
wisdom and kindness;
reliability and strength;
luck and endurance.

It is believed that the figurine of an elephant attracts good luck to the house, just like a living elephant draws water with its trunk. A very small souvenir elephant has the ability to fill your home with warmth and love. To protect the household from negative energy, the elephant must be in a conspicuous place. And what does the elephant mean as a symbol of reliability? The fact is that due to its large size, it is an animal that stands firmly on its feet. By this analogy, the statuette depicting an elephant is believed to have the ability to create a strong foundation for a prosperous and sustainable lifestyle.

What is an elephant for Chinese culture

What is an elephant in China? What symbol does he represent there? This majestic animal in the Celestial Empire is the emblem of supreme power, symbolizing power and great strength. A donated elephant figurine is considered very valuable in China, as it gives its owner good health and long life. In addition to power, the elephant for the inhabitants of this country is a symbol of such valuable qualities as:

discretion;
insight;
strength and energy.

In China, the elephant is considered a sacred animal, and therefore the attitude towards him in this country is special.

The meaning of the elephant in Indian culture

In the Indian pantheon of gods, the elephant is still revered as deeply as in antiquity. In this country, he is given a special, honorable place. In Buddhism, the white elephant is dedicated to the Buddha, because it was such an elephant that appeared to Queen Maya with the news that the royal ruler of the world had been born. It is also commonly believed in India that the existence of mankind is possible only as long as these great and calm animals hold the world on their tusks. The elephant in India is a symbol of the deity. The god of happiness, Ganesha, is depicted as a man with the head of an elephant. Young girls turn to him with a request for love, and married women - for the preservation of the family. Therefore, the elephant here personifies love and fidelity. Indians decorate not only houses and temples, but also public institutions with figurines of this giant. In addition to statuettes, in India there are many images of him in the form of drawings both in temples and in dwellings. The inhabitants of this country endow the elephant with the most noble qualities, such as:

prudence;
the personification of calm;
extraordinary deep wisdom;
dignity.

In India, as in China, the elephant is a sacred animal. In addition, in India, the elephant is a symbol of the country, as it is depicted on its coat of arms.

What does the elephant symbolize in African culture

In African culture, as well as in others, a special place was given to the animal world. The inhabitants of ancient Africa not only used various witchcraft and magical rituals in their daily lives, but also endowed animals living nearby with such abilities. In their opinion, the elephant also possessed mystical abilities. The symbol of what is this regal creature for Africans? First of all, among the inhabitants of this continent, the elephant was associated exclusively with positive features:

firm character;
deep mind;
developed intellect;
logic and intuition;
peacefulness and patience;
integrity.

It was also a symbol of longevity and prosperity. There is evidence that the elephant standing on its hind legs was the decoration of the banners under which the soldiers went into battle. But an elephant with a raised trunk was a symbol of victory in Africa. Many frescoes that have survived and have come down to our times depict the direct participation of these strong animals in battles.

What does the symbol of an elephant with a raised trunk mean?

Almost all Feng Shui elephant figurines are made with a raised trunk. Even in ancient times, this beautiful large animal was the personification of strength. The trumpet sound of a voice emitted by its trunk was considered a victory cry. In this form, the elephant is depicted in ancient paintings and frescoes. The trunk raised up symbolizes victory over evil. But if the figure of an elephant standing in the house has its trunk up, this is a sign of the following signs:

material wealth will appear in your life;
you can avoid unreasonable spending;
it will help you to be prudent and prudent in financial matters.

In a word, such a figurine is able to bring stability to your financial situation. Also, the elephant will help you avoid trouble at work. To do this, put a small elephant in your workplace or hang a picture next to the image of this animal.

What does an elephant with a lowered trunk symbolize?

We figured out a little about what an elephant is: a symbol of what with a raised trunk, we found out. But there are figurines depicting these giants with a trunk lowered down. There are several versions of what such an elephant symbolizes, namely:

motherhood;
fertility and abundance;
longevity.

Some do not accept as a talisman a figurine depicting an elephant with its trunk down, considering its meaning to be unfavorable. But this is a wrong assumption. According to the teachings of Feng Shui, if after the appearance of such a figure in your family, troubles began, then this is not because the elephant’s trunk is down, but because you placed it incorrectly in your house.

