Symbols are powerful tools for making your designs more effective, and nature symbols are among the most commonly used ones. The earliest examples can be traced to cave paintings.
Let’s discuss the meaning behind the most common nature symbols, as well as specific examples of how modern designers successfully implement them in their work.
Animals
The Middle Ages were the era when animal symbolism was at its peak. Aristocrats extensively used animals on their crests, shields, and flags to convey certain ideas about themselves, their beliefs, their ancestors, etc. However, the meanings behind those symbols weren’t invented just during the Middle Ages—their roots go back to the Ancient Greek and Roman mythologies.
You might be surprised by how close the old meanings are to the current ones:
- The lion represents everything that has to do with royalty.
- The dove—serenity, peace.
- The bull—anger.
- The owl—sharp mind, wisdom.
- The dog—loyalty.
Other popular medieval heraldic symbols included griffins and dragons, eagles, bears, and stags, to name just a few. Since the flags of many modern countries and territories are based on medieval crests, it’s only natural that they often feature these animals.
Today, symbols from the animal kingdom are widely used by designers. Sometimes they even echo medieval heraldry—an approach aimed at emphasizing the brand’s history and traditions. Take, for instance, Peugeot with its lion logo. Apart from Peugeot, there are a few other car logos featuring the lion: Roewe, Holden, MAN AG, and Büssing, to name just a few.
Griffin is also popular: it can be seen on the logos of Saab, Vauxhall, Scania, Gumpert, and Iso. The stallion, which was widely used in medieval heraldry, is depicted on the emblems of Ferrari, Ford Mustang, Hanteng Autos, Khodro, Pegaso, and Eicher. One reason behind this choice is that the horse represents speed.
Sometimes, designers use parts of animals as symbols—for instance, the wings, which symbolize freedom and speed. If you take a logo quiz, you might realize how popular this symbol is. It’s used in visual brand identities of sports clubs, car manufacturers, and even fast food restaurants.
Flowers and other plants
One of the best-known floral symbols used since the Middle Ages is the so-called fleur-de-lis. “The lily flower†was associated with the House of Bourbon and, more widely, France. Today, it can be seen in the arms of Spain, Quebec, and Canada, to name just a few examples. Another meaningful floral symbol from the past is the so-called Tudor rose, also known as the Union rose. Its history goes back to 1485.
Other examples in this group are:
- The olive wreath to denote victory and peace.
- The lotus—purity, health.
- The clover with three leaves—luck.
- The rose—love.
- The lily—mourning.
- The laurel—victory.
Also, in the heraldic tradition, floral symbols were extensively used for decorative purposes. Today, designers tend to pick them for the same reason. Just remember all those frames formed by curling vines and roots. Additionally, they can be included in designs to represent growth, development, and hope.
Parts of the human body
We should certainly start with the eye. One of the earlier examples of the eye symbol is the Eye of Providence, which is typically placed inside a triangle or on top of a pyramid (or both). Its one meaning is all-seeing god. The other meaning is the creator of the universe. Researchers believe the Eye of Providence can be connected to the Ancient Egyptian symbol, the Eye of Horus, which represented royalty.
Today, the eye emblem is often associated with conspiracies, and there are two main reasons. First, the eye is connected to the Freemason secret society. Also, it can be seen on the US dollar bill. Designers include an eye in brand logos to imply that customers belong to a sort of underground subculture and know exclusive information.
However, it’s also widely used in its most obvious meaning, as a symbol of vision. Other meanings are perception and goal. A popular example of an eye logo is the CBS emblem, which has been in use since 1951.
The heart symbol is even more popular than the eye. Its universal meaning—love, affection, sympathy—is appropriate in various circumstances. We can see the heart on logos of fashion brands, fast food restaurants, radio and TV channels, cartoons and video games, diapers, and educational programs.
Other parts of the body often used as symbols are:
- Hair to denote beauty (used by beauty salons), personal attractiveness, and—more rarely—strength.
- Brain—mindfulness and the thought process (e.g., Lumosity logo), ideas, consciousness.
- Arm—strength, power (often used in gym logos).
- Hand—humans supporting and helping each other (e.g., logos of non-profits).
The bottom line
Designers often use symbols and iconography when developing infographics, logos, web presentations, landing pages, and social media profiles. Symbols cross language barriers and give you a chance to convey complex ideas with just a few lines.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
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Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
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