Symbols of purity can give us a sense of serenity in a complex and often chaotic world. Whether in the form of an animal or a flower, plant, tree, gemstone, or other natural phenomenon, something that is untainted and immaculate can give us a fresh perspective and clarity. In this post, we’ll explore the wonderfully diverse world of things that symbolize purity.
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Pure of heart and intention, animals can inspire us to honor innocence and a less complicated way of looking at the world. Here are some animals that symbolize purity:
The dove is a universal symbol of purity and innocence, often associated with peace, love, and spiritual renewal due to its gentle nature and the tradition of white doves being released at various ceremonies.
You can read more detail about dove symbolism in my post about dove spiritual meanings.
The swan embodies grace and elegance. The white swan embodies pristine gentility while the black swan represents rare, uncorrupted beauty.
As symbols of transformation and angels, butterflies represent the idea that our souls are unblemished, regardless of what happens in the material world. White butterflies are reminiscent of angels, while black butterflies embody the ideas that emotional depth leads to greater spiritual development.
The Arctic fox, with their white fur that blends seamlessly with the snowy background of their natural habitat symbolizes unity and wholeness with the purity of the natural world.
The white wolf embodies cosmic, lunar, and spiritual energy. They represent the pure spirit of the wilderness, untainted by human beings.
You can read more about white wolf symbolism in my post about white wolf meaning.
Rabbits, with their gentle, innocent, and quiet demeanor, are also symbols of purity as well as new beginnings.
You can read more about rabbit symbolism in my post about the spiritual meanings of rabbits.
One of the archetypal symbols of wisdom, the owl also embodies the idea of pureness of thought. In addition, snowy owls are monogamous and mate for life. Thus, they symbolize the pureness of unconditional love.
You can read more about white owl symbolism in my post about white owl meaning.
The gentle lamb embodies the idea of innocence and pureness of heart. Thus, the lamb is a universal symbol of virtue. In fact, in many spiritual faiths, the lamb represents the idea of something unsullied or beyond the sins of the world.
For example, Jesus is described as the lamb of God in John 1:29: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”1
Mythical creatures have captured the imaginations of people throughout history. And some of the favorites represent purity and transcendence. Here are a few examples:
With the ability to soar into the heavens and his pristine white coat, Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology, embodies purity and freedom. Pegasus was also said to be immortal, so he even transcended the notion of getting older and dying.
You can read more in my post about Pegasus, the immortal flying horse.
The mystical and elusive unicorn is a creature of sublime beauty and purity. They seem at once to be a part of our world, and at another to be too good for it. Thus, the unicorn is a longstanding symbol of magic and purity.
The white stag, also known as the white hart, is a mythological creature commonly associated with the pureness of spirit. In folklore and mythology, seeing a white stag is a positive omen for good fortune and spiritual enlightenment. The magnificent stag’s white coat represents the pursuit of higher truths.
You can read more about white stag meaning in my post about the stag spirit animal.
The mythical bird, the phoenix perishes in a fire only to be reborn from the ashes. Thus, the phoenix represents the capacity to be destroyed but then purified and to rise up again. Thus, the phoenix represents the idea of being born again.
You can read more about the phoenix bird in my post about phoenix mythology.
One of nature’s greatest gifts to us, flowers evoke feelings of beauty and freshness. Thus, they are fitting symbols for the idea of purity and new beginnings. Here are a few types of flowers that are notable symbols of purity:
The lotus flower has profound spiritual significance in many Eastern traditions because it sprouts in the mud and then grows through water to bloom above the surface. As well, its blossoms open up during the day to receive the sunshine.
Thus, the lotus represents the idea of spiritual growth, transformation, and ultimately enlightenment.
In addition, in Buddhism, the color white is associated with mental self-mastery and clearing away the clutter in your thoughts, which can come from meditation. Thus, a white lotus flower symbolizes the Buddha that is in all of us.
You can read more in my post about the spiritual meanings of the lotus flower.
Like the lotus flower, water lilies also grow through mud and water to bloom above the surface. The lily is also associated with rebirth and the transformation of the soul. Thus, they are often given at both births and memorial services.
In addition, in Christian symbolism, lilies are associated with the Virgin Mary, representing her purity and virtue.
You can read more in my post about lily spiritual meanings.
Besides their lovely scent, jasmine flowers have a number of special properties. For example, essential oils derived from jasmine can fight infection. In addition, jasmine tea offers health benefits, such as helping to prevent cancer and diabetes.
