Elephant symbolism represents memory, family, and connection. These large mammals are similar to humans in nature and carry strong meaning in many different cultures.
What Does an Elephant Symbolize?
- Intelligence
- Strength
- Memory
- Loyalty
- Unity
- Majesty
- Consciousness
- Luck
Elephant Symbolism and Spirituality
Buddhism
Buddhists consider grey elephants to indicate unrest or instability in your life. But in most cases, elephants are positive in Buddhism. White elephants indicate mental strength and willpower.
Hinduism
In Hinduism, elephants are a sign of power and wisdom. They are a way to reach the heavenly plane.
Christianity
In Christianity, the elephant has a negative connotation and represents the fall of man. But its tusks indicate purity and are a sign of chastity.
Feng Shui
Elephants have multiple meanings in feng shui, and their purposes can best be determined by how and where they are placed. Two elephants at either side of an entryway indicate protection.
Asia
In Asian culture, elephants symbolize power and wisdom. In China, they indicate good luck; in Thailand, they signify royalty and appear on the flag of the Royal Thai Navy.
Africa
In Africa, the elephant is a symbol of strength and power, and they are in the flags of both the Ivory Coast and South Africa. An elephant appears on the Coat of Arms for the Ivory Coast, while tusks are featured on the Coat of Arms for South Africa.
Europe
The elephant also signifies power throughout Europe. This began with Alexander the Great’s defeat of King Porus of India. The elephants captured as a result were seen as a sign of triumph.
Napoleon Bonaparte continued the tradition, ordering an elephant fountain constructed from the guns seized after the battle of Friedland. And in Denmark, the Order of the Elephant is a meritorious award.