A symbol is something which stands for something else. It represents an
idea.
Symbols can come in a variety of forms. They can be shapes or pictures, colours, actions, sounds or the way words are used
in sentences.
Symbols can be a very powerful way of representing ideas and a most effective means of communicating.
In religion, where beliefs and views are not always easy to explain in human language, symbols are a very useful way of expressing ideas. Later, we shall investigate
symbolic signs that are used to represent religions, but we could go further than that. Can you think of examples of the following kinds of symbols used in religion?
- actions
- sounds
- colours
- words (e.g. used in stories)
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Symbols in Everyday Life
| Let us start with symbols which we see in every-day life. How many did you see on your way to school or work
today? In the right hand column is a selection of symbols that most of us encounter fairly regularly.
Symbols seen on road signs ought to be familiar. Many are fairly obvious; some are not so clear in meaning. Note carefully that not only are
pictures used, but also colours and shapes.
Keep your eyes open and see how many different types of symbol you can observe in everyday life. Here are some places or subjects where you might see or use symbols:
Maps, Roads, Railways, Clothes, Doors
Music, Mathematics, English, Science.
Also, look out for signs with symbols telling you not to do something!
Where would you find warning signs? Look carefully when you enter certain types of building! Look at containers and bottles!
Now try to design your own sign using a symbol or symbols. Think of a sign that would be useful in school (e.g. Beware! Cars reversing in playground).
In your design use NO words, just symbols. Keep it simple but clear - it MUST communicate.
Keep a Record
Keep a record of every interesting symbol you see over the course of a few days. Sketch each symbol or copy it. Where did you find it? What does it mean?
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Visit the other symbols pages:
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