The Illustrated Book of
o Horseshoe
Centaur uellect
vs.
Symbol of Good Luck
y
Instinct
Tortoise Symbol of Long
TAROT
Life
^S
lard of Decision
Thousands of Signs and Symbols from Around the World Miranda Bruce-Mitford
CADUCEUS Tiblem of Medicine
Freemasonry Compass and Square
The Illustrated Book of
Symbols The essential reference for decoding signs and symbols The world around us is filled with signs and symbols. Those we have chosen to create, such as alphabets and
flags, are universally
recognizable, but others, of uncertain and ancient origin,
mean
Why,
different things to different peoples.
for example,
love, or a snake a
West and
a sign
a red rose the flower
is
symbol of
of wisdom
in
of
evil in the
China? Find the
answers to these questions and thousands of others in this comprehensive and stimulating visual guide
of signs and symbols. Specially
commissioned
illustrations
and photographs,
including artifacts, famous paintings, and sculptures, provide a
much-needed
visual
key to this mysterious language.
The ultimate visual catalog Showing thousands of
signs
symbols from East and West, The Book ofSigns
and Illustrated
& Symbols not only gives the
meanings of each, but also explores the symbols' origins in art, religion, literature, psychology, folklore.
and
For ease of reference the signs and
symbols are grouped by category, from flowers
and
religious
symbols to shapes and numbers, and
a clear cross-referencing system directs the reader
to related signs and symbols. to
waders of
into
ir>n
all
ages, this
Designed to appeal
book
is
a rich source
of
and an indispensable reference book
for interpreting
and understanding signs and
symbols
Do Azt
in
everyday
life.
eaded Serpent Associated with -ivingRain
re
$24.95
The
Illustrated
Book of
«%«%%«« %.%'% %^%- % % % •,!..»
>
I « I I I « I 1 t I t I I
% t I I
t
~^S%S*^^S%S%S%S%s%*^S*^S%S%S%S*^S%S%S%S%S%S%S%S%S+'+S%S*^^+^S%S%S%S%S%S%s+.'%.
The
Illustrated
Book of
Miranda Bruce-Mitford
ALLSTON BRANCH LIBRARY
n
>««««««.%«•%
AL BR
REF AZ108 B78 1996x
A DK PUBLISHING BOOK
Emma
Senior Editor
US Editor Camela I
Foa
Decaire
Senior Art Editor Sarah Ponder
iJREDTODK
Shamrock
Managing Editor Anna Kruger Managing Art Editor
Peter Bailey
Art Editors Joanna Pocock, Martin Wilson Editor Shirin Pahi Assistant Designer Ali Cobb
DTP
Designer Nicola Studdart
Picture Research Sharon Southren
Production Katy Holmes Index
& Glossary
First
Joanna Lane
American Edition,
I
468 10^75 Published b)
DK
m
the
I
I'M M1STR1
nited States
Publishing
in.
York 1001(1
Vk it
us on the
Copyright
©
All rights reserved
Egyptun funerary stela
(detail)
Conventions. in a retnc,
Wot Id Wide Web Imp //www
1996 Dorling Kinderslej
I
ilk
com
muted, London
under International and Pan American Copyright ublication ma) be reproduced, stored transmitted in any form 01 b) an) means,
No pan
electronic, mechanical, phot>
rding, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of tl pyright ownei Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersle) imited. I
A CIP I
catalog record for this
bi
liable
from the Librar
Congress.
ISBN 0-7894-1000-1 Islamic
Colour reproduction by Colourscan, Singapore Pnnted and bound in Spain by Artes Graficas Toledo, S.A. 1)1. TO 1192- 1999
Shiva,
1
1
>rd 01
mi dani
i
Contents Introduction
Tools
6
Weapons
iSr
90
Mythologies
& Religions
& Mourning
Death
92
12
Architecture
Ancient Deities
94
H
l:\er\da\ Objects
Judaism
96
16 Christianity
Symbol Systems
18
Hinduism 20 Buddhism 22 Islam
24 Ancestor
& Nature Spirits
Sea Creatures
Picture Writing
Numbers
& Others
Insects
56 Reptiles & Amphibians 58
102
Shapes
60
Mythical Beasts
Birds
28
64
& Patterns 104
Color 106
Mammals
26
00
J
54
Alchemy 108
Freemason r\
Nature Sun
32
& Moon
Sex
& Sk\
Divination
&
34 Earth
70
\\2
72
Heraldic Emblems 114
Dance
& Theater 76
Magic
& Charms
40
78
Gardens 42
Musical Instruments
Trees
^strolog)
Human Body
38 Precious Stones
no
Fertility
36 Precious Matter
109
People 68
International Signs
116
Symbolic Gestures 118
80 Love
&
Marriage
(
rloSSCU
44
82
120
Plants
Clothing
Index
4d
84
111
Natures Foods
Jewelr)
48
86
I
lowers
50
Royalt)
88
\
urthei Reading
I
117 \
(
bicw ledgments IS l
Signs
&
Symbols
Introduction tO A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF HUMAN" NATURE not Onlv J survive and reproduce, but also to seek explanations for the mysteries of life. Because these mysteries are in
T
IS
nTTTBTTTTl SMTUGQ
|JX.
/
beyond explanation, we use the language of i symbolism to represent them. Whether we live in commercialized societies or communities relatively unchanged by time, we are surrounded by signs, images, and ideas that are often highly symbolic. Most of us are largely unaware of the meaning and significance - even the presence - of much of this symbolism, and an area of great richness is closed to us. This book sets out to examine the nature of symbolism and to present, in fact
simple terms, both familiar
and
unfamiliar symbols.
Signs or symbols? A sign is an object or idea that represents or
points to something else in a fairly straightforward Alcfo
kowing
i
way.
the
and
the
An advertisement,
for
example, reminds us of the product it is promoting; a
\rabia, the tuple sun.
m
road sign indicates conditions ahead; and a gesture expresses a mood, the
we
modem world
challenges our sense
ol identity
often adopt signs to define ourselves, for
example
by donning badges or brand-name clothing. A symbol is clearly linked in function to a sign, and the two words are often used interchangeably, but symbol generally has a deeper meaning. A symbol is something that through its nature or appearance reflects or represents another thing more profound than
itself.
A
the flames of the sun.
fire,
for instance,
which
itself
may symbolize
has qualities of
warmth, light, and creative power, and is thus equated with life force and masculine creative strength. The creator gods of mythology, who possess these very qualities, are usually linked to the sun.
On
a small scale, objects
such as the candle or lamp can
be also related to the imager) of the sun A symbolic -
image
is
thus linked to
many
interpretations.
Paul Dehaux's surreal painting seems to be a hymn to the goddess within her temple. The moon, night nine sea, flowers, and statue-head are all realm, and the lamp signifies the divine spark i
[NTRODl
(
%*%«-<
SYMBOLS Symbols grow in meaning and complexity over A\(
II
\
I
changing according to their cultural context. But the subjects that have preoccupied mankind from the earliest times hawremained relatively constant: fertility, both of the soi and oi the human race, birth, life, and death. Like the sun. the symbol ol the moon has also always been recognized as significant because of
hundreds
qualities
it
ol years,
possesses that relate in
some way
to
deeper truths. The moon controls the tidal waters and passes through stages from new moon to lull moon. It is thus symbolic of water, pregnane), and the cycle of death
and
birth.
Women,
the dark, and things of the night
all
sea creatures,
belong
to the
hrist's sacrifice
sphere
the
ol
fo)
the laithlul
moon. The Temple, by Delvaux,
combines much of
moon
bears fruit of redemption
this lunar imagery,
down on
shining
with the
mysterious goddess Animals, birds, and trees all have a
lull
figure.
their individual associations, as well.
A
tree
may
and growth,
for
the Tree ol Life
represent
life
example, and is
a S)
mbol
the
world over. In the I6th-centunj engraving above, Christ is seen crucified on the Tree ol Life, and his crucifixion can be viewed as a s\
mbol
ol sac rifice.
The death
or sac rifice ol a god or king
common theme ol
is
a
- the shedding
divine blood ensures the
well-being
LO<
Kl
1)
mankind
ol
l\
(
OMB
\l
two reatures used widespread One form, represenl opposing for found almost universally, shows a hud ol pre) doing [mages
'
ol
<
perhaps the most symbolic ol the bird represents the sun and
battle wiih a serpent all
creatures
i
[ere
the heavens while the serpent, whic h w rithes on the
nd mk\
m
the water symbolizes the earth
and
&
Signs
Symbols -%s%s%sA
In
Henri Pierre Picou
s
Homage
to
Nature summei
i
lie
and
_
»
»
\
«/«»
s
di/-v theii />Ic'iimuc'->
life-giving waters. fertility
ct(
the feel
<>/
die i^ulili-ss
The two together represent creation
and die precariously balanced forces of nature.
Universal symbols The theme ol die Goddess, or Earth Mother, permeates world mythology and dates back thousands of years. Clay figurines depicting large-
breasted
women
in their
nurturing, procreative role have
been found dating from as early
20,000 he All human Life sprang from this symbolic mother figure and depended on her. The earth itself is regarded as feminine and nurturing because it is fertilized by rain, and life springs from its soil. Perplexed by the random, as
.
1
5th-century cherub with \kull
some cultures chose to personify woman. She is sometimes shown
often cruel, nature of fate,
form of a blindfolded to symbolize the arbitrary nature of her decisions. Along with the randomness of life, the inevitability ol death turns up in common symbolic images. These take many forms, from paintings showing a cherub juxtaposed with a human skull, to the more familiar image of sand ebbing out of an hourglass - all stark reminders ol the fate fate in the
1
*rtuna, pit*
thewhee!
