9.5 Nature imagery and symbolism in literature
7 min read•august 20, 2024
Nature imagery and symbolism play a vital role in Native American narratives. These stories often use natural elements to reflect characters' emotions and inner states. The four elements - earth, water, air, and fire - hold deep symbolic meaning in these tales.
Animals serve as guides and messengers, while seasons represent life cycles. Plants and trees are revered for their medicinal and spiritual properties. Landscapes like , , and deserts are portrayed as gateways to spiritual realms, reflecting the interconnectedness of humans and nature.
Nature as a reflection of human emotions
- In Native American narratives, nature often serves as a mirror for the inner emotional states of characters
- The conditions of the natural world around them correspond to and intensify the feelings characters are experiencing
- Turbulent weather can reflect inner turmoil while calm, peaceful settings echo tranquility and harmony
Symbolism of the four elements
Earth symbolism
Top images from around the web for Earth symbolism
Mound Builders - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Mother Earth | I am particularly enamored with this print ma… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
mother-earth-circle-of-people1 | from www.circleconnections.… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Mound Builders - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Mother Earth | I am particularly enamored with this print ma… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Earth symbolism
Mound Builders - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Mother Earth | I am particularly enamored with this print ma… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
mother-earth-circle-of-people1 | from www.circleconnections.… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Mound Builders - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Mother Earth | I am particularly enamored with this print ma… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Represents groundedness, stability, fertility and the cyclical nature of life
- Earth is often personified as a nurturing maternal figure (Mother Earth)
- Earth mounds used in burial rites symbolize the womb of the earth and the hope of regeneration
- Clay is formed from earth and water, holding great creative potential as a sculptural medium
Water symbolism
- Water is revered for its life-giving properties as well as its potential for destruction
- represent the flow of life, constant change and the passage of time
- Lakes and ponds are places of mystery that often serve as portals to spirit realms in stories
- Waterfalls are seen as energetically powerful places of purification and prayer
Air symbolism
- Air is often equated with the breath of life and the realm of thought and intellect
- Wind serves as a messenger and agent of change, stirring things up and carrying prayers
- Birds are strongly associated with the air element and often represent spiritual wisdom
- The sky is the domain of powerful celestial forces and home of the thunderbirds
Fire symbolism
- Fire provides light, warmth and the ability to cook food, making it central to survival
- Also has destructive potential, making it a symbol of powerful transformative energy
- Smoke from fires carries prayers to the spirit world and is used for ritual purification
- Fire is a key element in sweat lodge ceremonies for cleansing and healing
Animal guides and messengers
- Animals are seen as wise relatives and teachers who can offer lessons and guidance
- They often play the role of messengers from the spirit world, bringing omens or prophecies
- Each animal is associated with specific qualities (bear - strength, owl - wisdom, etc.)
- Shamanic practitioners often have animal helping spirits who assist in healing work
- Visitations from animals in dreams or waking life are seen as deeply meaningful encounters
Seasons as symbols of life cycles
Spring symbolism
- Represents new beginnings, birth, youth, and the awakening of life after winter's dormancy
- Associated with the East direction and the dawn, times of freshness and promise
- Budding plants and wildflowers emerging from the earth mirror the innocence of childhood
Summer symbolism
- Embodies the energetic outward expression of life, activity, passion and abundance
- Associated with the South direction and the noonday sun at its peak strength
- Fruits and vegetables ripen under summer's warmth, symbolic of life reaching its full potential
Fall symbolism
- Represents the elder years, the winding down of life's energy and a time of letting go
- Associated with the West direction and the setting sun, a time of introspection
- Falling leaves are reminders of the impermanence of life as nature makes way for death
Winter symbolism
- Reflects old age, death, the end of cycles and the mysteries beyond the veil
- Associated with the North, nighttime, and the dark period of the moon's cycle
- A time of going within, seeking wisdom and visions through dreams and ceremonies
- Dormancy of seeds under the snow points to the promise of new life after death
Plants and trees as sacred symbols
Medicinal and spiritual uses
- Plants are revered for their healing properties and used extensively as herbal medicines
- Trees play a central role in many ceremonies (Sun Dance, Ghost Dance, etc.)
- Burning of sacred plants (sage, sweetgrass, cedar, tobacco) for purification and prayer
- Certain plants are associated with specific ritual uses (peyote for vision quests, etc.)
