A powerful symbol of rebirth and renewal, a phoenix logo can represent your brand’s strong values and personality in an exemplary way. One of the most popular and admired mythical creatures in the world, the Phoenix has a great impact on human emotions, and thus, can prove beneficial for your business.
What you choose as your company’s logo can have a massive impact on your potential clients and business associates, so you need to make your decision wisely. The ideal logo design should emphasize your brand values, strengths, and the key characteristics of your business. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the mythical significance of the immortal bird, its symbolism, and its benefit to your brand identity.
The Mythological Significance of the Legendary Phoenix Bird
A true inspiration for stories and artwork that date back to almost 1500 BC, the phoenix stands for rebirth, restoration, healing, immortality, and the eternal fire. The mythical bird probably originated in ancient Egypt, and is often associated with the worship of the sun. In Egyptian mythology, the bird was said to be as huge as an eagle, with dazzling scarlet and gold plumage and a melodic cry. Although only one phoenix existed at a time, it had a very long life — almost all prehistoric authorities gave it a life span of at least 500 years.
At its dying stage, the phoenix formed a nest of scented boughs and spices, set it on fire, and got engulfed in its own flames. From this pyre emerged a new phoenix, which embalmed its creator’s ashes in an egg of myrrh and flew with the ashes to Heliopolis, Egypt (“City of the Sun”). There, it rested them on the altar in the temple of Re, the Egyptian god of the sun. In a variant of this story, the dying phoenix flew to Heliopolis and immolated itself in the fire on the altar, from which the new phoenix rose.
The Egyptians widely associated the phoenix bird with immortality, and this symbolism had a huge appeal in late antiquity. The resurrecting bird was often associated with immortal Rome, and this is evident in the coinage of the late Roman Empire that symbolized the Eternal City. It was also commonly considered as an allegory of resurgence and life after death—concepts that also appealed highly to emergent Christianity.
Representations of the phoenix can be seen on ancient Christians’ graves. In Judaism, there is a narration that mentions Milcham, the immortal bird. It tells that after Eve sinned by biting on the forbidden fruit; she tried to lure other animals into taking a bite. It seemed that all of them gave in to temptation except the Milcham. Since it didn’t sin, the bird was crowned with immortality and resurrection power.
In Asian mythology, the Phoenix holds the highest rank among the birds, the one that dominates the rest of them. It is hence an emblem for power, leadership and domination. As it was believed to have defensive powers, it was painted on the outside ceramic of the temples and palaces to guard against beasts. The phoenix bird was also a good depiction of feminine grace, and would hint at the great qualities of the Empress.
In Hindu mythology, the phoenix shows resemblance with Garuda – an eternal bird that is the carrier of Lord Vishnu. In China, the creature is very similar to the bird that is believed to be the leader of all birds- the Feng-huan.
In Islamic mythology, the phoenix was associated with the ʿanqāʾ (Persian: sīmorgh), a gigantic mysterious bird (possibly a heron) that was initially created by God but thereafter became a plague and was killed.
Symbolism of the Phoenix Logo
With its hypnotizing beauty and a strong mythological image, the phoenix bird has managed to fascinate humans for centuries. After a rewarding life of 500 to 1000 years, the mythological bird will set itself on fire, only to rise from its own ashes, young and stronger. This cycle will keep repeating itself for eternity, which makes it a strong symbol of resurrection, endurance and immortality.
Since the creature cannot be defeated, subdued or finished, the phoenix logo can be used to emphasize the longevity of your business, and its matchless capacity to adapt and overcome hurdles with grace and dignity.
The phoenix is also a perfect symbol for purity and precision. Its wings are covered with flames, and fire is known for its purifying proprieties. Hence, you can also consider using a phoenix logo to exhibit the high and strong moral principles of your business. This way, you can gain the trust and admiration of your customers and business associates.
In America, the phoenix symbol was featured in 1782 on the first Great Seal of the United States. However, it was later replaced by the eagle. Native Americans named the phoenix as the thunderbird – a powerful cross-cultural creature of Native North American mythology. As in many other cultural depictions, the thunderbird of the ancient Americans was also a huge, red, and vibrant bird. It was extremely powerful and as it would flap and pound its wings, it could cause rain and thunder.
Thus, the immortal bird played a crucial role in Native American culture and traditions. Since it was closely linked with the weather, its feathers were used for therapeutic and magical purposes, and to help harvest crops as well. Being symbolic of rain and weather, the Americans believed that the bird influenced growth, power, and abundance.
Dreaming of a phoenix signifies transformation, resurrection, immortality, and power. It’s also symbolic of hope and positivity, particularly if you are in a tough situation that is causing stress and anxiety. It means that the phoenix is urging you to cast your fears aside and move ahead with hope and courage. Hence, using a phoenix logo for your brand would convey the image of positivity, growth, and success for your brand.
Is the Phoenix Logo Meant for You?
If you love the idea of having a phoenix logo, but you don’t know if it would be the right choice for your business, we are here to help you. For example, if you own an online business that provides defense against computer viruses or hackers, or you offer web security services, the phoenix logo will indicate that you are capable of going over the way to do your job. This symbol is also a good option for schools and universities as it symbolizes eternal creativity and emphasizes the fact that knowledge is the supreme force.
Due to its ability to change its form frequently, the mythical bird is a perfect symbol for alchemy. Hence, if your business has something to do with chemical processes, you can choose the phoenix logo to show that your brand is unique, credible, creative, and confident, with a powerful business strategy.
A phoenix logo can also uplift your company’s reputation and help you make profits. Some businesses and industries where the phoenix logo would fit best are: education, arts, stock market, online security, oil and gas businesses, start-up businesses, etc. The mythical immortal bird is renowned for its power, grace, and positive message. Choose the phoenix logo to show that your brand is as strong as a phoenix, indomitable and ready to rise to success with dignity.
Phoenix Logo Design Ideas
From regular fire phoenix images to a phoenix rising from the flames, flying phoenix forming a circle, or something abstract, there’s a range of design ideas to include the perpetual mythological bird in your business logo. Here are some phoenix logo design ideas to inspire you.
Final words,
While there are thousands of auto logo generators available to cater to your designing needs, they are mostly a similar or tweaked version of an existing design. If you want something truly exclusive to show off your brand’s personality, you need a customized logo designed by a graphic designer. Only a seasoned and knowledgeable professional or design agency like DesignBro can listen to your requirements and create something extraordinary.
Unlike many other design agencies or freelance marketplaces that work with any and every professional that signs up with them, DesignBro conducts a thorough selection procedure to appoint only the best 5% of graphic designers who submit their portfolio with them. When you work with the best professionals, you can expect only the finest quality of work. Choose wisely and thank us later!
PJ has a background in management consulting and software development. At DesignBro, he combines both. Personal favorite brand of PJ is Jeep.
