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Top 14 Symbols of Determination With Meanings

Top 14 Symbols of Determination With Meanings

Determination is characterized by the resilience and inner strength you show to overcome any odds that you may come across in life. There are many symbols of determination, tenacity, and power that can help you capture these traits and lead a more fulfilling life.

Here are the top 14 symbols of determination that everyone should learn more about:

1. Lotus Flower

Red lotus flower.
Red lotus flower
Image by Couleur from Pixabay

The lotus blossom is a sign of tenacity, resilience, and strength among Buddhists since it is one of the most well-known and widely used ancient emblems.

This flower blooms in a murky underwater habitat and continues to thrive under tough circumstances until it breaches the water‘s surface.

The lotus flower is really the only aquatic flower that can reach 12 inches well above water, despite the fact that there are many others.

The lotus flower is a sign of strength, endurance, and tenacity in the face of hardship because of its daily effort to emerge out of the dark and murky waters to embrace the sunshine, which is a fitting analog for a Buddhist‘s fight to gain enlightenment.

The lotus blossom was and continues to be a significant emblem for many ancient and current civilizations and religious systems, including ancient Hindus and Egyptians. 

2. Dragons

Chinese dragon .
Chinese dragon 
Ratna Fitry via Pixabay

In several Asian cultures, particularly Chinese and Japanese, dragons are by far the most cherished animals.

In each of these civilizations, dragons come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each symbolizing something distinct. The image of a dragon, on the other hand, represents courage, nobility, success, and self-confidence, as well as resolve, strength, good luck, and wealth.

The emperor would utilize a dragon symbol as a sign of his imperial might and domination during the era of Imperial China.

Legend has it that the Yellow Emperor, who was China’s first monarch, changed into the immortal dragon who rose to heaven after death.

3. Tigers

Tiger close-up shot.
A Tiger
Image courtesy: pikrepo.com

The tiger is an old Chinese emblem of power, bravery, daring, and valor. The tiger represents Yin energy and epic determination on its own. Aside from that, the creature is regarded as a sign of protection.

The presence of a tiger in one’s house or on one’s clothes is thought to assure safety and ward off evil. By summoning the tiger, the ancient Chinese thought they might harness these abilities in their lives.

4. Phoenix, the Mythical Firebird

The phoenix portrait.
The phoenix portrait
Craftsmanspace / CC0

The phoenix is a fabled firebird that emerges from the ashes. It is a sign of rebirth and resurrection, as well as power and determination, all throughout the globe.

While the origins of the phoenix tale are unknown, it is most often connected with Greek mythology. However, ancient Egyptians worshipped the bird deity of rebirth called Bennu, according to historical records. Some believe there is a connection between these two fabled monsters.

When this fabled bird dies, it is said to explode into flames and be reincarnated from the fire‘s ashes. 

The phoenix is among the most prominent strong symbols among cultures throughout the globe due to its ability to persevere in the face of a physical ordeal of fire.

The phoenix is also utilized as an emblem of the Roman Empire’s eternal power and continuity.

5. Horses 

Portrait of three horses.
Portrait of three horses
Image Courtesy: Pexels

The horse has been known to be a symbol of determination, speed, inner power, and intellect since ancient times. The Indo-Aryan people venerated the animal, and it was regarded as a symbol of power, rank, and riches in ancient Greece.

After the dragon, the horse is among the most well-recognized emblem in China, and it signifies masculine power, determination, young vigor, and speed. The horse’s might was formerly thought to be even greater than that of a dragon in Chinese legend.

Furthermore, Native American tribes have strong ties to this magnificent creature.

6. Triskelion

Triskelion Symbol carved in stone.
Triskelion Symbol carved in stone
Image by Hans from pixabay.com

The name “triskelion” comes from the Greek word “triskeles,” which means “three legs.” This sign may be interpreted as three folded human legs, three spinning wheels, or spirals, among other things.

The triskele/triskelion depicts the fortitude and strong will necessary to carry ahead in the face of overwhelming odds and is one of the emblems of resilience and determination in Celtic culture.

It is also used to represent the three worlds of earthly, spiritual, and heavenly existence.

The triskelion also represents the ideals of creation, protection, and devastation, just like the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

7. Oak Tree

Oak Tree on a hill.
Oak Tree on a hill
Image Courtesy: Max Pixel

The Irish word “doire”, which means “wood,” is the source of the term “dara.” The oak tree was regarded holy by the Druids, and the name was employed throughout Celtic culture for it. 

