Symbols and their Meanings
Examples of Symbolism and their Uses
 There is something mysterious and attracting about symbols and their meanings. They have been used since time immemorial to communicate ideas and convey deeper meanings. Symbols may be universally recognized (by a group of people) or personally significant (to an individual). Symbols have the ability to be used for practical purposes or via abstract means. For example: Symbols and their meanings can be used to represent something whether it be material or immaterial, a conscious representation or a subconscious association. Either way this is a fascinating journey from the known to the unknown and vice versa. There are many uses for symbols, so it's worth exploring the who, what, where and how, followed by examples of symbolism.
Who uses symbolism?
- the arts
- associations
- clubs or groups
- OH & S professionals
- business and industry
- societies or by countries
- scientists and mathematicians
- psychoanalysts and dream interpreters¹
- alternative and western health practitioners
- and by philosophers, religions and in spiritual life
Example of Symbolism:
¹ Dream Analysis. Example of How to Study Dreams and Discover the Meaning Behind Dreams through the method used by Dream Interpreters.
What can be used as a symbol?
- sign
- sound
- emblem
- object/s
- picture/image
- token or a ticket
- characteristic mark
- totem/figure/character¹
- written word or phrase
- letter or a particular combination
Example of Symbolism:
¹ Wizard of Oz Symbolism. In this example, the Symbolism and Allegory of some of the key Wizard of Oz Characters are examined in finer detail.
Where are symbols used, in what context?
- as a numeral
- poems, stories
- lyrics of a song
- signage, labelling
- philosophical concepts
- religious iconography/pictures
- colours or shapes in an artwork¹
- dream images/figures/landscapes
- background music, sounds in a film
- traditional activities, customs and medicine
Example of Symbolism:
¹ Images of Different Types of Art. In this example, each of the colors used in the painting are explained along with other representations of symbolism.
How are symbols used?- as an identifier
- a language of concepts
- an iconic representation
- express intangible truths
- carry particular meanings
- express something unknown
- simply to represent something else
- pass on stories from generation to generation
- convey a deeper meaning than the words themselves¹
- as a source of connection between members in a group
Example of Symbolism:
¹ Short Stories for Kids. In this example, symbols are expressed through metaphors, such as pearls meaning wisdom and diamonds meaning forever.
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