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Top 15 Symbols of Diversity With Meanings

Top 15 Symbols of Diversity With Meanings

Diversity refers to understanding the uniqueness of different individuals and accepting that every individual has a purpose in society. Embracing diversity refers to bringing together different ethnicities, nationalities, sexes, and religions and giving them equal importance. 

Embracing diversity is essential for humanity to thrive and for societies to succeed. Each individual has a unique outlook on life and varied points of view, and sharing these views can be positive and beneficial. As a result, diversity encourages creativity and innovation. 

Diversity is also known to increase performance and productivity. Organizations with a diverse range of employees also have access to diverse skill sets and expertise. Thus, such organizations can be more productive and successful in their endeavors.

Moreover, it is also known to encourage personal growth. When we interact with different kinds of people from different world regions, we learn about their culture and ways of life. This expands our mindsets, increases our knowledge, and encourages growth. (1)

Given the multitude of benefits that diversity offers, it’s essential to learn the various symbols of diversity.

Let’s consider the top 15 symbols of diversity below. These symbols are historical and modern and represent diversity in their unique ways.

1. Pride Flags

Rainbow Flag.
Rainbow Flag
Benson KuaCC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pride flags represent the LGBTQ community. There are many different types of pride flags that represent different sexualities. The rainbow flag is most commonly used to represent the LGBT community. Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag in 1978 for the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Celebrations.

The purpose of the flag was to symbolize liberation and hope for the gay community. The rainbow flag depicts the colors of the rainbow in horizontal stripes. It represents the acceptance of diversity and inclusion of gays and lesbians as active members of society.

There are many variations of the rainbow flag. Many also include other LGBTQ symbols such as the lambda and triangle. (2)

2. Black Fist

Raised fist symbol.
Raised fist symbol
Eugenio Hansen, OFS, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A black, raised, and clenched fist has started representing the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. In 2020 the black fist was linked to the BLM movement. It is a representation of pride, power, and perseverance.

It symbolizes solidarity against racial injustice. It sheds light on the discrimination, brutality, and inequality faced by black people. The black lives matter movement began in 2013 after the hashtag #Blacklivesmatter went viral on social media.

The raised black fist actively began representing the BLM after George Floyd’s murder by Derek Chauvin, a Minneapolis police officer. The symbol was used in the Black Lives Matter protests, where 15 to 26 million participated. (3)

3. Lord Vishnu

A painting of Vishnu.
A painting of Vishnu
University of Toronto, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Vishnu is a Hindu god and is a part of the Hindu Trinity. He is considered the Lord of the Universe, and the Hindu sacred manuscript Vedas considers him the upholder of law and the solar deity. In time, it is said that he became a Narayana, which means he was a dweller of water and humans.

He lived in the water of Vaikunth, and his bed was on a thousand great coiled serpents called Adishesha. There is a symbolic meaning for the ocean, which is for bliss; whereas the serpent is a symbol for time, diversity, and illusion, whereas the goddess Lakshmi symbolizes materialistic things. 

4. Protea Flower

Creative closeup of protea flower.
Creative closeup of protea flower
Image courtesy: pixy.org

The Protea flower is named after the Greek god Proteus who was the son of Poseidon. In this myth, this young god did not like to do his duties, so he would conceal himself by disguising himself and changing his shape to conceal himself from others.

This flower symbolizes a unique beauty and diversity. This flower is originally from South Africa and Australia and comes in thousands of species. It comes in the height of eight or ten feet, or it can be intermediate or small in height. It is a favorite choice of brides because it is a very attractive flower.

5. Themis – Greek God

Themis Statue.
Themis Statue
pixabay free images, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This is a Greek mythological god who was one of the twelve children of Gaia and Uranus. This goddess is known for her divine law, custom, and fairness and her symbol is a scale of justice. She counseled Zeus and was his wife.

She is the oldest divinity in Greek Mythology. The six male Titans and five females were her siblings. She had several children who were Astraea, the virgin goddess; Horae, the goddess of nature and Moirai, the goddess of destiny. Themis was a goddess of prophecy, morality, good governance, and diversity.  

6. Butterfly

A butterfly.
A butterfly
Image Courtesy: piqsels.com

A butterfly goes through a profound change in its life. Diversity can easily be symbolic because of its transformation from a larva to a beautiful full-grown butterfly.

A blue butterfly especially symbolizes the passing of time and the change and transformation that it brings. It is also a sign of good omen and good fortune. There are diverse colored butterflies, each color having a different meaning.

7. Mustard Color

Mustard color wall with window.
Mustard color wall with window
Image by lovingimages from Pixabay

It is a color that is a dark and dull shade of yellow. It is a unique color that can stand out from other colors. It is also associated with a condiment called mustard which has the same mustard color when grind.

It is a color of diversity and is often used in a room décor when one wants to make the room comfortable and relaxing. It has elegance as well as a mature color. Whoever wears mustard is known as bold and striking in their fashion choice. Mustard can accept everyone. It gives a reassuring feeling and makes everyone feel valued.

There is a lot of positivity attached to it. It is associated with creativity and diversity. It has a lot of warmth in it whereas it encourages a person, inspires, and protects. It is a color that is also considered dignified and accepting. On the other side, it also had arrogance, shyness, and materialism attached to it. 