Connections to creation stories
- Trees are often central figures in tribal creation stories, holding up the sky or providing a link between realms
- White pine, birch, oak and others are seen as especially sacred trees
- Plants are honored for being among the earth's first living beings, predating humans
- Origin stories describe how people learned the uses of plants from animal or spirit teachers
Landscapes reflecting spiritual realms
Mountains as places of revelation
- Mountaintops are seen as places of ascent where the earthly and heavenly realms meet
- Vision quests and other ceremonies often take place on mountains to facilitate communion with spirits
- Receiving teachings or guidance from the mountain spirits is a common theme
- Specific mountains are held as sacred sites, sanctuaries and destinations for pilgrimage
Forests as places of mystery
- Forests are often inhabited by powerful spirits and supernatural beings in tribal lore
- Entering the forest symbolically represents exploring the unknown regions of the soul
- Getting lost in the forest is a frequent metaphor for the spiritual seeker's journey
- Trees are seen as wise elders and forests as libraries of sacred knowledge
Deserts as places of vision quests
- The stark, stripped-down landscape of the desert encourages introspection and self-confrontation
- Deserts are places of testing and initiation where spiritual strength is forged
- Vision quests in the desert involve fasting to induce altered states and visions
- The desert's harshness makes any life there symbolic of resilience and determination
Weather phenomena as omens
Rain symbolism
- Rain is a blessing, a gift of life-giving water from sky to earth
- Can also represent purification, a washing away of impurities or troubles
- Rainbows are auspicious signs of harmony between heaven and earth
- Different intensities of rain (drizzle, downpour, etc.) reflect subtleties of meaning
Thunder and lightning symbolism
- Thunder is the voice of the thunderbirds, powerful sky spirits who bring rain
- Lightning is seen as a dramatic display of cosmic energy, used for divination
- Thunder and lightning together represent the union of masculine and feminine forces
- Witnessing them is both humbling and invigorating, a reminder of human smallness and potential
Wind symbolism
- The wind's invisibility yet undeniable presence makes it a apt symbol for the Great Spirit
- Wind is a shape-shifter, taking on different characters (gentle breeze, howling gale, etc.)
- Is both a destructive and regenerative force, clearing away the old to make way for the new
- Carries seeds to new places, echoing how stories and teachings are spread on the breath
Celestial bodies in storytelling
Sun symbolism
- Seen as a divine being, often personified as male, whose daily journey reflects the cycles of life
- Rising sun associated with birth, new beginnings, and emergence of illuminated consciousness
- Setting sun represents death, endings and the descent into the dreamtime
- Sun's warmth nurtures life, its light brings clarity, discernment and the ability to see clearly
Moon symbolism
- Moon is typically a feminine counterpart to the masculine sun, presiding over the night
- Waxing and waning of moon reflects how life ebbs and flows in cycles
- Different lunar phases are associated with different qualities (full moon - completeness, new moon - potential)
- Moon is a regulator of tides and women's menstrual cycles, both seen as sacred rhythms
Star symbolism
- Stars are the campfires of the ancestors, twinkling in the heavens
- Specific star formations (Pleiades, Ursa Major, etc.) feature in many legends
- Stars used extensively for navigation, timekeeping and to mark ceremonial calendars
- Falling stars represent the descent of souls from the spirit world to earth
Nature-based metaphors and similes
- Characters often use metaphors rooted in their close observation of nature to express themselves
- Someone might have a "heart strong as a boulder" or be "busy as a beaver"
- Events are said to happen "quick as a rabbit" or "slow as drifting snow"
- Emotions are "loud as thunder" or a "flash flood of tears"
- Comparisons based in nature make speech vivid, poetic and reflective of a culture intimately familiar with the natural world
Humans as part of the natural world
Interdependence and reciprocity
- Humans are seen not as separate from nature, but as one part of an interconnected web of life
- Rituals and practices reflect the understanding that human wellbeing depends on the health of the environment
- Offerings, prayers and ceremonies are ways of maintaining a reciprocal relationship with nature
- Use of a plant or animal requires gratitude and taking only what is needed, avoiding waste
Kinship with nature
- In many Native languages, there are no separate words for "human" and "nature"
- Animals, plants and elements are addressed as relatives (e.g. "brother wolf", "grandmother cedar")
- Rocks, rivers and mountains are seen as living, sentient beings with their own spirits
- Humans have a familial responsibility to be good stewards and guardians of the earth
- Living in balance and harmony with nature is a sacred trust and covenant
Contrasting natural vs man-made worlds
- Natural world is the ultimate teacher, offering wisdom, provision and glimpses of the divine
- Man-made world is often a place of separation from nature's rhythms and laws
- Urban environments depicted as places of disconnect, artifice and spiritual emptiness
- Returning to nature allows characters to regain a truer sense of self and purpose
- Conflict often arises between natural ways and encroaching modern culture as a central theme
Key Terms to Review (19)
Animal symbolism: Animal symbolism refers to the use of animals in literature and art to represent ideas, qualities, or emotions. In nature imagery, animals often embody deeper meanings, allowing authors to convey messages about human experiences and relationships with the natural world. This connection can enhance themes and evoke emotions, making the narrative richer and more relatable.
Colonial impact on land: Colonial impact on land refers to the profound and often destructive effects that colonial powers have had on the landscapes, ecosystems, and indigenous ways of life across various regions. This influence has shaped not only the physical geography but also the spiritual and cultural relationships that indigenous peoples maintain with their environment. The consequences of colonialism can be seen in land dispossession, environmental degradation, and the disruption of traditional land-use practices.