Elephant figurine - a good gift

Now the figurines of elephants are not only confidently returning to our apartments, but they are also customary to give. Just before you buy such a gift, you need to decide what you want the souvenir elephant to be, a symbol of what? If you give such a figurine, you need to know exactly what you want to wish to its new owner.

If you want to please a woman in a leadership position with such a souvenir, then she needs to buy a silver elephant. Being responsible in her post for the work of her subordinates, it is very important for her to have wisdom in making certain decisions. It is the figurine of a silver elephant that can endow it with such a quality.
A malachite elephant as a gift is ideal for people who want to start a new stage in their lives (find a new job, get an education, start their own business), but are too indecisive for this.
A figurine of an elephant made of white marble is an excellent gift for quick-tempered and unbalanced people. This will help them become more calm and resilient, resistant to life's adversities.
A figurine of a crystal elephant will be very beautiful as a gift. It must be treated very carefully, since such an elephant is able to ward off all adversity from its owner and protect it from the blows of fate.
It is customary to give a golden elephant (or a figurine made of another yellow metal) as a talisman to athletes. He helps them gather during the competition and achieve the coveted victory.
But the amber elephant is a good gift for a jealous husband or jealous wife. He will definitely help get rid of his new owner from this negative quality.

Conclusion

We learned a little about what good qualities people endowed with such a cute animal as an elephant, the symbol of which he personifies. Now everyone is again beginning to believe in the miraculous properties of their figures. Small elephants made by skilled craftsmen are no longer considered a sign of philistinism, and collectors pay a lot of money for old porcelain figurines depicting these and other animals. True, for many, small figurines of elephants in a house made of porcelain, metal, glass or other materials are an element of decor. But most still believe in their power and try to place them in their homes, according to the teachings of Feng Shui. The strongest symbol is seven elephants in a row, one smaller than the other. They are in perfect harmony with the decoration of modern apartments, symbolizing good luck and happiness in the house.

Symbols | Elephant. What does the elephant symbolize?

What are the meanings of the symbol "Elephant"?

The elephant is a symbol of strength, patience, wisdom, fidelity and marital fidelity. The white elephant in India, in Buddhism - is dedicated to Buddha, since a white elephant appeared to Queen Maya and announced the birth of the royal ruler of the world.

The white elephant is also a symbol of compassion, kindness and love.

In China, the elephant is a symbol of insight, prudence and strength, symbolizes energy, power.

In Christianity, the elephant symbolizes Christ, means chastity, benevolence, immortality, victory over death.

Lillian

the elephant is an exclusively positive symbol. he is one of the main animals in Judaism, depicted on the coats of arms of many families, orders and even states (for example, Siam - ancient Thailand).

now it is a symbol of intelligence and strength. and for the fact that elephants reproduce offspring only secretly, the elephant is also a symbol of chastity and marital happiness. therefore, a pair of elephants is often given to a married couple so that everything is fine in the house.

in addition, due to the fact that the elephant often escapes and defeats the snake, it is considered a symbol of overcoming death

Chipmunk

Even outwardly, at first glance, it is clear that the elephant is a regal animal that impresses with its size, strength and calmness.

Maybe that's why in many countries the elephant symbolizes strength, power, intelligence, wisdom, greatness, friendliness. In Buddhism, the elephant is a sacred animal. In many countries, elephant figurines are placed in offices and homes as a talisman that brings positive energy, friendliness, wisdom, good luck, and prosperity to the house. In Africa, the mascot looks something like this:

And in China like this:

And in India like this:

Ladybug

The elephant in such countries as China, India and Africa was especially revered and in this regard this animal has become one symbol of these countries.

In India, elephants, even in our time, are not ordinary animals, but sacred. The elephant is the personification of the best qualities of a person: wisdom, intelligence, strength. This animal is depicted on the coat of arms of India (below the lions on the wheel, see picture).

In China, the elephant is also revered as a sacred animal and is a symbol of longevity, strength, and power.

Gatilovvik

In Hinduism and Buddhism, which are the main religions of India, the elephant occupies an important place. It was the elephant that announced the birth of the Buddha. God Ganesha is depicted with an elephant head - the god of wisdom. The elephant is wisdom and power, but not aggressive. For the Chinese, for example, the elephant is a symbol of strength and intelligence, longevity, energy, supreme power, and also overcoming death.

