In China, India and Africa, the elephant is a symbol of beauty, power, dignity, intelligence and peace. The elephant is considered a symbol of good luck and is a symbol of good fortune.

In Asia - elephants symbolize the divine. Often ceremonies occur in which people while make offerings to elephants by washing and anointing them with special oils and colors during various festivals. It is a way of asking for their families and or community to be blessed with luck and good will. Elephants symbolize strength, good health, and longevity.

Many communities consider the Elephant to be a strong symbol of luck and good fortune and the famous saying goes “ keep a lucky elephant at the door to your house so that you can get protection from bad luck and only invite the good inside”.

The meaning of an elephant is much deeper than one can imagine and has helped to shape the eastern world as we know it today.

The True Meaning of the Elephant

In both Hinduism and Buddhism the elephant is seen as a holy animal, and its likeness is represented in the form of many gods. The elephant is not worshipped directly but indirectly for their qualities that people wish to emulate. 

Elephants are a powerful role model for many people in their spiritual lifestyle because they are obedient towards their leader, they have a steadfast nature about them because they are unstoppable once set on a path, and they have large ears that are used to listen much more so than to speak. 

Different Interpretations of the Elephant in Society 

Elephants are gentle giants and while extremely strong and powerful, unless provoked, they have a very low key temperament. They could easily be destructive if they wanted to be but that is not in their nature. They have a quiet confidence and power about them, and while they could dominate, they prefer to be peaceful and calm.