Elephants - Symbol of Wisdom and Strength

Thai culture celebrates the elephant as a symbol of fortune. One must be brave as elephants are the largest land animals in existence today.

The elephant serves as the ‘official animal’ of Thailand and is considered a national symbol of strength and intelligence. Over the years the elephant has adorned national and provincial flags. There are many references to elephants in Thailand’s artworks, literature and national emblems.

Elephants have played many important roles throughout Thailand’s history. For centuries they were used as draught animals. A draught animal by definition is an animal that has been trained to do work for and with humans. Elephants were used in war and logging as well as working on the land for pulling ploughs.

In the 1800’s and early 1900s, elephants were a key form of transportation in Thailand. As many as 1,000 elephants were used on the route between Chiang Mai and Chiang Saen.

Elephants found in Thailand are Indian elephants. At one time wild elephants were quite plentiful in Thailand. Today, only 3,000 to 4,000 elephants remain in Thailand with almost half of them living in captivity.

Buddhism is the major religion in Thailand. In Buddhism, the wild elephant represents our uncontrolled and passionate minds. A tamed elephant rather than a wild rampaging one, symbolizes a disciplined mind.

Today’s picture is one of a handbag I received as a gift from a student from Thailand. What a wonderful gift. This student was sharing a very special memento from her home country.

This elephant has its trunk pointed downwards. It is said to be storing luck and energy. It is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge enabling you to easily overcome various tasks and challenges. Do you need to stay grounded or reserve strength? The downward trunk elephant might be for you!

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