Polytheism was a belief among the ancient Greeks. It denotes the existence of several gods. They believed that there were many gods and goddesses, as well as various supernatural beings.
There existed a divine hierarchy. Because Zeus was the monarch of the gods and had influence over the others, he led all the other gods. However, they didn’t regard him as all-powerful.
The gods were in charge of various aspects of life on Earth. Zeus, for example, was a deity of the skies who could summon thunder and lightning. Poseidon, on the other hand, was a sea god. He had the ability to deliver earthquakes to Earth.
Legends and myths contain a plethora of ancient Greek symbols that combine to elicit a wide range of emotions.
Greek symbols and meanings
Greek symbols Rod of Asclepius
The Rod of Asclepius, or the Staff of Asclepius, is an ancient Greek symbol. However, we all now regard it as a sign of medicine all over the world. It depicts a serpent encircling a staff.
We commonly refer to this staff as a tree stick. We can link this Greek emblem to Asclepius. However, it is a Greek demigod noted for his healing abilities and medical skills.
Snakes, according to legend, would whisper medical wisdom into Asclepius’ ears. These snakes may lose their skin, making them appear larger, healthier, and more lustrous than before.
The Aesculapian snake is a non-venomous snake. In the past, they used to let it roam freely in hospitals and dormitories. They let it free, where they admitted the sick and injured. However, they used to incorporate these snakes into each new Asclepius temple in the classical world.
The worship of Asclepius grew in popularity after 300 BCE, with visitors from all over the world flocking to Asclepius’ healing temples in search of a cure for their ailments.
As a type of ritual purification, they would give sacrifices to the god and then spend the night in the sanctuary’s holiest part. The supplicant would inform the priest if he or she had any dreams or visions, and the priest would interpret them and recommend some type of therapy.
They also used sacred dogs to lick the wounds of injured and sick people in some healing temples.
Greek symbols Alpha and Omega
Next in greek symbols and meanings, we discuss Alpha and Omega.
The alpha and omega, the initial and last letters of the Greek alphabet. We also used it in the Book of Revelation as titles for Christ and God. This pair is a part of Christian symbolism, and we can see it commonly with the Cross, Chi-rho (the Greek language’s initial two letters for Christ), and other Christian symbols.
Early Christianity incorporated the alpha and omega symbols. Early Christian paintings and sculptures, particularly on the arms of the cross, and even some jewelled crosses, have them.
Despite being a component of Greek culture, these symbols appear more frequently in Western Christian paintings and sculptures than in Eastern Orthodox Christian paintings and sculptures.
They appear on the left and right sides of Christ’s head, together with his halo. However, they used it to replace the Christogram. You can also find many Orthodox paintings and sculptures in it.
The alpha and omega emblems on either side of Christ’s head signify that in Christ, the end and beginning are one and the same.
Greek symbols Zeus
Next in greek symbols and meanings, we discuss Zeus.
According to Greek mythology, Zeus is the ultimate “Father of Gods and Men.” He ruled the Olympians of Mount Olympus in the same way that a parent ruled his family. Zeus was a Greek god whom we know for being the god of the sky and thunder.
Jupiter was Zeus’ Roman counterpart, whereas Tinia was his Etruscan counterpart. Zeus, the son of Cronus and Rhea, was the family’s youngest child. According to legend, Hera was his wife. Zeus’ partner at the oracle, however, was Dione. He is also the father of Aphrodite by Dione, according to the Iliad.
Greek symbols Apollo
Next in greek symbols and meanings, we discuss Apollo.
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Everyone knows Apollo as the god of light and the sun, and he is one of the most significant Olympian deities in Greek and Roman mythology.
Greek symbols Minotaur
Next in greek symbols and meanings, we discuss Minotaur.
The Minotaur was a half-human, half-bull beast from Greek mythology. It used to stay in the heart of the Labyrinth. However, they constructed it specifically for King Minos (see point 3 above).
The Minotaur was a magnificent bull who was the son of the Cretan Queen Pasiphae. Because the Minotaur had such a massive, terrifying monstrous shape, King Minos had the Labyrinth built to house him.
The legendary craftsman Daedalus and his son built the massive maze Icarus, to trap the Minotaur. The Minotaur received annual offerings of young people and maidens over the years. Later on, Theseus assassinated him. Theseus was the Athenian hero.
Did you know that many coins from Crete have the Labyrinth structure depicted on the reverse side? This can be traced back to the Labyrinth and the Minotaur, and may stem from the Cretan love of bulls and the architectural splendour and complexity of their palaces.