Cyclical time in storytelling: Cyclical time in storytelling refers to a non-linear perspective of time where events are seen as recurring or repeating rather than progressing in a straight line. This concept is often reflected in narratives that emphasize natural cycles, seasons, and the interconnectedness of life, allowing for themes of rebirth, renewal, and continuity. It highlights how stories can mirror the rhythms of nature and the human experience, creating a deeper understanding of existence.
Forests: Forests are large areas dominated by trees and other vegetation, serving as crucial ecosystems that support a variety of wildlife and contribute to the environment. In literature, forests often symbolize mystery, transformation, and the subconscious, acting as settings for characters to undergo significant changes or confront their inner struggles. Their depiction can evoke feelings of wonder, fear, or serenity, making them powerful symbols in narratives.
Interconnectedness of all living things: Interconnectedness of all living things refers to the idea that all life forms are interdependent and influence one another within ecosystems. This concept highlights the relationships and interactions among species, as well as between organisms and their environments, emphasizing that the well-being of one is tied to the well-being of others. This holistic view fosters a deeper appreciation for nature's complexity and the balance necessary for sustaining life.
Landscape imagery: Landscape imagery refers to the use of descriptive language that evokes the physical features of a landscape, including natural elements like mountains, rivers, forests, and skies. This type of imagery not only paints a vivid picture in the reader's mind but also carries symbolic meanings that can enhance themes and emotions within a narrative.
Leslie Marmon Silko: Leslie Marmon Silko is a prominent Native American writer, recognized for her contributions to contemporary literature through her works that weave together traditional storytelling and modern themes. Her narratives often emphasize the importance of oral traditions, spiritual connections, and the rich tapestry of Native American culture, reflecting both cultural continuity and adaptation.
Mountains: Mountains are large landforms that rise prominently above their surroundings, typically characterized by steep slopes, significant elevation, and a peak or summit. In various narratives, they symbolize obstacles, challenges, and transformation, often serving as a backdrop for hero journeys and reflecting the character's inner struggles and growth.
N. Scott Momaday: N. Scott Momaday is a renowned Native American author, poet, and playwright known for his significant contributions to literature, particularly in representing Native American culture and identity. His works often reflect moral lessons, the importance of oral traditions, and themes of cultural preservation and adaptation.
Nature as character: Nature as character refers to the literary device where the natural environment takes on a role similar to that of a character, influencing the plot and the emotional landscape of a narrative. This concept emphasizes how elements like landscapes, weather, and seasons can embody traits or play an active part in the story, often reflecting or contrasting the characters' internal experiences and struggles.
Nature as teacher: Nature as teacher is the concept that the natural world imparts wisdom, lessons, and moral guidance to humans through its beauty, complexity, and cycles. This perspective encourages individuals to learn from the environment, recognizing it as a source of knowledge about life, existence, and interconnectedness.
Rivers: Rivers are natural flowing watercourses, usually freshwater, that move towards oceans, seas, lakes, or other rivers. They serve as vital lifelines in ecosystems and cultures, symbolizing the passage of time, journey, and transformation in various forms of literature through nature imagery and symbolism.
Sacredness of land: The sacredness of land refers to the profound spiritual and cultural significance that land holds for many Indigenous peoples, often viewing it as a living entity with which they share a reciprocal relationship. This concept emphasizes the belief that land is not merely a physical space but a vital part of identity, history, and community, influencing how people interact with nature and perceive their place in the world.
Spiritual connection to nature: A spiritual connection to nature refers to the profound relationship and sense of belonging that individuals experience with the natural world. This connection often encompasses feelings of reverence, respect, and an understanding of the interdependence between humans and the environment. It highlights how nature is not just a backdrop for human life, but a vital source of inspiration, guidance, and spiritual nourishment.
The eagle as a messenger: The eagle as a messenger symbolizes the connection between the spiritual and physical worlds, often serving as a conduit for divine communication. In many Native American cultures, the eagle is revered for its ability to soar high above the earth, representing a bridge between humanity and the sacred, delivering messages from the Creator or the spirit realm.
The four directions: The four directions refer to the cardinal points—North, South, East, and West—which are deeply significant in many Native American cultures. Each direction is associated with specific elements, colors, and spiritual meanings that contribute to a holistic understanding of the world and nature. In literature, the four directions often symbolize different aspects of life and existence, showcasing the interconnectedness of all beings and the natural world.
The medicine wheel: The medicine wheel is a symbolic representation used by many Indigenous cultures in North America, often depicting the interconnectedness of life and the universe. It represents various aspects of existence, such as physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, and is often associated with cycles of nature and the seasons. The wheel serves as a guide for understanding balance in life and promotes harmony within oneself and with the environment.
Traditional ecological knowledge: Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) refers to the cumulative body of knowledge, practices, and beliefs regarding the relationship of living beings with one another and with their environment, developed over generations by Indigenous and local communities. This knowledge emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans and nature, providing insights into sustainable practices that have been honed over centuries, and contributes to a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship.
Water as a symbol of life: Water as a symbol of life represents nourishment, purity, renewal, and the essence of existence. In literature, it often embodies the cycles of life, such as birth and rebirth, highlighting its vital role in sustaining all living beings. This connection extends to broader themes like spirituality and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity.