Explore the enduring symbols prevalent across geographically and culturally diverse civilizations: Motherhood Symbols
Motherhood symbols stand out as some of the most enduring and universally recognized motifs across diverse civilizations. They embody a spectrum of qualities including fertility, nurturing, guidance, protection, sacrifice, compassion, dependability, wisdom, and the innate creative power attributed to women. Here, we present a curated selection of these enduring motherhood symbols spanning various geographical and cultural contexts, alongside contemporary universal symbols valued in everyday communications.
The Celtic Motherhood Knot
The Celtic Motherhood Knot, also referred to as the Celtic Mother’s Knot, features two hearts intricately intertwined in a continuous knot. This symbolizes a profound embrace between a parent and a child, with one heart positioned lower than the other. This symbol embodies the deep, unbreakable, eternal, and enduring bond of love shared between a mother and her children.
The Luna Goddess
The Luna Goddess symbolizes the regenerative and life-giving energies of the cosmos, embodying the Moon as a guardian of wisdom and mystical power. With her hands intertwined above her head, she forms a halo symbolizing sacred knowledge. Within her belly lies the essence of light emerging from the darkness of the womb, representing the genesis of life. She encompasses the frequency of all existence, honoring the Great Cosmic Mystery while maintaining harmony with earthly creation. The spiral motif mirrors the universal pattern of growth and evolution, symbolizing the goddess, womb, fertility, and life force energy.
The Trusting Hands
The trusting hands featuring a mother's hand cradling her baby's hand represents trust, care, and protection, embodying the nurturing essence of motherhood. This intimate gesture symbolizes the special bond between mother and child, where the mother's hands serve as a protective shield, providing comfort and security to her little one highlighting the profound connection forged through touch and tenderness.
The Celtic Mother and Child Knot
The Celtic Mother and Child Knot symbolizes the everlasting bond between mother and child within the broader context of family and relationships. At its essence, this symbol signifies the unbreakable, eternal bond of love shared between mother and child, which begins from the moment the child enters the world.
The Venus Symbol
The Venus symbol, aka the symbol for the planet Venus, is commonly associated with femininity and women. The origin of this symbol dates back to ancient times when it was used to represent the Roman goddess Venus or Aphrodite in Greek mythology, who was the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. In modern times, the Venus symbol has become a widely recognized emblem for women, often used to represent feminism, gender equality, and women's rights.
The contemporary symbol for breastfeeding
The contemporary symbol for breastfeeding a newborn serves as a representation of a significant stage of motherhood, emphasizing the profound bond and nurturing aspect between a mother and her child. This symbol highlights the importance of breastfeeding as a natural practice that not only nourishes the newborn but also strengthens the emotional connection between mother and child.
Akokonan, Adinkra Symbol for Nurturing and Discipline
The Akokonan symbol, featuring the image of a hen's foot, embodies concepts of nurturing, parenthood, care, tenderness, protection, mercy, and discipline. The proverb associated with this symbol translates to "The hen treads on the child but it does not kill the child." In essence, the symbol represents the ideal nature of parents, who are both protective and corrective in nurturing their children, guiding them with love & discipline.
The Empathy Symbol
The Empathy Symbol portrays two "sides" reaching out towards each other, symbolizing a sincere effort to understand and connect with the experiences and emotions of another. This ability to empathize, to deeply comprehend and share in the feelings of others, is a cornerstone trait of motherhood.
The Star Symbol
The Star symbolizes an individual who serves as a guiding light for others, consistently illuminating the path and showing the way forward. This person endeavors to inspire others to achieve success and encourages them to become the best versions of themselves.
Zibu Angelic Symbol of health and strength
The Zibu Angelic Symbol representing health and strength is a contemporary creation introduced by Debbie Zylstra Almstedt during a Reiki session in 2002. While it draws inspiration from Celtic and Greek cultures referring to unconditional love. The term "Zibu" itself encourages individuals to "listen within," suggesting a connection to one's inner wisdom and intuition.
The Triple Moon Symbol- Motherhood
The Triple Moon symbol, also known as the Triple Goddess symbol, represents the three phases of the moon: waxing, full, and waning. It embodies the concept of the Maiden, Mother, and Matriarch, symbolizing the stages of a woman's life and the cycles of nature. The waxing moon represents growth, potential, and new beginnings, associated with the Maiden; the full moon symbolizes abundance, fertility, and nurturing energy, linked to the Mother; and the waning moon signifies wisdom, reflection, and the culmination of experience, connected with the Matriarch.
Hera-Juno- Greek Symbol
Hera and Juno are both powerful goddesses in Greek and Roman mythology, respectively, associated with marriage, family, and queenship. Hera is the Greek goddess of marriage and childbirth, while Juno is her Roman counterpart, often depicted as the queen of the gods and protector of the Roman state. Both goddesses symbolize the ideals of marital fidelity, motherhood, and the sanctity of family life.
Bind Rune Protection Symbol
Bind Rune Protection Symbol incorporates two powerful runes from the Elder Futhark runic alphabet: Algiz (protection), Sowulo (Lifeforce and energy) to create a powerful symbol of protection and warding. Runic symbols are often used in runic magic and Norse spirituality to invoke specific qualities or energies for personal empowerment, spiritual growth, or protection against negative influences.
Lakshmi Yantra
The Lakshmi Yantra is a sacred geometric symbol representing the divine energy of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, revered as the embodiment of abundance, prosperity, and maternal blessings. As a motherhood symbol, Lakshmi Yantra embodies the nurturing & abundant qualities associated with motherhood, offering spiritual guidance & blessings for mothers seeking prosperity & well-being for themselves and their families.
The Triple Spiral aka Triskele
The Triple Spiral, aka Triskelion or Triskele symbol has been found in various cultures and civilizations throughout history and represents cycles, progress, and the interconnectedness of life. In the context of motherhood, the Triple Spiral symbolizes the stages of a woman's life: maidenhood (youthful energy and potential), motherhood (nurturing and fertility), and cronehood (wisdom and experience). It reflects the cyclical nature of life, growth, and transformation, echoing the journey of motherhood from conception to birth to nurturing and wisdom.
Contemporary Symbols
These contemporary symbols serve as gentle reminders of the treasured moments, boundless love, and cherished milestones that define the beautiful adventure of motherhood. They encapsulate the joy, wonder, and profound connection shared between a mother and her child, illuminating the transformative journey of nurturing and love.
Contemporary Symbols- Pelican
The pelican, renowned for its protective nature, serves as a symbol of maternal devotion and selflessness, mirroring the unwavering commitment a mother has toward her offspring.
Contemporary Symbols- Dummy/Pacifier
A pacifier embodies comfort and tranquility, representing the nurturing love and soothing care a mother provides to her child.
Contemporary Symbols- Baby Footprint
Baby footprints capture the fleeting moments of infancy and growth, immortalizing the tender memories of the early stages of motherhood.
Contemporary Symbols- Baby
The image of a baby symbolizes new beginnings, innocence, and the miraculous journey of bringing life into the world.