Many animals have symbolic meanings and hold sacred positions in cultures and religions around the world for various reasons. Today, we list a few of the most respected of them and look into why they are so significant to those who revere them.
Elephants
Elephants are intelligent creatures known for their social bonds and emotional depth. But it doesn’t end here. They are revered in many cultures around the world, where they represent strength and wisdom, and they also hold sacred status in religions like Hinduism and Buddhism.
Eagles
As the Department of Veteran Affairs shares, eagles have been symbols of freedom, strength, courage, and immortality to many people for generations. These birds of prey are naturally known for their keen eyesight and majestic flight. The bald eagle is also one of the two national animals of the U.S.
Lions
The lion’s majestic appearance and predatory dominance allow it to defend its title as the ‘king of the jungle.’ It has become a symbol of courage and power in many cultures and religions. The lion also plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, helping to keep herbivore populations in check.
Wolves
Wolves possess the virtues every society needs to thrive—they’re loyal, trustworthy, and cooperative within their family and social circle. They also symbolize freedom, resourcefulness, and adaptability, holding a place as spirit guides for many Native American tribes.
Dolphins
Dolphins are highly intelligent, social animals, and scientists have argued that they should have the same rights to life and liberty as humans. They play a key role in maintaining marine ecosystems by controlling fish and squid populations, and they are also so friendly with humans and other creatures that people forget they’re wild animals.
Tigers
We all admire tigers for their strength, majestic beauty, stealth, and ability to thrive as solitary hunters. The Times of India praises people who have the “mind of a tiger,” sharing that they’re courageous, not afraid to leave, have unwavering determination, and are a symbol of power.
Horses
It’s not hard to see why horses are so respected today. Before modern technology, transportation, agriculture, and even war wouldn’t have been easy to carry out for ancient cultures. Horses provide companionship, strength, and transportation, and they symbolize freedom, grace, and nobility in many nations today.
Gorillas
Despite their size and immense strength (they can lift four times their body weight—i.e., 815 kg), gorillas are gentle-natured, and this is one reason why they’re highly respected. They’re also seen as symbols of peace and power, especially in Africa. Sharing over 98% of our DNA, they’re humans’ closest cousins after chimpanzees and bonobos.
Bears
Bears are highly intelligent, social animals that some say are even smarter than great apes. But this is not the main reason why they’re respected. What’s more obvious about them is their strength, resilience, and adaptability in rough terrain. These have made them symbols of bravery, power, and introspection in indigenous American culture.
Pandas
According to the Independent, Pandas are revered in Chinese cultures, and it’s easy to see why. They are extremely rare, as they can only be found in wild China, and they are a model for conservative efforts to protect endangered species—healthily “rebounding from the brink of extinction.”
Owls
Owls are fascinating creatures, seen to have wisdom in their eyes; their nocturnal nature shrouds them in even more mystery. In many cultures around the world, they also represent wealth, prosperity, good luck, and fortune, and they have a major role to play in various Greek and Native American mythologies.
Whales
As the largest mammals in the world, whales are respected for their size and are the biggest ‘gentle giants’ you’ll come across. They display grace in swimming through water, and they are seen to represent depth, wisdom, and freedom in many maritime cultures.
Cheetahs
With cheetahs, we have another record breaker on our list—this time, holding the spot as the fastest land mammal on the planet. Cheetahs are respected for their incredible speeds and agility, and they’re particularly adorned in sporting environments for their graceful physical designs and movements.
Hawks
Syracuse University tells us that “in Native American cultures, hawks are revered for their keen sense of sight and ability to fly at great heights.” Hawks are symbols of focus, leadership, and perspective around the world. Their hunting features and prowess make them even more revered.
Peacocks
You can’t miss the beauty of peacocks, as they come with regal bodily features and colorful plumage to complement them. They’re associated with the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, in Hindu cultures, and they’re also seen as general symbols of beauty, pride, benevolence, patience, and confidence.
Foxes
Foxes are animals known for their cunningness, resourcefulness, and adaptability to harsh environments. In China, particularly, people pay a fortune for the white fur found under their bellies. Foxes are also common features in folklore across the world.
Giraffes
Giraffes are the tallest animals in the world, and their unique appearance, grace, and gentle nature earn them a spot on our list. IFAW says that they’re also important to the ecosystems they’re native to, playing their roles as vegetation pruners and seed dispersers—helping to maintain a balance in nature.
Bison
Ancient American peoples survived on bison, which has elevated them to the position of national animal alongside the bald eagle. Bisons weren’t just used as meat; their hides helped to build shelters, create boat hulls, sew clothing, and even create shields for warriors.
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