I
hat
must
befall
us
all.
I
N
However, although certain images are recognized as symbolic by main societies, the symbolism ol a particular image may vary From place to place and over time. The forest, for example, is symbolic of retreat and meditation to many Indians, a place in which the soul may draw nearer tc> Brahman, the one true totality However, in the West, the forest tends to be a sinister place, harboring dangerous animals and robbers, us shadows representing the dark places of the unconscious.
C \h The
l\
MYTHOLOGY AND
ITU
l\l
U.l\
\l
In
[ON
captured our imaginations from ancient Egyptian times to the present day, although, like the
The Cat
thai
Walked
cat has
to
human)
symbolism has varied enormously. In farming communities the cat has always been a working animal, used to kill rats and mice, and there has been little mystique surrounding it: however something in the cats nature and appearance has given it associations with the night, mystery,
forest, its
.Ailutu Egyptiai
Tiu
and aloofness. Black cats, now considered luck) in main places, were once associated with witchcraft, and ^ats feature prominently in children's stories. Both the c heshire cal horn Alice's Adventures m Wonderland and Kipling's Cat thai Walked h\ Himselj emanate mockery and enigma In ancient Egypt cats were worshiped and the cull o\ Bastel centered around a cat goddess Images ol ^ats were revered, and domestic ^ats were mummified at death so that, like people, they
I
In
III
could enter an
afterlife
SYMBOl ISM ol DR1 SMS
main
parts ol the world
dream images,
interpret
dream symbolism
is
Wise men the gods, and people act on
treated with respect
often thought to be sent In
tin
West however dreams are nowadays thought to be relativel) unimportant, and the urgings ol the unconscious mind go largel) ignored In most he psyc hologist Sigmund reud studied the s\ mbolism ol dreams and found people interpretations
I
In the
I
Signs
much
of
it
fulfillment.
to
&
Symbols
be related to wish-
He
believed that dreams
our deepest desires, often rooted in infancy, and thought many had sexual or erotic overtones. His reflected
pupil Carl Jung believed that the
symbolism went deeper than the purely sexual to include a spiritual
dimension.
Jung was fascinated by the way which ordinary objects or people
Goya's The Sleep of Reason Produces
Monsters shows how daytime fears can produce night-time terrors
in
appear in strange, often distressing, contexts in peoples dreams and sought to understand why. Many images, he believed, appear in our dreams as a direct product of the individual unconscious, which is a highly personal
amalgam
of
memories and
In this Indian miniature, men grapple with a giant trapped emotions buried deep within us. Often we are not conscious of in a well, representing "the shadow," or base desires we try these impulses and they can only surface in dreams. A hairbrush, to bury m the unconscious. for instance, might tngger memories of ones hair being brushed by ones mother in childhood, so symbolizing a caring mother; however another individual might have been
struck with a hairbrush in childhood, triggering very different associations. In Magritte's painting The Restless Sleeper, a figure
dreams about
mundane and are all somehow
a series of
apparently unrelated objects, but they
linked meaningfully in his unconscious.
Universal subconscious After analyzing the dreams of many
Jung concluded that certain images appear as symbols universally and are therefore part of what he called the collective unconscious, built on the cultural experiences and memories of our ancestors. Images of being pursued by a huge monster, of yearning for safety, or of patients,
dangers lurking in the dark, are very commonly experienced in dreams in all parts of the world. Jung termed these universal images "archetypes." There is the "anima," or female principle, which can manifest as the goddess, queen, princess, or witch; and an "animus," or male principle, which could be a god, king, prince, wizard, or demon character. These figures symbolize for us our image of male and female and could represent either an aspect of ourselves, a parent, or a loved one.
Other archetypes include the shadow, embodiment of feelings of guilt or fear, particularly about our hidden and unacknowledged feelings or desires.
Modern symbolism todays world, symbols retain their power to affect us, although we are perhaps less aware of their effects In
The images
in Magritte's Restless
Sleeper seem disconcertingly simple
10
INTRODI %^%s%^%sm
than in the past.
Some
symbols have remained constant for centuries,
some
have evolved new meanings,
and
yet others are entirely
new.
One dramatic symbol
have emerged during the course of the twentieth century is the mushrooming cloud of the atomic bomb. to
This surely
is
the ultimate
image of the great
shadow
V "a giant leap for
mankind"
ot
destruction that
humankind has brought upon itself by opening the Pandoras box of knowledge. A more positive image is the American moon landing from 1969. Witnessed by 600 million people throughout the world. it
film star
is
often literally largei than
life
has become the ultimate symbol of
mans indomitable
spirit
and urge
for conquest.
Today's gods, goddesses, and superheroes *
Some modern that
assume semi-godlike status similar to of the ancient Greek heroes. Creations such as Superman are not fictitious characters
thought of as real, yet they embody the classic male archetype o( the powerful and heroic force for good. In righting the wrongs of the world, such figures appeal to an innate
need
in all of us.
Also appealing to this need are the pop, sports, and film stars
who,
some, have supplanted the gods for
Since the death
largely ol old.
ol "the King
Elvis Presley, for example, his
home, Graceland, has become a shrine and place ol pilgrimage for millions ol
devoted
men
followers
Sports heroes, too attraci a
huge following, espec
among men identity -
<\\u\
I
he sense passion -
iall)
ol
group
tru
any football stadium as hordes ol Luis cheer their heroes on in moments ol shared admiration Similai instinctual urges can be seen ai rock concerts \\ hen members ol the audience strike matches, light lighters, and hold up candles to express nspire
is
evident
at
their devotion to then idols
lit
I
he resultani sea
(lames harks back to the symbolism
aupl
cultures throughoui histoi
I
I
ol flickei h
ol fire in religions
and
~**4
Mythologies
&
Religions Our search to explain what
our understanding
many myths and
is
lies
beyond
expressed
religions that
in the
have
evolved over the centuries. This quest has resulted in the
and faith religions
that
and
Greece
is
complex web of myth, legend, our inheritance - from nature
the almost
human gods
of ancient
to today's multiplicity of faiths.
f
&
Mythologies
Religions
Greek
Ancient Deities
second millennium bc, Aegean around the cult of the mother goddess, but later the center of civilization moved to the mainland, where the Greeks worshiped divinities who fought, squabbled, and loved, just like humans. In the
religion revolved
The classical religions of Europe and Egypt no longer exist as belief systems, but their mythology survives. Like modern-day Hinduism, these religions were centered around groups of gods who more or less controlled the lives of humans - and much of human activity involved the worship and placation of those gods. Many of these ancient gods live on in our imagination, and their symbolism has been absorbed into our language, our music, poetry, and art. It is hardly unusual to hear songwriters pay tribute to Venus, symbol of feminine beauty, or to Cupids arrow piercing a lovers heart.
Zeus's I
thunderbolt
symbol of powet
his
Egyptian Eg\puan gods developed from the merging of two earlier cultures, one with gods in human form, and one with animal-shaped
Zeus Zeus was king of the gods and god of the skies. His well-known amorous conquests reflect the Greek conquest of many outlying regions, and the absorption of their mother goddess cults
gods. Gradually a remarkable religion
evolved that centered around the cult of the dead.
Apollo .Apollo, twin brother ol
Ami n-re The creator god, Amun, was merged with Re. the sun god, to form Amun-Re. Known as "the hidden \mun-Re was the power ol the invisible wind and
Osiris Originally a powerful
god, Osiris was in the Nile River. His body was fertility
drowned ISIS
AND HORLS mother queen, and
as the
goddess, a
the sister of Osins. She
shown here suckling
Thoth
dismembered and
Depicted variously as an ibis-headed man
scattered over the Nile
and
a
her son, Horus. Her
animals sacred to him), Thoth is lord of
crown
the
is
is
in the
form of
a throne, suggesting that she
was
the throne of the
pharaohs.
rr
/*
jL'
^
O £.-3.
lord of
and reckoner of
the years.
He
is
-* * 2 £ £ ^ -^ -» ****
/
r
the
* >
r*
underworld. He
'
depicted
*
* *
m I
* 'A
T
all
of the earth to ripen.
His arrows were the sun's rays.
Athena
music.
The daughter of Zeus, Athena was the
He was also god of shepherds and
goddess of wisdom
and learning, but
things.
Even the other gods were unable to
also of warfare (hence
her helmet). Often depicted with an owl, she was the patron of Athens - her owl is the
penetrate his mysterious nature.
emblem
often
of that city.
in a
mummylike
«
is
the soul of
posture.
*
*
* Eros Known
9S>
2SS
Sky Goddess, Ni
ensuring the
growth of crops, which sprang from his flesh. He was later restored to life and became a symbol of resurrection, as well as the god of the
helper of the dead and protector of Osiris, ruler of the underworld.
a personification of
? flF\
moon,
time,
originally
valley,
baboon uhe two
Artemis and son of Zeus, was the sun god, and caused the fruits
Anubis JLl
Originally the jackalheaded god of the
dead. Anubis was supplanted by Osiris He was nevertheless the protector of the
i
Nut was the sky goddess of Egyptian mythology and she is often depicted touching the earth with her toes and fingers. The arch of her body represents the arc of heaven. The stars on her body denote the Milky Way, and she is sometimes surrounded by astrological signs.
dead and was often carved on rock lombs. ,
14
to the
Romans
DON
Cupid, Eros was a symbol ol earthly love. He was the son of Aphrodite, and carried a bow and arrows with which he pierced the
uhe Roman NeptUl was symbolic ol the power of the waters. He
hearts of his victims,
carried a trident,
causing them to
of creation,
as
passionately
in
fall
love
POSl
I
Brother ol Zeus and god ol the sea, Poseidon
protect
i
symbol
and could
hose
at sea.
s
Roman
Celtic
The Romans absorbed elements ol all the cultures they came into contact with. They adopted the Greek gods as well as those of other peoples they conquered, and had hundreds of different gods, goddesses, demigods, and spirits - each ol which
Although the pre-Roman Europe and the British Isles adopted some of the gods ol the conquering Remans they had
related to virtually every aspect of
I
their
beliefs in a creatoi trio
.
life.