Because of these qualities and jasmine’s ability to freshen the air, the flower is also a symbol of purity. In fact, practitioners of a variety of spiritual faiths, from the East to the West, place jasmine in temples, churches, and other places of worship as a symbol of spiritual purity and faith.2
You can read more in my post about jasmine spiritual meanings.
In some cultures, gardenias are used in wedding ceremonies because they symbolize unconditional love and devotion. Thus, the gardenia flower, with its exquisite beauty and intoxicating fragrance, also symbolizes the pureness of heart and intentions.
In China, magnolia flowers represent devotion and commitment. Thus, magnolia flowers and trees are used often in the Chinese practice of feng shui. They represent long-term devotion and marital happiness, as well as prosperity.3
Furthermore, the magnolia also represents feminine fortitude.
For both of these reasons, the magnolia also represents a purity of spirit and objectives.
You can read more in my post about magnolia symbolism.
Besides being vibrant and joyful to look at, sunflowers have a special power in which they can absorb radioactive isotopes from the environment.
So, sunflowers have been planted at both the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disaster sites because they can help to remove radioactive toxins from the environment.4
So, the sunflower is a powerful symbol for purity and vitality.
You can read more in my post about sunflower spiritual meaning.
A charming flower, the daisy symbolizes innocence, purity, and new beginnings. Its simplicity and association with spring reminds us of the innocence of childlike wonder and the purity of heart.
You can read more in my post about daisy flower spiritual meaning.
Some species of irises are semi-aquatic, growing in water and marshy environments. Like the sunflower, they have the special ability to remove toxins from the environment. In fact, yellow flag irises are used in sewage treatment areas because of this capacity.
So, the iris is another flower that symbolizes purity.
You can read more in my post about iris spiritual meanings.
Like flowers, trees and plants make our planet habitable by absorbing CO2. Because of this, they are all natural air purifiers. Here are a few notable examples:
Spider plants are popular indoor plants that are said to help purity the air. (While all plants help to purity the air by absorbing CO2, experts say you can gain as many purifying benefits by simply opening a window or increasing ventilation in a room.)
Nevertheless, the spider plant has earned a reputation as being a symbol of purity. Its lovely, delicate white flowers have also undoubtedly helped with this perception.
Like the spider plant, the snake plant also makes a great house plant because it’s easy to grow and helps to purify the air. Thus, it’s another symbol of purity and makes a great housewarming gift.
The air purifier for the planet, the Amazon and other rainforests are arguably the world’s most important symbols of purity. In fact, protecting rainforests and other woodlands is one of the most effective ways we can fight climate change.
In addition to the animal and plant kingdoms, gems and minerals have special properties that we associate with purity. Here are some examples:
Pearls, whether white or black, symbolize purity because of their natural formation by mollusks as well as their smooth and lustrous appearance, which doesn’t tarnish. As well, the timeless quality of pearls, combined with their rarity, enhances their image as a symbol of purity and perfection.
Diamonds are renowned for their dazzling beauty. They symbolize purity due to their immaculate clarity. In addition, the black diamond, which is more rare than the white diamond, is associated with purity because of its depth and unusualness.
Like diamonds, quartz crystals are revered for their clarity. They are believed to amplify positive energy, making them important metaphysical tools for spiritual purification and protection.
Moonstones are known for their glowing iridescent beauty. They are associated with spiritual clarity and are believed to enhance intuition, emotional balance, and spiritual connection.
A pale blue stone, angelite represents purity and serenity, as well as compassion. It is often used in meditation practices to facilitate angelic communication and promote intuitive clarity.
Black tourmaline is a powerful protective stone that is also associated with purification. It’s believed to absorb negative energy and cleanse the aura, promoting a sense of well-being and balance.
Obsidian is a volcanic glass known for its smooth and reflective surface. It is often used for spiritual cleansing and grounding.
Onyx is a black gemstone that represents strength, protection, and purification. It is believed to absorb negative energy and transform it into positive energy.
Alabaster is a white mineral that has been used for centuries in art and sculpture due to its smooth texture and translucency. It is associated with purity, innocence, and spiritual enlightenment.
Zeolites are natural volcanic minerals that can absorb toxins and odors, purifying the air because of their remarkable ability to trap and neutralize harmful substances. Thus, they represent purity in practical and tangible ways.
Blue and white sapphires are associated with purification because of their clarity, Blue sapphires are associated with loyalty and truth as well as water and air. While white sapphires, with their transparent and luminous appearance, are associated with higher levels of consciousness.
With their unique luminescent colors, which look like colorful flames, opals represent the purity of white and the purification process of fire.
