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What Is The Turtle Symbol Meaning?

If you ask people what a turtle symbolizes, the most common answers will most likely be longevity, patience, and wisdom. These majestic reptiles are viewed as a symbol of stability and longevity all over the world.

Sea turtles, often considered symbols of longevity due to their long lifespan, are revered in various cultures worldwide.

Turtles are very important in human cultures. They play important roles in many mythologies and are even depicted in creation stories. Turtle symbolism can be found in almost every single culture on earth and turtle symbolism can be observed in every single continent on earth.

In modern times, turtles can be found in popular modern culture. For instance, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are among some of the most popular fictional characters in the world.

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.

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.

Native American tribes, particularly the Indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands like the Haudenosaunee confederacy and the Anishinaabeg, have deep-rooted beliefs about the turtle spirit animal. These beliefs are intertwined with their native American culture.

Cultural Depiction Of Turtles

Universally the turtle is seen as a symbol of longevity, tranquility, and steadfastness. The turtle’s long life means that it has come to represent longevity.

The peaceful and deliberate nature of turtles means that the turtle has come to represent tranquility and steadfastness. The tough shell of the turtle also means that it symbolizes protection from adversaries.

The turtle’s shell, a unique protective mechanism in the animal kingdom, is not just for physical defense. In many cultures, it symbolizes the protective shell we, as human beings, build around our emotional and spiritual self.

The Cosmic Turtle

 A popular turtle symbolism is the Cosmic Turtle, also known as the World Turtle or the World-Bearing Turtle. The World Turtle is a planet-sized turtle that supports the entire world or contains the entire world.

This turtle can be found in Hindu mythology. This turtle is known as Akupāra (Sanskrit: अकूपार) or Chukwa.

In Chinese mythology, the legs of the sea turtle Ao are used to support the skies.

In Lenape myth, a giant turtle holds up the earth. This myth can be found among other indigenous North Americans of the Northeastern Woodlands. For this reason, the earth or North America is referred to as Turtle Island among several indigenous people of North America.

Depiction of Turtles in Chinese Culture

In China, the tortoise symbolizes longevity, tenacity, and power. It is believed that the tortoise aided Pangu (a primordial being in Chinese mythology) to create the earth. As already mentioned, the legs of the sea turtle Ao are used to support the skies.

The tortoise is also a member of the Four Symbols. These are four mythical beasts and the guardians of the four points of the compass. The black tortoise is the guardian of the north and symbolizes longevity, strength, and endurance.

The other three animals are the white tiger (guardian of the west), the azure dragon (guardian of the east), and the vermilion bird (guardian of the south).

In all, the turtle symbolizes long life in Chinese culture. In Tibetan culture, the tortoise symbolizes creativity.

Depiction of Turtles in Indian Culture

In Hindu mythology, the turtle Akupara is believed to carry the earth and the oceans on the back. An Avatar of Lord Vishnu is the turtle Kurma.

Depiction of Turtles in Japanese Culture

In Japanese culture, the turtle is a symbol of felicity and longevity. According to traditional beliefs, the turtle provides a haven for immortals and is a symbol of support, good fortune, and longevity. The turtle is also a positive omen bringing 10,000 years of happiness symbolizes  Kompira, a god of merchant sailors.

Just as in China, the turtle is considered one of the four mythical beasts. Here, it is believed that the Black Turtle protects Kuto from threats caused by the four cardinal directions. This beast protects Kyoto from the north and is called Gen-bu. This guardian may also be shown as a combination of two reptiles – a snake and a turtle.

The Cosmic Mountain and the abode of the Jennin are supported by a tortoise.

Sea turtle symbolism often draws a parallel between their steady pace in the vast ocean and human beings navigating the challenges of the material world. Similarly, a turtle dream might reflect deeper meaning and insights about one’s spiritual development.

Depiction of Turtles in African Culture

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

Among several west African ethnic groups, the tortoise is seen as the cleverest of all animals. This turtle is known for his heroic deeds and his mischief as he is also a trickster. This turtle is known as Alabahun or Ijapa among the Yoruba people of Benin and Nigeria.

