36 Symbols of Hope From Around the World

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Take a deep dive into the significance of these symbols

Co-authored by Joseph Yoo and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: January 21, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Animals, Birds, & Insects
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• Plants & Flowers
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• Objects
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• Biblical
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• Mythological
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• Chinese

|Show more |Show less

Whether you need a reminder that things get better or you’re looking for a meaningful way to connect with a friend who’s having a hard time, sometimes a symbol can offer a more poignant message of hope than words ever could. We’re digging deep into the significance behind symbols of hope, including inspiration from the animal and plant worlds, ancient symbols of hope, and important touchpoints from Christianity and Chinese culture.

Symbols of Hope: Overview

• Animals: Butterfly, hummingbird, cardinal, dragonfly, rooster
• Plants: Spring flowers, sprouts, sunflower, acorn, birch tree
• Objects: Anchor, horseshoe, lighthouse, 8-pointed star, fish hook
• Biblical: Dove, olive branch, rainbow, cross, Ichthis
• Ancient: Elpis, phoenix, unicorn, lotus flower, candle
• Chinese: Koi, fenghuang, qilin, paper lanterns, gingko tree

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Section 1 of 6:

Symbols of Hope: Animals, Birds, & Insects

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   Butterfly Butterflies represent beauty, rebirth, and hope. Their transformation from the lowly caterpillar into the majestic and free butterfly is a symbol to us all that we can break free of our past and become the beautiful creature we’re meant to be.

   • In the ancient world, butterflies were thought to embody the soul.
   • In modern times, many people associate butterflies with a visitation from a loved one who’s passed away. This can give them hope of an afterlife and that they still have a connection with someone dear to them.
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   Baby animals Baby animals are undoubtedly adorable—but they can also inspire hope. They’re a symbol that generations will continue, from a comfortable domestic setting to the harshest wilds of nature. They represent new life, innocence, and potential. Baby animals that are often used as symbols of hope include:

   • Baby elephants
   • Puppies
   • Bunnies
   • Kittens
   • Baby gorillas
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   Starfish Starfish are often associated with good luck, renewal, and resilience. These unique sea creatures have the astounding ability to regenerate limbs—and while we might not have the same physical capabilities, we can draw inspiration from the determination to push through even the deepest hurts to emerge with a renewed sense of self.

   • The starfish may not look exactly the same once it regrows its limbs, symbolizing that even though we might be changed throughout life, we do not have to lose ourselves.
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   Albatross The albatross represents good fortune to sailors on the water—so much so that not seeing them is considered a bad omen, and killing one is thought to be very bad luck. So if you find yourself out on the open sea and you spot an albatross, take comfort in the hope that your journey will be a successful one.
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   Hummingbird For such a small creature, hummingbirds have a big impact on people. They’re seen as symbols of joy, hope, and beauty, bringing a buoyant energy to anyone who sees them. Additionally, many people are inspired by the fact that hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly up, down, side to side, and backwards—sometimes it takes an unconventional path to push forwards in life.

   • Like butterflies, some people see the hummingbird as a sign that a departed loved one is nearby.
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   Cardinal The bright red cardinal stands out from its surroundings. This can be an especially powerful message of life and hope in the middle of a snowy winter—a reminder that no matter how bleak things may seem, there’s hope of a brighter time ahead.

   • Cardinals form strong mating attachments, so they often represent love, loyalty, and devotion.
   • The cardinal is sometimes seen as a spiritual messenger, and it’s sometimes interpreted as being the spirit of a loved one who is trying to connect.
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   Dragonfly Dragonflies are celebrated around the world—not just for their beauty, but for their powerful reminder of hope and transformation. Dragonflies begin their lives as underwater nymphs, with some species taking up to 5 years to fully mature. Then one day, they leave the water and moult, transforming into a beautiful creature with the freedom to fly.

   • Many people are inspired by this journey, taking comfort in the fact that even if the journey is long, you can still realize your fullest self.
   • Many people also associate dragonflies with spirituality, and they may see a dragonfly as a visitation from someone who passed away.
   • In Japan, dragonflies are often seen as a symbol of victory.
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   Ladybug Ladybugs are often considered to be a sign of good luck, especially if one lands on you! These tiny beetles earned their reputation the honest way—they eat aphids that can decimate otherwise healthy crops, so seeing them near plants may have given them hope for a successful harvest.
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   Firefly Fireflies do more than light up the night—they give people a wondrous sense of magic, hope, and joy. They’re a sign that all hope is not lost, even on the darkest nights, and a reminder to delight in the smallest things in life.

   • Fireflies were prevalent in the mythology of ancient cultures around the world. For instance, one Japanese legend says that fireflies are the ghosts of ancient warriors, while in the Amazon, they were believed to be guides sent from the gods.
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    Rooster A rooster’s crow is a signal that a new day is starting—and a metaphorical message of hope, renewal, fresh starts, and the end of the dark night. So the next time you hear a rooster’s distinctive cry, take a few minutes to think about all the potential the day ahead could bring.

