The Timeless Symbolism of Sea Turtles: An Ancient Tale of Survival

The Symbolism of Sea Turtles: Good Luck, Patience, Endurance, and Wisdom

(Art by Victoria DeFilippo)

In the crystal clear waters surrounding Hawaii, sea turtles reign as the only native reptile to these majestic islands. These enchanting creatures embody the essence of good fortune, serenity, sagacity, and endurance.

Freshly hatched baby sea turtles embark on a perilous journey from their sandy birthing grounds toward the vast open ocean. Their path is strewn with countless threats, including predatory birds, cunning crabs, and other cunning hunters. Their survival is precarious even in the tranquil waters, as they remain vulnerable to opportunistic predators. It is a staggering statistic that only one in a thousand hatchlings survive to reach adulthood.

Nevertheless, sea turtles are the ultimate survivors. As they mature, these majestic creatures overcome the odds, and their chances of leading a long and fulfilling life become favorable. Gazing into the spellbinding, mesmerizing eyes of a sea turtle, one can travel back in time, 150 million years to be exact and experience the world through the eyes of an ancient reptilian being that survived the age of dinosaurs.

Sea Turtle Symbolism in Indigenous cultures

(Image from Unsplash)

Sea turtles have played a significant role in the myths and legends of many cultures worldwide. Among the most notable are North America's indigenous cultures and Polynesian islands' aboriginal peoples.

The creation myths of some East Coast tribes, such as the Iroquois and Lenape, describe how the Great Spirit fashioned their motherland by placing earth on the back of a colossal sea turtle. This generous creature then provided a shell to serve as a home for all the land animals. Consequently, some indigenous tribes refer to North America as "Turtle Island." The sea turtle is also considered a symbol of the connection between Heaven and Earth, as it gives birth on land but lives in the water.

In some Northwest Coast tribes, such as the Tlingit, the sea turtle was adopted as a clan crest. The Seri tribe believed that the sea turtle represented the Earth-Diver, which would dive to the ocean floor and bring up mud for the Creator to mold the earth.

The Honu, also known as the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, holds great significance in Hawaii. According to legend, the Honu guided the ancient Polynesians to the Hawaiian islands, thus symbolizing the navigators and the enduring bond between humans, the land, and the ocean. One myth describes Kauila, a mythical Honu born near Punalu'u Beach, who protected local children and occasionally transformed into a little girl to join in their play.

Sea Turtle Symbolism in Asia

Sea Turtle Symbolism in China and Taoism 

Other cultures have their creation myths that involve the sea turtle. For example, part of the creation myth in China features a giant marine turtle named Ao. According to legend, the goddess of creation cut off Ao's legs to use them to prop up the heavens, which had been damaged by another god.

In Chinese philosophy, specifically in Taoism, the turtle is prominent as one of the "Four Fabulous Animals," along with the unicorn, phoenix, and dragon. It is closely linked to the North cardinal point, representing the Water element and the winter season. The turtle is also associated with Yin, the feminine energy in Taoist philosophy, and the color black, which symbolizes purity.

The Symbolism of the Sea Turtle in Vietnam

Vietnam is steeped in legends involving turtles, and one of the most famous of these pertains to Lục Thủy Lake, also known as the Green Lake, located south of Hanoi. 

According to the tale, the Golden Turtle God, Kim Qui, gifted Emperor Lê Lợi with a magic sword. With this sword, Lê Lợi waged and won many battles against the Ming Dynasty, ultimately securing Vietnam's independence from the Chinese Empire. However, while on the Green Lake, Lê Lợi encountered a giant turtle that surfaced, took the sword from him, and dove back into the water. In honor of this event, Lê Lợi renamed the lake Hoàn Kiếm Lake, meaning "The Lake of the Returned Sword," a name that persists to this day.

The Symbolism of the Sea Turtle in Japan

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Japanese culture has embraced a popular myth originally from China, which tells of the four Guardian Beasts responsible for defending the city of Heian-kyō (Kyoto) from the danger that may come from each of the four cardinal directions. 

These beasts consist of the Azure Dragon (Sei-ryu) in the east, the Vermilion Bird (Su-zaku) in the south, the White Tiger (Byak-ko) in the west, and the Black Tortoise or Gen-bu in the north. The Gen-bu, often represented as a fusion of a tortoise and a snake, protects Kyoto from the north.

However, the turtle has established a unique custom in Japan from the other three Chinese beasts. Specifically, the minogame stands apart as a fabled species of turtles renowned for their extraordinary longevity and unique shells adorned with verdant algae strands. Moreover, the sinuous seaweed draped over their shells resembles the traditional raincoat, or "mino," worn by farmers, from which they derive their name. 

The minogame is esteemed in Japanese folklore, regarded as a venerable creature capable of surviving for an astonishing 10,000 years. Its very presence exudes an aura of longevity and sagacity. It is often depicted alongside the revered Jurojin, one of the seven felicitous gods of Japan, and its status as a legendary being is forever preserved in the tale of Urashima Tarō. In some retellings of the myth, the minogame bears the hero on its back on a journey to visit the opulent palace of the dragon king.

Sea Turtle Symbolism in Ancient Greece

Amidst the fanfare and celebration of Zeus and Hera's wedding, when all the gods, men, and animals were summoned by Hermes to attend, the nymph Chelone alone declined the invitation, displaying her disregard for the solemn occasion. In response, Hermes descended from Olympus and, with a flick of his wrist, hurled Chelone's house - perched on the banks of a nearby river - into the water, bringing the nymph with it. Then, as a punishment, Hermes transformed Chelone into a tortoise, forever condemned to bear the weight of her house on her back.

Inviting the Sea Turtle Within

(Image from Unsplash)

The sea turtle, a gentle and majestic creature that has inhabited the Earth for over 150 million years, holds great symbolism in many cultures worldwide. Its slow and deliberate movements have long been associated with the wisdom of age, patience, and longevity. Its ability to traverse land and sea represents a connection between different realms and an innate sense of adaptability. For many, the sea turtle embodies the essence of Mother Nature herself, a symbol of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of respecting and protecting our planet.

As such, it is no wonder that encounters with sea turtles can hold great personal significance for those who experience them. Perhaps you have witnessed a sea turtle's journey from egg to the ocean or found yourself swimming alongside one in the depths of the sea. These encounters serve as reminders of the importance of living in harmony with nature and of the power of adaptability and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

What personal meaning do you attach to the symbolism of the sea turtle?

How has the sea turtle appeared in your life, and what significance do you give to these encounters?

Have you encountered the sea turtle in your dreams, and if so, what message might it be trying to convey?   

Come up with a few words that describe the sea turtle. These words may offer insight into what their visit is about.

Warmly,

Anny

Kindly note: The information included in this blog is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for mental health services. Please consult with a qualified professional to determine the appropriateness of the information for your own life experiences or if you have any questions.