Coming in a range of sparkling, clear colors, on a spiritual level, topaz represents openness, honesty, and good fortune. So, it is associated with pure intentions and goals.
In Asia, jade symbolizes cleanliness and moral integrity. And whether it’s white or green, it is highly regarded for its protective properties. It is also associated with harmony, balance, and spiritual purification.
Clear and sparkling like the Caribbean sea or the color of a clear blue sky, an aquamarine is like a breath of fresh air. Its transparency suggests a tranquil state of mind and pure intentions.
The purple amethyst is a gemstone that is said to cleanse and purify the mind, body, and spirit. It also has protective qualities.
In addition to animals, plants, and minerals, natural phenomena can also represent purity. Here are some examples:
Water has long been a symbol of purity due to its life-sustaining and cleansing properties and its capacity to renew the land.
You can read more about water symbolism in my post about water meanings.
The waterfall is a breathtaking example of the power of water and its cleansing and renewing properties.
Emerging from the Earth, natural springs embody nature that is unadulterated and replenishing.
Some glaciers have existed for hundreds of thousands of years. Thus, they represent nature’s unspoiled beauty.5 So, these majestic formations are another symbol of purity.
Water takes on many forms and each form has its own set of meanings. In the form of rain showers, it refreshes and revitalizes the Earth. So, rain has long been a symbol of purification and renewal.
You can read more about rain symbolism in my post about rain meanings.
The sparking white of a snow drift evokes feelings of a natural world that is untouched, clean, and pristine. In fact, the simile “pure as the driven snow” describes something that is unadulterated ro unblemished.
Dew drops glistening on flower petals and leaves in the morning makes the world feel fresh and new. So, the morning dew is another symbol of nature’s capacity to bring freshness and renewal.
Yes, even dirt can be a symbol of purity! Dark organic soil that is free of pesticides and other toxins is a beautiful symbol of purity, as it’s foundational for growing healthy plants and insects and sustaining entire ecosystems.
Derived from organic matter, charcoal is also associated with purification and cleansing. Its porous structure makes it an excellent material for removing impurities and toxins, which helps to purify air and water.
Pioneering thought leader Benjamin Franklin was famous for taking air baths in which he would sunbathe naked. While he may not have known this at the time, sunshine is a powerful antibacterial, which can reduce body odor.
As well, where nighttime might be a metaphor for the unknown, sunlight can bring a level of clarity and understanding.
Wind is another natural phenomenon that can represent purity. Like a cool breeze blowing the smoke of a wildfire away, wind can disperse pollutants helping us to breathe easier.
Of course, there are human-created symbols that can also represent purity. Here are some examples.
Modeled on the iris flower, the fleur-de-lys symbol represents purity, chivalry, and honor due to its historical association with French royalty and Christian iconography. As a royal emblem, it represented the noble virtues and divine right of kings.
While in Christianity, it was linked to the Virgin Mary, embodying purity and chastity. This elegant and balanced symbol thus came to be universally recognized as an emblem of honor, pure intentions, and moral integrity.6
In Norse mythology, the hammer of the dog Thor, which is called Mjölnir, represents protection and consecration. In Norse legends, Thor used it as a weapon against evil and chaos as well as in sacred ceremonies to bless and purify. Thus, it signifies the purification of the world from evil forces.
The Hindu symbol called the tripundra consists of three horizontal lines and a dot over each line. The three lines symbolize the god Shiva’s threefold power of will, knowledge, and action.
Hindus will display a tripundra on their foreheads or body in reverence for Lord Shiva and as an acknowledgement of the impermanence of the physical, which will evaporate into ashes, and the eternal nature of the spiritual.7
Like natural quartz, manufactured and polished crystals are also believed to cleanse energy and to magnify positive vibrations.
Forming in natural crystal-like clusters, himalayan salt, which is commonly used to make decorative salt lamps, is revered for its detoxifying properties because the salt absorbs moisture, and thus pollutants, from the air. While its air purifying properties are up for debate, himalayan salt has come to be a popular symbol of purity and peacefulness.
In this journey through the diverse symbols of purity, we’ve seen how everything from animals to flowers to gemstones can embody the essence of something being unadulterated and immaculate. These symbols remind us that amidst life’s complexities, it can give us a sense of serenity and ease to feel that purity exists in the world.
Hello. Thanks for visiting UniGuide. My name is Kristen and I started UniGuide as a tribute to nature, animals, and spiritual exploration. I hope you enjoy your experience here!
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