Today we are going to review Spanish Symbology and 10 of his more iconic symbols. Know the origins of these elements and the culture surrounding them.
Spanish Symbology
The Spanish symbology is characterized by its diversity and richness. Throughout its history, it has been greatly influenced by the different cultures and traditions that have left their mark on the peninsula throughout history.
Key points of Spanish symbology
- Catholicism: Christian symbology, in particular Catholic symbology, has had a great influence in Spain. Icons such as the cross, the lamb, the fish, the Virgin Mary and the saints are widely used in Spanish religious symbology.
- Islamic influence: For centuries, under Muslim rule, this culture left a great influence on Spanish symbology. Elements such as arches, tiles, stars and Arabic inscriptions are present in Spanish architecture, art and symbology.
- Celtic heritage: In northern regions of Spain, such as Galicia and Asturias, there are vestiges of Celtic culture. Symbols such as the trisquel, the sacred tree and Celtic spirals are part of the mystical symbology in these areas.
- Folkloric traditions: Spanish symbology is also linked to folkloric traditions and popular festivities. For example, the Fallas in Valencia, the April Fair in Seville and regional dances have their own symbols and iconic elements that represent Spanish identity and folklore.
- Templars and military orders: The history of military orders in Spain, such as the Order of the Temple and the Order of Santiago, has left its mark on the country’s symbolism. Crosses, swords, and heraldic emblems associated with these orders are used in Spanish mystical symbology and heraldry.
- Nature and natural elements: Spain’s natural wealth, from the Mediterranean Sea to the mountains of the Pyrenees and the desert landscapes of Andalusia, has influenced the country’s symbology. Elements such as the sun, water, mountains and trees have a strong symbolic presence in Spain.
1.- The Cross of Santiago
The Cross of Santiago is a powerful religious and military symbol that represents the Order of Santiago, one of the most important military orders of the Middle Ages in Spain. Its characteristic design consists of a red Latin cross on a white background, symbolizing the bloodshed in the defense of the Christian faith.
2.- Pilgrim’s shell
The Pilgrim’s Shell is an emblematic symbol of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, one of the most important routes of Christianity. This seashell, usually made of scallop, has become a recognizable badge used by pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.
3.- The Rose
The rose is a symbol with a deep symbolic charge in Spain. It represents beauty, love and passion, but it is also associated with spirituality and the divine. The Virgin Mary, in her invocation of the Virgin of the Rose, is venerated in several regions of Spain. The rose is also associated with the legend of St. George and the dragon (Sant Jordi in Catalonia), who, when defeated, sprouted a rose from his blood. In addition, in Templar symbology, the rose is present in the figure of the Order of the Temple, which had an important influence in the history of Spain.
4.- Triskel
The Triskel is an iconic and highly recognizable symbol in the Galician symbology of northern Spain. This figure consists of three curved arms that intertwine in a spiral shape, creating a dynamic and fluid image. In Galicia, the triskel is associated with the ancient Celtic culture that inhabited the region. It represents the connection with nature, spirituality and the infinite cycle of life. An inheritance of the Celtic symbology of this region.
5.- The lion
The lion is a symbol of great importance in Spanish symbolism, representing strength, courage and nobility. This rampant lion, with its majestic and powerful posture, is an emblem present in the coats of arms of numerous Spanish cities and regions, as well as in the coat of arms of Spain. In addition, the lion is associated with the medieval history of the country and with the figure of the king, representing royal power and authority.
6.- Fleur de lis
The fleur de lis is a symbol that has a significant presence in Spanish symbolism. This emblematic figure in the shape of a stylized lily is associated with multiple meanings in different contexts. It is linked to royalty and nobility, representing purity, majesty and royal lineage. In addition, it is associated with divine protection and is used as a symbol of the Virgin Mary. It also has a strong connection with the Templar legacy in Spain, as it is believed that the Knights Templar. It can be seen in the flag of Spain.
7.- Templar Cross
The Templar cross is a symbol of great importance and relevance in the Spanish symbology due to the presence and legacy of the Order of the Temple in the history of the country. This cross, characterized by its equal arms and peculiar shape, is associated with the Knights Templar, a military and religious order that played a significant role during the Middle Ages. The Templar cross symbolizes bravery, sacrifice and protection of the Christian faith. In Spain, this emblem has left a lasting mark, especially in the region of Aragon, where the Castle of the Order of the Temple in Monzón is located.
8.- Star of David
The Seal of Solomon or the Star of David, is a symbol that has a presence in Spanish symbology. Although its origin is mainly associated with the Jewish tradition, the Cross of David has been adopted as a broader symbol of spirituality and connection with the divine in different cultures. In Spain, this symbol is present in various cultural and artistic manifestations, especially in architecture and in the emblems of some autonomous communities.
9.- Tau Cross
The four-armed cross, also known as the Tau Cross, is a symbol that has been widely used in religious and spiritual symbolism. Universally known for the work of the architect Antoni Gaudí, he used it in many of his works, such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. For him it represented the unity between the divine and the earthly, he was inspired by the shape of the cross on which St. Francis of Assisi died.
10.- The Tarot
The Tarot is a system of cards used for divination and self-knowledge. In Spain, the Tarot of Marseilles is especially recognized. It is widely used by fortune tellers in popular culture.
