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.

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