Elephant is the personification of wisdom, prudence and strength.

In China, India and Africa, the elephant is the emblem of royal power, a symbol of patience, fidelity, dignity, peacefulness, longevity, happiness and prosperity. In Africa and Asian countries, the elephant symbolizes the same as the eagle and lion for Europeans and Americans.

Big and strong Elephant in China is symbol of supreme power; it's incredible strength and power. It was believed that elephant figurines, given as a gift, prolong life and give health owner.

And in Buddhism, the Elephant means stability in everything and wisdom.

Chipenko Anton

Well, it first occurred to me that the Elephant is a symbol of the Republican Party of the United States which represents power.

And its main competitor, the US Democratic Party, has a symbol: a donkey, a symbol of stubborn overcoming obstacles

And in fact, now in the USA there is a confrontation between the Elephant and the donkey, a lot depends on who wins.

What is the elephant a symbol of?

Aina

Seven elephants symbolize a strong and friendly family, are a symbol of family happiness.
Whose aunt or grandmother did not have seven elephants on the chest of drawers - small and small less? Seven marble or porcelain elephants that were said to bring happiness and good luck to the home. An element of philistinism or a sweetheart retro? Or maybe it really is an object of power that attracts positive energy?
Ah, elephants, lovely elephants!
You are our idols, we are your fans.
(Chorus of one famous song from the 50s)
In Buddhist worship, the number seven is completely sacred. And the elephant is revered by Buddhists as a symbol of spiritual knowledge and stability. The white elephant is a symbol of the bodhisattva, the liberator of people from the shackles of earthly existence. It is a symbol of compassion, love, kindness and prudence.
For the Chinese, the elephant represents strength, prudence, insight, energy, supreme power, and also symbolizes longevity and overcoming death.
In India, the white elephant is considered an incarnation of Ganesha - the god of wisdom, happiness and literature, and symbolizes the taming of passions, since Ganesha holds his own trunk in his hand, and also symbolizes strength, insight and longevity. It was from India that the custom came to give seven elephants for happiness - figurines made of bone, wood or other material. Thanks to longevity, the elephant symbolizes the overcoming of death, and a string of seven elephants, like bamboo stalks, personifies eternity.
Feng Shui uses elephant figurines as powerful symbols of good luck and happiness, wisdom, prudence, royal dignity, invincible power, longevity and intelligence. These animals are able to bring peace, stability, prosperity and a bountiful "harvest" to the home or office, as well as protect against all risks and dangers.
Thanks to its trunk, an elephant can get something from afar. Feng Shui recommends using this ability to draw the luck of the favorable water star of prosperity into the house.
Elephants are placed on the windowsill, with their trunks pointing towards a good water star, and they draw in luck from the street through the window.

In addition, a string of seven elephants can be successfully used to neutralize the geopathogenic zones of your home. It has been established that they, like shells and pyramids, harmonize and purify the surrounding space.

It is believed that if there is an image of an elephant at home, then luck comes there, and if there are seven images, then it remains for a long time.

Sheba

Symbols come in different levels: personal, historical and cultural, archetypal (the same for all people). On the archetypal - strength and wisdom, on the historical and cultural - aggressiveness and diligence, vindictiveness. Well, on a personal note, to each his own.

Irina datsenko

The elephant is a symbol of moderation, compassion, eternity, supreme power.

Alyonk@

In the east, the Elephant is a symbol of wisdom, health and great strength. The presence of an Elephant figurine in the house will endow you with these qualities, but first of all, your Elephant will take care of your children! The elephant is a good talisman in terms of education and study.

Do you know what the elephant symbolizes? What are your associations with him?