    • Some Chinese legends said that if you painted the image of a rooster on your door, it would help keep dark spirits from entering your home in the night.
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Section 2 of 6:

Symbols of Hope: Plants & Flowers

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   Spring Flowers After a long, bleak winter, there may be nothing more hopeful than seeing spring flowers peeking out of the dreary earth. The bright green shoots and colorful buds are a reminder of renewal, warmth, and hope for brighter days ahead. Some of the flowers most commonly associated with springtime hope include:

   • Daffodils
   • Lilies
   • Irises
   • Crocuses
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   Sprouts Just like new flowers symbolize the end of spring, sprouting plants are a promise of new life and growth. All the potential of the plant is contained in one or two tiny green leaves—and a field full of new sprouts holds the promise of a rich harvest ahead.

   • A sprout emerging from its seed is also a symbol of growth, embodying the hope that we too can transform as we expand our hearts and minds.
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   Sunflower The sunflower is a reminder of warmth, sunny days, and the feeling of turning our faces to the sun. It's a symbol of brightness, optimism, and joy—the perfect hint of hope when things are dark.

   • Seeing a field of sunflowers all turned to the sun can also be a symbol of unity, providing hope in lonely times.
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   Acorn The acorn is an incredible symbol of hope and potential. It's a reminder that even if you start from the humblest beginnings, your ability to grow is limitless, just like the mighty oak tree.

   • In ancient Norse and Celtic cultures, acorns also symbolized fertility and immortality.
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   Birch tree Birch trees are a symbol of renewal and hope. They’re often one of the first species to regrow after catastrophic events like forest fires. They’ve also played an important role in many cultures that live off the land, providing fuel for fires and bark for baskets, homes, and canoes—so seeing them emerge after a fire would have doubtless been a sign of hope for the people who relied on them.

   • According to a Celtic legend, the bark of white birch trees would help ward off evil.
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   Four-leaf clover The four-leaf clover has been a sign of good luck, hope, and protection for centuries. People today still often make a wish when they find one, giving them at least one moment filled with hope that their wish will come true.

   • According to Irish legend, the four leaves of the clover represent love, hope, faith, and luck.
   • Ancient druids used clovers ceremonially, believing that they had the power to ward off evil spirits.
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Section 3 of 6:

Symbols of Hope: Objects

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   Anchor Christian pastor Joseph Yoo says that the anchor represents “being anchored by the love of God.” The anchor represents steady strength in even the roughest waters. Ultimately, it’s a promise that a ship will remain firmly moored in place. As a symbol, it often represents a similar hope—that we will stay tethered even when faced with trials and storms.

   • Since ancient times, the anchor has been used as a symbol of salvation and hope in Christianity.
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   Horseshoe Horseshoes are considered a lucky object, giving the holder hope that they’ll be protected from bad energy. There are a number of reasons horseshoes might be considered lucky: the crescent shape is thought to protect against the evil eye, iron is believed to ward off magical beings, and horseshoes have 7 holes in them—a lucky number!

   • This belief actually has ancient roots, possibly dating back to a 10th Century legend where St. Dunstan supposedly nailed a horseshoe to the devil hoof. After that, it was said the devil would never enter a household with a horseshoe nailed above the door.
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   Lighthouse The lighthouse is the ultimate symbol of hope in darkness. It would help guide ships safely to shore or help them steer around dangerous rocks, ensuring sailors made it safely home. Today, we still see the lighthouse as a beacon of hope, trust, and faith.
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   8-Pointed Star The 8-pointed star, sometimes called the Star of Ishtar, is an ancient symbol of hope, protection, good luck, and spiritual healing. It’s been found in cultures around the world, including rock carvings from ancient Mesopotamia, Islamic art, and Canada’s indigenous people.

   • In Hinduism, the 8-pointed star is known as the Ashtha Lakshmi. It represents Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and good fortune.
   • In Christianity, an 8-pointed star is often used to represent the Star of Bethlehem that appeared after Jesus’ birth.
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   Fish hook The fish hook represents strength, prosperity, and good fortune. In fishing cultures, it symbolizes the hope of a prosperous catch, bringing abundance to the fisherman and their families.

   • The fish hook—or makau—is an especially prominent symbol in Polynesian cultures.
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Section 4 of 6:

Biblical & Christian Symbols of Hope

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   Dove In the Bible, the dove is a symbol of hope and peace when it appears to Noah holding an olive branch after the Great Flood. It was a sign that the flood waters begun to recede, and that the earth would not stay covered in water forever.

   • The dove is also used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.
   • The use of the dove as a symbol of hope and peace has persisted in popular culture. For instance, in 1949, the World Peace Congress chose Pablo Picasso’s painting of a dove to be its icon.
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   Olive branch Like the dove, the olive branch as a sign for hope and peace is taken from the Biblical story of Noah and the Great Flood. It was symbolized that the waters had begun to recede, giving Noah and his family the hope that mankind would not perish.

