| Symbols represent objects, pictures, written words, sounds or something like that and signify ideas, concepts, attitudes, feelings and beliefs. Some symbols are commonly used, like a white rectangle on red background referring to “Stop”, others have special sense and provoke deep emotions. The examples of such symbols are the crucifix in Christianity or the Star or David in Judaism.
We all are surrounded by symbols. Every day we're faced with something that has a symbolic sense. You may see symbols on money, in books, music compositions, commercials, politics and so forth. To understand the significance of a symbol a viewer has to know what this symbol refers to. For example, the Chinese "yin and yang" symbol looks like a funny image with black and white colors for people that don't know the underlying sense of the sign. They may enjoy its aesthetic side, but they do not see more than that. On the contrary, in case a person knows the origin of the symbol he or she sees not just an image, but an idea of deep interdependence of things in our life.
During the history of humanity symbols were vastly used in art. In this way, one item on a painting tells a lot about the ideas of the painter, his view on life and aspirations. To understand the underlying significance of a music composition or a book we should be very attentive to details. Every now and then we need to read critics on a certain work of art in order to get the idea of the author. This is because the symbols language is rather complicated.
So what are the most popular symbols in art and what do they signify?
Amongst the most common symbols used in works of art are a book, a candle, a clock and mirrors. A book as a rule implies learning and transmitting of knowledge. If you see a lightened candle on a picture it's in the majority of cases a symbol of faith in God or time passing. On the other hand, a put-out candle signifies mourning and death. A clock refers to the time passing. On this point the well-known painting of Salvador Dali called “Melting clocks” implies an idea that nothing in our lives complies with some rules. And finally, a mirror refers to efforts to get the truth, but in some cases it just stands for the vanity.
This way, symbols are everywhere around us. We just need to be a little more attentive to details to see them. |
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