30 Symbols of Kindness & Compassion

Discover icons of kindness in different cultures and countries

Co-authored by Sophia Bell Reviewed by Stina Garbis

Last Updated: October 15, 2024 Fact Checked

From Ancient Greece and Rome to the far reaches of Asia, Europe, and America, every age, region, and culture has created symbols that depict kindness. We’ve gathered them all here so you can find the ones that speak to you.

Things You Should Know

Icons such as the heart, feather, shepherd’s staff, endless knot, and lotus flower represent kindness.
Deities including Buddha, Guan Yin, and Lord Krishna are known for their kindness and compassion.
Animals like the dove, deer, pelican, and raven are gentle, kind animals.

1

Heart

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The heart is a universal symbol for love, kindness, and compassion. The heart icon represents the human heart and emotions and can be traced back to the Ice Age (10,000 B.C.E.), though the meaning wasn’t universal until the Middle Ages. Heart icons appear in cultures from Egyptian, Ancient Greek, and Roman to modern European and American.^{[1]
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- In 2019, a group of Florida kindergarteners petitioned Congress to name an icon of a heart surrounded by a circle of arrows as the national symbol for kindness.^{[2]
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2

Shepherd’s Staff

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Often present in Christian teachings and literature, the shepherd shows tender loving care to the sheep they’re responsible for. The Lord is also often referred to as a shepherd, as He cares for and guides humans.

3

Feather

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Feathers are often associated with angels or birds, which are usually seen as holy or sacred.

4

Dagger

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While a dagger may not seem like an obvious symbol of kindness, it does represent the Archangel Zadkiel, who is known for being merciful, forgiving, and compassionate. He is mentioned in the Kabbalah (Judaism) as well as in the Holy Bible (Christianity).

5

Scepter

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Clementia is known for her forgiveness and mercy and the scepter became a symbol of this benevolent Roman goddess. In fact, the word “clementia” (or “clemency”) means “mercy.”^{[3]
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6

Lotus Flower

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Though the lotus grows in muddy, murky water, it rises above and blossoms. This pretty flower represents the path from suffering to enlightenment. In particular, the red lotus symbolizes compassion.^{[4]
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7

Buddha

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This religious figure represents enlightenment. Buddha’s teachings, or dharma, focus on the virtues of wisdom, generosity, patience, kindness, and compassion.^{[5]
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8

Endless Knot

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Also called the infinity knot or endless knot, this symbol depicts the interconnectedness of life.^{[6]
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9

"Om"

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The mantra “Om mani padme hum” is a six-syllable mantra that represents the essence of dharma (or Buddhist teachings).^{[7]
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10

Parasol

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This umbrella represents the protection, compassion, and refuge provided by the dharma.^{[8]
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11

Stupa Spire

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Stupas are monuments that are found throughout the world. In Buddhist culture, a stupa is often topped with a spire that represents Buddha, with a crown at the top.

12

Varada Mudra

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This hand gesture represents compassion and charity. In Asian and Buddhist cultures, mudras are hand gestures with different meanings, and they’re often seen on statues or depictions of deities. The varada mudra is a symbol of granting boons and devotion to human salvation.^{[9]
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- Mudras are often used in prayer and meditation.

13

Heart Chakra

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In Indian or Hindu traditions, it’s believed that the body contains 7 chakras, or energy centers. Also known as “Anahata,” the heart chakra is the 4th energy center in the body. Its fundamental qualities include pure, unconditional love, acceptance, altruism, empathy, and kindness.^{[10]
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14

Strength Tarot Card

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This is the 9th major Arcana card in a tarot deck. Its meaning is deeper than just physical strength, though, and extends to collaboration, balance, bravery, and femininity.^{[11]
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15

Guan Yin

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Guan Yin is a prevalent figure of mercy, love, compassion, and kindness in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. She is also known as the Buddhist deity Avalokitesvara.^{[12]
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16

Lord Krishna

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He is the 8th incarnation (or avatar) of Vishnu, the Hindu god. Lord Krishna is the god of love, tenderness, and compassion. He cares for and protects his worshippers.

17

Nteasee

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This symbol urges people to show kindness to their neighbors and work together to achieve their goals.

18

Obaatan Awaamu

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This adinkra, or symbol, looks like a butterfly. It represents a mother’s embrace and the love, comfort, reassurance, and relaxation she provides.

19

Gebo

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It’s also associated with sacrifice, balance, honor, and altruism, as well as the Norse or Viking deity Odin.^{[13]
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20

Hringhorni

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This ship is the symbol of the son of Odin and Frigg, Baldur, who was the most beloved Aesir god. Baldur represents bravery, happiness, kindness, and light, and when he died, his body was placed in his ship, Hringhorni.