They honored and worshiped the gods order to safeguard themselves - in this hie and the next
own
mother goddess, and nature ol mothei 01 fertility godd< s» sometimes presented together
-
are
in
Mini
r\
\
he warlike Minerva often wears am ike her Greek I
I
counterpart Athena, she represents the arts wisdom, and teaming.
M \Ks The son
ol
|up
Mars was much-respected god war He is usually depicted with in
a
one hand and
spear a
The
shield in the other
month
March
ol
ol
ci
Irom his name.
Merc
i ry. Jt im m r. Jl no. Apoi lo Mercury was the god ol commerce He appeared late in the pantheon, at a time when trade flourished He is sometimes equated with the Greek god Hermes, messenger of the gods Here he weighs Trojan against creek to decide the i
the Trojan
Jupiter
i
War With him
are
Greek Zeus); |uno, wife and goddess of light, marriage, and childbirth, and Apollo, son of Jupiter
the
ol lupiter
Cerm nnos emunnos is found throughout Mere he is shown with antl surrounded by animals In his [eft hand he holds The horned god the
Flora
Bacc
Flora was the goddess
l
of spring, the vine, flowers,
and
grain,
she symbolized i
estivals in her
fruit,
and
fertilit)
honor
were otten wild events
in sualh depicted as beautiful south. nis was ''
a
(
eltk lands
ram-headed serpent, symbol
ol fertility
a
wine, and his worship leatured much
drunken
(
Norse I
revelry
he Nordic people,
who
lived in a harsh
climate, worshiped gods ol the elements
and nature
The birth of Aphroditi /Venus name Aphrodite means myth the goddess was said
The em
ni a
scallop shell.
B) respecting
the gods, they
bom
from the loam, and in Creek appeared from the The image captured the imagination
hoped
and honoring some
to exert
control over the fierceness ol the weather
to have
and painters through the ages English poel Alfred Tennyson wrote ol Aphrodite beautiful hesh a\phrodite symbolized love and beaut) Hei Roman equivalent, Venus, is equalh famous Below in Bottieelli s painting, the god ol the West \\ ind is gently blowing the beautiful Venus toward the shore, where a nymph awaits read) to cloak her ets
I
hen.
Odin,
l
hor,
I
un Si
i
\LSO
i
Oon
I
ght:
HOI
i
>
binh
»»*»%.»%.%,%
&
Mythologies
Religions
Judaism Judaism emerged
in
about the 14th century bc and has
evolved into a strongly monotheistic religion based on a dialogue
between God, or Yahweh, and
people, the Jews.
The
chosen
his
patriarchs of Judaism are the
ancient leaders Abraham, his son
and grandson Jacob, whose
Isaac,
M
11 deeds are recorded in Genesis, ,-
i
i
Jk
book of Bible. Today
the
first
the
Jews are scattered throughout the world, but
inked by
are
all
a culture
centered on Jewish
and
history, law,
family
life.
Jerusai
Star of David Allied to Jewish
d to light the
mysticism, the star of David
is
\i
i
|udaism, Islam.
\\o\\ to
and
(
hristianit)
Jerusalem was the
A.
made up
capital ol the ancient
two triangles, the upward-pointing being the sun, fire, and ol
kingdom and
Jewish
site
the second temple,
ol
000 years ago To Jew- the
buih
masculine energy; the
>
c
downward-pointing the moon, water, and
ii
to symbolizi
ie
[ewish nation
female energy.
Aspects of pram
r
H Wl KKAH Tin- 8-armed is
Pram menorah
used to celebrate
Hanukkah,
the festival
of light- Candles are lit
on 8 consecutive
and
-
More time
supply of sacramci oil lasting 8 days, when
celebrating a
boy
starts
liberation
from I
age
ollu
1,1
o
at
thirteen.
r) and Jewish
slavi
a
s
coming
he
sabbath marks the Israelites
the eternal light in the
temple of Jerusalem was relit in 164 u
I
BOOK
probably a Bar Mitzvah gift,
the sabbath
sunset on Frida)
R
In- silvei prayei
book was
lews say
ill
on
which at
in
home
at
ferveni |ews pray three
rs
nights to mark the miracle of a da
[udaism both
pari in
the
I
i
BOO!
nation.
SlIOl \K
The shofar horn Rosh Hashanah,
Mezuzah
Jewish
si{
Boy at prayer
the
New Year, and
I
Ins bo) has the
i
on the Jews
Traditionally the
calls
mezuzah
repent their sins bi the Day ol Atonement.
is
positioned
by the front door. It contains a tiny scroll, >:cma, with words
from the Bible. This calls on God's people
him totally, and sums up the heart to love
of the Jewnsh faith
The shofar
is
to
made
horn as a reminder of the animal
KlPPAH
God
Male lews wear
Abraham
to sacrifice in
place of Isaac
around his arm and on his forehead he wearingol God's words" m this way is I
of
a ram's
gave to
strapped
ritual telillm
\\
l
s|
This
i<\ \\ \|
|
is
Temple
70 itself
and
Jerusalem, destroyed by the It
is
a
symbol both
ol
ol
Romans
the temple
and is the pilgrimage and worship
of the Jewish nation,
most hoi) place
a skull-
cap, or kippah, as a sign
|
the onl) wall that survives from the ol
& TEFILLIN
In
ol respect tor
God The
small leather boxes, or contain passages /('lillni
From the rorah and are also worn while praying.
thought to foster humility he boy also wears a tallit, or prayei -haw which I
I
lias a tassel at ea< h
cornei symbolizing the lour comers ol ,
the earth.
J I
[•
I^» rORAH The
Tor.i:
commandments - God
insti
s
nt the
ol Isra
word ___
^fter
The birth of Jewish
i
ol
God
they are
d thai
(
no one may toueh them They may be unrolled only bv means of the handles
Dor
/hi
Torah because
w
During the Jewish people's long journey Irom where they had been slaves, God spoke heir leader, and made a pact, or
/i>uh
the
is i/i
ToKAIl MANTL1 Torah
covenant, with them His Ten Commandments to the Jews were written in lire on tablets ol stone and set out a moral and religious code duct for his chosen people
-.re
traditionally
often
an
t
embroidered mantle, which both protects them and reinforo their aura ol p
Sukkot
Passover '
The
>mmemorates
:
Passover
the
meah
Jus ol the |ews Irom Egypt, when the angel ol death the Israelites sparing their lives At thi ler, or ritual
eaten
in
lamb
da I
at the
Si
The
meal, all the foods symbolic of that journey
KKOl '
koi
commem
in the
wilderness on
S\l IU VII k
A
dish of saltwater
shed
by
:mg
th-
in
their
Hou
captn
\kk
\/M>
Si/ I
I
1
V*
\| M/VII \l\i flat,
ned
Passovi
k
n
I
\ii Hill III
th.
;h
un
which the
l
in the
HI
1
1
WISH
|
••
&
Mythologies
Religions
*-%s%-*s%^s%s%^s**
Christianity Christianity has
its
roots
m the Jewish faith and
its
belief of the Bible
prophecies of a Messiah (savior). Chnstians believe these prophecies were fulfilled in the life of Jesus,
who
they believe
teachings, recorded in the gospels of the
love
and compassion, and
New
the
Son of God. His
Testament, stress brotherly
are rich in symbolic meaning. Since
2,000 years ago the Christian church has all
is
its
binh
many denominations, but
split into
Christians are united in the central belief that Christ
died to redeem the sins of the world and that his resurrection offers salvation.
Sacred Lamb The
lamb is a symbol ol John the Baptist described him as the lamb of God that taketh away the-sins ol the sacrificial
Christ.
world." In this crazier (bishop's crook) the lamb stands lor the salvation ol the faithful.
A
Fish The fish
a
is
symbol of
ROSAM The rosary is
both the
repetition of the
prayer "Hail
and
Man
also the string
ol beads used to count each incantation. It takes its name from the
rose,
symbol
ol
Man
Christ because in
Greek the
first letters
words Jesus Son of God,
ol the five
Christ
Jesi
s
This
modern Russian icon shows Christ ble.-manner of the Eastern church. The thumb
m
1
the
forms a circle with the founh finger and the middle and index fingers are crossed This represents Chi and Rho, the first two Greek letters of his name. Icons are seen as embodying spiritual truths
III
\ IRGIN
M
\R1
Christ,
and Roman Catholic churcl is worshiped in her own right She intercedes between man and God. and is often called Mother of God. The cult ol Man is similar to some mother goddi In the Eastern
Man,-. Jesus
mother,
out ol the need for
ami
Savior, spell Ichthi
or
fish.
Three fishes sent the
Trinity: the Father, the
Dovi
Son. and the Holy
John the Baptist saw the Hoi) Spirit enter |esus in the form ol a dove
Spirit.