Greek symbols Gorgons
In ancient Greek literature, there are several different descriptions of Gorgons, each one unique. The Gorgons sign was connected with any of the three sisters whose hair was made of fearsome, deadly snakes and who had a frightful expression in early Greek literature.
They used “Loud-roaring” and “terrible” most prevalently to describe the Gorgons. Long, sharp fangs protruded from the mouths of these deadly female monsters.
They would turn to stone if someone looked them in the eyes. Two of the Gorgon sisters, Stheno and Euryale, were immortal, according to legend, whereas the third sister, Medusa, was not. In a battle with Perseus, he killed the demigod and hero, Medusa.
They employed Gorgons to dissuade robbers and placed them on wine kraters in temples because of their terrible appearance. A serpent and snake belt brought together the Gorgons so that they might face each other.
Greek symbols Hercules Knot
Next in greek symbols and meanings, we discuss Hercules Knot.
The Knot of Hercules, Love Knot, and Marriage Knot are some of the names for the Hercules Knot. They most commonly used it as a wedding symbol, symbolising eternal love and unwavering dedication.
The Hercules Knot is a sign that they made using two entwined ropes that, according to Greek mythology, represent God Hercules’ fecundity.
Once they employed the Hercules Knot as a healing charm in ancient Egypt. The ancient Greeks and Romans, on the other hand, used it as a protective amulet and a gesture of love.
They also used it as part of a bride’s girdle. However, the husband afterwards unfastened it during the wedding ceremony. Furthermore, they consider Hercules Knot to be the source of the expression “tying the knot” in relation to marriage.
Greek symbols Hecate’s Wheel
Next in Greek symbols and meanings, we discuss Hecate’s Wheel.
Hecate is a goddess in ancient Greek religion and mythology who is frequently depicted carrying a pair of torches or a key. She appears in triple form in subsequent portrayals.
Crossroads, entrance ways, light, magic, witchcraft, ghosts, sorcery, necromancy, and knowledge of herbs and deadly plants have all been associated with Hecate.
The Hecate’s wheel sign depicts three separate parts of the goddess in Wiccan traditions, including the mother, maiden, and crone.
The wheel of Hecate, according to feminist traditions, represents the power of knowledge and life.
Greek symbols Solar Cross
Next in greek symbols and meanings, we discuss solar cross.
Bronze-age burial urns frequently include the ancient solar cross. Despite being a part of many cultures, the solar cross eventually became identified with the crucifix and became a part of Christianity.
The solar cross sign is reminiscent of the well-known four-armed cross. It not only represents the sun, but it also depicts the four seasons and four components of nature in a repeated pattern.
Sun worship has been practised from the dawn of time. It’s hardly unexpected that the sun symbolised on the solar cross was believed of as a god and so worshipped in ancient civilizations that were largely agricultural and relied on the sun for their life, including food and water.
The solar cross is linked to the element of fire since it is associated with the sun. It has been utilised as a substitute for heat or the energy of flames in ceremonies that make the sun the centre of adoration.
Fire was regarded as a purifying element with the ability to destroy by the ancient Greeks. It represents and generates masculinity, as well as god’s fertility. The solar cross emblem has also been used as a calendar to celebrate the solstices, as well as for letting go of old traditions and rebirthing new ones.
Greek symbols Sun Wheel
Next in greek symbols and meanings, we discuss sun wheel.
The word “sun wheel” comes from the “solar cross,” a pre-Christian calendar used to commemorate the solstices and equinoxes in various ancient European tribes.
The sun is occasionally depicted as a plain circle or a circle with an apparent point in the middle, in addition to being depicted as a wheel or cross.
For millennia, the sun has served as a strong symbol of magic and divinity. Honey was used as an offering instead of wine because the ancient Greeks believed that allowing this mighty deity to become drunk and tipsy was perilous for the universe.
Furthermore, the Egyptians frequently placed a solar disc on the heads of their gods to represent that the deity was a god of light. Consider how important the sun was in some cultures!
There’s no doubt that the sun has been associated with fire and masculine energy throughout history.
Greek symbols Bowl of Hygeia
Next in greek symbols and meanings, we discuss bowl of Hygeia.
The bowl of Hygeia is a prominent emblem outside pharmacies in Europe. A mortar and pestle emblem is often used in the United States.
Since 1796, this emblem has been connected with pharmacies. In fact, it was featured on a coin created by the Parisian Society of Pharmacy.
As the name suggests, Hygeia was a Greek goddess of health and cleanliness. She was linked to Asclepius, whose rod has become a global emblem of health care.
Greek symbols Labrys Symbol: Double Sided Axe
Next in greek symbols and meanings, we discuss labrys.
