Symboling: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'symbol' comes from the Greek 'symbolon', which means a token or sign used to identify something.
• Historically, symbols were often used in ancient cultures for communication before written language was developed.

Art

• Many artists use symbolism to convey deeper meanings in their work, where a simple image can represent complex ideas, like peace depicted through a dove.
• Symbolism flourished in 19th-century literature and art, focusing on representing emotions through indirect suggestions instead of direct statements.

Psychology

• Symbols play a crucial role in our cognitive processes, aiding memory and recognition, helping us understand complex concepts through relatable images.
• Carl Jung, a famous psychologist, emphasized the importance of symbols in dreams as they reveal our unconscious thoughts and emotions.

Culture

• Different cultures have unique symbols; for instance, a dragon represents power in Chinese culture, while in Western tradition, it often symbolizes chaos.
• Religious symbols, such as the cross for Christianity or the crescent for Islam, are fundamental in representing faith and identity for believers.

Communication

• In everyday life, emojis are modern symbols that express emotions and reactions quickly, changing how we communicate in text.
• Traffic signs are another type of symbol that conveys important information to drivers with simple shapes and colors.