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22 Powerful Symbols of Kindness and What They Mean

Acts of kindness can give us a new perspective, optimism, and hope for humanity. There are many symbols that represent kindness, compassion, and caring. Here’s a look at 22 powerful symbols of kindness and what they mean.

Universal Symbols of Kindness

There are symbols that only people of a particular culture or religion recognize, and then there are those symbols that anyone across the globe is familiar with. Universal symbols of kindness include the heart sign, the hug emoji, and bluebell flowers.

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1. The Heart Sign 

Heart symbol

Recognized since ancient times, the heart symbol has long been in use in different cultures all over the world. Its origin is attributed to the heart being regarded as the center of human emotions and has thus come to represent affection, love, compassion, and kindness.

2. The Hug Emoji

Approved in 2015 under Unicode 8.0, the hug emoji is part of the group of short text symbols commonly used online to express emotions without having to articulate them through the use of words.

This symbol of a yellow smiley face with open hands is used to show affection as well as to offer consolation.

In 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Facebook launched a new hug emoji in the form of the old hug emoji hugging a heart. Their intention was for people to use it to express empathy for one another during the pandemic.

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3. Bluebells

bluebells

The use of bluebell flowers (otherwise known as harebells) to symbolize kindness traces back to the Victorian era. Now they are universally known as a symbol of warmth and care.

Religious Symbols of Kindness

Various religions have their own specific representation of kindness. We look at some of them here:

1. Buddhism

Buddhist symbols of kindness

Buddhists show and perceive kindness through various symbols that many in the West do not know the meaning of. Some of these symbols are as follows:

The Varada Mudra

varada mudra

This is one of the mudras (hand signals) that represent the main aspects of the Adi-Buddha (first Buddha) used in prayer and meditation.

Presented by the hanging of the left hand naturally with a front-facing palm and extended fingers, the Varada Mudra is representative of generosity, compassion, and devotion towards the salvation of humans. It is often seen on statues of the Buddha.

The Parasol

Victorian lace parasol
Victorian lace parasol. See it here.

One of the auspicious signs of Buddha, the Parasol is the historical symbol of royalty and protection. It is viewed as a symbol of kindness because it stands for protection from the sun’s heat.

The metaphorical meaning of it is protection from suffering, discomfort, and trouble.

It symbolizes royalty because in most cultures, having the means to protect oneself from inclement weather. The umbrella’s dome symbolizes wisdom while its skirt stands for compassion.

The Red Lotus

red lotus

Buddhist iconography pays respect to the lotus plant that is known to rise from murky waters and flourish to produce a beautiful flower by using the dirty water’s impurities as nourishment.

It is believed that the specific color of the flower borne represents a specific quality of the Buddha that those who chance upon it are encouraged to embrace.

For instance, when a lotus plant bears a red flower, it’s seen as a representation of love and compassion.

The Endless Knot

endless knot

Yet another auspicious sign of Buddha, the endless knot is a representation of various qualities, including the endless cycles, the unification of all that exists, and the coming together of enlightenment, wisdom, and compassion.

The Stupa Spire

stupa spire

Stupas are monuments that are often used as places of meditation. In general, the stupa spire at the top carries different meanings based on the specific parts of the representation of Buddha’s body.

The crown of Buddha specifically represents compassion.

The Om

om symbol

This is a set of incantations made during worship, reading of the religious text, and in religious ceremonies.

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Om forms the first syllable of ‘Om mani Padme hum,’ a popular mantra associated with compassion. 

2. Abrahamic Religions

The Dagger

dagger

Abrahamic traditions believe that the archangel Zadkiel is the cherub in charge of freedom, mercy, and benevolence.

Additionally, they believe that Zadkiel was sent by God to Abraham to tell him that he didn’t have to sacrifice his son Isaac.

The association of these two beliefs has the archangel’s symbol represented with him holding a dagger, similar to the one Abraham almost used on Isaac. This symbol is viewed as a representation of compassion. 

The Pelican

Abrahamic symbols of kindness

This strange bird is exclusively used in Christianity to symbolize sacrifice, kindness, and compassion.

The pelican bird is said to pierce its own breast to provide blood (as was done to Christ) if its chicks are starving.

This myth probably arose from the fact that during the breeding season, the birds’ beaks turn a bright red color.

3. Hinduism

The Anahata Chakra

Anahata chakra design meaning

Chakras are different points in the human body through which universal energy is believed to flow into a person.