The Cross
T:ias many
forms St. Peter was crucified upside down. Constantine s combines th< two letters for Christ in Greek; an anchor combines the cross with mbol Man: and the Russian cross inclui.; .
I
the inscription
and the
footi
the crucifix
CRl IH\ The image of Christ on the (
cross, the crucifix,
an object of Christian devotion. It is
is
the most rful
symbol of Christian;'
reminder that although Jesus died on the cross he rose again, triumphing over
(
I
I
The
IK
ROSS on a Celtic
(
ring
nbol of Irwh -
F
Christianity, slant!
death.
in
and
eternity.
C
R<
III
.1
ol a
18
refers )lace
both to Christian believers of worship The central part
church, the nave, flip,
"+>^%s%s%s%.
II
The church and
symbol
ol the
i-
named
church
alter the Latin
usell
CHR
I
*•
T
1
A\
I
"n
Saints Christian saints were particular!) devout people who lived -and often died - for the Christian cause and have since been canonized
hy the church. There are thousands of saints, and main are depicted in sculpture and paintings
ol
them
carrying attributes related to their life or manner of death. St. Francis, for instance, is seen with birds or animals, and
St.
Catherine
carries a wheel.
sometimes St. John the
M \ki
Baptist
carries his severed
A
head on
si
a platter.
Mac. dai
i
\i
pn isl Mary Magdalene
former,
represents the penitent sinner
\ John the
Baptist
in
coming
He
and him He was
beheaded
at
it)
ind his whole life humble beginnings
5u< h
ol his
-
I.
foretold the
of Christ
baptized
simplic
emphasize the spiniujl nature opposed to matt rial rii hness.
the
disciple.
bom in
was the
Old Testament prophets and Jesus' tirst ol
\ii\in
Jesus was
John mt Baptist
COMMl NK)N
A
the wish ol
his last supper with his disciples |esus broke bread and poured wine, which he blessed and shared among them, saying that they were his body and blood By imitating i
Herod's wife and her daughter. Salome, and his head was presented to
them on
St. Ciiristophi r St. Christopher
a plate
his actions at the
communion
Juki across - the Juki was
carried a a river
Chnst. s
01
bod)
ritually ol the
the world
Christopher the patron ol travel itself
service,
hristians partake
c
i
and
bio, >d ol
i
Iiim
is
Bri \d symbolizes the ol
hrist
c
communion
it
In
takes
the form ol a wafei
(
Mill
St
ho
KlM's Will
I
\\i\i
The wine drunk
communion blood
ol
c
is
at
the
shed
hrist,
mankind
fol
I
atherine died for
i
(
hristian beliefs,
flaming wheels -
hence net symbol the whi
is
\i\ I
IGIOI
1
s
HOOKS Si
he Bibl
||M ith
I
Ol h
I
preach the Gospel 10
St
him
Ik
|ohn
\N(
is
01
Assist
the
l
\LSO
i
C
MHI
I
A
lil'
\cosii is hrist to
Ml \
IK. .IN
Ml.
I
I
Pi
Hole
hold letter,
the
s
symbolizing n
i
hi-,
hi-
manner
right
ol
Mark,
man
like |onn,
holds the
<
to the Huils
iospel
then
ileum %.--%s%s%^-+
19
&
Mythologies
Religions
Hinduism Hinduism
is
the major religion of India.
It
has evolved over millennia and
complex range of traditions, religious beliefs, philosophy, and mythology: The roots of Hinduism can be traced to the Aryans, who arrived in India with a pantheon of male gods in the second millennium BC. The encompasses
a
indigenous Indus valley peoples already had strong religious beliefs centered on fertility cults
and
a
Mother Goddess. The Aryans adopted many of
their beliefs,
including the Goddess. All the gods and goddesses of Hinduism, including Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), Shiva (destroyer)
and the Goddess
are aspects of
Brahman, the one eternal
principle.
The conch,
The chakra, whet
symbolizing
oJc\
and
creation
transience
Brahma The four heads of Brahma,
Krishna An
incarnation
ol
Vishnu. Krishna
embodies divine
love.
His adventures are recorded in the Purana. Here naughty child
the creator, symbolize the four quarters, the four Vedas,
or religious texts, and the four castes of Hinduism. Brahma has
become
less
important than Vishnu, Shiva, and the Goddess.
at
lu
i-
.1
stealing butter
Tht
man) hand
symbolize the
man)
aspet
q) ih,
deit)
ts
Lotus,
symbol oj creation
and
purity.
Hanuman 1
lanuman, the mighty
monkey
general of the
epic Ramayana,
represents loyalty, religious devotion,
Shiva
and courage.
Originally a mountain god, Shiva, meaning auspicious, is the god of destruction. But, in a world ol endless rebirths, destruction precedes creation.
He may be worshiped as a linga, or phallic symbol, as an ascetic, as a teacher, or in his form as dancer in the great
dance of creation and destruction.
Ganesha Many
Ganesha overcomes all obstacles and is the god of new
signs
represent the
arm.
-
Club,
contained
symbol of
within the god
ventures.
authority
the head of an
elephant, and so can forge through
DURGA Vishnu
Durga
Originally connected with the sun, Vishnu is the preserver of the universe and the embodiment of love, truth, and mercy To his worshipers he is the supreme being from whom everything emanates. He rides on Garuda, the fabulous bird, or rests on Ananta, the cosmic serpent. Vishnu has been incarnated on earth in nine avatars, or incarnations, some human, some animal. The tenth incarnation, the
Mother Goddess and wields
horse avatar,
is
yet to
come.
is
oi
the ferocious
the
various weapons in her ten hands. She stands for the more active, destructive aspects of feminine nature
20
He has
le thickest jungle
myth Shiva mistakenly
In
beheaded the god, and only an elephant's head could be found as a replacemeni
.
H
ISM
l\ PI
Objects oi worship Hindu worship
In
*
ind involving the
>.
form and
ide in the ol Ri
d air.
clarified butter. Ritual
i
sprinkling rose water and scent, burning ir other n inc<
St
SHAW
\l
I
K
This ivor) sunt shaker is shaped like the
Om This
is
perfumed symbol ol
a sacred
syllable thought to
lotus,
shaped \si Bl R\l R The incense Inc
and future
exist
is
a ate
Sensuous nymphs like this are found on temple walls. They
shrine in a
symbolic
sacred to Hindus, and even the
Swastika
as a symbol of well-being.
specimen must not be harmed. Valued for us milk and its dung, which is used as fuel, the low
Count ere lock v.
probably represents
swastikas are
Mother
In India the swastika
is
an auspicious mark
worn as jewelry or marked on objects
lowliest
purification
''/JJtillx.
The
Hindu temple The central tower represents mouniatntop, because mountains are the sacred abodes ol the g The image ol the god is in
architecture ol a
Wheels is
the
.1
iky-chariol qj
tnbolic
.
thai this
personify rain clouds and mists and are associated with
is
i
around a
Temple
Apsaras
The cow
used to
sprinkle
gods with sweet smells.
Sacred cow
like
a flower,
i
burner is waved back and forth in the shrine. Wafting the aroma around welcomes
The sound, pronounced A-U-M, is thought to be the one eternal syllable, in which the past.
the sun
god
and growth.
fertility
k
sprinkler.
creation
be the seed" of all mantras, divine and powerful words or sounds
present,
KOSE-W \n M'RINKI ER The »
headily
the cavelike inner
sanctum, the earthy or
womb cnamb ibolism
Earth.
sometimes considered inauspicious The symbol, which predates Hinduism, is associated with the sun and the wheel of birth and rebirth, and is f
•
an emblem of Vishnu
Shrine
DrvALi The fall
The household shrine
Divali, the festival of
is
an important focus
light, is
festival ol
celebrated in
(.
WGES
honor of Lakshmi. consort of Vishnu and goddess of abundance and good fortune It
The
also celebrates the
to visit holy sues,
of fresh flowers, fruit,
return Irom exile of
and cooked food
the hero
Benares, birthp lliva [*o she on the banks ol the
of daily pu)a. or I
worship This is where the gods are invited. welcomed, and worshiped Offerings are-
placed before an image and ino may be burned
of the god,
.
iv.it. ir
.'I
Rama
Himalayas, home sonified by the goddes!
:
Pilgrims
.111
Vishnu,
lamps were
holiest of the rivers ol India, the
rises in the
when
come
Ganges and ashes
relit all
over the kingdom
to
llo.it ,iw.i\
to the
(
ol the
*
gods h
ranges
such as
hav on
its
the best ol deaths for a
current
is
Hindu
Vncieni
II
Sm
M illy
\\^\> This
MAM
tain
suJK
I
1
i
1
KJUSHNA
a fol
t •
Smi\
i \
milL
Ihenu, the
Sw IMIk
n his >l
later life is 10 live
r
as
indicated by the horizontal lines on his ind the buffal
Brmimv Ganesh
\/s<>
•
in
1
Him!
•nan
2
1
the
\ IMIV
I
•
>
I
&
Mythologies
Religions
Buddhism Buddhism
is
based
ox nonviolence, compassion, and
chanty.
Its
goal
is
Enlightenment, which ends the cycle of birth and rebirth and leads to
blowing out, or absorption into the cosmos. Buddhism developed from the teachings of Gautama Buddha, born Prince Siddhartha in northeastern India in the mid-6th century bc. He renounced his worldly Nirvana,
literally,
life
in search of
an existence
free of suffering.