8. Quarter Horse

Quarter Horse Buckskin.
Quarter Horse Buckskin
Tierpfotografien at de.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Quarter Horse symbolizes change and diversity. It teaches you that you should trust your goals and must know that if one door closes, many others open. It also means having the freedom to choose. So, you should choose for change and select the right path.

If the quarter horse is your spirit animal, then whatever direction that you choose, you should embrace that way. You also like to be learned and an expert in the subject area of your interest. Such people are very good at sports and can handle stressful situations very well. 

9. Parrot

A Red Parrot.
A Red Parrot
Contributor50, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Diversity is represented through the parrot because there are various kinds of unique and interesting parrot species. There are around 402 species, and they come from three main families of Parrots. The common parrot is known as Psittacidae.

The Cockatoos are the second kind, and the third is the New Zealand Parrots. Each group has hundreds of other species that differ in their outer appearance and in terms of behavior. They are so diverse that some will talk to you, whereas some will sing more.

Also, there is a collection of vibrant colors which may be beautiful hues of red, blue, yellow, black, purple, or a combination of any of them. So, there is a lot of variety when choosing a parrot for your home. As a spirit animal, a parrot can remove the dullness in your life.

It can bring diversity and effective changes that motivate you and pull you out of your gloominess. The main meaning of this spirit animal is that you should take a more diverse and exciting way to live. 

10. Hadrian’s wall

Hadrian's Wall.
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrianus1959, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hadrian’s wall can also be known as a symbol of diversity. It originates from “Hadrianus,” Meaning ‘of Adria .’The Roman emperor Hadrian in 122 AD, built this wall across northern England. This is 80 miles long, stretching from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, and is considered the most famous structure in England.

The main purpose of building this wall was to protect the Roman provenance from its neighbors of Caledonia, which is today’s Scotland. 

It is said that Hadrian had made it a priority to maintain peace throughout the world. So, he reformed his armies, and he lived like a soldier to earn the respect of his army. His reformed army could curb a lot of resistance from the rebellious tribes all over Europe.

He also visited a lot of provinces of his kingdom, settled disputes, and created goodwill for the Romans. This wall also had more diverse functions apart from only keeping away the enemy. It was also a good source of income because the Romans could tax anyone who would enter from this wall.

It also controlled the flow of people between North and South. Since the wall only had limited gates and passes, only a small number of soldiers could hold off a large force by making Hadrian’s wall a shield.

11. Peacock

Peacock Close-up Shot.
Peacock Close-up Shot
Jatin SindhuCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This bird has a lot of diversity in its character; hence it can be a symbol of diversity. The bird is an omnivorous animal and can eat flowers, fruits, insects, frogs, worms, etc. They can also stay in diverse climates.

They thrive in warm tropical temperatures but can also tolerate cold climates. They are also not monogamous in the choice of mates and can have a variety of mates.

So, a peacock symbolizes versatility and diversity and brings excitement to life. It teaches you to bring in change and create new experiences in your life. 

12. Labrador

A Labrador.
Labrador
Webdude1, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Labrador is a spirit animal that means that you have to accept it unconditionally. You should realize that everyone is different and diverse, so you should accept them as they are without judging them according to social standards.

The Labrador welcomes all, and this spirit animal knows that everyone has their path. The people who belong to this spirit animal accept everyone and never judge others. They are very supportive and set their boundaries.

It is okay if you disagree with them, but you nevertheless should accept them as they are. They are also considered the most loving persons and will work behind the scenes to help anyone.

13. National Flags

National Flags.
The National Flags
The World FlagCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A national flag symbolizes a nation and its heritage. National flags usually have a specific meaning attached to them, which is present in the colors and symbols used on the flag. This flag creates an identity for the nation and signifies the state’s power. 

14. National Colors

Flag of India, New Delhi.
Flag of India, New Delhi
© Yann Forget / Wikimedia Commons

A country’s national color is one of the symbols representing that state. Many states have an official national color or well-known colors due to occasional usage. National colors can be used on various media platforms to represent that nation.

For example, India’s primary colors are saffron, orange, white and green, while Albania’s primary colors are black and red.

15. National Animal

United States bald eagle.
United States bald eagle
Image by Ray Shrewsberry from Pixabay

National animals are used as popular symbols to represent characteristics a country believes it has. For example, the United States’ national animal is the bald eagle, a well-known symbol representing the US.

Another famous national animal is the beaver, representing Canada. The beaver was first used to represent Canada in 1621 when it was included in present-day Nova Scotia’s coat of arms. Another famous symbol is the United Kingdom’s lion, which represents courage, power, and bravery. (4)

Summary

Embracing diversity is crucial for humanity to flourish. Which of these Top 15 symbols of diversity were you already aware of? Let us know in the comments below.

References

  1. https://www.steps4change.org/why-is-diversity-so-important/#:~:text=1)%20Diversity%20drives%20creativity%20and,shared%20together%2C%20miracles%20can%20happen.
  2. Sobel, Ariel (June 13, 2018). “The Complete Guide to Queer Pride Flags”. The Advocate
  3. https://www.rd.com/article/history-behind-the-clenched-first-and-the-symbol-for-black-power/
  4. https://www.teenink.com/opinion/current_events_politics/article/578514/The-Importance-of-NationalAnimals#:~:text=A%20common%20method%20is%20to,country%20believes%20itself%20to%20possess.

Header image courtesy: Image by 1195798 from Pixabay