15 Symbols Of Forgiveness Around The World

symbols of forgiveness

Who hasn’t been hurt by the actions or words of another? May be you’re criticized by your parents, colleagues,  classmates, relatives or by your partner. These wounds can leave lasting feelings of resentment, bitterness and anger — sometimes even hatred, and it is not easy to rise above those terrible experiences. Forgiveness is not easy, but it can be a powerful way to develop empathy and compassion. In this article, we will explore top 15 popular symbols of forgiveness around the world.

What is Forgiveness?

Forgiveness is a complex concept. When we forgive, we let go of negative feelings, resentment, and anger towards someone who has caused us harm. It’s a totally voluntary and intentional decision to release feelings of bitterness and the desire for revenge, and to do that, we need a shift in attitude and perspective. It is important to acknowledge that we are not trying to excuse the wrong behavior, but rather about freeing ourselves of the negative emotions, so that we can heal and move forward.

When you forgive, you break the cycle of negativity and open the door to healing and reconciliation. It can lead to improved relationships, increased empathy, and personal growth.

Symbols of forgiveness can vary across different cultures and contexts. Here are the popular and universal symbols of forgiveness around the world:

1. White Dove

The white dove is a universal symbol of peace and forgiveness. In Christian art, the image of the Holy Spirit is often represented as a dove. This association with divinity and spirituality lends an air of peace and serenity to the dove’s symbolism. The dove’s role as a messenger of peace and forgiveness is further emphasized in depictions of Jesus’ baptism, where a dove is shown descending from heaven.

Throughout history, white doves have also been used as symbols of reconciliation. In ancient times, releasing doves was a common practice during peace negotiations and the end of conflicts. This action symbolized a desire for harmony and an end to hostilities.

The dove comes to be associated with these images thanks to its pure white feather color, which makes people think of being good and clean in a moral and spiritual way. The dove’s white feathers symbolizes its unspoiled nature, not yet tainted by evil and ugly things in this world. They are also known for their gentle and non-aggressive behavior. Unlike some other birds, they don’t possess sharp talons or powerful beaks that could be used for aggression. Their soft cooing sounds and calm demeanor contribute to the perception of peace.

innocent dove as symbolism of purity and freedom

Read more: Dove Symbolism & Meaning: Ultimate Guide

In Greek stories, the dove is even linked to Aphrodite, a goddess who represents love and beauty. Everywhere, the white dove is seen as a way to talk about things that are pure and good. It

2. Olive Branch

Throughout history, the act of extending an olive branch has been a symbol of extending an offer of peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Offering an olive branch to someone indicates a willingness to mend relationships and move forward, even after disagreements or conflicts.

The olive branch has also appeared in religious texts, specifically in the story of Noah’s Ark, when a dove returned to the ark with an olive leaf, symbolizing the end of the flood and the start of a new, peaceful era. This story represents that God has forgiven the people, and it is time to rebuild the world after His wrath.

Interesting, olive trees have the ability to live for centuries and regenerate even after being severely pruned or damaged. This resilience and capacity for renewal parallel the concept of forgiveness, which involves letting go of past grievances and allowing for the possibility of growth and healing.

dove with olive branch

3. Mpatapo

“Mpatapo” is an Akan Adinkra symbol from West Africa, especially Ghana and Ivory Coast. It represents reconciliation, peace, and unity.

The symbol shows two crocodile-like creatures with their mouths closed, symbolizing ending conflicts and restoring harmony. “Mpatapo” translates to “knot of reconciliation”, expressing the idea that disagreements can be solved through peaceful dialogue. It promotes the values of understanding, forgiveness, and coming together to rebuild relationships.

In Akan culture, Adinkra symbols like Mpatapo are often found on traditional textiles, clothing, pottery, and architectural elements.

4. Goddess Clementia

Goddess Clementia as symbols of forigiveness
Goddess Clementia

She was sometimes associated with forgiveness, especially in matters of mercy and leniency granted by rulers or authorities. Her name was literally translated to “clemency” or “mercy”. While not as well-known as some other Roman deities, she played a role in the Roman concept of just governance and the idea of showing compassion and forgiveness to those who have erred.

One notable historical event linked to Goddess Clementia is the siege and conquest of Jerusalem by the Roman Emperor Titus in 70 AD during the First Jewish-Roman War. After the fall of the city, Titus reportedly showed clemency and mercy by sparing some of the inhabitants. This act of compassion could be seen as an embodiment of the virtues represented by Goddess Clementia.

5. Heart

the heart as symbols of forgiveness

The heart is commonly considered the emotional center of the body. Emotions such as love, empathy, and compassion are often felt in the heart area. Forgiveness is an emotionally charged act that involves letting go of negative feelings and replacing them with positive emotions. Thus, the heart’s association with emotions makes it a natural symbol for forgiveness.

When people speak of “having a change of heart” or “softening one’s heart,” we think of a shift in perspective. It is how we go from grievance to forgiveness.

6. Hug

hug as symbol of forgiveness

A hug creates closeness and shows vulnerability, offering a way to move past hurt and conflict. It says, “Let’s leave the past behind and move forward.”

Hugs break emotional barriers, replacing tension with warmth and understanding. In that moment of connection, both people acknowledge their shared humanity and imperfections, paving the way for empathy, understanding, and forgiveness.

7. Handshake

handshake as symbol of forgiveness

In many cultures, the act of shaking hands is accompanied by eye contact and a genuine smile. This direct engagement communicates sincerity and authenticity, which are essential components of forgiveness. When meeting each other’s gaze and exchanging smiles, we convey our readiness to engage in an honest and constructive dialogue.