When
Siddhartha achieved this goal, through meditation and asceticism, he
was
called the
Buddha, or the Enlightened. Rays
on elephant
Bodhi tree
enlightenment
oj
Wang
n \ and Lao Tzv, Shu-Ku, 18th century
Three Great Truths The Mara and
Footprint
Folding book
The Footprint of the Buddha is marked with 108 auspicious
In
signs.
These include
the swastika; the mace,
symbol of the
force
Burma books
that fold up, called parabaiks,
tell
troops dejeated
the story of the
Buddha
with words and pictures From left to right, this parabaik depicts the Buddha on his way to the Bodhi tree where he attained enlightenment; the Buddha meditating and worshiped by the gods; the approach of Mara, the evil spirit, on an elephant, and his defeat; the Buddha radiating enlightenment and being worshiped by gods and creatures.
great Chinese sages Confucius and Lao Tzu, founder of Taoism, welcome in their midst the
infant Buddha, symbolically representing the acceptance of Buddhism in China dunng the 4th century. Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are known as the Three Great Truths, and together have molded »Chinese thought over v thousands of years.
^-^^3k
that breaks lust; fish, for
freedom from
all
restraint; the flower
vase, for
supreme
intelligence; the conch, for the voice of the
Buddha; the wheel of law or life; and the crown of Brahma, for Buddha's supremacy
Aspects of Buddha '
Buddhists do not worship the Buddha but pay homage to his teachings and example in front of his effigies. These portray various postures, or asanas,
with a
number
gestures.
They
of mudras, or all
hand
The great snake Muchalinda protecting the
S»
•
Buddha
"^
have a particular
significance, appropriate for teaching,
meditation, or blessing.
Reclining Buddha
Laughing Buddha
After a lifetime of teaching, the
Buddha
died and entered Nirvana, never to be rebom. This is usually symbolized by the parinirvana asana, in
Wheel of law With his first sermon, the Buddha is said to have set the wheel of dharma, or law, in motion. The wheel,
r
which the Buddha
is
reclining
nght
shown on his
Mi Lo Fo
is
the future
a form of Maitreya,
Buddha The name
means Friendly One who laughs at fate and whose obesity contains the wisdom
Dhyana mudra,
(he
gesture of meditation
of the universe
side.
Marble reclining Buddha, Burmese, 19th century
Buddha Muchalinda
therefore, represents
While the Buddha was engaged in deep meditation there was a violent storm and torrential rain. The great serpent Muchalinda raised the Holy One onto his coils and protected him from the rain with his many hoods.
the teachings of
Buddha, and the eight spokes the Eightfold Path that leads to
enlightenment.
22
)
Buddhism l'
%s%-
Shrine This Buddhist shnne
shows Buddha images surrounded by candles and incense, both part of the act of devotion in
Buddhism, as
in
other religions The light
produced
the
is
light of the doctrine
and the smoke from the incense wafts the truth of the doctnne toward the devotees, carrying Shrine at Blddhist Temple. Wimbledon.
London
their devotions into
the heavens.
.../inml
Terraces symbolize
CMS
stages oj spiritual
enlightenment
development
Shwe Zigon Pagoda. Pagan,
Bi rma.
1
1th
^
in
Chorten
BURMESE PAGODA
A
Pagodas are stupas, which were originally bunal mounds erected over the remains of important men in India After the Buddha's death his ashes were divided and placed within stupas, and later his few possessions were similarly enshnned Stupas act as a symbol of the Buddha's entry into Nirvana and a reminder to all of the possibility of enlightenment In Burma, as in China, the stupa is known as a pagoda
this
miniature shnne, Tibetan silver box with mystic symbols is
worn
keep
to
spirits at
a tablet
bay
evil It
holds a
molded from
V
the ashes of a lama
1
BODHISATTVA
Buddhist monks Buddha established the The sangha. or monastic order,
so that people could devote
t
KOYASAN MONK This monk from
M
Japan holds the traditional alms
themselves to his teachings. *fLjfl The majority of Buddhists Irfa \c:lr f. think that enlightenment Lan only be attained by following ~~ the monastic, meditative life -
bowl
in
which
people place food as an act
^^^|
free
to one school of Buddhism, Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who put off Nirvana to assist others to enlightenment - the ultimate act of compassion Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion, is shown here with eleven heads and a thousand arms, so he can reach out to all conscious beings. Each hand holds an object that symbolizes an attribute of
According
The
of merit
bowl
from distractions - on the
a
path to complete awareness
is
the
Buddha
thus
Prayer wheel
symbolic
Mantras, or sacred verses, are inscribed on prayer wheels I-ach rotation of the cylinder stands for one recitation
receptacle for
gathering good
deeds
Thai monk A Thai monk
probably studying texts that
V
mantra Some wheels are powered by windmills of the
sits in
the
of a monastic building
iZSnvT
surras,
window He is
large
Buddhist
young monks have
See also
to master Hi
DOHA «4
B ;
Till
*
GREAI DlPARIt
Rl
Ml
Confucius
Pnnce Siddhartha. the future Buddha, leaves the palace (left), having renounced worldly life and determined on a life of meditation and asceticism This Burmese boy right symbolically reenacts the momentous scene before donning monk's robes and entenng a monastery as a novice monk
I
TREE
i
w
ootpmni or 1
21, 105;
Brahma 20
I
I
v.N
PRAYER «
ioism
w
t
Mythologies
&
Religions
Islam Islam
is
the faith of about one-fifth of the worlds population.
It is
based
on the revelations uttered by the Prophet Mohammed who lived in Arabia (c. ad 570-632). These were later recorded in the volume called the Koran. Followers of Islam are Muslims. Like Jews and Christians, they worship one god, whom they call Allah, and they see their faith as an act of surrender to the will of Allah. Actions of devout Muslims are dictated by the Five Pillars, which call upon the faithful to declare their faith publicly, pray of
five
times a day give alms,
Ramadan, and make
a
fast
&
®
during the month
pilgrimage to Mecca.
Prayer rug A Muslim usually
performs salat, or prays, on a prayer rug. This 16th-century Ottoman example has Islamic pillars woven into the design.
I
Star
.,;
& Crescent
Thought originally to have signified the waxing moon, and once associated with the goddess Diana, the crescent was adopted as a symbol of Islam in the 14th century. The star, a symbol of sovereignty and divinity, was added later.
ASCE.VT OF PROPHI
Hand of God
Mi IHAMJ
1
I
'
I
Known
I
Muslims at prayer
as the
Hand of Fatima. after Mohammed's daughter, this represents the Five hilars of Islam.
The Night Journey In a dream Mohammed was
led to heaven by the Archangel Gabriel. His face is veiled, according to Muslim convention, and he rides the hall-
human
steed Al Borak,
symbol of
light
and
truth.
Adult males pray side by side in the mosque. As they kneel, fa< ing Mecca, they touch their foreheads to the ground and intone the words Allah is great." their actions symbolically mirroring their spiritual submission to God.
The
i
ubelike shrine
around
huh
the sa< red stone,
probabl)
meteorite
./
Ka'bah The Ka'bah
Mecca
in
is
the
which
central shrine of Islam, to
the faithful
must turn
wherever they are
Thus
it
in pr.r
world.
in the
acts as a point of
communion between God and man. Muslims are enjoined
make
the pilgrimage henleast
once
to
al
in a lifetime if
they arc able, and
symbolically circle the shrine seven times,
each circuit signifying an attribute ol God.
:
24
BAH, Mi
i
I
[SLAM Ornamental border
Verses from the Koran
(o dccorati
Compass Since Muslims need to
Mecca when they pray, they often use a qiWah, or special compass, to find the direction.
lamps indicates the
Many modem
prayer mats have integral
Mosque lamp The interior of a mosque is lit up by lamps. The light of the
compasses,
with an image of the Ka'bah at the center.
presence of the divine within the mosque. It is wisdom and truth and lightens the
darkness of ignorance.
Koran Some
Islamic countries reject the portrayal ol living
thought to challenge the word itself has been immortalized in art in the form of Koranic texts. Exquisite examples of calligraphy have been produced, one of Islam's greatest
creatures in art because perfection of Allah.
Calligraphy Beautifully inscribed
Koranic verses are used to decorate any number of objects - a symbolic and constant reminder
i Prayer beads An Islamic rosary is made up of 99 beads
of the
word
of
God,
in this steel plaque.
as
As
it is
a result, the
lo
prayer from lop of the
minaret
contributions to an. They are usually in Arabic, the language of Islam. These texts, often surrounded by beautiful borders and scrollwork, illustrate the authority
and truth of the word
of
God.
This is because they stand for 99 of the Divine Names The
hundredth, the
.n calls
Muslims
Ceramic
Minaret
Name
The minaret is attached to the mosque, and from its summit
of the Essence, can
only be found in Paradise
the muezzin, or crier, calls the faithful to prayer five times a day.
Muslims believe
dawn
that
one morning
prayer will be called by the Angel of the Resurrection the
The
tile
mbol
-i
of divinity
and
supremacy
in Islam Islamic decoration is characterized by the
use of ornamented tiles,
many
ol
them
star-shaped.
