what does the anchor symbolize?
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what does the anchor symbolize?
Besides the practical use, the symbolic use of an anchor image as art on a piece of jewelry, tattoos or painting has many different meanings.
- Safety, and security
- Trust and confidence
- Hope, steadfastness and salvation
- Stability or tranquility.
- Good luck
- Hope in Christ
- Consistent strength(Infinity Anchor)
In modern times people often use the anchor emoji or anchor charm ⚓️ on mobile phones, tablets and computers to communicate. Usually it means strength and stability and is represented by an old style of the traditional boating anchor.
Back in 50AD the Greek philosopher Epictetus said: “Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor nor should life rest on a single hope.” alluding to the stability that a big anchor can bring.
A Brief History of the Anchor Symbol
To understand the symbolism of the anchor and why it’s so popular among jewelry lovers, it’s first important to take a brief look at the history of anchors.
The earliest anchors were probably just a sack of rocks used to weigh the vessels in place on water. Around the 1st century, anchors similar to modern versions first appeared in Rome and by the 7th century, there were similar anchor designs used in Scandinavia.
The typical shape of an anchor is similar to a metal cross. In the early stages of Christianity, when Romans persecuted those who followed the religion, the anchor was a way that Christians could identify other Christians. They would leave anchors outside their home or even wear anchor jewelry. As a result, a fellow-Christian would know that the house was safe and could seek refuge there.
Symbolism of the Anchor
The earliest known symbolic meanings of the anchor are safety and hope, however, here are also early coins with the anchor depicted to honor Neptune the Greek/Roman god of the sea.
Each part of the anchor has symbolic meaning:
- The cross within the anchor represents the unity of spirit and matter, and masculinity.
- The crescent moon shape created by the flukes represents femininity and the womb.
- The two flukes represent the love between two people who serve to keep each other level-headed.
Anchors’ symbolic meanings stem from how they are used and what they represent to a ship’s crew, and with so many meanings the anchor is one of the more universal and adaptable symbols.
- The anchor represents the sea and an anchor marking a grave is a sign that the deceased worked in a maritime profession.
- Anchors represent new adventures as they symbolize that you have strong, stable connections from which you can set sail from.
- A broken anchor represents letting go of the past.
- With its resemblance to the cross, the anchor is a religious symbol representing salvation, steadfast belief, and hope and faith in Christ.
- The anchor also symbolizes safety, security, confidence, hope, stability, good luck and consistent strength.
- Anchor also represents overcoming adversity and being resilient.
- It’s a reminder of one’s roots, and of staying grounded, regardless of how far you move from your origins. It’s a reminder to be proud of who you are.
LET THE SEA SET YOU FREE
A deeper meaning to this purposeful symbol, is that it symbolizes one moving forward from a certain period in life or a safe place that they are in, by setting sail on a new journey. Just how it is lifted from the water of a port when a ship sets sail, an anchor raises an individual up by representing new, brighter adventures, allowing one to look forward of what’s to come and to follow their dreams and goals. A symbol representing strong connections, allows for a stable and secure person, who has strong beliefs and stays true to who they are.
A symbol of salvation in Christianity
The anchor was first used as a symbol of salvation in Christianity. The anchor Christian symbol was used during the years when Christians were under the Roman persecution. Since the anchor is similar in proportion to the Christian cross, it was the perfect way for Christians to camouflage the cross. This allowed the persecuted Christians to display their religion under the strict Roman eyes unnoticed.
With time, the anchor Christian symbol started to be used to symbolize the church and the ancient Christian faith. The early Christians used the symbol of the anchor to clandestinely carry out their religious worship.
Since anchors hold the ships in place even during storms, anchors were also used to symbolize strength in Christianity. During the persecutions, houses were marked with the anchor symbol to symbolize that the house was safe for Christians seeking refuge.
The anchor meaning in the bible signifies hope. The New Testament refers to the Christian’s hope as “an anchor of the soul”.
Express your love by sharing the anchor symbol
Life, stability, a connection: over time, it was only natural that the anchor became a symbol of love. This object is often depicted as a symbol of fidelity: the anchor gets firmly planted into the bottom of the ocean floor and provides the ship with the stability it needs. This is the same stability that two people who are in love with each other rediscover day after day.
Many couples get matching anchor tattoos to symbolise their eternal love. Or they wear jewelry embellished with this meaningful nautical symbol.
For both him and her, Composable Links decorated with the anchor can be added to a customized bracelet that tells their romantic story. Gold or silver? Choose the precious metal in which to share your love and keep this symbol with you always.
The anchor as a symbol of eternal love becomes a piece of elegant jewelry just for her. Delicate stud earrings transform this nautical symbol into a chic accessory that can be worn on any occasion: all that’s left is to choose between gemstones as blue as the sea or classic sparkling Zirconia as a precious gift for your better half.
The anchor is also the perfect charm for your everyday necklace: the Gioie necklace is embellished with a delicate brilliant anchor and with grey jade gemstones, and is available in both sterling silver or with rose gold finishing.
Anchor & God Goddess Symbolic Meanings
Several gods and goddesses of ancient mythologies also had symbolism with the sturdy anchor. In Roman lore, the sea god, Neptune, was a natural pair with it. He was also believed to create and control storms and shake the Earth. His Greek counterpart was named Poseidon, who was known to be highly temperamental and rebellious against Zeus.
The ancient Greeks also believed in a half-man, half-fish deity, Triton, who had some ability to control the waters with a blow of his conch. Ran, the old Norse sea goddess, was believed to tug on sea anchors to alert seamen of bad weather and tumultuous waters ahead.
Even the Hindus had an official god of the oceans. Varuna took care of those who died at sea with his ability to make the noblest of humans immortal.
Christians and Jews, on the other hand, had a slightly different idea of anchor symbolism. As the anchor somewhat resembles a cross, Christians believed that this sign would bring salvation after they paid due sacrifice, like Christ.
During the first years of Christianity, it was quite risky to profess your faith, as the Romans were not big fans of the influence that the man they executed had over their subjects. Anchors were used as symbols instead of crosses to identify him or herself as Christian in a covert manner. Jews viewed the anchor as a reminder of God’s omnipresence and humble grounding nature.
Although the anchor has strong historical roots, its interpretation is up to you to decide. However, you can take a basic foundation from these contexts and use them as a starting point for your own personal exploration of what the anchor symbolic meaning means to you.
A symbol of hope
The anchor is also the oldest symbol of hope. It symbolizes the support against all the challenges experienced in life. Hope is an optimistic mood that presupposes confidence in a person that a certain event will happen. It encourages people to set out to achieve what they desire.
Shipwrecks are one of the greatest concerns for sailors. The anchor, however, provides sailors with confidence and hope. During a storm, sailors used to cling to the anchor for support when a shipwreck was imminent. For this reason, the anchor was used as a symbol of hope. It symbolizes the support against the difficulties that life presents.
What does a cross with an anchor mean?
This ancient symbol means a fresh start or hope. It’s also called a mariner’s cross. It’s different than the simple anchor. and anchor that looks like a cross because of its physical similarity.
The Pope Clement I, known also as Saint Clement of Rome, was executed by being tied to an anchor and thrown into the sea. Thus he became recognized as a saint and the patron saint of mariners. The cross anchor also bases its meaning in the way Pope Clement I was martyred.
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