In a world full of problems, people always want things to be calm and balanced. Symbols have been created to show this desire for peace and unity. Each symbol has a special meaning, representing the shared wish for a peaceful and balanced life. This article is here to talk about 14 symbols of harmony from different places around the world.
1. Yin and yang
Yin and yang, from ancient Chinese philosophy, symbolize harmony through the balance of opposites in the universe. Found in Taoism and Confucianism, it shows how contrasting forces (darkness and light, passivity and activity, femininity and masculinity) are interconnected and complementary.
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2. Peace sign
The peace sign, a key symbol of the 1960s counterculture, became a powerful emblem of harmony through its ties to anti-war movements and calls for social change.
In the 1960s, the counterculture rejected mainstream values, embracing peace, love, and communal living. The peace sign reflected this shift, symbolizing a move away from violence and toward a more compassionate, cooperative world.
Over time, it grew beyond its anti-war origins, becoming a global symbol of peace and harmony. Its universal appeal continues to represent the hope for a more just and united society.
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3. Dove
Doves are symbols of peace and harmony across cultures and religions. In the Bible, after the flood, Noah’s dove returned with an olive branch—signaling safety, renewal, and reconciliation. That moment became a lasting image of hope and peace.
Doves are gentle by nature. They’re quiet, non-aggressive birds, and their soft cooing and smooth flight add to their peaceful image. White doves especially stand for purity and innocence, reinforcing their link to calm and goodwill.
Globally, doves with olive branches are now universal peace icons. They are commonly used in campaigns, events, and movements to represent unity and nonviolence.
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4. Lotus flower
The lotus is a powerful symbol in many cultures, representing ideas like purity, resilience, and spiritual growth. It holds special meaning in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Ancient Egyptian beliefs. With its symmetrical petals and graceful form, the lotus is seen as a symbol of balance and unity. It grows in muddy water but remains clean and beautiful, showing how it’s possible to rise above challenges without losing one’s essence.
In spiritual traditions, especially in Buddhism and Hinduism, the lotus represents inner peace and enlightenment. Its journey from the mud to the surface reflects the path to self-discovery and harmony.
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5. Tree of life
The Tree of Life is one of those timeless symbols that shows up across cultures and religions, carrying meanings that feel both universal and deeply personal. At its core, it’s all about connection—between life, nature, and the cycles that keep everything moving.
In myths, it’s often the bridge between worlds. In Norse mythology, there’s Yggdrasil, the massive tree holding all the realms together. Indigenous traditions also have their World Tree, tying the heavens, the earth, and everything in between.
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6. Mandala
The term “mandala” is derived from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, where it means “circle.” Mandalas are not limited to religious contexts and can be found in different forms across art, architecture, and psychology.
Mandala patterns represent the harmony and order of the universe. With their symmetrical, circular structures, mandalas embody unity, balance, and the interconnectedness of all things. Each layer and segment reflects a deeper level of spiritual meaning, often used in meditation to center the mind. As symbols of harmony, they remind us that peace begins within and radiates outward.
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7. Japanese koi fish
In traditional Japanese gardens, Koi ponds are designed to create a harmonious and balanced ecosystem. The presence of Koi fish helps control algae growth, maintaining the clarity of the water. The balanced coexistence of plants, fish, and water elements reflects the broader concept of harmony in nature.
Koi Fish are also symbols of resilience. In Japanese and Chinese folklore, there are legends surrounding the transformation of Koi into dragons. One well-known story tells of Koi swimming upstream and transforming into a dragon after overcoming the Dragon Gate waterfall. This transformation symbolizes growth, transformation, and the realization of one’s full potential.
8. Sun and moon
Sun and moon symbolize the eternal dance of opposites: light and dark, masculine and feminine, activity and rest. Rather than conflict, they reflect coexistence and balance in nature. In many traditions, they are viewed as complementary forces that maintain the rhythm of life. As symbols of harmony, they teach that opposing energies can work together to create equilibrium.
In Chinese philosophy, the sun and moon are associated with the concept of Yin and Yang. The sun, representing Yang, is associated with light, warmth, and energy, while the moon, representing Yin, is linked to receptivity, intuition, and calmness. Together, they form a harmonious balance of complementary forces.
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9. World globe
World globe represents the interconnectedness of all people, nations, and ecosystems. It is a visual reminder that despite cultural and political differences, humanity shares a single home. As a symbol of harmony, it speaks to the importance of global unity, mutual respect, and the pursuit of peace across borders. It invites collective responsibility for a balanced future.
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10. Unity candle
Unity candle is a ceremonial symbol of joining often seen in weddings, where two individual flames are merged into one. It represents shared purpose, cooperation, and lasting peace between people. As a symbol of harmony, it captures the essence of two becoming one, while still honoring their individuality. It’s a gesture of love and unity made visible.
11. Celtic knot
Celtic knot designs symbolize eternal connection and wholeness. With no beginning and no end, these interwoven patterns reflect the endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Each loop intertwines with others, showing that harmony is found in relationships, community, and the flow of time. They’re powerful symbols of unity, especially in spiritual and ancestral traditions.
12. Swan
Swan represents elegance, love, and inner stillness. Known for forming lifelong bonds, swans are seen as emblems of romantic and emotional harmony. Their graceful movements across water suggest peace, purity, and emotional depth. In mythology and art, swans often serve as guides between worlds, which make them symbols of harmony between the material and the spiritual.
13. Om Symbol
The Om symbol, or Aum, is a sacred icon in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, carrying deep spiritual and philosophical meaning. It represents the essence of the universe and the interconnectedness of all existence.
The symbol itself is made up of three curves, a dot, and a semicircle. These represent different states of consciousness: waking (A), dreaming (U), deep sleep (M), and Turiya, the transcendental state of pure awareness.
Om is also a sacred sound or mantra. When chanted, it combines the sounds “A,” “U,” and “M,” symbolizing the vibrational energy of the universe. Chanting Om is believed to connect individuals to this universal energy and promote spiritual growth.
In Hinduism, the three sounds of Om are linked to the trinity of Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer), reflecting the cycle of creation, preservation, and transformation. This makes Om a powerful symbol of unity, balance, and the infinite.
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14. Water
Water is a powerful symbol of harmony in many cultures and spiritual traditions. It adapts to any shape or environment, teaching us about flexibility, balance, and compromise.
Its constant flow, whether in rivers, streams, or oceans, mirrors the endless cycle of life, symbolizing the natural rhythm and harmony of existence. Water is also linked to healing and purification. Rituals like bathing or cleansing with water are seen as ways to purify the body, mind, and soul, bringing a sense of inner peace and balance.
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