The elephant is a symbol of moderation, compassion, eternity, supreme power.
In India, the white elephant is considered the incarnation of Ganesha (the god with the head of an elephant), the god of wisdom, happiness and literature, and symbolizes the taming of passions, since Ganesha holds his own trunk in his hand.
In addition, the elephant symbolizes strength, insight and longevity. The elephant is the mount of Indian rulers and the Hindu god of thunder and rain, Indra. The elephant symbolized the qualities necessary for a good ruler - dignity, prudence, intelligence and peacefulness.
In Thailand, Cambodia and Burma, the white elephant has become a symbol of fertility and rainfall.
For Buddhists, the elephant is a symbol of spiritual knowledge and stability. Queen Maya learned about the imminent birth of her son, the future Buddha, in a prophetic dream in which a charming little white elephant entered her.
As a symbol of wisdom, the elephant was an attribute of the ancient Roman god Mercury.
An elephant trampling a snake is a symbol of Christ's victory over death and evil.
It was believed that the elephant abstains from sex during a long pregnancy of the female, so in Europe it was made a symbol of chastity and devotion in love.
Hindu legend says that elephants once flew, but were cursed and lost this gift. Another legend (described by R. Kipling) tells that the elephant's trunk used to be short. Once a crocodile grabbed an elephant by the trunk, the elephant managed to escape, but the trunk stretched and remained so forever.
Strength, insight, longevity, prosperity, happiness; a symbol of royal power in India, China and Africa. The elephant was the majestic mount not only of the Indian rulers, but also of the Hindu god of thunder and rain, Indra. Ganesha, the god of happiness with the head of an elephant, was also considered the patron of wisdom and literature. The elephant symbolized not only the qualities necessary for a good ruler - dignity, intelligence, prudence, but also peacefulness, abundant harvests, fruitful showers, that is, everything good and positive that happened in the life of the Hindus. In Thailand, Cambodia and Burma, a white elephant has become a similar symbol of fertility and rainfall. The white elephant had a sacred meaning in Buddhism. Queen Maya learned about the imminent birth of her
son, the future Buddha, in a prophetic dream in which a charming little white elephant entered her. For Buddhists, the elephant is a symbol of spiritual knowledge and stability.
The elephant was an attribute of the ancient Roman god Mercury, as an emblem of wisdom. In the ideas of the ancient Romans, the elephant was associated with victory (in the visual arts, he personified Glory); later this was reflected in the Christian tradition, in which the elephant became a symbol of Christ's victory over death and evil - in this case, the elephant is depicted trampling a snake. Medieval beliefs that the elephant abstains from sex during the long period of pregnancy of its female made it a symbol of chastity, devotion and love in Europe. The great mass and sluggishness of the elephant have now become metaphorical, but there is a wonderful Hindu legend that elephants once flew, but lost this gift after being cursed by a hermit, whose dwelling, arranged in the trunk of a banyan tree, they accidentally destroyed upon landing.

myths
The elephant represents wisdom, strength and prudence. It serves as an emblem of royal power in India, China and Africa and symbolizes the qualities necessary for a good ruler - dignity, insight, intelligence, patience, as well as fidelity, peacefulness, longevity, prosperity, happiness. In the countries of Asia and Africa, the elephant as an emblem plays the same role as the eagle or lion in the countries of Europe and America.
In ancient India, the elephant is a symbol of sacred wisdom, royal dignity, invincible power and prudence. The mighty Indra, the head of the pantheon, travels around his domain on the beautiful white elephant Airavata, who was born when the ocean was churning. This elephant is the main of the world's elephants, dignags, guardians of the countries of the world. Huge as mountains, with four fangs each, dignagi support the earth from four sides.
Ganesha, the god of happiness with the head of an elephant, is the leader of the ganas, the lower deities who made up the retinue of Shiva, the father of Ganesha. He is called the Remover of Obstacles (Vigneshvara) and is the god of wisdom and literature. According to legend, the great epic Mahabharata was written with the tusk of Ganesha.
In Buddhism, the elephant is the most revered sacred animal, a symbol of spiritual knowledge and stability. It is dedicated to the Buddha, since a white elephant appeared in a dream to Queen Maya, announcing the birth of the royal ruler of the world, Buddha Gautama. The white elephant is a symbol of the bodhisattva, the liberator of people from the shackles of earthly existence. It is a symbol of compassion, love, kindness and prudence. He is also one of the Jewels of the Law, the mount, "vahana", of the bodhisattva. Akshobhya sits on a white elephant.
For the Chinese, the elephant represents strength, prudence, insight, energy, supreme power, and also symbolizes longevity, overcoming death.
In the Greco-Roman tradition, the elephant is an attribute of Mercury, the emblem of wisdom. Pliny calls the elephant a religious animal, worshiping the Sun and the stars, purifying itself at the new moon when, bathing in the river, he calls to Heaven. In the representations of the ancient Romans, the elephant was associated with victory and in the visual arts personified Glory, and also meant longevity, immortality, victory over death.
Later, these ideas were reflected in the Christian tradition, where the elephant became a symbol of Christ's victory over death and evil - in this case, the elephant is depicted trampling a snake.
In medieval Europe, the elephant, along with the unicorn, was classified as a mythical animal found only in fairy tales. The elephant is often found in paintings depicting paradise, and since the time of the Crusades, its image has appeared on coats of arms. In depth psychology, the elephant is the embodiment of wisdom and non-aggressive power.