Labrys’ sign is a double-sided axe, which is commonly employed in rituals. “Labrys” is a Minoan word that has the same root as lips, or labus in Latin.
The Labrys can be seen in ancient Minoan Mother Goddess images. The Labrys has been linked to the labyrinth, as its name suggests.
In mediaeval times, the Labrys sign was employed on old charms to captivate women. It is now used to express identity and togetherness.
Greek symbols Omphalos
Next in greek symbols and meanings, we discuss omphalos.
According to Greek mythology, God Zeus instructed two eagles to fly across the globe in order to meet at the centre of the cosmos, also known as the “navel” of the world. Omphalos, the name of the holy stone, is derived from this. Omphalos means “navel” in ancient Greek.
The Omphalos was seen as a powerful artefact and a symbol of Hellenic religion in Greek culture, symbolising world significance.
Greek symbols Mano Fico
Next in greek symbols and meanings, we discuss mano fico.
The Mano Fico signal, sometimes known as the fig sign, is a semi-obscene gesture prevalent in Turkish and Slavic civilizations, as well as various other cultures around the world.
The Mano Fico symbol can have a variety of interpretations, some of which include slang implications. Two fingers and a thumb are represented by the symbol. It’s a common gesture used to decline any form of request.
In Brazil, however, the Mano Fico gesture is believed to ward off the evil eye and jealousy. It’s also a popular symbol for good luck charms on ornaments and jewellery.
However, early Christians knew the Mano Fico as the manus obscene, or “obscene hand.”
The term “fig” was used by the ancient Greeks to describe female genitalia. As a result, the Mano Fico gesture has come to represent sexual intercourse. Both a phallus and a Mano Fico motion are frequently linked in Roman amulets and jewellery.
Greek symbols Solomon’s Knot
Because it has been employed in various cultures and historical periods, the Solomon’s knot has a variety of metaphorical connotations. The knot, like the Buddhist Endless Knot, is used to signify immortality and eternity because it has no beginning or conclusion.
Solomon’s knot can be seen on tombstones and mausoleums all throughout the world, notably in Jewish cemeteries and vaults. This is due to the fact that Solomon’s knot is thought to represent eternity and the life cycle.
In Latvia, the Solomon’s knot is also utilised to depict time, motion, and the tremendous force of pagan gods on textiles and metalwork.
Greek symbols Mano Cornuto
In modern pop culture, the Mano Cornuto symbol can be found. It’s linked to rock music and the horned devil’s diabolical depiction.
Surprisingly, the Mano Cornuto has a variety of meanings and representations, depending on the era and place in which it was utilised. The gesture was employed in ancient Greece to denote the word “horned.”
The “apana yogic mudra” is how Hindus refer to the Mano Cornuto sign. It is a representation of the lion, which is frequently seen in classical Indian dance traditions. The Mano Cornuto gesture is thought to protect Buddhists against bad spirits.
It’s been used to exorcise demons and difficulties, as well as negative ideas. The Horned God is also related with the Mano Cornuto in pagan and Wiccan cultures.
Greek symbols Fasces
The term “fasces” means “united force, justice, and strength.” The traditional Roman fasces was constructed out of a cylinder-shaped arrangement of white-colored birch rods tied together with a red leather ribbon.
A bronze axe was also included in the fasces, which was put on the side of the bundle, practically protruding from it.
The fasces was a Roman Republic insignia that was carried on civilians’ arms, almost like a flat. During that time, it was a common possession.
Greek symbols Caduceus
The Caduceus is an ancient emblem of commerce and trade, and it is associated with eloquence and bargaining. It is also linked to Hermes, the wise and cunning Greek god who is the agent of all gods.
Hermes is recognised as the afterlife’s supervisor of souls and the one and only guardian of travellers, merchants, and herders. The Caduceus has long been associated with wisdom and awakening in the Hermetic Tradition.
However, the Caduceus is a winged staff with two serpents wrapped around it. It should not be confused with Asclepius’ rod, which is a symbol of medicine.
Greek symbols Chloris – Flora
Chloris is the goddess of flowers according to Greek mythology. Flora is her Roman mythological name. We can most commonly connect her with the spring season, when all flowers bloom and turn towards the light.
Chloris represents nature and flowers, particularly the May-flower. She is one of the fertility goddesses of Roman religion.
Greek symbols Hebe – Juventas
Hebe is the goddess of youth. However, we knew her in Roman mythology as Juventas. She is the daughter of Zeus and Hera. She is the cupbearer for Mount Olympus’ many gods and goddesses.
