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From Ancient Greece and Rome to the far reaches of Asia, Europe, and America, every age, region, and culture has created symbols that depict kindness. We’ve gathered them all here so you can find the ones that speak to you.
Things You Should Know
- Icons such as the heart, feather, shepherd’s staff, endless knot, and lotus flower represent kindness.
- Deities including Buddha, Guan Yin, and Lord Krishna are known for their kindness and compassion.
- Animals like the dove, deer, pelican, and raven are gentle, kind animals.
Steps
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The heart is a universal symbol for love, kindness, and compassion. The heart icon represents the human heart and emotions and can be traced back to the Ice Age (10,000 B.C.E.), though the meaning wasn’t universal until the Middle Ages. Heart icons appear in cultures from Egyptian, Ancient Greek, and Roman to modern European and American. [1] X Research source
- In 2019, a group of Florida kindergarteners petitioned Congress to name an icon of a heart surrounded by a circle of arrows as the national symbol for kindness. [2] X Research source
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Archangel Zadkiel, the angel of mercy, is depicted holding a dagger. While a dagger may not seem like an obvious symbol of kindness, it does represent the Archangel Zadkiel, who is known for being merciful, forgiving, and compassionate. He is mentioned in the Kabbalah (Judaism) as well as in the Holy Bible (Christianity).
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Clementia, the Roman goddess of mercy, is depicted holding a scepter. Clementia is known for her forgiveness and mercy and the scepter became a symbol of this benevolent Roman goddess. In fact, the word “clementia” (or “clemency”) means “mercy.” [3] X Research source
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The lotus flower is a Buddhist and Hindu icon of purity and compassion. Though the lotus grows in muddy, murky water, it rises above and blossoms. This pretty flower represents the path from suffering to enlightenment. In particular, the red lotus symbolizes compassion. [4] X Research source
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Buddha is an icon of compassion and kindness. This religious figure represents enlightenment. Buddha’s teachings, or dharma, focus on the virtues of wisdom, generosity, patience, kindness, and compassion. [5] X Research source
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The endless knot represents Buddha’s compassion and wisdom. Also called the infinity knot or endless knot, this symbol depicts the interconnectedness of life. [6] X Research source
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"Om" is a sacred syllable in the Tibetan Buddhism mantra of compassion. The mantra “Om mani padme hum” is a six-syllable mantra that represents the essence of dharma (or Buddhist teachings). [7] X Research source
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The parasol is a Buddhist symbol of compassion. This umbrella represents the protection, compassion, and refuge provided by the dharma. [8] X Research source
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This hand gesture represents compassion and charity. In Asian and Buddhist cultures, mudras are hand gestures with different meanings, and they’re often seen on statues or depictions of deities. The varada mudra is a symbol of granting boons and devotion to human salvation. [9] X Research source
- Mudras are often used in prayer and meditation.
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The heart chakra is associated with kindness, compassion, and love. In Indian or Hindu traditions, it’s believed that the body contains 7 chakras, or energy centers. Also known as “Anahata,” the heart chakra is the 4th energy center in the body. Its fundamental qualities include pure, unconditional love, acceptance, altruism, empathy, and kindness. [10] X Research source
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The strength tarot card represents harmony, compassion, and kindness. This is the 9th major Arcana card in a tarot deck. Its meaning is deeper than just physical strength, though, and extends to collaboration, balance, bravery, and femininity. [11] X Research source
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Guan Yin is the Goddess of Compassion in many Asian cultures. Guan Yin is a prevalent figure of mercy, love, compassion, and kindness in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. She is also known as the Buddhist deity Avalokitesvara. [12] X Research source
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The gebo is a Norse rune meaning “gift” that symbolizes generosity. It’s also associated with sacrifice, balance, honor, and altruism, as well as the Norse or Viking deity Odin. [13] X Research source
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Doves represent kindness and gentleness in Native American cultures. [14] X Research source In other regions, they’re symbolic of peace or love.
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English bluebells are flowers that represent kindness. [15] X Research source Often called “fairy flowers,” these trumpet-like blossoms are beautiful to behold.
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References
- ↑ https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/partners-heart-history/
- ↑ https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/2019/01/25/local-kindergartners-lead-drive-national-kindness-symbol/2667746002/
- ↑ https://www.metmuseum.org/-/media/files/learn/for-educators/publications-for-educators/roman.pdf
- ↑ https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/support/world_religions/buddhism/symbols.pdf
- ↑ https://www.history.com/topics/religion/buddhism
- ↑ https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/support/world_religions/buddhism/symbols.pdf
- ↑ https://fpmt.org/education/teachings/lama-zopa-rinpoche/the-benefits-of-chanting-om-mani-padme-hum/
- ↑ https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/support/world_religions/buddhism/symbols.pdf
- ↑ https://web.stanford.edu/class/history11sc/pdfs/mudras.pdf
- ↑ https://sahajaonline.com/energy-system/chakras/anahat/
- ↑ https://astrotalk.com/tarot/strength
- ↑ https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/Guan_Yin.htm
- ↑ https://runesecrets.com/rune-meanings/gebo
- ↑ https://indiantraders.com/blogs/news/native-american-feather-symbolism
- ↑ https://gardens.si.edu/meaning-of-flowers