Manifest with symbolism
Devotional in theme, Mithila paintings depict scenes from the ancient epics and legends and are rich with Vedic and Tantrik symbolism. They are in fact, simplistic manifestation of the philosophical heights achieved by Indian civilisation. Thematically, man is invariably presented as a part of nature, flower/ foliage, birds, animals, and fruits. The primordial energy of the universe is embodied in various female forms, both living women and Goddesses in these paintings.
Probably the most powerful symbolism is the one associated with Duragoman Puren. A single seed that is dropped in the pond produces many lotus flowers, an appropriate thought for the bride and the groom at the time of their wedding.
Trees, birds and animals are extensively used in combination with other ritual and religious paintings. The signs of fertility and prosperity for good luck like elephants, fishes, parrot, turtoil, the Sun, the Moon, bamboo, shrubs in bloom and trees laden with giant flower. The paintings are, thus, an expression of complete harmony and peace among man, his mind and his environment.
Some plants used in the paintings to symbolise special messages: Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea), lotus (Nelumbium speciosum), kadamb (Anthocephalus cadamb) and Mango (Mangifera indica) for happy and blissful conjugal life and fertility.
Bel (Aegle marmelos), korhilla (Aeschynomene aspera) and rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) symbolise reverence to lord Shiva.
Makhana (Euryle ferox) shows reverence to Goddess of wealth.
Paddy (Oryza sativa) is prosperity.