Bear (Invincibility)

A Matter of Strength in Native American Culture

North American Natives have a life philosophy based in nature, and believe that every object, even inanimate ones, have a soul, and regard everything in nature as sacred. The bear, being the strongest animal in nature, symbolizes absolute power and invincibility.

It is a Matter of…

While bears symbolize rudeness and poor manners in our culture, they are viewed in a more positive light in other cultures, in part because of their strength. For example, to bear up means to remain brave under a mental or emotional burden. So to call someone a bear can also be seen as a compliment.