Don’t Fret: The Top Symbols of Bravery
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Whether you are leaving a high-paying yet toxic job or cutting off strenuous ties, being brave means going through something that may hurt us in some way. While opportunities to be courageous abound, standing up to your fears and living with their consequences actually takes a whole lot of heart.
But before your cold feet kick in, it is best to remember that even the slightest sign of grit is enough to help us face life’s difficulties with confidence and conviction. Bravery is an admirable trait that often requires a whole lot of mustering. These symbols of bravery aim to leave us self-assured, gutsy, and daring.
Key Takeaways
- Bravery helps you feel empowered. Regardless of your fear, Roman Gladiators help us develop the habit of getting things done. Your constant need to prove something for yourself ultimately improves your confidence.
- Bravery urges you to take chances. The Ashok
Chakra tells us how confronting our challenges enables us to be more comfortable dealing with them. Not only does it give us the strength to face difficult situations, but it also helps us be courageous in other areas of our lives. - Bravery makes you an inspiration to others. While it is common for people to be proud of their achievements, we will never know their actual trials and struggles. Despite their anxiety and fear, various communities have drawn strength and motivation from a clenched fist.
Roman gladiators
Throughout history, ancient Romans have long held a nasty fascination for gladiators. People saw gladiators as depictions of entertainment, bravery, sacrifice, and strength. While their lives were often brutal and short, people admired these courageous warriors for their endurance, fearlessness, and willingness to die for other people’s amusement.
As the Romans have time and again displayed their bloodlust and fondness for cruelty, the gladiators repeatedly demonstrated their ability to face and, at times, even overcome death. They have inspired those fortunate enough to have witnessed such bloody battles to live out the Roman virtues of bravery, discipline, and fearlessness.
Japanese samurai
The Japanese recognize the samurai as the most honorable warriors of pre-modern Japan. They were elite soldiers who led their lives according to the ethic code of bushido, or “the way of the warrior.” Firmly disciplined and virtuous, they strongly asserted principles such as loyalty, respect, bravery, and righteous behavior.
Samurai were highly trained and dedicated to the service of the nobles. The word “samurai” basically translates to “those who serve.”
Drawn to the teachings of Zen Buddhism and displaying values that include integrity, self-control, bravery, and honor, samurais were perhaps history’s most reputable warriors.
Ashoka Chakra
Revered as a significant symbol representing the Dharma, the Ashoka Chakra consists of 24 spokes that encourage us to follow a righteous path, including peace, love, bravery, and spiritual knowledge.
The Ashoka
The Ashoka
The Ashoka
The Amazons
From Hercules to Achilles, every Greek hero has had a run-in with these mighty warrior queens. The Amazons were a race of ferocious women known for their bravery, pride, and fantastic riding skills. Many believed they communicated with men only for reproduction to ensure their tribe’s survival.
The Amazons have lived far from the civilized world. They were feared for their brutality, despised for their aggressiveness, and admired for their bravery. Often depicted on horseback, clad in armor, and with a bow in hand, it doesn’t come as a surprise that they are considered a feminist’s poster child.
They are a powerful reminder that the world makes way for the brave and that we are less likely to get anywhere if we always play it safe.
Red war paint
For the Native Americans, body painting is a sacred act that conjures strength, bravery, and higher spiritual knowledge. It was considered a form of prayer during hunts and battles.
Their warriors also used red war paint to invoke courage and appear more ferocious when faced with intruders and soldiers of opposing tribes.
Often derived from berries, beets, roots, and ochre, red war paint symbolized power, success, and boldness in battle. As the Native Americans have long believed that we are connected with nature, donning war paint signifies the transfer of divine power to the wearer.
The Maori Haka
If you are one of the millions crazy about rugby (or New Zealand), you have probably seen a haka dance. Often involving stomps, chest pounds, sticking out of the tongue, and bulging eyes, it is one of the country’s most significant and powerful native traditions.
It represents a tribe’s unity, bravery, and pride.
A captivating dance that commands immediate respect, the haka was traditionally performed before a battle and is meant to bring fear and intimidation to the opponent. While they do the haka dance to fire up their warriors on the battlefield, it has also been used to call upon, welcome, and celebrate the principles of bravery, heroism, and valor.
A clenched fist
Like most symbols in history, the clenched fist has influenced various individuals. While several groups view it as a symbol of unity and resistance, many people have used the closed fist as a symbol of bravery and the courage to speak out against injustice and oppression.
Just as our worldviews and life challenges may have shifted, the clenched fist has brought communities together to show abusive authorities the power of solidarity. Believed to have been inspired by an 1848 uprising that led to the overthrow of a monarchy, it symbolizes strength, determination, and the bravery to fight.
Wings and sword symbol cadets
In the military, there are different types of bravery. There is the physical bravery that’s needed to put one’s life on the line in battle. And then there is the mental bravery it takes to stand up against injustice, even if it means going against orders.
For cadets, the wings and sword symbolize both kinds of bravery. The wings represent the mental courage to think independently and make ethical decisions. The sword represents the physical courage to protect others and defend one’s values.
This symbol is a reminder that cadets are expected to uphold the highest standards of bravery, both in their personal lives and in their future careers. It is a reminder that they have the potential to make a difference in the world.
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military honor in the United States. It is awarded to members of the armed forces who display extraordinary heroism in the face of enemy fire.
This medal is a physical representation of the bravery that these men and women have shown in battle. It is a reminder that they have put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. And it is a reminder that their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