Another turtle in African folklore is the Tortoise son of Aniga or Mbe Nwa Aniga in the native tongue of the Igbo people of West Africa. This is a highly intelligent turtle that can talk himself out of any black situation.

Depiction of Turtles in Indigenous North American Culture

According to the mythology of several indigenous peoples of North America (namely the Indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands in particular the Haudenosaunee confederacy and the Anishinaabeg), the Great Turtle carries the world on his back.

The native American turtle is not only a major figure in Native American tradition but is also a powerful symbol of the interconnectedness of life. From the green turtle to the hawksbill sea turtle, each species has its own unique place in various mythologies.

This turtle upholds the earth. As such North America is referred to as Turtle Island.

Here, the turtle or tortoise symbolizes fertility, longevity, and protection.

Depiction of Turtles in Ancient Egyptian Culture

The most well-known turtle in ancient Egyptian culture is the Sheta, also spelled as Shetyw or Shtyw. This turtle is associated with Set and by extension, the underworld. Because of this, they were once viewed as evil creatures by nobles and keys especially in the Greco-Roman periods.

Depiction of Turtles in Ancient Mesopotamian Culture

Ancient Mesopotamia is known as one of the earliest human civilizations in history.  Here the turtle is closely related to Enki, the ancient Mesopotamian God of water, lakewater, seawater, crafts, intelligence, creation, fertility, and mischief.

The turtle is used to represent Enki on the kudurrus (a stone document used to keep records and also used as a boundary stone).

Another ancient Sumerian myth that has survived through the ages is the myth of  Ninurta and the Turtle. Here the god Enki creates a giant turtle to battle his rival Ninurta. The turtle is successful in deafening Ninurta, the rain god.

Depiction of Turtles in Greco-Roman Culture

This is where we find one of the most famous depictions of the turtle in a tale. And that is the Aesop fable of the tortoise and the hare. Here a tortoise challenges an arrogant hare to a race. The arrogant hare decides to take a nap midway through the race.

However, the steadfast turtle didn’t take a break and steadily progressed to the finish line while the hare napped. Many lessons can be learned from this story.

The lesson deduced by the ancient Greeks from this story was that perseverance, steadfastness, and zeal can prevail over laziness and arrogance.

The tortoise also symbolized the city of Aegina. The turtle was also a symbol of fertility and was associated with Aphrodite, also known as Venus to the Romans.

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 symbolizes fertility and long life.

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.

More Cultures

“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 drought arrives. This is a warning of a change in climate.

Feng Shui

The placement of the turtle in your home has significance in feng shui. The turtle is the element of water. As such careful placement of the turtle can influence your life as well as the lives of the household members.

The black tortoise can improve family life, personal relations, and support for the home. It is important to place the turtle at the back door of the house. Placing the turtle in or by a pond in the backyard brings about good fortune and success.

The idea of turtles stacked on top of one another is symbolic of a mother and her offspring.

Turtles In Mythology And Folklore

The World Turtle is also known as the Cosmic Turtle is a being in many folklores and mythologies around the world with the two most popular examples being Akupāra. This mythical turtle is believed to carry the world on its back.

Among the Native Americans, North America, and to an extent, the entire world is held up by a turtle. This turtle may also be referred to as the earth.

Turtle mythology, with its vast array of stories from ancient Egypt to Hawaiian culture, showcases the turtle as a sacred figure. Its slow pace symbolizing patience, the hard shell indicating resilience, and its long period of existence on Earth pointing to ancient wisdom.

The turtle is one of  Four Symbols according to far-east Asian mythos. The four symbols are four animals which are guardians of the four cardinal points namely the white tiger (guardian of the west), the azure dragon (guardian of the east), black turtle (guardian of the north), and the vermilion bird (guardian of the south).

According to ancient Greece myth, Hermes transforms Khelone into a tortoise because she refused to attend Zeus and Hera’s wedding.

Across different cultures, whether it be Celtic mythology or the belief systems of the Chinese people, the symbolic meaning of the turtle varies but maintains some common threads. Its steady pace is often seen as a reflection of human experience, emphasizing the value of a patient journey over speed.

