The interesting thing about the Chikara symbol is that there’s more to it than is visible at a first glance. Chikara is a Japanese character that literally translates to ‘strength’ and ‘power.’ In addition to its meanings, it is revered for its simple design that evokes dignity and grace regardless of whether it used for tattoos or on decorative items and the likes. Heiwa is the Japanese symbol for peace in general, but if you want to refer to ‘inner peace’ in particular, then the correct symbol for that would be ‘heian.’ Chikara – Japanese Symbol for StrengthĬhikara is the Japanese symbol for strength. When used in compound form, the two words depict the idea that peace is something that can only be achieved by making things even to bring about harmony. Heiwa is formed by joining together two distinct radicals, ‘hei’ and ‘wa.’ ‘Hei’ signifies something that has been ‘flattened’ or ‘leveled out’ whereas ‘wa’ denotes calmness and serenity. It bears a close resemblance to the Chinese symbol ‘heping,’ which also has a similar meaning. Heiwa is the Japanese symbol commonly used to express the idea of peace, harmony, and tranquility. Aishiteru – is used to say ‘I love you’.Aijin – refers to lovers (implies extramarital affairs).Similarly, adding different suffixes to Ai indicates different concepts about love. The name ‘Aiko’ is formed by combining the two different Japanese words for ‘love’ and ‘child’ respectively. For example, the royal baby in Japan was named Princess Aiko. The Japanese word ‘Ai’ is also used as a name for females. Put simply, the main difference between the two symbols ‘koi’ and ‘ai’ is that ‘ai’ is always giving while ‘koi’ is rather self-centered in nature. For example, it can symbolize the love between friends, love between siblings, or even love for objects and possessions. On the other hand, the Ai, the second Japanese symbol for love, represents the feeling of love in the general sense. Koi, the first Japanese symbol for love, is the term used to express love for a member of the opposite gender – it has more passionate or romantic overtones. However, what many people miss out on is the fact that ‘koi’ and ‘ai’ have slightly different implications when it comes to expressing love. Koi, Japanese Symbol For Love – © Ellen C at ShutterStock Nonetheless, they are highly popular amongst tattoo lovers given how beautiful they look aesthetically and of course, due to the connotations that are attached to them. The Japanese symbols ‘koi’ and ‘ai’ both mean ‘love.’ Requiring more than ten strokes each, these symbols are quite difficult to make. Other Japanese Symbols and Their Meanings.Kokoro – Japanese Symbol for Heart and Spirit.Kanzen – Japanese Symbol for Perfection.West African Wisdom: Adinkra Symbols & Meanings. Chinese Religions.” Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations. Saints and Their Symbols: Recognizing Saints in Art and in Popular Images. s.l. : University of California, Berkeley, 2015. The new cult of Pax Augusta 13 BC – AD 14.Arabia and the Arabs: From the Bronze Age to the Coming of Islam. s.l. : University of Scranton Press, 2006. Cave of the Jagua : the mythological world of the Taínos. Exalted sits the chief: The ancient History of the Hawai’i Island. s.l. : university of California Press, 2010. Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs. In my father’s house : Africa in the philosophy of culture. Mistletoe is missing the machinery to make energy. The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Coinage. PEACE ORIZURU (paper cranes for peace).Washington D.C : National Geographic, 2008. Ante Pacem: archaeological evidence of church life before Constantine. The Culture of Animals in Antiquity: A Sourcebook with Commentaries. ‘What Every Person Should Know About War’.See Also: Top 11 Flowers That Symbolize Peace What other symbols of peace in history do you think we should include on this list? Tell us in the comments below.Īlso, don’t forget to share this article with others if you found it to be a worthwhile read. However, it was also used in various religious ceremonies and in war councils. One of her chief symbols was a ceremonial smoking pipe called a Calumet.Īmong the settlers, it was more popularly known as the ‘peace pipe’, likely because they only saw the pipe being smoked on such occasions.

In Sioux mythology, Wohpe was a goddess of peace, harmony, and meditation.

Billwhittaker, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Simple serenity symbol