11 Best Symbols of Sympathy

Sympathy plays a vital role in our social and moral character, allowing us to connect with others and care for their well-being.¹

Research shows that people who are kind and compassionate have greater satisfaction in life, better physical and mental health, and build stronger relationships.²

As a cornerstone of emotional well-being, sympathy allows us to foster supportive relationships that contribute to a more harmonious society.

Whether you’re looking for a bit of inspiration or hoping to find unique ideas for showing sympathy, we have the list of symbols of sympathy below, as well as ways to put them to use.

1. White flowers
   Symbolize sympathy and purity
   
2. Doves
   Used to express sympathy and offer hope for healing; a universal symbol of peace and harmony
   
3. Hearts
   Used to convey sympathy and support; symbolize love, care, and emotional connection
   
4. Hug emojis
   Used in text messages and on social media to symbolize a virtual embrace and offer sympathy
   
5. Rainbows
   Used to express sympathy and encouragement during challenging times; symbolize hope and positivity after a storm
   
6. Angel wings
   Used to offer sympathy and support to those who are grieving; symbol of protection, guidance, and a sense of spiritual presence
   
7. Red lotus flowers
   Signify sympathy, compassion, and selfless love³
   
8. Holding hands
   Symbolizes unity, support, and sympathy for someone going through a tough period
   
9. Black ribbons
   Worn to express sympathy and support for those who are grieving⁴
   
10. Willow tree angel figurines
    Gift given to express sympathy, comfort, remembrance, and healing⁵
    
11. Forget-me-not flowers
    Symbolize sympathy, remembrance, and love

Using These Symbols to Offer Comfort

The thoughtful and sincere use of symbols of sympathy can help communicate your compassion and offer comfort to others during difficult times. It can remind them that they’re not alone in their journey.

Keep in mind that the most meaningful actions and messages come from the heart. Personal touches that reflect the specific circumstances will give your show of sympathy a deeper meaning.

Here are a few special and unique ways to use sympathy symbols when offering comfort to others:

• Personalized jewelry: Consider creating a customized piece of jewelry featuring one of these symbols, such as a dove or forget-me-not. This will remind the receiver that you’re there for them each time they wear it.
• Memorial garden: You may want to dedicate a flowerbed or garden to a lost loved one by planting flowers or trees that symbolize remembrance and sympathy. This will offer a peaceful place for you and others who knew the person to sit and reflect on good memories.
• Custom stationery: One way to get creative and show how much you care is to design personalized note cards, envelopes, or sheets of paper by incorporating symbols of sympathy. These are great for sending messages of sympathy, as well as offering gratitude to others for sharing their sympathy with you.
• Digital messages: Consider sending sympathy symbols as emojis with caring text messages, emails, or through social media. This can help convey empathy and loving thoughts when you can’t do it in person.