Turtle Zodiac Sign

Turtles are born during the Chinese Zodiacs year of the rabit and have the Sun sugn of cancer.

FAQ

What does a turtle symbolize?

Turtles generally symbolize longevity. This is because of their long life span. Their long life span also means that they symbolize wealth and prosperity. The slow nature of the turtle allows them to signify deliberation, perseverance, and steadfastness. In feng shui, placing a black turtle at your back door encourages growth and fortune into your home.

What is the symbolism of a turtle on your doorstep?

A turtle on your doorstep signifies prosperity, longevity, and support for the home, family life, and personal relations. The turtle is known as the keeper of doors and for good reason. In feng shui, the turtle is a water element and is one of the four elements with the other three elements being a dragon, phoenix, and tiger.

A turtle at the doorstep of the back door attracts blessing, good fortune, and longevity. The same can be said about having a turtle in a pond in the backyard.

In all, the turtle at your doorstep signifies longevity, good fortune, and prosperity.

What does it mean when a turtle follows you?

The turtle is a symbol of the earth in many cultures including traditional Chinese culture as well as the Native American cultures. The turtle offers protection, providence, and longevity. The turtle is believed to carry the world and even support the heavens. The turtle is therefore a good luck sign.

When a turtle follows you, it can be interpreted as a sign of opportunities. For this reason, turtles and tortoises are important Feng Shui animals. The black turtle is said to bring good fortune, protection, and longevity. Turtles also signify perseverance and steadfastness. These are all lessons you can take from the turtle.

What does it mean when a turtle crosses your path?

As you may have already figured out, turtles represent good fortune, longevity, and protection. A turtle crossing your path is a sign of good fortune.

So what should you do if a turtle crosses your path? If that path is a road, you should help the turtle across the road if you can. Snapping turtles can be vicious and defensive so you need to move them with care.

For snapping turtles, lay a blanket or a tarp underneath the chelonian and gently move it across the road. You can also use a square shovel.  Make sure you don’t harm the turtle.

Never grab a turtle by the tail or limb as you can easily end up causing serious injuries to the turtle.

Turtles Spiritual Meaning (Video)

Conclusion

Turtles symbolize patience, deliberation, perseverance, zeal, and most importantly longevity. While turtle symbols may change from culture to culture, these are their most elementary symbolisms.

According to Chinese culture, the turtle/tortoise symbolizes longevity, tenacity, and power. The turtle is also one of the Four Symbols and is a guardian of the north. In traditional Japanese culture, the turtle protects Kyoto from threats from the north.

Turtles also play a major role in feng shui. The turtle/tortoise which is the element of water promotes good family life and home support as well as good personal relations. When placed at the backdoor, the turtle can bring about success.

According to ancient Greece myth, Hermes transforms Khelone into a tortoise because she refused to attend Zeus and Hera’s wedding.

If you have any questions or extra information kindly leave a comment.

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Sophia

Saturday 20th of June 2020

I have a Florida box turtle who lives in my yard & have seen her since I moved here about 15 years ago, yet lately I’ve been seeing her/him more often crossing my back yard - she/he is about 6 to 8 inch in length - I love seeing it - I am on a wheelchair and no longer do gardening can I send pictures?

Swan Viaduct

Monday 7th of October 2019

Friend,

Thanks for well thought thoughts. Just an offering:

According to the oral histories of many First Nations, so I have read, the Western Hemisphere is sometimes referred to as Turtle Island, given that due to the numerous crossings of the great Bering Strait thawing and freezing land bridges, the people often saw turtles; Which, of courses, was taken to mean a good omen.

Also, reptilian brain humor: What's the difference between hibernation and estivation? While both are metabolism slow-down modes, one is more for chilling out.

Also, for bumper sticker needs: Drivers Warning: Turtles Suffer Fools

Take care, Swan

Tina Caro

Thursday 3rd of October 2019

I love how you mentioned a few cultures and what a turtle represents in each one.

Thanks for sharing!

Alma

Sunday 23rd of September 2018

What is the meaning of a turtle that i had found inside the hole that i am going to build the house? The turtle is good for a Seamen workers?