Mesopotamia Symbols and Meanings
“Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.”
― Leonardo da Vinci
Mesopotamian symbols and meanings that remind us of creativity, wisdom, respect, courage, unity, and solidarity are hidden in world's earliest cities, and the place where writing was invented. For exploring more, please visit our "Mesopotamia: The Cradle of Civilizations" blog post.
As you know, the universe is based on perfect balance and order. Sacred geometry expressed by the flower of life is a miracle containing the secret of the universe.
Since ancient times, humans want to understand the universe and find for the reason for their existence in the sky. That's why looking at the sky means enlightenment. The sky that people cannot reach represents absolute truth and eternity. Also, the stars guide in the journey of finding themselves.
The Eternity that Eyes Can See: The Sky
The sky is the embodiment of eternity, it covers your body, and its extensions are beyond what human eyes can sense. And in this eternal space that human eyes can gaze, the stars are believed to be the guides, helping humans finding themselves. Thus, humankind wanted to carry these guiding stars with them all the time, creating symbols for the stars.
One of the most known star symbols is the eight-pointed Seljuk star. Each corner of the Seljuk star; is thought to symbolize a different virtue: compassion, patience, honesty, keeping secrets, loyalty, humility, generosity, and gratitude.
Our co-existents: Plants and Animals
As being the other living creatures, plants and animals have been attracting the attention of human beings. Throughout the time, after long periods of observation, humans accepted some of the animals and plants to be symbols of some virtues.
Euphrates Turtles: Longevity Hidden Under a Shell
The Euphrates turtles, living a long-lasting life, are considered to be wise, patient, and peaceful. Although they face many difficulties in life, they find a way to survive, grow, and mature. Thus, they inspired humans in ancient Mesopotamia, and they have felt the need to carry the Euphrates turtle’s sign with them, showing their wish to be like them.
Peacock: Colorful Dreams behind Us
Peacocks are animals which have colourful and well-designed feathers in their tail. While its unique tail coloured the dreams for abundance, its noble nature gave inspiration for gentility and watchfulness. Thus, the symbol peacock was believed to represent nobility and gentleness.
Grape Clusters: Prosperous and Nutritious Fruit
Since ancient times, the grape cluster, one of the most important sources of income in the region, has meant prosperity for the people of Mesopotamia. They used grapes to make wines, to refresh themselves with their delicious taste.
Zingelok Flower: Rare and Beautiful
Zingelok flower is unique to the Mesopotamia region and one of the endangered endemic plants and contains all beautiful colours of nature. Thus, the Mesopotamian women, being as colourful and elegant as the Zingelok, have been carrying this symbol with them.
Shahmaran: Women’s Power of Healing
In ancient times, there are special symbols used to describe feminine and masculine energy. According to the legend, Shahmaran is a mythological female character with a snake body and human head, which is believed to exist in Mesopotamia. The hand on waist motif, known as the symbol of womanhood, symbolizes not only motherhood and fertility but also luck, abundance, wealth, happiness, and joy. The ram horn motif, which has survived from ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, depicts masculinity. Even today, the ram horn motif uses in terms of heroism, power, and strength.
Also, the beliefs and thoughts from the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia to the present day express by using various symbols. Known by everyone, the history of the evil eye belief goes back to ancient times. As it is believed that evil energy spreads from the eyes, the two holes on the bead symbolize the eye. The evil eye talisman is thought to protect the person from bad luck.
How about discovering the mysterious symbols of Mesopotamia with Delondra's unique designs?
