- The Hidden Meanings of Turtle Symbolism in Design & Nature -
As jewellery designers on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, we are inspired by the incredible nature and wildlife of our local environment. At the heart of our incredible ocean wildlife is turtles, which is why turtle symbolism plays such a big role in our jewellery collections: immortalising these magnificent creatures in gold and silver.
The Significance of Turtles Across Cultures
Mythological Representations
Turtles have long been depicted in mythology across the world with ancient wisdom, healing, protection and even divination. This rings true everywhere from Native American culture to Asian cultures (including Chinese culture, Japanese culture and Taiwanese culture), Eastern culture and countless other ancient cultures.
Hawaiian culture in particular describes an ancient belief that turtle island grew from the back of a turtle.
Turtles in Indigenous Culture
Sea turtles carry important symbolism in many cultures around the world, with Aboriginal culture telling us that turtles carry the wisdom and knowledge of all ancestors throughout the history of the Earth on their back.
Turtle Dream Meanings
In dreams, turtles are said to represent need for patience and perseverance, often in relation to personal growth. A turtle dream can be a sign to pause, slow down and reflect, leading many people to listen to the turtle totem to find happiness and spiritual growth.
The Meaning of Turtle Spirit Animals
With turtle symbolism linking to a sense of healing and protection, turtle spirit animals are often related to guiding you towards peace of mind and security.
Turtle spirit animals can be a powerful symbol of survival and symbols of longevity too, but perhaps the strongest spiritual meaning comes in the form of their slow, deliberate movements encouraging mindfulness.
Turtle Symbolism in Modern Times
Movies and television
Turtles have resonated with viewers in movies, films and television through Finding Nemo and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles particularly, with both turtle representations showcasing many of the values and symbolism that we have seen in turtle spirit animals and cultural belief systems.
Contributions to Environmental Awareness
Turtles play a starring role in raising environmental awareness; standing as a beacon for the marine life we need to protect by reducing plastic waste. They are often seen as one of the worst impacted by the impacts of climate change, particularly as a symbol of marine life.
How many times have you heard somebody mention saving turtles compared to sharks are other aquatic life? This goes beyond the symbolic meaning and into real life change.
Turtles in Art and Expression
Artistic Designs Featuring Turtles
Turtles are a popular topic of art and artistic expression, from paintings in Indigenous cultures to contemporary turtle jewellery and turtle tattoos.
The spiritual connection to nature, as well as being symbols of wisdom and other profound personal symbols, has carried through from ancient times to modern art.
Personal Meaning Behind Turtle Designs
Turtle designs hold deep personal meanings to many people, symbolising their values and perspective on life. Turtle tattoos and turtle art are also often incorporated into memories or emotions related to family, friends and loved ones.
Turtle Jewellery by KaiKoa
The turtle’s meaning and symbolism in jewellery couldn’t be closer to our hearts, and you can actually have a turtle friend close to your heart with our necklaces in the shape of turtles. You have the choice of small, medium and large – all carrying the same beautiful symbol.
If you’d prefer to wear this symbolic meaning as earrings, we also make hand-crafted and intricately detailed studs and earrings. In all our turtle designs, you can pick from silver, rose gold and even golden turtle designs.
What Does Turtle Symbolism Mean to You?
Clearly turtle symbolism can mean many different things to different people. Finding what turtle symbolism means to you, from turtle spirit animals and ancient wisdom to peace, patience and protection, is where you can find the most powerful connections.
We know that turtle symbolism in our jewellery means so much to us because of our roots on the Sunshine Coast and we’d love to share that deep connection with you, so please feel free to explore the range of turtle jewellery we make by shopping the range below.