   • Today, the olive branch is universally revered as a sign of peace and good intentions.
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   Rainbow The rainbow is another enduring symbol of hope taken from the story of the Great Flood. After the flood waters receded from the earth, God put a rainbow in the sky as a promise that he would never destroy mankind by flooding the entire world again.

   • People outside of Christianity also see the rainbow as a sign of hope—a beautiful promise that the sun will come out again after a storm.
   • Manifestation expert Jennifer McVey, Cht says that “spiritually, double rainbows are symbols of hope, faith, and prosperity” and that they “can be a sign of great spiritual awakening of transformation.”
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   Cross In Christianity, the cross is the ultimate symbol of hope. Followers of Christianity believe that Jesus’ death on the cross ensures their eternal salvation. As such, the cross represents their hope and faith in Jesus’ sacrifice and everything He gave his life for.

   • The cross also suggests redemption—the promise that no one has sinned so much that he or she can not be forgiven by God.
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   Ichthis The ICHTHIS, or fish symbol, is an ancient symbol of Christianity. It was often used by followers of Christ to identify themselves to other believers, without catching the attention of those who would persecute them. Today, the symbol represents the enduring hope in Jesus and His teachings.
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Section 5 of 6:

Ancient & Mythological Symbols of Hope

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   Elpis In ancient Greek mythology, Elpis was the personified spirit (or daimona) of hope. Elpis and the other daimones were trapped in a container by Zeus. Pandora later opened that container, and all the daimones flew out except Elpis, who stayed behind to help care for humans.

   • Elpis often appears as a young maiden carrying an armful of flowers.
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   Phoenix The phoenix is a symbol of rebirth, resilience, and hope. Only one of these mythological birds could exist at a time. When it died, it burst into flames, and a new one would rise from the ashes. Many people draw hope and inspiration from this image of rising up renewed and reborn from the ashes of tragedy.

   • The myth of the phoenix may have originated from the ancient Egyptian god Osiris, who was said to be reborn each day.
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   Unicorn The unicorn is a mythological creature that symbolizes purity, magic, and hope. Legends say that unicorns were protectors that had healing power. Today, many people are still inspired by their beauty and grace, finding hope in the idea that a spark of magic might still persist in the world today.
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   Lotus flower The lotus flower is a beautiful symbol of growth, resilience, and transformation. This gorgeous flower grows best in muddy, murky water. But it reaches up through the depths, eventually showcasing a pristine bloom above the water’s surface.

   • To many people, the lotus flower represents hope that they too can still bloom, even when they’re mired in the most difficult circumstances.
   • The lotus is an important symbol in Buddhism—Buddha is often depicted sitting on a throne made from a lotus blossom, and lotuses are often used to decorate Buddhist temples and monasteries.
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   Candles Candles have been used since ancient times as a way to light up the dark night—ancient Romans are thought to have used papyrus dipped in melted tallow or wax. Unsurprisingly, the candle has been a symbol of hope for just as long. It represents faith in hard times, guidance when you’re unsure of your path, and the hope that there’s a comforting light waiting at the end of the darkness.
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Section 6 of 6:

Chinese Symbols of Hope

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   Koi Fish In Chinese and Japanese culture, the koi fish symbolizes perseverance and resilience. The idea of pushing through challenges is ultimately rooted in the hope that something better waits on the other side. They also represent prosperity, embodying the hope of a bright future.

   • An ancient Chinese legend says that after swimming upstream, koi fish would transform into dragons, which represents the hope of surmounting obstacles.
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   Fenghuang (Chinese Phoenix) The Fenghuang is a mythological Chinese creature that’s often associated with the Phoenix. It’s a bird-like creature with the neck of a snake and the tail of a fish. It often appears in times of peace, and it represents the hope of good fortune and peace.

   • Unlike the Western phoenix myth, the fenghuang can not die and it is not born of fire.
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   Qilin The qilin is another mythological creature from China. This time, it’s a chimera, or a combination of several different animals—it’s often depicted as having characteristics of animals like the deer, ox, fish, and lion. It symbolizes good luck, peace, and wisdom.

   • In Japan, this creature is called “kirin,” and in Korea, it’s “girin.”
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   Paper lanterns Chinese paper lanterns have represented good luck and prosperity for thousands of years—they date back to as far as 25 AD. They’re commonly used as a way to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The color of each lantern represents its meaning:

   • Red: Prosperity, wealth, and fame
   • Yellow: Good luck, freedom
   • Green: Health, prosperity
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   Gingko tree The Gingko tree has been a symbol of hope in China for centuries, appearing in artwork and literature. The fan-shaped leaves are delicately beautiful, helping inspire thoughts of peace and the hope for a brighter future.

   • The association between gingkos and hope only deepened after the bombing of Hiroshima—a gingko tree survived the blast, and today it’s often called the “Bearer of Hope.”
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