The oak tree, a symbol of power, resistance, determination, morale, and wisdom, was one of the ancient Celts’ most prized trees. The trees were recognized for their ability to withstand harsh weather, and their wood was utilized to build boats and dwellings due to their strength.

Oak trees may live for more than 300 years, giving them the recognition of being living legends that hold generations of knowledge inside their massive bodies.

8. Ailm

Celtic Ailm.
Celtic Ailm

The Ailm sign represents the sixteenth character in the Ogham alphabet, which may be found on stones all around Ireland.

In Celtic tradition, Ailm is a sign of power that also represents endurance and tenacity. It also represents the soul’s purity and completeness, showing that the rune has a lot of importance.

The silver fir tree that was venerated for enduring the worst of adversity and continuing to flourish is also associated with the Ailm emblem. As a result, the Ailm is one of the most important Celtic emblems of endurance and tenacity.

In particular, the silver fir tree is associated with spiritual healing.

9. Griffins

An engraving of a Griffin.
An engraving of a Griffin
National Gallery of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Griffins are represented with a lion’s body and an eagle’s head and forelegs. A griffin was indeed a sign of power and ferocity in Celtic society, and a fully-fledged griffin can never be caught alive.

Griffins were connected with bravery, power, and daring, and it was thought that this mythological creature was attracted to monsters at all times. As a result, the griffin became a symbol of power, leadership, intellect, and military bravery.

Griffins, like dragons, were thought to protect important goods.

10. Uruz Rune

Uruz Rune Carving.
Uruz Rune Carving
Armando Olivo Martín del Campo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Viking and Norse people employed the Elder Futhark rune uruz as a sign of power, determination, and bravery. The name ‘uruz’ comes from the word ‘aurochs,’ which refers to European wild oxen that became extinct during the 17th century.

It should be emphasized that, although uruz may be used to signify mental power such as tenacity and resolve, its strength is mostly physical. Other physical traits represented by the sign include endurance, stamina, and tenacity, as well as fertility, virility, and bravery.

11. Golden Eagles

An eagle.
An eagle
Image courtesy: pxhere.com

The Golden Eagle is a large bird of prey with no natural predators, so it’s no surprise that it’s a symbol of power and determination. 

Deer, lambs, and even wolves are prey for golden eagles, who can hunt and kill considerably bigger creatures than themselves.

These birds symbolize power, bravery, immortality, fierceness, determination, and military prowess throughout civilizations due to their frightening nature.

They are also regarded as god‘s messengers, which is an intriguing side point.

12. Hamsa

Hamsa Accessory.
Hamsa Accessory
Image Courtesy: pxfuel.com

The name “Hamsa” is derived from “khamsa,” an Arabic word that means “five,” and alludes to the ubiquitous palm-shaped sign in the Middle East.

The Hamsa is also regarded as a sacred sign by Jews and is sometimes painted in a stylized manner and may contain an evil eye in the middle of the palm.

The Hamsa sign may be traced back to ancient Carthage, Mesopotamia, and Egypt and is said to symbolize power, safety from evil, and good fortune.

13. Ancient Egyptian Scarab Beetle 

Scarab beetles on a necklace.
Scarab beetles on a necklace that was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun
ddenisen (D. Denisenkov) / CC BY-SA

The scarab beetle is an Egyptian symbol of determination and power.

The scarab beetle is one of ancient Egypt‘s most well-known and well-recognized symbols, representing strength, fertility, and vigor as well as resistance, longevity, immortality, metamorphosis, and resurrection.

The scarab is a representation of Khepri, the Egyptian sun deity who was also connected with rebirth.

As a result, heart scarab and large-winged scarab beetle representations and amulets were put on the corpses of the dead for defense against evil and for good luck in the afterlife.

14. Adinkra – Okodee Mmowere

Adinkra symbol Okodee Mmowere.
Adinkra symbol Okodee Mmowere Illustration 170057173 © Dreamsidhe – Dreamstime.com

The expression “okodee mmowere,” which means “the talons of the eagle” in English, is used to describe the Adinkra sign for bravery and power.

The eagle is considered the most powerful bird in the skies by the Akans, much as it is in Europe and the Near East. The eagle’s tenacity was symbolized by its talons for the Akan people.

As a result, this bird of prey-related emblem is used to signify resolve, strength, courage, and solidarity.

Summary

These symbols of determination have crossed centuries and are still representative of the inner strength and tenacity it takes to overcome the lows of life. 

Header image courtesy: pxhere.com