Dome heu
See also DOMI
01
Koran
mi
R.
i
\r85.
i
Mohammi ii Paradisi
Prayer
I)<>M! Ol
nil
i
Roc K
The
vhere the Temple ilcm.
making
the
sil '
ihru-l foi
to
Solomon on and Muslims which Mohammed was hroughl of
heaven
li
bed nind
ri
i
it.
one symbolically passes into anothei
si \k ,mi
c
kim ist tr
:
Mythologies
&
Religions
& Nature Spirits
Ancestor
In every part of the world, at one time or another, there has been a belief that everything in nature possesses a soul or spirit. In spirits of the trees,
mountains, crops,
rivers,
such
and rocks
a belief, the
are ever present,
honored so that man and nature can exist in harmony. Ancestral spirits, too, have been central to the faiths of many people, believing that when someone dies, they join the ancestors and watch over the community's links with the past. Some spints have a protective character and serve to guard a community or individual in times of danger. They may appear on the prow of a boat or on a weapon, and may be very fierce looking in order to frighten away evil or an enemy in battle.
and
are
'"iY'*!*."
1
Totem pole
A
The totem pole symbolizes the relationship between a tribe or clan and its ancestors. Human and
Punng
animal ancestoi figures
of
with the clan,
weai
power
an< estors
represent
Kuba
among
the spirits
from one
spiritual
and natural order
ol all
existence the Dreaming, or
Dreamtime.
It covers all time, and includes stories ol ancestors who
created
human and animal
Australian Aboriginals
with nature, and
and
spirit
life.
one music
feel al
ritual
expressions of the
art are vital
essences of the Dreamtime.
Bark painting Paintings of ancestors are filled in with markings known as nink.
Australian Aborignals believe these patterns reated by Dreamtime i
spirits,
Wmjara
can release
SP1RI
,
\\
\
' I
i
fertility.
i
20n
Uluru Named
Avers Rock by European Uluru is sacred to Australian .Aboriginals, who imbue such sites with p& ial powers Ihey perform rites to ttlers,
ai
quire this powei and also to
w
Ancestor figure
War god
male ancestor figure from Papua NewGuinea, painted in
This Hawaiian war god, with his threatening and
sacred colors, stands for a clan father.
would protect
terrifying
rice,
a
panicular group
in
war
2 6
it.
for
represents ugliness.
Australian Aboriginals call the
ancestor.
life
The sacred
ancestor.
The Dreaming
whom are descended
rituals.
are symbolized by stylized features. This elephant spirit mask from Nigeria
and all
brought to the
spirit
During ceremonies young boys symbolically meet this ol Zaire.
initiation
shaman would assume the
ol
this,
the spirits ol the
his to
i
Elephant
African masks represent sacred spirits
such as
mask
divination
rituals a
caned on the pole and offerings are made to these sacred figures. This shows solidarit)
MASK
\SK.\N
represents the essences ol various beings.
arc
respect fori he ancestors
I
This Alaskan
Zairean mask Grass-skirted masks,
powers
Ancestor
&
Nature Spirits
Shinto which means Way of the Kami," is the oldest religion in Japan. According to Shinto belief the world is populated by millions of Kami, spirits that inhabit am Shinto,
^P
.*%
person, place, or object that possesses strange qualities. may dwell in rivers, rocks, trees, and animals, and a
Spirits
%
nature is regarded with awe and respect. In the sixth century Shinto blended with Buddhist philosophy to produce a vast pantheon of gods, including a mixture of
-
nature
spirits,
guardian deities, and Buddha incarnations.
Gateway The
torn
God
of wealth
d of abundance and thus Daikoku grants a good
fertility.
harvest
is
the gateway to a Shinto
Some
shrines ma) be approached through more than one torn. The ends of the honzontal bars reach toward heaven. shrine.
and bnngs prospenty
Mount Inari The white fox is the messenger and symbol of Inari, the Japanese
god of crops and
\\ kus Ama Terasu,
wealth. Otfenngs of soybean curd, believed
Si
goddess of the sun, is the supreme Shinto god, and Japan's emperors claim descent from her. Legend says that, angered by the Storm God, she hid in a cave. The other gods tned to lure her out with jewels and a mirror, hung on a tree outside. Fascinated by her own reflection, she emerged toward it. symbolizing the daily emergence of dawn alter night.
to be his favorite food,
are
made
to
him, and
his bib signifies thanks for prayers
answered
Fuji
The unpredictable nature of volcanoes has evoked feelings of fear and worship in many countries. The many volcanoes of Japan figure in its religion and shrines are often built on their slopes. Japan's Mount Fup is said to be the most beautiful mountain in the world It combines the symbolism of heaven, earth fire and thus inspires the feelings of awe. danger, and yet peace elicited by nature. Mount Fuji embodies the spirit of Japan and is
a place of pilgrimage.
Confucius Confucius, who lived in the 6th century BC, remains a great teacher for the Chinese. He propounded a doctnne based on loyalty and duty to parents, clan, and • state. By stressing loyalty to clan, he underlined the importance of the ancestors and strengthened ancestral cults, already popular in China. Images of Confucius can be
found
in
many
traditional
hold shrine-,
especially
among
the
overs t
f
hitii
ClllMSI l,\NOS<
•ing
the popular
resp
U'l
he innei serenm ol faoist philosoph expressed in landscape paintings Such
See also
I
(
h
to
him
Monarch of
tinj
made
'he to
human
him temple
I
\ 1
\1\-kv
Shim I
in
POSTV
*-%^m^*-i
17
15
i.i
Dwi wiisc.
i
hta
* c
II
figures are placed within the
landscape, stressing both the insignifican man against nature and his place within the universe Both raoist philosophy and nfucianism have influenced modem hinese though) raoism stresses the spiritual ordei within nature, and fucianism the nnu.il unlet within society
tl
the
\M>->
paintings portra) not just the features ol ihe land, but the very essence ol nature Often
rded
Ocean monaju
HINESI
I
I
I
Hav
i.-
&
Mythologies
Religions
is+S%s%s+^^^s%s+s*s^*^s*S^ls^%S*S%^^%S%s^
Mythical Beasts Many fabulous
creatures originated in the valleys of the Tigris and the
moved both
<&
and west. The phoenix and the many-headed serpent for example, and the image of a great bird with a serpent in its talons, are all found in the iconography of many parts of the world. Mythical beasts that are half animal and half human represent both animal instincts and human intellect. Monsters that are part bird and part land or sea creature take on the symbolic associations of both, representing perhaps the sun and the waters in addition to their own innate symbolism. Euphrates, and from there
east
Double-headed serpent The double-headed serpent is a common image in the Americas and is associated with life-giving rain. It was part of the ntes of Tlaloc, .Aztec god of the mountains, rain, and spnngs, to whom children were sacrificed in times of drought.
The Lion and the Unicorn, France.
The horn can
c.1500
detei
and count ei a,
i
I
poison
Loch Ness Monster The
Ky-lin
unicorn
e
(he
a lion, the
Odin, the Teutonic magician-god of war. Sleipnir could overcome
stag,
all
obstacles and gallop across both land and
and
from China generally
minine
has the head of a dragon, (he mane of
and
moon
body oi a and the tail ol an
ox It is said to appear during the reign of
vinuous monarchs and to herald the birth of
great people lin
Unicorn
First sighted in the
Middle Ages, the Loch Ness Monster allegedly bit a swimmer to death in AD 565. Over the years there have been numerous sightings and
This fabulous beast
represents
Sleipnir The swiftest of all stallions was Sleipnir, eight-legged mount ol
The Ky-
often accompanies
mount of the god, he was associated with the power of that sea.
As
the
god and also symbolized the wind.
countless investigations, scientists
have
tried
make
sense of these eyewitness accounts. Originally a symbol of danger, Nessie is now to
a
benevolent monster.
Chinese sages and
The unicorn is pure and incorruptible. In China it represents gentleness, good wall, wisdom, and longevity; in Christianity it represents Christ. According to medieval lore, a unicorn's horn was a powerful antidote to poison, but the animal was so wild that no hunter could capture it. Only a virgin could lure a unicorn to her and tame it. Here a unicom looks into
wisdom
the mirror of truth, representing the
immortals.
It is
gentle,
and symbolizes good will and kindness as well as
The Aii Theseus
fertility
of self-knowledge.
visible
heads
Hydra Centaur With the torso and head of a man above the body of a horse, centaurs combine the
her
A
creature of
fire,
the salamander
breathing
Mooded
flames
unhai
that
re
it
!
ied
from the
fires
i
instinctual nature of an
with
animal with the
A formidable
judgment and virtue of a man. In Greek myth
one head were cut off, two more sprang up in its place. In Greek myth it was killed by
Chiron, a respected
us'
is
or surro
he flames. As a symbol righteous soul, whu
repre
+ -«-
fire
teacher, i
ii
nerge
of tempta
Linked to the manyheaded naga of India, the hydra was a nineheaded serpent, sometimes depicted
was
a centaur.
a cloglike
Centaurs are also a
Hercules.
Christian symbol of man torn between
the
good and
to truth.
Ii
body.
foe,
if
symbolizes
many problems
that obstruct the path
i<'»s%^**' *^s%' ,
28
Minotaur This creature, with the upper half of a bull, lived in the famous labyrinth of Crete. Ever)' year it devoured seven youths and seven maidens chosen by lot to try to appease it. The hero Theseus decided to challenge the beast and end the reign ol terror. The minotaur represents the baser instincts ol man
Mythical Beasts s%s%s%s**
Mermaids and sirens
\|
\k\RA
In India this sea creature
is
the
mount
of the sea
god Varuna and also ol Ganga, goddess ol the Ganges It is part fish and part crocodile or elephant, and is symbolic of the waters ol
woman,
often seen in conjunction with
is creation solar creatures, the It
two together representing fertility. The makara also represents the duality of good and evil
Nag a The naga is a manyheaded serpent deity found widely in the an and legend of India and Southeast .Asia It
also
known
monk and
a large,
Although the king wanted to keep it, he relented when the creature pleaded to be
reflects in
the real balance
returned to the waters. On being released, the bishop fish made the
rain,
essential for the
sign of the cross.
soil.
