Bat symbolism represents intuition, transformation, and adaptability and carries meaning from ancient folklore to modern tales. The bat is a nocturnal creature that is rich with cultural significance and diverse interpretations.
What Does A Bat Symbolize?
Balance
Bats are symbols of balance because they are pollinators; the species is essential for supporting life on Earth by keeping things in harmony. For example, bats help keep certain plants alive. Bats also keep insect populations under control.
Longevity
Bats can live up to 20 years, and the animal has lived on Earth for a very long time. Because of these, bats symbolize longevity. Bats have been present on Earth for over 50 million years, while humans have only inhabited Earth for about 2.8 million years.
Community
Even though some bat species prefer to be alone or solitary, others live in large colonies. These colonies can be in the hundreds of thousands. There is safety in numbers and the bats in these colonies can learn from one another.
Maneuverability
Bats have strong maneuverability skills because of the shape of their wings allowing on to have a high level of control while in the air. Because of this, the bat is a symbol of maneuverability. Bats can remind you to be flexible and quick on your feet.
They also serve as a reminder that it’s necessary to pivot or adjust to whatever comes your way. This can be essential in creating better outcomes.
Good Fortune
Since bats are pollinators, they are able to extend the lives of fruit trees and other plants. Many bat species also live in large colonies. Because of these reasons, the bat is symbolic of good fortune, prosperity, and abundance.
Supernatural Powers
Bats have long been associated with the supernatural world due to being nocturnal and having sensory powers. Some ancient cultures thought that bats were able to move freely between the land of the living and the underworld or world of the dead.
Bats are also associated with astral traveling, which is the idea of when the soul leaves the body temporarily and flies before returning.
Evolution
Bats are the only mammals to be able to fly because of evolution. Bats also evolved to use echolocation, as this was developed over time. Because of how bats evolved over time, the animal is a symbol of evolution.
Rebirth
Bats symbolize rebirth as they live in the deepest parts of the world. Some reference to being the Earth’s womb. This can remind us that there is always light at the end of the tunnel no matter how dark things may seem.
Bat Symbolism and Spiritual Meanings
Celtic Mythology
Bats were associated with fairies and spirits in Celtic mythology. The Celts also had superstition involving the bat. It was thought that if a bought entangled itself in a woman’s hair, the woman would face imminent death.
In some Celtic tales, fairy creatures known as pookas had the ability to shapeshift into people or animals, including bats. Pookas were viewed as tricksters, and they were associated with fertility and would bring goodies to people.
Chines
In China, bats are viewed as a symbol of wisdom, happiness, good fortune, and longevity. Bats might be depicted alongside peaches, symbolizing longevity and vitality. In some symbols, you might see the image of a bat biting a coin. This symbolizes wealth and prosperity.
In Chinese culture, five bats symbolize wufu, which stands for ‘five blessings.’ The five blessings include health, wealth, longevity, enjoying old age, and helping or doing good for others.
For those who practice feng shui, some believe that placing a bat symbol in an entryway or in an office can bring health, happiness, and prosperity to your life.
Greek Mythology
Ancient Greeks believed that bats were a type of bird. When the ancient Greeks noticed that the bat was nocturnal, bats became associated with the world of the dead or the underworld.
Hinduism
In Hinduism, bats are associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune. In Sarsai, a village located in northeastern India in the state of Bahir, bats are worshipped and protected by the locals.
Mayan Mythology
In Mayan mythology, bats were considered fertility symbols that protected crops. The Mayans also viewed bats as intermediaries and messengers between the spirit and human worlds.
Mayans were also known to have multiple bat deities, as the Mayans believed shamans were able to shapeshift into bats and back.
The Mayans also have a bat god known as Camazotz, which translates to “death bat.” This bat symbolizes night, death, and sacrifice since it is a servant to the gods of the underworld.
Native American
In Native American cultures, the bat was viewed positively and negatively. The Blackfoot People believed that the bat was poisonous, and, therefore would bring bad luck. Other Native American tribes viewed the bat as a trickster.
Norse Mythology
Bats were associated with owls in Nordic mythology. Ancient Scandinavians viewed the bat negatively. It was believed that bats could alter people’s behavior and bewitch them. It was also believed that the bat was a supernatural being which was the harbinger of death.