The ecological elements in dissent; how protest movements include nature symbols to fight hate
Our immediate way to show solidarity with Palestine's struggle was by updating watermelon emojis on our bios and profiles, an important gesture more than it sounds. That is because watermelon has been a powerful symbol in Palestinian protests and artworks, representing resistance against the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. This symbolism is deeply rooted in Palestinian culture and history, where agricultural symbols often carry significant political and cultural meanings. Other natural imageries such as the "Cacti" and additionally the keffiyeh, the traditional Palestinian scarf, bear symbolic patterns that reflect deep aspects of Palestinian life. The black stripes are interpreted as representations of historical merchant trade routes passing through Palestine, while the dominant fishnet pattern symbolizes the Palestinian connection to the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizing cultural ties and maritime heritage. The scarf's curvy lines are alternatively viewed as symbols of olive trees, which embody resilience and pride in Palestinian culture, or as representations of wheat, signifying agricultural traditions and sustenance.
Meanwhile, media reports on incidents of Israeli settlers uprooting trees, destroying crops, and vandalizing Palestinian property in the West Bank, particularly around Bethlehem and Salfit, stand as a shameful contrast and a reinforcement of the symbolic use of natural elements in Palestinian resistance movements. Olive, apple, and almond trees, along with cucumber crops, are not only essential to Palestinian livelihoods but also carry deep cultural and symbolic significance, representing resilience and connection to the land. While Palestinians employ these natural symbols in peaceful protests to assert their identity and aspirations for justice, settlers' actions undermine these efforts by perpetrating acts of violence and dispossession.
Another prominent symbol is the native Palestinian poppy, characterized by its red petals, black center, and green leaves, which mirror the colors of the Pan-Arabic and Palestinian flags. Although the official national flower is the Faqqua Iris, the poppy remains a powerful cultural symbol. Jaffa oranges, lemons, and olive trees are also widely recognized as symbols of Palestine, representing agricultural heritage and resilience. Additionally, plants like za'atar (thyme) and handal (colocynth), as well as traditional Palestinian crafts such as tatreez (embroidery), are cherished symbols that reflect cultural identity and heritage. These symbols collectively resonate within Palestinian society, embodying historical continuity, connection to the land, and aspirations for independence and recognition.
Now, when we look into India’s people movements, Murugamma, a leader from the Savitri Bai Phule Dalit Mahila Sangham in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, explains the core of it, "Our survival is linked to our control over the food that we grow, the food that we eat, and over our land. Land struggle is a major element for us Dalit women because the majority of Dalit families are landless." Beyond land, it is about who decides: "We want to be able to decide what food we grow, what we eat, and how we cook food," she quoted in an interview with Resilience.
Like the blue representing the river to the sea for Palestine, blue—also the color of the sky—symbolizes Dalit resistance. It stands for community and represents non-discrimination, reflecting the belief that under the sky, everyone is equal. Bhima Koregaon and other movements raise the blue flag of resilience. In terms of adopting nature elements in protest, what else other than hugging the trees in the Chipko Movement stands as a loud example of fighting for nature and upholding its elements? There have also been terms coined by Western media in association with the incorporation of natural elements. Western media coined the term "Cedar Revolution" to describe the Lebanon protests, drawing directly from the cedar tree on the flag. Although the protesters referred to their movement as the "Independence Intifada,"
The jasmine flower became a symbol of revolution, which began in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring protests. Protesters used the flower to represent their demands for political reform, economic justice, and human rights. The Jasmine Revolution, which unfolded in Tunisia starting in late 2010 and climaxed in January 2011, holds significant historical and symbolic importance. Named after the jasmine flower, a national symbol of Tunisia known for its fragrance and purity, the revolution reflected the peaceful nature of the protests that aimed to bring about political change. The Jasmine Revolution served as a catalyst for the broader Arab Spring movement, inspiring similar protests in countries like Egypt, Libya, Syria, and Yemen. These movements collectively sought to challenge autocratic rule, demand democratic reforms, and address socio-economic inequalities. The term "Jasmine Revolution" became synonymous with the wave of uprisings that swept the region in 2011, symbolizing people's aspirations for freedom, dignity, and justice.
In addition to the jasmine flower, other people's movements like in Yemen and the Arab world also used natural symbols, such as the eagle and the mountain, to represent their resistance against government oppression and their determination to protect their country's natural resources.
As the world continues to face environmental and social challenges, it is increasingly important to recognize the power of natural symbols in inspiring and mobilizing people to take action. In addition to the movements mentioned, the disability rights movement has been associated with nature symbols and colours like the sunflower as a symbol of resistance against ableism and discrimination. Similarly, LGBTQAI+ movements have been linked with the rainbow-colored rose and various nature colours as a symbol of resistance against queer hate and oppression. Across continents, Indigenous communities have adopted sacred trees such as the Redwoods in North America and Baobabs in Africa as powerful symbols of their identity and resistance. These ancient giants represent more than just flora; they embody the connection between Indigenous communities and their ancestral lands.
There are other subtle resistance signs, like the coconut tree symbolizing resilience and adaptation in Pacific Island communities facing existential threats from rising sea levels and climate-induced displacement. As a symbol deeply rooted in island cultures, the coconut tree represents survival and continuity amidst environmental challenges. In Japan, the sakura (cherry blossom) holds profound cultural significance and has become a symbol of hope and renewal amidst opposition to nuclear power and environmental risks. Following the Fukushima disaster, the sakura symbolizes resilience and the rejuvenation of communities affected by nuclear accidents.
The thistle is a cherished symbol in Scotland, representing the protection of its rugged landscapes and rich biodiversity against industrial development and environmental degradation. Advocates for environmental protection draw strength from the thistle, symbolizing resilience in safeguarding Scotland's natural heritage. Similarly, in certain countries, the bald eagle embodies the commitment to conservation and the preservation of natural ecosystems. A conservationist highlighted,
In New Zealand, Pounamu (Greenstone) symbolizes the deep connection of Maori communities to their ancestral lands and natural resources. As a symbol of strength and identity, Pounamu advocates for Maori sovereignty and stewardship of lands, highlighting the ongoing struggle for recognition and protection of Indigenous rights and cultural heritage. There are also, for definite reasons, environmental protests that hold the nature signs as protest symbols, like how the tarsier symbolizes environmental activism and conservation efforts in the Philippines. As an endangered species endemic to the country, the tarsier represents the urgent need to protect biodiversity and fragile habitats from human-induced threats. In Russia's Siberian region, the Siberian tiger symbolizes the defense of Indigenous lands and cultural heritage against industrial encroachment and environmental degradation. As one of the world's largest cats and a critically endangered species, the Siberian tiger embodies the resilience and survival of Indigenous communities amidst modern challenges.
We shall also sit down to explore a whole dedicated post to the environmental protests like the ones led by Mujeres Amazonicas, or Amazonian Women, who have indeed been at the forefront of protests against the exploitation of their lands by industries such as oil, mining, and logging. Patricia Gualinga, a prominent environmental activist and spokesperson for the group, has been instrumental in bringing their campaign to global attention. Gualinga, emphasized in an interview with Amnesty International that if such destruction continues unchecked, it will have devastating consequences for the entire world. Issues about rights, freedom, access and decision-making in any part of the world indeed affect every single one of us, the earth is the common ground.
If you sit with a pen to mark the nature signs in everyday protest, you will find a longer list not just in environmental activism but also in the struggle for freedom.
Also read : Our forest-farm Newsletter Colomn
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