The lure of dangerous women
the Sirens,
Ulysses is forewarned that he must beware the sirens of the waters, whose voices have the power to lure men to their deaths. He orders his crew to plug their ears with wax, but to tie him firmly to the ship's mast so that he alone can hear their song in safety. The artist has
represented two ol the sirens in human form, but the third has the tail of a fish.
Carved figurehead This mermaid graces the stem of a barge designed in
Triton jewel Hall man and hall was the son have been Late
a
fish,
Triton
King
Ifcl^iik.
ol
Hippo imp mount
ol
Poseidon drawing his chariot across the oceans It has the bod and the forelegs ol I making it symbolic ol both s and i
I
heraldry to denote In the he i us in
i
repn
a
laudable
ol Belfast
ii
le
29
II
of
ind
H the
i
Neptune and may god ol seafarers
of Tritons
is
7 $2
ol
a race
hippocamp
1
Frederick, son of
myths
speak
the
KINE
as the
body Legend has it that one of these creatures was captured in the Baltic in 1433 and presented to the King of Poland.
with garuda. the bird
!
Japanese
fishlike
of the sun. This
the
19th-century
the shaven head of a
control the rains and are in constant conflict
fertility of
half fish. In their fish
mitered bishop, has
wholly animal Nagas
between sun and which are both
woman,
Bishop fish
serpent heads or as
myth
half bird, or half
form they can be mistaken for mermaids. They represent temptation and seduction, the luring of man from his true purpose.
This curious creature,
may be depicted with human torso and
enmity
Mermaids and sirens appear in the mythology of main countries. A mermaid has the body of a beautiful woman and the tail of a fish. She is a creature of the waters, symbolic of fertility and the unconscious. Sometimes she carries a mirror, which represents truth and the soul. Male equivalents are rarer, although the Tritons of Greek myth - embodying wantonness were mermen. Sirens may appear in two forms: hall
mermaid
kt Draper. 1905
(
Mythologies i
-%•%--».
-*.-%,-K%^V»^^-%^V-%^%
&
Religions
-»».-%.-%.%--%-%..-%..-». ^.-1-1
-*^%^»^»-^-^-%--%--%^%--i
Dragons Combining
air. fire, and water, the and dark, the sun and moon, masculine and feminine, and the unit}' underlying these opposing forces. The dragon possesses the wings of a bird and the scales of a snake or fish. It breathes fire and often guards a hoard of treasure in its lair. In the East and in pre-Christian Europe the dragon was seen as helpful and kind - indeed, the red dragon is the emblem of Wales - but Christianity which saw the serpent as a symbol of evil, also viewed the dragon as a creature of ill-omen, representing destructiveness and inner chaos.
characteristics of the four elements, earth,
dragon symbolizes
Basilisk
light
Usually depicted as a
form of serpent, the can also have
basilisk
the legs and wii a dragon. In medieval
Viking dragon Norse myth the biter," Nidhogg, devoured corpses and
Europe its breath or gaze was believed to be
fatal. It is
In
dread
a
symbol of death.
gnawed
The
he roots of the ash tree Yggdrasil, the tree
ceaselessly
at
i
five
claw
s
this
garment belong
the
Emperor
ot life.
—
Nidhogg
symbolized
The pt immortality^
evil.
.
Embroidered irn to
silk
square
denote rank
Chinese dragon A symbol
ol the
Emperor, of male energy, and of fertility, the Chinese dragon is a benign animal and the
fifth
creature of
the Chinese zodiac
It
guards the East and represents sunrise, spring,
DRAGON This stylized
dragon is from an Anglo-Saxon shield. In its it
carries
dragons
mouth
ol the air.
the
and the spirit. Dragon dances and dragon
what looks - perhaps
the pearl of immortality.
boat races are still popular in China.
WD
GEORGl
DRAGON
III!
The spiraling
Christians equate the dragon with the serpent, the tempter of Eve in the Garden of Eden. The dragon, too, was evil,
rains
earth, the water,
like a pearl
ST.
and the
Indeed, torrential rain is known as "dragon rain." There are four types ol dragons in Chinese legend -
cloud l^7"^•s,|U^
divine
an embodiment ofman's lower
assistance
nature. By slaying the dragon, the victor overcomes heresy and evil and also his
George
is
own
primitive drives.
St.
patron saint of England, and of
soldiers.
all
n\
on batlike
mbol
(lii
q/
tnumph
i
d ovei
(hough to be evil
proi
The d the 1
inn.
I
ilinih
I
\^s%s%^*%^\.
-%s%*
r^S%S%S%ShSl
30
u
•
-%]
Mythical
Bi \sts
Phoenix The phoenix, sometimes known as the tiro bird, :^elf on fire every one hundred years, dies m the flames, and then rises again from the ashes. It is a universal symbol ol immortality, death by fire, the sun. and resurrection. It is also a symbo" of gentleness because it lives only on dew, not harming any living ereature. In China u represents the empress and, with the dragon. stands tor inseparable fellowship In Mexico the phoenix accompanied the great god Quetzalcoatl and to early Christians it symbolized Christ.
Sphinx A popular symbol originating in Egypt anc
The mount of Vishnu, Garuda is usually portrayed as part man, pan eagle, and often
this is
either
heavenly musician
part ol the celestial
the principal deities
Indian beliel h is an auspicious symbol, times found on
he-
a lion
m
and
a
human
head. The Greek sphin
was that
by
chorus surrounding
and is a bird ol life The garuda is often shown doing battle i
human and
Half
half bird or half horse,
has a golden body. It is a huge, noble ereature that represents the sun
with its enemies, snakes
Babylon, the sphinx usually has the body o
klWARA
lemale monster devoured passers-
a
who
lailed to
answer her
riddle
In
SlMURGH
differeni cultures the
sphinx symbolizes the
wisdom, and
ruler,
This fabulous Pei
the
c
reature, a mixture ol
peacoi
temple doorways.
k
lii
griffi
Russian and mythology With <
of heaven
Griffin
II
he gi iiim was a guardian reature with the head,
the mosl
winged ol the
hero Belleropl
st
blood
ol
Sat red to
Medusa and earned
/<
ted with speed I
m
Aih
i
the
and
hippogn
I
i
hundred eagles
Igllaiue,
wisdoi
%^^S%S%S%S%s%S*<^%S*^s%S%^S%S< 51
III
\D 14'
i
/
(\KI IM
I
woman,
and the wings and the
I
sudden death
i
HYDRA N\c\
i
winds, causing storms and whirlpools and
md
ph,
evil inl
.uh\
legs ol a vulture
is
I
larpies
Apollo and griffin
I)
uso
K.I Kl
Dragon
had the head
a
m
desti
ol
light
\K\I
i
I
the female
mgei than
(
m
an ea .1
Si
ek mythology the harp) symbolized
and talons ol he body lion It was sail
earth.
\nn
I
t
and
ol
Mism
turn PHOI SIX
I
i
/
+-^'+s%s+s\*%s%s%s%s%s%s%*%s%-^'%s%s%s\s%s%s±s%^s%s%s%s%s%s%.
I
Nature The
natural world provides a vast and
rich store oj symbols.
and
The sun, moon,
stars are widely seen as symbolic,
affecting every aspect oj
our
lives.
and
Plants
flowers have diverse meanings, from flowers oj love tojruits ojfertility,
and animals,
too,
have
particular associations linked to their characteristics
and
cultural importance.
i
& Moon
Sun
The sun and moon have always played a powerful role in image ry. For many cultures all over the world the sun is the embodiment of male energy, li^ht and warmth; the moon of female mystery and creation. Both are symbolic of death and rebirth: the sun because of its daily rising and setting; the moon because of its monthly waxing and waning between new moon and full moon. The suns energy warms the land and ripens crops, while the moon's gravity influences the waters, controlling the flow of tides.
Man Clock u i
this
It
has long been believed that the
full
bnngs on or aggravates the symptoms of madness. In this painting Diana, the Roman huntress and goddess of the moon, is seated in the clouds above a group of lunatic followers. The word lunatic comes from the Latin luna, meaning moon, and originally meant moonstruck.''
\\
I
I
moon
-
Ec
1
An
eclipse ol the
IPSE
moon
an eclips< ed by the bodiless
devouring the moon or sun. which then passes through his neck and back into the sky
they reflect the dark or sinister force
\
to the
demon Rahu
at a full
moon
of the
was nailed
that
influence overcreai ol the night When
wolves howl
moon. myth a man
in the
or the sun is regarded by many with fear and seen as a portent of evil. Hindu myth says
Baying \i mi \kxin The moon exen
moon
man
to atone for his
i
Moons rm tk madness
is
In popular
the
19th-century clock link time to the movements of the heavens.
Her Fou
moon
on as feminine. people often speak ol
The moons on
I
moon
the
in
Although the
moon.
