Symbols and their meanings
Since the beginning of time, symbols and their meanings have been essential. The ancients used symbols and their meanings to communicate in a variety of ways. The prehistoric guy left his life’s experiences inscribed on the cave walls with no idea that they would be discovered thousands of years later.
What is a symbol?
Symbols offer the creative richness that only a select few art forms can produce, from prehistoric cave paintings to contemporary logos and websites. The heart and the peace sign have evolved into well-known symbols, while well-known symbols like the Cross and the Yin Yang have become legendary ones. But exactly what is a symbol?
The Sun
The survival of the human race and all other species on the earth depends critically on the sun’s life-giving energy. Ancient people had a deep understanding of the sun’s significance because they created several symbols to emphasize the value of the star that sustains life.
Today, the sun is one of the most significant symbols since it stands for life, optimism, vitality, confidence, and joy. Design professionals often employ the sun, one of the most revered symbols, to convey ambition, superiority, power, ethics, and confidence.
Now that solar energy is available, businesses may envision a sustainable future with no carbon emissions.
The Crescent Moon
The crescent moon symbolizes fertility and maternity cycles, just as the sun does. The moon represents mothers and women. The moon not only has an impact on our mood, but it also stands for enlightenment.
The moon is regarded by Native Americans as the earth’s guardian. By counting from one new moon to the next, they kept time as well. Native Americans relied heavily on the lunar cycle to tell time and keep track of the seasons, which was essential to their way of life.
Designers and marketers incorporate the crescent moon into things including jewelry, accessories, cosmetics, and items used at night.
The Heart
Heat is portrayed in contemporary society as a sign of romantic love. The heart has frequently been used to represent passion, love, and emotion in literature, movies, and music.
Peace Sign
The majority of the symbols we’ve discussed so far have ancient roots, but the peace sign belongs to the uncommon breed of contemporary symbols. The emblem, which was first created in the 1950s for an anti-nuclear campaign, quickly gained popularity among peace activists and organizations around the globe. The “peace symbol” became the name of the emblem. A generation that advocated for world peace and nonviolence utilized the emblem widely.
The peace sign has evolved into one of the coolest symbols in the globe as of late. The peace symbol can be seen on t-shirts, banners, logos, and other items pertaining to peace.
The Eye inside a triangle
The All-Seeing Eye of God, often known as the Eye of Providence, is a symbol with several connotations. The image represents God’s watching gaze. The holy trinity is symbolized by the pyramid’s three sides, while splendor is denoted by the light.
Conspiracy theorists have also been interested in the US flag as a symbol of the country. In a BBC piece, it is stated:
“In all honesty, it’s a strange and rather unusual choice for a US state insignia. The ghostly eye effectively evokes the impression of a nosy, dictatorial Big Brother. We have symbols that appear to be from an old esoteric sect, along with the pyramid beneath it.
The Pentagram
Symbols from the past can typically be interpreted in a variety of ways. One sign frequently has several interpretations, some of which are even contradictory! The Pentagram is the only symbol that has garnered as much misunderstanding as it has. Pentagram is thought to represent either good or evil, depending on who you ask.
Break the myth now! The five elements of Air, Water, Fire, Earth, and Spirit are represented by the pentagram. The circle surrounding it represents the unadulterated energy that underpins and unites the five elements.
Some religious communities employ the pentagram emblem as a form of protection against evil.
Swastika
Swastika has been used in the east from ancient times as a symbol of purity, goodness, cleanliness, time, and a new beginning.
According to a piece on the BBC, “In his book The Swastika: Symbol Beyond Redemption? Author and graphic designer Steven Heller from the US demonstrates how it was eagerly embraced in the west as an architectural motif, on advertising, and on product design. Coca-Cola made use of it. It was applied to the beer bottle by Carlsberg. It was adopted by the Boy Scouts, and the Girl’s Club of America named their publication Swastika. Even as a reward for selling copies of the magazine, they would issue swastika badges to their young fans, he claims.
Yin Yang
The dualities or two opposing forces necessary for creation are symbolized by the Yin Yang symbol. For the smooth operation of the creation, the two opposites continue to coexist in peace.
The Yin and Yang symbols are seen in the chart below.
| Yin | Yang |
| Black | White |
| Female | Male |
| Negative | Positive |
| Moon | Sun |
| Cold | Hot |
The Cross
One of the most significant and well-known symbols of the contemporary world is the cross. Today, what was perhaps the most inhumane method of death stands for love, hope, and eternal life.
But even though we were still sinners, God still sent Christ to die for us, demonstrating his tremendous love for us (Roman 5:8)
The Cross serves as a constant reminder of God’s unfailing love and care for his believers.
Ref : Designbro.com Blog