Like many other representatives of the animal world, the elephant, in ancient times, was awarded by our ancestors with special magical powers. In connection with his unusual strength, and rather interesting character traits, from the very beginning he began to symbolize certain forces that affect a person’s life. What was the symbol of the elephant in the ancient world? And why exactly this animal was assigned such mystical definitions? How can you use the elephant talisman in everyday life? Read about all this in our article!

Elephant as a symbol, found most often in three ancient cultures, in Chinese, African and Indian

In which cultures has the elephant become a symbol and why?

Semiotics, the science of symbols, says that almost everything in our world, from a simple stone created by nature to a combination of man-made runes, is a kind of symbol of something, personifying a certain flow of energy or a certain force of nature. So it was animals that most often became the embodiment of special human qualities, mostly positive, but sometimes negative.

Most often, the elephant as a symbol is found in only three ancient cultures, in Chinese, African and Indian. Each of them endowed this animal with its own characteristics and attributed to it its own possibilities of interaction with the energy world. The elephant became the personification of natural power, just such a force that could cause harm and give protection.

Some sources also say that this animal as a symbol was present in Ancient Greece, and in the Roman Empire, and even in Ancient Europe. To provide detailed information about this symbol, and suggest how to use it correctly, it is worth considering each of these cultures separately. The elephant talisman is one of the most ancient symbols in the history of mankind, it was worshiped, deified, and only a good manifestation of human qualities was associated with it.

The symbolism of the elephant in relation to countries and cultures

The science of the study of symbols and signs claims that each culture created its amulets, talismans and symbols based strictly on its own living conditions and certain qualities inherent only in its vital foundation. It is in connection with this that the elephant has different features in the teachings of different ancient cultures.

Each culture created its own amulets, talismans and symbols.

What does the elephant symbolize in Chinese culture?

Ancient China gave the world an inherently unique teaching - Feng Shui. In this country, almost all spheres of life, each in its own way, are connected with this teaching. Feng Shui talks a lot about the animal kingdom and its role in the universe. In ancient China, the elephant symbolized a positive attitude towards life and the desire for development. This is how he was attributed:

insight;
good luck in business;
the ability to conduct business;
understanding;
striving for stability;
elimination of conflicts;
prosperity;
Love;
the ability to communicate with people.

It is worth mentioning separately that the Feng Shui teaching speaks not only about the symbol of this animal, but also about how many elephants should be in order to achieve certain goals.

1 figurine - symbolizes the desire to merge with nature, makes it possible to feel the influence of natural forces brighter and deeper and helps to achieve balance in relation to the spiritual, energy world. Feng Shui advises using a white or gold figurine.
3 figures - a symbol of the main Heavenly (universal) Attribute of Life. Three elephants symbolize the strong connection of man with Heaven and Earth. Having three figures will help you achieve balance, bring peace to your life, and promote a close connection with the forces of nature. Feng Shui advises using a set of elephants of the same color. The significance of this mystical trio comes down to the energy circulation between man and the world. If you install such figures in the living room, then the energy flows will be filtered from the negative. The meaning of this symbol, in the form of an image in the paintings, also protects the home from negativity.
7 figures - Feng Shui says that the symbol of the seven elephants means a full circuit, the Completed Heavenly Cycle. The full lunar phase lasts exactly 7 days. It is the symbol of the seven elephants that is identified in China with the sign of usefulness. Feng Shui in this case advises to give preference to white figures. If such decoration is in the matrimonial bedroom, it means that the family is in complete harmony, and there are no unexpressed emotions.

