Different people have different associations with words and concepts, but these differences are even more pronounced between peoples. Under the influence of historical events, culture, environmental conditions and other factors, symbols are formed that mean phenomena and aspects of life. For many peoples, the symbols of happiness are very similar.
Phoenix
Phoenix is a mythological fire bird that is reborn from its own ashes. It is a symbol of happiness, immortality, glory in many cultures. The history of the phoenix began in the 5th century BC, then Herodotus first mentioned this bird in his writings. Beliefs about the existence of a bird of happiness subsequently spread in the Christian world, transferred to Jewish culture and penetrated into the territory of Ancient Russia. This is how the myths about Finiste and the Firebird appeared, and craftsmen began to carve their images out of wood for good luck.
Later, by analogy with the Phoenix, many winged creatures, mainly birds, were considered symbols of happiness: a pheasant, a peacock, an imperial duck. In China, the rooster is considered a symbol of the beginning of yang and personifies happiness. The peacock's tail during the Ming Dynasty was considered to bring happiness. The crane has become a widespread symbol of happiness, embodying the desire for the spiritual, for eternal love and joy.
Swastika
Today, the swastika is rarely associated with anything good, but it was originally a common symbol of happiness. A cross with curved ends is found in the ancient cultures of Asia, Africa, Europe and even America. In Buddhism, this is the heart of Buddha, for the Japanese it is a symbol of a long and happy life, for Muslims it is control over the cardinal points, for the Chinese it is the accumulation of positive energy. For most peoples, it was a symbol of life, sun, movement, prosperity and happiness.
Butterfly
The butterfly was a symbol of family happiness in Ancient Greece, its appearance is acquired by the wife of Eros, Psyche. The ancient Egyptians depicted her on frescoes in temples and pyramids. Today, this beautiful insect is also associated with joy and happiness among many peoples. Indian Buddhists believe that eight butterflies sat on the Buddha's flute, and once a spiritual teacher dedicated his sermon to the winged beauty. In China today, the groom gives the bride a butterfly, either alive or made of jade. Such a gift on other occasions means a wish for happiness and longevity. In Japan, a butterfly is a symbol of not just happiness, but ecstasy, immeasurable joy, it is associated with all the best in human life.
Horseshoe
The horseshoe is often referred to as a symbol of good luck, but it is closely associated with happiness. All Christian peoples, as well as Turks, Jews and representatives of other nationalities and religions, believe in the properties of a horseshoe. Since ancient times, it has been believed that it protects against evil spirits. It was believed that if you nail a horseshoe over the door of a house, then its inhabitants will find happiness.