A handshake is about openness and trust. When we shake hands, we make ourselves vulnerable, showing we’re not a threat. It’s a way of saying we’re open to rebuilding trust and understanding with the other person.

8. Lotus Flower

the lotus as symbols of forgiveness

In Buddhism, the lotus flower symbolizes purity, growth, and letting go. It blooms from muddy waters, showing how we can rise above negativity and reach peace and understanding.

The lotus teaches that forgiveness is about acknowledging emotions but not letting them control us. Like the lotus rising from water, we can rise above anger and hurt, finding balance and calm within ourselves. Forgiveness is about seeing our feelings clearly, then choosing to let go and move forward with empathy and peace.

Read More: Lotus Symbolism Around The World

9. Water

what is the spiritual meaning of water

Water can clean and make things pure, just like how forgiveness can heal the hurt inside us. Water’s way of working is a bit like how forgiveness changes us.

Think about water flowing in a river. It can go around rocks and move over different surfaces. In the same way, forgiveness helps us get past problems in relationships and adapt to the tricky parts of how people connect. Forgiveness lets feelings move without getting stuck, like how water moves and washes away bad feelings, making space for understanding and kindness.

Water is also like a friend that helps plants grow. Forgiveness is similar because it helps feelings of kindness and connection grow between people. Just as water helps flowers bloom, forgiveness helps relationships bloom again, becoming strong and happy.

Read More: Spiritual Meaning of Water

10. Offering or Gifts

When someone offers a gift to another person, it often signifies a gesture of peace and reconciliation. The act of giving a gift can symbolize a desire to mend any past disagreements and extend an olive branch of forgiveness. The gift becomes a physical representation of the intention to restore harmony and move forward positively.

Just as a gift can serve as a bridge between individuals, forgiveness also bridges the gap created by conflicts. The act of giving and receiving a gift symbolizes a willingness to reconnect and rebuild a bond that may have been strained. It’s a way of saying, “I value our relationship and want to make things right.”

gift as a symbol of forgiveness

11. Symbol of Forgiveness

The symbol of forgiveness holds a significant place within the rich tapestry of Native American culture. Deeply rooted in tradition, it found its artistic expression in various forms across the Southwest regions of the United States, particularly in states like New Mexico, Tesco, and Utah.

Research and archaeological findings reveal that some of these petroglyphs and pictographs date as far back as 3000 BC. Its prevalence across various tribes stands as a testament to its universal importance in the Native American way of life.

Visually, the forgiveness symbol is characterized by a circle intersected by two lines. The circle symbolizes unity, harmony, and the cyclical nature of life, while the two intersecting lines represent the act of letting go, the embodiment of forgiveness, and the promise of new beginnings.

12. Breath

When we take a deep breath in, it’s like we’re taking in the understanding of the situation. We’re acknowledging the hurt, the pain, and the emotions that come with it. Just as we accept the air into our lungs, forgiveness begins with accepting our feelings without judgment. It’s a step towards facing the truth of what has happened.

breath as symbols of forgiveness

As we exhale, we release the breath and let go. In the same way, forgiveness involves releasing the grip of anger, resentment, and negative emotions. It’s a conscious decision to release the burden that holding onto hurtful feelings can bring. With each breath out, we’re symbolically releasing the weight of grudges and making space for healing.

Read More: Breath Symbolism Across Cultures

13. Quilt/Patchwork

Each patch in a quilt carries its unique design and color, much like individual experiences and emotions in human relationships. They are the moments, emotions, and perspectives that shape our interactions. Just as a quilt gathers these distinct pieces, forgiveness gathers the various aspects of a relationship, including conflicts and grievances, with the intention of creating something beautiful and whole.

patchwork as symbols of forgiveness

14. Prayer and Meditation

Meditation can help us learn to forgive in a special way. It’s like being mindful and being kind go hand in hand. When we become more aware of our pain and the ups and downs of being human, we start to see that the best way to feel better is by treating ourselves and others with kindness. Forgiving with mindfulness is like giving ourselves a special gift, and it can make us feel better and stronger.

prayer and meditation as symbols of forgiveness

Imagine sitting quietly and paying attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them. This is mindfulness. It helps us see that feeling hurt or upset is something everyone goes through. This understanding can help us become softer towards ourselves and others.

Meditation teaches us that holding onto anger doesn’t help us. By facing our pain in a mindful way, we realize that forgiving doesn’t mean what hurt us was okay. It means letting go of the heavy feelings that keep us down. Meditation helps us find the strength to do this.

Mindful forgiveness is like being kind to ourselves. When we sit quietly, we see that we’re not perfect, and that’s okay. This understanding helps us be kinder to ourselves, and then we can show that kindness to others too.

15. Scales of Justice

Imagine the two sides of the scale representing different aspects of a conflict or hurtful situation. On one side, there’s the pain, anger, and hurt that we may feel when someone wrongs us. On the other side, there’s the act of forgiveness, which requires us to let go of those negative feelings. The scale embodies the delicate balance between these emotions.

scale of justice representing forgiveness

Conclusion

In summary, symbols of forgiveness play a meaningful role in human culture and expression. They serve as potent reminders of the transformative qualities of letting go, healing, and embracing new beginnings. These symbols evoke emotions of empathy, growth, and the possibility of restoring harmony in relationships. Whether it’s the olive branch representing reconciliation or the open heart signifying compassion, these symbols resonate with the profound capacity within us to forgive and create a positive path forward.

symbols of forgiveness around the world

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