Almost all figurines of this animal that are related specifically to Feng Shui are made with a raised trunk. In ancient times, the elephant as a symbol was identified with the strength of the spirit. It was the sound of his voice, which he makes with his trunk, that was the cry of victory. An elephant with a raised trunk was the sign of the winner and a symbol of strength. In ancient frescoes and paintings, he was also depicted with his trunk raised up. This means victory over evil, in its original form.

Feng Shui says that the symbol of the seven elephants means a full cycle

What does the elephant symbolize in African culture

The history of African culture is strongly associated with special lifestyles, tribes, leaders, and cruel rulers. It was here that the strongest and most cruel Voodoo religion was born. The inhabitants of these territories suffered a lot from the invasions, were in slavery for a long time, the colonization of Africa will forever remain in the memory of mankind as the most brutal war for territories. But at the same time, Ancient Africa brought to our world a lot of magical skills, witchcraft rituals and amazing symbolism. Like other cultures, in African culture, much attention was paid to the animal world. So here the Gray Elephant and the White Elephant are rewarded with many mystical features and possibilities. In Africa, this animal means only positive, and is associated with:

good authority;
strong character;
dignity;
high mental abilities;
especially developed intellect;
logic
intuition;
patience;
loyalty to their principles;
peacefulness;
longevity;
prosperity.

It is worth noting that in different parts of Africa the figurine of an elephant as a symbolism was used in different ways. So, the elephant, standing on its hind legs, and raising its front legs, personified the readiness for a battle not for life, but for death. Some sources say that such a symbol, often decorated the banners under which the soldiers went to battle. The second type of symbol is the White Elephant with its trunk raised up. This sign symbolized victory and rejoicing. Many ancient drawings and frescoes show us that elephants were directly involved in the battles, acting as heavy artillery. Even taking into account the fact that people actually drove these large animals forward to certain death, at the end of the battle, it was the remains of animals that were the first to be removed from the battlefield, and only then the fallen soldiers.

What does the elephant symbolize in the culture of ancient India

The most interesting symbolism of the elephant is present in the culture of ancient India. Let's start with the fact that it is here that the elephant in the house is a symbol:

extraordinary wisdom;
holy war;
dignity;
the power of a human being;
represents inner peace;
symbolizes thoughtfulness;
is a sign of wisdom.

The god of happiness in India, Ganesha, is a man with the head of an elephant.

In the Indian Pantheon of the Gods, which, unlike the Slavic Pantheon, is still preserved almost in its original composition, and is still revered, as in ancient times, this animal had a special place. So, the Great God Indra, the father of all gods and the creator of everything that exists on the planet, moves only on horseback on a beautiful snow-white elephant with twisted golden tusks. This animal is called the First among the Four Dignags, world elephants, which in India are the guardians of all countries of the world. Notice that humanity, its very existence, directly depends on how supportive and calm the great animals that hold the World on their tusks are! Therefore, there is nothing surprising in the fact that the Indians do not just revere the elephant, but revere its symbolism. After all, he is the force that does not allow the world to collapse into the Eternal Sea and perish in the raging waves. If the animals get angry or decide to disperse, the world will simply perish, there will be no salvation for anyone.

The culture of India, and its spiritual world, is firmly tied to the symbolism of the elephant. So, the God of happiness in India, Ganesha, is a man with the head of an elephant. Despite the fact that this deity is in the Pantheon as a lower deity, the mythical story says that the Mahabharata epic was written with his tusk. Indians decorate temples, houses and even schools with figurines and images of gray and white elephants. This symbol is intended to give strength of mind and protection from the evil of the gods. Most often, he is depicted with his trunk raised up as the personification of victory and great joy. Until now, Indians revere this animal as the incarnation of God. Many sources indicate that in this religion, the elephant is a creature in which divine power is infused in order to roam the earth among people.

What does the elephant symbolize in ancient Greek culture

Greco-Roman culture also did not ignore the elephant as a symbol. So here he personifies the sign of Mercury, which in turn is the emblem of wisdom and human dignity. It is worth noting that many sources call the Greco-Roman Empire the most corrupt, most cynical and shameless empire of the ancient World. But at the same time, this is Rome, it is the parent of great thinkers, artists, rhymers and sculptors. Rome gave the world an inherently magnificent historical heritage. There are many images where the White Elephant, bathing in the river, praises the gods, worshiping the vault of heaven.