Of the primary chakras, the fourth, which is known as the anahata, is located near the heart.

Based on the anahata’s proximity to the heart, it is unsurprising that it represents all the positive emotional states, namely love, calmness, balance, empathy, compassion, purity, and kindness.

Tribal and Mythical Symbols of Kindness

Just like with religion, different tribes and civilizations have various representations of kindness. Some of these representations are:

1. West Africa

The Obaatan Awaamu

Obaatan awaamu book
Obaatan awaamu journal. See it here.

In West African culture, symbols known as adinkra are usually displayed on structures, artwork, and clothing. Each of these symbols carries a specific deep meaning.

One of them, the obaatan awaamu, is usually portrayed as a butterfly and is representative of the comfort, assurance, and relaxation that comes with a mother’s love and embrace.

Furthermore, the obaatan awaamu is believed to be capable of giving peace to a troubled soul.

2. Norse Mythology

The Gebo

Gebo rune necklace
Gebo rune necklace. See it here.

A Germanic rune, the gebo is believed to represent not only generosity but also an equal relationship between giver and receiver.

Additionally, it represents the connection through which a king can share his powers with his subjects.

The Hringhorni   

Believed in Norse mythology to be the greatest ship that ever existed, the Hringhorni was the symbol of Baldur, son of Odin.

The ship became a symbol of kindness because Baldur was considered to be the most beautiful and the kindest of all the gods.

3. Rome

The Scepter

The scepter became a symbol of compassion because it is the companion in the depiction of Clementia, the Roman goddess of clemency, forgiveness, and compassion.

4. Europe

Strength tarot

The Strength Tarot

in the tarot cards, strength is represented by a card with the symbol of a woman stroking a lion. This representation is meant to showcase that even the wildest power can be tamed by strength, love, and compassion.

Animalistic Symbols of Kindness

Some cultures view certain animals as symbols of various qualities. Some of the animals seen to symbolize kindness include:

Animal symbols of kindness

1. The White Parrot

The white parrot is seen as a symbol of kindness in East Asia because it’s usually depicted as the companion of Guan Yin, the representation of compassion

According to legend, Guan Yin was once a girl forced by her father to marry and, upon her refusal, was sent away to a temple whereby the nuns were told to mistreat her so she would relent.

Once it became apparent that she was not going to give in to her father’s wishes, men were sent to kill the nuns and bring her back, but she fled away to the fragrant mountains. 

Later, when her father fell ill, she anonymously donated one of her eyes and an arm to be used as ingredients for the cure her father needed.

When her father, the king, sought her out to thank her for her compassion, she was transformed into the Guan Yi, with the parrot as her faithful companion, hence the symbolism.

2. The Azure Dragon 

In China, the azure dragon symbolizes healing, growth, and harmony. Moreover, being symbols of the Chinese state, they are referred to as “the most compassionate kings”.

3. The Raven

What are ravens

Raven symbolism is common across cultures, and their depiction can be either positive or negative.

However, in Japan, ravens are seen as symbols of compassion mainly because when a raven grows up, it usually helps its parents take care of its younger siblings.

4. The Koru Aihe

This Maori symbol, which is in the form of a dolphin, is representative of harmony, playfulness, and kindness.

The symbol came about as a result of the respect the Maori people have for dolphins, who they believed were manifestations of gods appearing to help sailors steer the treacherous sea.

FAQs on Kindness Symbols

What is the most common universal symbol of kindness?

The heart.

Is there a person who is considered a symbol of kindness?

There are many, but Mother Theresa is probably the most well-known in the West. The East would probably regard the Buddha as one too.

Is there a herb that symbolizes kindness?

Lavender can be used to cleanse a space of negative energy and as a beacon of love. Roses too can be given as an act of kindness or oneself as an act of self-love. They are said to heal the heart center.

Wrapping Up

Based on these symbols, it is obvious that mankind has been in search of kindness since time immemorial.

Whether you choose these listed symbols or simply choose to help out someone in need, it is highly recommended that you show compassion.

That way, the universe will be sure to reward you with some kindness when you most need it and probably least expect it!

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List of kindness symbols
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Dani Rhys
Dani Rhys

Dani Rhys has worked as a writer and editor for over 15 years. She holds a Masters degree in Linguistics and Education, and has also studied Political Science, Ancient History and Literature. She has a wide range of interests ranging from ancient cultures and mythology to Harry Potter and gardening. She works as the chief editor of Symbol Sage but also takes the time to write on topics that interest her.