Turtles as a Symbol - Page 2

Native American - The totem symbolizes the relation between the tribe and it's ancestors. Human and animal figures are sculpted on a trunk and offerings are made to these sacred totems.

"Great Turtle -- The wisest of all creatures in Iroquois mythology."

The Ojibwa, Saulteaux, Cree, and Iroquois people view the turtle as a symbol of Mother Earth and referred to the continent of North America as Turtle Island. They viewed the hard outer shell, which protects a living being, as an analogy to their mother, the Earth, also a living entity.

The Sioux and Taters believed that the world is a huge tortoise floating on the waters.

For the Aztecs, turtles were a symbol of cowardice and boastfulness. Hard outwardly but soft inwardly.

The turtle is a creature of two elements, Earth and water. The people of the Turtle Clan share an affinity with both. They enjoy helping things grow, both plants and people, yet require freedom to do their own things, as the turtle has its freedom in the water.

Turtles will often leave a pool or pond before a draught arrives. This is a warning of a change in climate.

Conclusion

Different cultures have their own belief systems, some dating back to ancient times. Beliefs are nothing to be ashamed of, they are a part of what makes you who you are today.

A woman, of Native American heritage, once emailed me and told me that a turtle had crossed her and her child's path that day. She said that this was an omen of good luck in her beliefs. I found this to be a touching reminder of how important turtles are in all of our lives.

Feel free to share your beliefs or stories in the message board.

Written by: Taryn - AllTurtles Webmaster
www.allturtles.com

The information in this article was derived from information gather from the Internet.

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