September 1, 2008

  • turtle.

    Turtles as a Symbol

    From history to present day there are
    many belief symbols. Some are of good omens and some
    are of bad omens. We even see some of these symbols
    in our dreams. Have you ever wondered what the turtle
    symbol represents in different cultures and meanings?
    In this article I summarize some of those symbol beliefs.

    Dreams... What do they mean? The
    turtle seen in a dream indicates an unusual improvement.
    This would be a positive omen. Turtles in a negative
    aspect means fear of facing responsibility or reality.
    However, a turtle can represent long life because turtles
    live a long time. They also have quiet strength.

    Spirituality:

    In the far east, the turtles shell was
    a symbol of heaven and the square underside was a symbol
    of Earth. This meant that the turtle was an animal whose
    magic united heaven and Earth.

    In the west, early Christians viewed turtles
    as a symbol of evil forces during war.

    In the Hindu myth the tortoise Chukwa
    supports the world. The turtle also represents the creator
    and holder of the Earth and everything it contains.
    In the Balinese scripture -- Any person who consumes
    and supports the killing of turtles is not a good Hindu,
    and is doing a dishonor to himself, thus disconnecting
    himself from proper Balinese religious practices.

    Cultures:

    Japanese - The turtle is a symbol
    of good fortune and longevity. The turtle is an positive
    omen bringing 10,000 years of happiness. The Cosmic
    Mountain and the abode of the Jennin are supported by
    a tortoise.

    Chinese - The turtle carries the
    world on its back. This is a symbol of fertility, vitality,
    and great patience. The Chinese believed these animals
    foretold future events. They are the third animal of
    four that represents water and was thought to be a model
    of the world. Its upper shell curved like the heavens
    and its lower shell was flat (the way the Chinese at
    the time believed the Earth was). They read the future
    in the pattern on the tortoise shell.

    The tortoise also supports the world.
    Its four feet being the four corners of the Earth. It
    is the Black Warrior, depicting strength and endurance.
    It was credited with a great life span and was therefore
    a symbol of longevity. As a warrior the tortoise joined
    the dragon on the banners of the imperial army. Both
    representing indestructibility as neither can destroy
    each other. The tortoise can not be crushed nor the
    dragon reached.

    Polynesian - The turtle symbolized
    fertility and long life.

    African - The turtle originated
    ju ju and appears in fertility rites. It represents
    the feminine to the serpent's masculine power.

    Greco - As the feminine power of
    the waters, the turtle was an emblem of Aphrodite/Venus
    in Greco-Roman myth.