Lambs are undeniably adorable with their immaculate faces and amiable nature. They have been part of our society as far as modern history can stretch back. With that, it is no surprise that they bring various symbols carrying virtues and traits you should uphold.
Lambs represent innocence, purity, gentleness, selflessness, strength, and fertility. They could appear in various moments of your life, especially when the universe sends a message calling for balance and steadfastness. As you read, you’ll find out the significant meaning of lambs in various aspects of humanity.
Symbolic Meaning of Lambs
Lamb as a Symbol of Innocence
Lambs symbolize purity and innocence because of their inability to cause harm to others and their obedience to their shepherds. Those who consider lambs their spirit animal remain pure in thoughts and intentions, especially in dealing with other people.
Lamb as a Symbol of Gentleness
Lambs are gentle creatures. They may appear weak, but as young sheep, their meekness stems from their desire to navigate the world without harshness and malign influence. Unfortunately, this can also be the same trait that makes people who identify with lambs prone to manipulation and abuse.
Lamb as a Symbol of Selflessness
Many historical and biblical accounts portray the lamb as a sacrifice to God. For this reason, lambs fit symbols of selflessness. People receiving messages through lamb manifestations are reminded to think less of themselves and more about others.
Lamb as a Symbol of Strength
Lambs portray strength as their association with purity and sacrifice symbolizes their ability to ward off evil. And in that picture, the lamb bears inherent strength that could only come from a higher degree of selflessness.
Lamb as a Symbol of Fertility
Aside from the fact that lambs are baby sheep, they are associated with fertility as they become the typical symbol of caring and nurturing. Shepherds treat lambs with extra care as any individual would with a baby. As a result, lambs are often explicitly linked to maternal instincts.
Significance of Lambs in Religions
It’s not uncommon to encounter lambs with different religious beliefs. More commonly, lambs have been referenced in the bible and other scriptures. The following explains the spiritual meaning of lambs in the Christian and Jewish faith context.
Lamb Symbolism in Christianity
Christians associate the symbol of the lamb directly with Jesus Christ. In the bible, Jesus sacrificed His life for the world’s salvation the same way a lamb is sacrificed for cleansing and forgiveness.
In a Catholic Mass, the liturgical text Agnus Dei which literally means lamb of God, symbolizes the sacrifice of Christ and the union of the congregation through his body and blood. It also signifies the victory of humankind’s salvation through Christ as a sacrificial lamb.
Lamb Symbolism in Judaism
Jews revere the lamb for its meekness and innocence. During the Passover, Jews smear their doors with a lamb’s blood. This can be traced back to when God instructed Moses to sacrifice a lamb and use the blood as a mark for the Angel to skip their homes and spare the firstborn child from death.
From that day on, the lamb was dubbed the Paschal or Passover lamb. It also commemorates the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Therefore, the lamb symbolizes deliverance and the fulfillment of God’s promise to the Jews.
Meaning of Lambs in Different Cultures
Ancient civilizations have different symbolic meanings associated with lambs. However, many accounts showed that lambs were widely used as a sacrifice on top of their domestic roles.
Importance of Lambs as Livestock
Sheep, as a whole, is one of the first animals raised as livestock. Their gentleness and general harmless made it easier for many tribes to capture and raise them for livestock. As a result, sheep became a source of meat, clothing, dairy, and more.
Now considering these products, lambs were cared for and sheltered, especially from predators. Eventually, they were widely treated as the go-to sacrifice to appease God, opening the doors to much cultural symbolism linked to lambs.
Lamb Symbolism in Native Americans
Native American tribes, specifically the Navajo Nation, consider lambs to represent harmonious living and good life. Lambs also symbolize balance, prosperity, renewal, and rebirth.
Lamb Symbolism in Celtic Culture
The Celts have always been fond of sheep. Today, Ireland considers the sheep an important domestic livestock staple representing abundance in the land. By extension, the Celtic culture considers the lamb a symbol of prosperity and rebirth. These representations remain true to many Irish and descendants of the Celts.
Lamb Symbolism in Greek Culture
Under the Greek civilization, lambs signify vulnerability and sacrifice. They are also seen as an established channel since lambs are used as a sacrificial alternative to humans, warranting direct communication with the gods.
Lamb Symbolism in Literature
Even if you have not seen an actual lamb yourself, you’ve probably known about this baby animal from the nursery song “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” In the context of the song, it represents the loyalty of the lamb to the extent that it follows the girl to school.
Of course, the best symbolic representation of these meek animals was exhibited in the poem “The Lamb” by William Blake. In the poem, Blake explored the innocence that binds the lamb and man, forming a connection to the divine. It expounds on the idea that purity is inherent.
Lamb Dream Meanings
When a lamb appears in your dream, it’s not merely a coincidence. More often than not, it channels a message or a reminder that you shouldn’t overlook. But, of course, the meaning of the lamb depends on how you perceive it in your dream.
Seeing a Lamb
If you simply see a lamb in your dreams, it could suggest that you’re about to experience an experience that will crack your vulnerability. For example, there could be someone in your past that will suddenly resurface, affecting you emotionally.
Receiving a Lamb as a Gift
To dream of getting a lamb as a gift means that you are lonely. Lately, you have not been receiving the level of attention you want, whether conscious or not. As a result, you may want to explore other activities or meet new people to jumpstart your social life.
Feeding a Lamb
Dreaming of feeding a lamb means being concerned with a close friend or family member. It could point toward worrying about a young child or a fragile relative. You may be troubled about the welfare of your kid or your aged parents.
Losing a Lamb
Losing a lamb in your dream could mean having suspicions about a person you trust. You may have a gut feeling that this person has not been completely honest with you, questioning their recent acts and motives.
Killing a Lamb
When a lamb is killed or slaughtered in your dream, it could suggest that your attitude has been getting cold lately. Try to assess how people react when you’re around. You may be unaware that they find you arrogant or rude.
Summary
The innocence and humility of lambs always remind us to stay humble as the universe will respond fairly to purity. So if you have seen lambs all around you, take in its message, and you’ll be directed to the rewards of its virtues.