The divine deities used to be fed nectar and ambrosia by Hebe. She eventually married Hercules as she grew older. Hebe, also known as the goddess of forgiveness and kindness, has the ability to transform elderly people into their younger selves.
Ancient Greek symbols and meanings
| Greek Uppercase Letters | Then, Greek Lowercase Letters | Greek Letter Name | English Equivalent (Modern approximate) |
| Α | α | Alpha (Alfa) | A |
| Then, Β | Also, β | Beta (Veeta) | Similarly, V |
| Then, Γ | Also, γ | Gamme (Yamma) | Similarly, Y |
| Δ | δ | Delta (Thel-ta) | D |
| Then, Ε | Also, ε | Epsilon (Epsilon) | Similarly, E |
| Then, Ζ | Also, ζ | Zeta (Zee-ta) | Similarly, Z |
| Η | η | Eta (Ee-ta) | I |
| Then, Θ | Also, θ | Theta (Thee-ta) | Similarly, Th |
| Then, Ι | Also, ι | Iota (Yo-ta) | Similarly, I |
| Κ | κ | Kappa (Kah-pa) | K |
| Then, Λ | Also, λ | Lamda | Similarly, L |
| Then, Μ | Also, μ | Mu (Mee) | Similarly, M |
| Ν | ν | Nu (Nee) | N |
| Then, Ξ | Also, ξ | Xi (Ksee) | Similarly, X |
| Then, Ο | Also, ο | Omicron (Oh-mee-cron) | Similarly, O |
| Π | π | Pi (Pee) | P |
| Then, Ρ | Also, ρ | Rho (Ro) | Similarly, R |
| Then, Σ | Also, σ | Sigma (Siy-ma) | Similarly, S |
| Τ | τ | Tau (Tahf) | T |
| Greek Uppercase Letters | Then, Greek Lowercase Letters | Greek Letter Name | English Equivalent (Modern approximate) |
| Υ | υ | Upsilon (Eepsilon) | I |
| Then, Φ | Also, φ | Phi (Fee) | Similarly, F |
| Then, Χ | Also, χ | Chi (Hee) | Similarly, Ch |
| Ψ | ψ | Psi (Psee) | Ps |
| Then, Ω | Also, ω | Omega (Omay-ya) | Similarly, O |
Greek symbols and meanings in math
In math and science, we often employ Greek letters to represent constants and variables. However, here are a few examples:
- We show the circumference to diameter ratio of a circle using lowercase pi (π).
- However, using the delta (Δ) symbol to represent a measurement discrepancy.
Greek symbols and meanings in physics
In math and science, we often employ Greek letters to represent constants and variables. However, using lowercase alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ) to refer to different types of particles and radiation are some instances.
Statistics Greek symbols and meanings
Classical Greek numerals
| Greek | Arabic |
| α′ | 1 |
| Then, β′ | Similarly, 2 |
| Then, γ′ | Similarly, 3 |
| Similarly, δ′ | Then, 4 |
| Similarly, ε′ | Then, 5 |
| Then, ζ′ | Similarly, 6 |
| Then, ξ′ | Similarly, 7 |
| Similarly, η′ | Then, 8 |
| Then, theta | Nine (9) |
Table: 2
| Greek | Arabic |
| i’ | Similarly, 10 |
| Then, ια′ | Similarly, 11 |
| Similarly, ιβ′ | Then, 12 |
| Similarly, ιγ′ | Then, 13 |
| Then, ιδ′ | Similarly, 14 |
| Then, ιε′ | Similarly, 15 |
| Similarly, ιζ′ | Then, 16 |
| Similarly, ιξ′ | Similarly, 17 |
| Then, ιη′ | Then, 18 |
| Then, ρ′ | Similarly, 100 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most famous Greek symbol?
The forceful assertion of a man in love portrayed by a hand grip, known as Meander, eventually became the world’s most recognized and recognizable ancient Greek sign. Kouros proclaims his intention to take one step when the daughter (Kori) extends her hand and gives a lotus flower to him.
What are the 24 Greek words?
Here are the 24 Greek capital letters: Α, Β, Γ, Δ, Ε, Ζ, Η, Θ, Ι, Κ, Λ, Μ, Ν, Ξ, Ο, Π, Ρ, Σ, Τ, Υ, Φ, Χ, Ψ, and Ω.
What symbolizes Greece?
The Greek national emblem that we know as the coat of arms is a blue crest with a white cross with two laurel branches. However, the Constitution of Epidaurus, enacted on January 1, 1822, established the first Greek national emblem.
What is the Greek symbol of life?
Symbolism. Once we thought Tau as a symbol for life or resurrection. However, on the other hand, we thought theta, the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet, to be a symbol for death.