So in Rome this animal was a symbol:

victories;
thinking;
beauty;
glory;
longevity;
immortality;
victory over old age;
confrontation with death.

In this culture, the animal is mainly used in the form of small figurines, sculptures, and as an image in paintings. Often such a symbol becomes a decoration of the garden or decorates the entrance to the courtyard, as if standing guard over the gate.

Elephant figurine made of brass

What did the elephant symbolize in ancient Europe

In ancient Europe, the mention of the elephant as a symbol of something is extremely scarce and not clear. The whole point here is that in those days, such an animal was no longer perceived as part of the living world, but as a mythical, divine being. An interesting fact, in ancient Europe, this animal was identified according to its characteristics with a white unicorn, and it personified:

calm;
own greatness;
awareness of one's own importance;
great wisdom;
strength of mind;
animal power;
self-esteem.

He was mainly depicted in paintings of heaven and hell. If this animal was painted on a simple canvas, then only in a mythical representation, sometimes it was endowed with the ability to fly, and even depicted with wings on its back. Later, when Europe was overwhelmed by the era of the Crusades, the elephant was depicted in various versions on the coats of arms of the lords and on military flags. And only with the arrival in Europe, the Chinese teachings of Feng Shui, people began to treat elephants as a symbol and not as a mystical creature.

How the symbolism of the elephant is used

Due to its peculiarity, this animal as a symbol cannot be used as a decoration around the neck, that is, it is not used as a pendant. The ideal use case would be an image, a painting, or a figurine. So, in the business sphere, triads of elephants will give insight, intuition, and will give the ability to quickly make the right decisions. In the house, this symbol will serve as a talisman from human envy, malice and bad intentions. Seven white elephants will bring peace and balance to your home, remove the fuss and direct energy in the right direction. A golden elephant with its trunk raised up, sitting on a pile of golden coins, will bring wealth and prosperity to its owner. And one big white elephant will give you self-esteem, strengthen your will and help you conquer the world, carrying out your most daring and risky undertakings, if they are directed for good.

In Taoist teaching, the symbol of the elephant occupies one of the leading places. In many Asian countries, it is not only considered a hardworking animal, but also symbolizes wisdom. In Buddhism, it is considered sacred. The figurine of this animal, being on the table of its owner or standing on a shelf in his house, will help improve life for the better and prevent undesirable consequences. If you are looking for an answer to the question of what the elephant is a symbol of, then we will tell you about it in this article.

Experts are sure that the elephant's trunk is able to attract prosperity and success in the home. You need to install the figure near the window so that the trunk is turned to the street, it is in this position that it will attract good luck to housing

What does the elephant mean as a symbol placed in the house? Various qualities are attributed to this animal. And most often, these include:

Wisdom, kindness and patience;
Financial well-being and stability;
Longevity and endurance.

According to many Eastern beliefs, it is believed that the image of this animal can bring good luck to the house. Even a miniature figurine will make harmony and harmony reign in you. After all, adherents of oriental teachings believe that this animal will help to let Qi energy into the house. To do this, just put the figurine in a conspicuous place.

The elephant as a good luck talisman is considered very powerful in Feng Shui, so it does not require additional activation.

The elephant is a giant that stands firmly on its powerful legs. What symbolizes the foundation and support for your family. The talisman will save its owner from unnecessary expenses.

If the statuette of this animal has a trunk lowered to the bottom, then this personifies motherhood. The symbol of an elephant with a raised trunk is wealth and financial well-being.

Today you can buy a figurine of one animal, and a whole group. Their number is also of great importance in the practice of Feng Shui. It means:

Strengthen your forces;
Meet your love;
Wait for replenishment in the family;
Financial independence and well-being;
Start your own business and break out of the routine;
Find luck and love;
Create perfect harmony;
Create a barrier from adversity and blows of fate;
Help in learning and development of abilities (it is advisable to install in the room of a schoolboy or student);
Expect a change of a positive nature;
Improve your health and gain strength.

Due to the fact that elephants embody moderation, the elephant amulet will help its owner refrain from excessive spending. For women and shopaholics who can't stop, this is the perfect talisman

This is worth considering if you are looking for an answer to the question: “The elephant is a symbol of what if you give?”.

Types of figurines

Today, in any souvenir shop or specialized store, you can buy various figurines:

White elephant. Used as an amulet to protect the family hearth. Protect the house from dark energy and bring good luck;
With an elephant. For those who dream of having children. If you already have children, then with the help of this talisman you can save their troubles and improve the relationship between generations;
with other symbols. You should not purchase a figurine with several Feng Shui symbols. This will weaken the positive "work" of each of them;
On gold coins. A figurine that brings wealth and prosperity. Can bring stability and financial independence.

The elephant in the East symbolizes longevity, so it should find its place in every home, and preferably in the living room.

IMPORTANT: You should not purchase such an ivory figurine. It has the opposite effect. The symbol of an elephant in a house made of this material is extremely negative. The animal will "revenge" its owners for using a part of a real animal.

How to activate the talisman?

There are several ways that will allow you to "turn on" the figurine and activate its work. For this you can:

Hang beads or a chain around your neck. The talisman will surely "thank" his donor;
Place a bright napkin under the figurine. Even better if you make it yourself. Elephants love bright, hand-made things;
Talk to the talisman periodically. Elephants love to listen to their owners. Tell us about your problems and desires. The animal will definitely try to help you.

Please note that it is forbidden to place and hang any items made of elephant bone near the talisman

We hope that we have managed to reveal the symbol of the elephant and the meaning of this animal in Eastern practices. With the help of this article, you have learned how to protect your home from unwanted energy, help children learn and communicate with adults. Using the instructions in this article, you can attract wealth and love. To do this, you only need to purchase a figurine of this giant and use his strength and wisdom.

The elephant represents wisdom, strength and prudence. It serves in India, China and Africa as an emblem of royal power and symbolizes the qualities necessary for a good ruler - dignity, insight, intelligence, patience, as well as fidelity, peacefulness, longevity, prosperity, happiness. In the countries of Asia and Africa, the elephant as an emblem plays the same role as the eagle or lion in the countries of Europe and America.

IN ancient india the elephant is a symbol of sacred wisdom, royal dignity, invincible power and prudence. The mighty Indra, the head of the pantheon, travels around his domain on the beautiful white elephant Airavata, who was born when the ocean was churning. This elephant is the main of the world's elephants, dignags, guardians of the countries of the world. Huge as mountains, with four fangs each, dignagi support the earth from four sides.

Ganesha, the god of happiness with the head of an elephant, is the leader of the ganas, the lower deities who made up the retinue of Shiva, the father of Ganesha. He is called the Remover of Obstacles (Vigneshvara) and is the god of wisdom and literature. According to legend, the great epic Mahabharata was written with the tusk of Ganesha.

IN Buddhism the elephant is the most revered sacred animal, a symbol of spiritual knowledge and stability. It is dedicated to the Buddha, since a white elephant appeared in a dream to Queen Maya, announcing the birth of the royal ruler of the world, Buddha Gautama. The white elephant is a symbol of the bodhisattva, the liberator of people from the shackles of earthly existence. It is a symbol of compassion, love, kindness and prudence. He is also one of the Jewels of the Law, the mount, "vahana", of the bodhisattva. Akshobhya sits on a white elephant.

At Chinese the elephant personifies strength, prudence, insight, energy, supreme power, and also symbolizes longevity, overcoming death.

IN Greco-Roman tradition the elephant is an attribute of Mercury, the emblem of wisdom. Pliny calls the elephant a religious animal, worshiping the Sun and the stars, purifying itself at the new moon when, bathing in the river, he calls to Heaven. In the representations of the ancient Romans, the elephant was associated with victory and in the visual arts personified Glory, and also meant longevity, immortality, victory over death.

Later, these ideas were reflected in the Christian tradition, where the elephant became a symbol of Christ's victory over death and evil - in this case, the elephant is depicted trampling a snake.

IN medieval Europe the elephant, along with the unicorn, was classified as a mythical animal found only in fairy tales. The elephant is often found in paintings depicting paradise, and since the time of the Crusades, its image has appeared on coats of arms. In depth psychology, the elephant is the embodiment of wisdom and non-aggressive power.