R
White purity
cloal
and
Symbol
r>
Personification of sun and mucin
'
ie -1-
n
-
K
-
1908
oceans are governed by the moon, so, like the moon, water has associations with d with the feminine creative principle. Water is central to many creation myths it
flood"
is
a
common
an from which
all life
theme. The sea represents the unconscious and infinity has emerged and into which u must eventually dissolve
34
In this illustration from a 16th-century alchemical treatise, the sun and moon are personified as king and queen The moon (Diana) wears white, in contrast to the red of her twin brother, the sun (Apollo). The flames beneath the sun s feel reflect alchemists' belief that the sun is the innate fire present in all mauer Diana's foot rests on the moon, ol which she is both goddess and symbol
& Moon %--».•.».«.»«»
Sun
<•-%.
square,
«^«^%. -«.%-%.-<
ass and emblems
TV
hey within
the triangle
represents the heart as keepet
Bl
\CK SUN
[his sun adonis an
I8th-centurj house in Prague known as the Black Sun. In alchem the black sun. or
sol
symbol of Saturn and stands for niger, is a
the dark, destructive aspect ol the sun
Freemasonry This sun-headed
freemason
is
Al'OI LO Apollo. Greek god ol the sun, is the slaw darkness. In this mosaic from Corinth his head, surrounded by flames, symbolizes his divine nature and the ultimate power ol the sun.
made up
ol the materials of his
lodge, with symbols relating to his order.
S< \RAB The Egyptian sacred Tablet
is a form ol the Min ^od Khepn. depicted here in
beetle
ilu
I
lighting irld
i.
(
mil
o)
sun
beams, with to i
and
the 7 continents
Art deco mo hi
Many countries have adopied the sun as their
known
^
1
represent
ieas
Flags
national
ndence
J night as ^\"
o) the
Declaration oj
Torch blazes
winged form, clasping the solar ball and representing new life
Fl\goi
I
date
emblem as the
Sunbursts were popular
japan.
land
Associated
in stained-glass
windows and
ol
has a plain rod disk, while Uruguay has a more decorative sun face the rising sun,
sieel
decoration
1920s and
with the
also in
sun
ol the
fire is
purifying,
30s, sui
the tiered root ol New York's Chryslei Building
destructive
revealing
it
is
spintuai
power ana
main
rituals and world lhe Statue ol iheriv, with her crown ol sun s rays stands at the entrance to New York harboi She holds alofi a burning torch, whk h is a he flame symbol ol safety and assurance was literally a ra) ol hope to the thousands ol homeless who sailed into the haiboi s.k rifice,
and pla\s
a part in
religions throughout the 1
I
iLSO
Sej I
I
IGS
•
M5 FREEMASONI (
\l
I
M)\R
MOM
Thi-
I
Moon minis «r
ne
with a
sun
S!
i
Si
the year divui IS
into 18 short I
spill I
Si N
he
MASK
\ EMB1
his
1
emblem on
cathedral in
emph.i
Ameri< an spirii mask from h ( olumbia, tl the spirit ol the sun It il to Us tube s be! nortlf
in the
i
I
Siena
s
SUN
DEITIES
H
Ital)
In this Native
in
\|.
M
ili\
nis lirits
within the flames ol the sim It was designed as
mbol
ol p'
Si s
\l
i
Nature
Earth
&
Sky
The relationship of the earth and the sky is vital for the well-being of humankind, for it is the combination of sun, rain, wind, and soil that brings life, warmth, and nourishment. The sky is symbolic of transcendence and the heavenly realms, and gods of the sky are linked to the masculine power and the creative aspect of the sun. The earth symbolism complements that of the sky and represents the Great Mother, receiving fertilizing rain, producing crops, and nourishing animals. Rivers and lakes represent the bountiful properties of the earth and share
nurturing qualities. India, are
Some
rivers,
its
feminine,
such as the Ganges
in
viewed as sacred.
Satellite photograph
Earth from space Far from demystifying
our view of the heavens, space exploration has heightened our sense
awe at the vastness and magnificence of of
our world.
Volcano Volcanoes, with their terrifying
powers of
destruction, have
always been sacred and highly symbolic to the people who live in their
Rain forest
shadow. An
eruption
may
be
interpreted as a sign of
River
the fury of the gods
A
In
parts of Southeast Asia a
human
sacrifice to a
volcano used to be made in an attempt to avert such wrath.
river
is
both a symbol of
fertility,
of the neverending flow of time.
soul with the Absolute.
since
Its
it
and an image merging of the
irrigates land,
delta represents the
Meandenng
slowly to the sea, the river can also symbolize a journey into death. Journeys to the Underwotld often involve the crossing of a river, and the four nvers of Paradise are a source of power and spiritual nourishment.
The lorest is a magical, heroic realm of danger and enchantment, and it can represent the unconscious mind. The forest is either the fearful haunt of spirits, wolves, and goblins, as in European folklore, or a place of seclusion where pursue spiritual contemplation, as in Indian culture In the latter part of the 20th century the rain forest has come to represent the vulnerability of our planet, which is rapidly being destroyed by human encroachment. ascetics
'. I
i
18
36
..
Earth
Sky
Weather Every culture has had an explanation
whims
for the
S\OWI
p
mi
i
Si
Pi ren's,
Romf
Sky Probably because the sun, stars, and moon are above us in the sky, the sky has always been associated with creator gods and the forces of creation.
The domed
mosques
are often painted blue to resemble the
sky. symbolically
roofs of cathedrals
reminding the
and
I
folktales personifications such as the North Wind and Jack Frost are blamed for miserable weather, while storms are traditionally attributed to the storm god in China and Japan.
\KI
Snow represents coldness and hardness in human nature, but the fragile beauty of a snowflake symbolizes truth and wisdom. The snowflake is
also a
Wind cherub This cherub blows the wind, probably to guide a boat on its course across the ocean. Such cherubs
were a popular way BalU
ol q)
representing the
winds
thtindei
in
Western
art.
symbol of
individuality, since
two
of the weather. In
no
are alike.
faithful of
Thunder and lightning
heaven above.
This Japanese god of thunder takes the form of a strong man beating his drum. The circle of balls around his head represent the reverberations of the thunder
Chinese clouds Clouds symbolize the mystical and the sacred.
Drumstick
Japanese Thunder
to
God
The Chinese
beat
traditionally
formed from the union of female and male, yin and yang. believe they are
out the railing
thunder
Dove of peace
Noah's Ark, Gabriel Loire, 1975
Rambow, <
lod's
.
sign of
ovenanl
Noah's ark,^
symbol of the Christian
Chunh
A London Fog. F.D. Bedford, 1902
Rainbow
Fog many
cultures the rainbow bridges th( and heaven It is often seen as a message ol h
Fog, like cloud, is a symbol of the mystical and mysterious It stands for the confusion Irom which the soul must emerge to attain enlightenment
In
from the gods. In the Bible God as a sign ol
sent a
Hisco
iftei
rainbow
the
I
See also (Rl
M MOIHIR «" H.
River
a
FJtf ALL. Zl'
Watebfau In Ch: xilism a waterfall represents the feminine while a mountain or dill is the
ine
Its
downward motion is the mterpan to the upward-striving the
any
Vou wi 1)1 SI
A
pi.
figun
the mn;l
i
Rl
ndonment and desolation, the mplation In the Bible
["he
Hid
"l Isi
57
and
desert also repres
gi (
bust was tempted
in
children
the
d<
Waterfai
i
Precious Matter The world's mountains, lakes, and waters are the repositories of hidden treasures - revealing the unexpected presence of pearls inside craggy oysters or substances such as metals and minerals that can be mined and transformed into objects of extraordinary beauty In the past, the fascination with these materials stemmed from their colors or brilliance, but durability also played a or corroding,
and
part.
Gold could
last forever
without tarnishing
and polished, seemed equally impervious uncertain world, such beauty and permanence
stones, cut
to change. In a fragile,
must have appeared
to
have magical, almost divine, properties. Natural
Coral
pi \KI
rhis Italian
was believed that the only way to cross In rivers safely or to calm a raging tempest was to cam' a piece of red or white coral. But the alleged powers oi coral went far beyond this. Coral was thought to staunch the How of blood from a wound, cure madness, imbue the wearer v> uh \\ isdom, and offer protection against enchantments. Sprigs freshh gathered from the sea, such as the one hanging above the Madonna in this picture, are deemed the most powerful. To this da) many people give children coral jewelry to protect them from hai m the 16th century
i
hild's
it
bracelet with I
was
its
hand clasp dt signi
.1
to
\ard the
IN
>YSTER SHELL
Peari Prized in East and West alike, the pearl is a universal symbol oi beauty and perfection. It
is
linked to the realm ot the feminine - the moon, chastity, patience, and purity, Chinese dragons are usually portrayed clasping a pearl,
wisdom, immortality, and once thought
to
light. Pearls
symbol of were
be the tears of the gods.
Amber MOTHER-OF-PEAR]
With
he shells symbolism
I
is
clear
- u
from
its
name
mother oi the much-prized pearl and as such represents fertility and birth lis is
the
luster .\nd iridescence
make
it
perfeel for
honoring the gods 1
[ere, tiny casts
amber was
thought to be congealed sunlight; in ancient tiieeee n was sacred to the sun god, Apollo.
Norse and Greek myth amber was thought to be tears In
Vikings
lor the
have
bright golden
its
sheen,
been placed into the
Svipdag, .uu\
shell of this pearl
Creeks
mussel images
ol
to
(
it
loi
was
i
In'
tears
shed over the death Phaeton
reate
oi the
was
it
Freya's tears for
Buddha.
Ivory \\
hen
contact
in direct
Virgin; n
to ll
1
496
38
I
or purit)
symbol and so is
is
material
a
was loi
c
a
ol
favored
rue ifbees
also assoi iated
could protect against
Ivory
poisons, illnesses, anil
with moral strength. An ivory tower represents detachment from the world, possibly through
In the jet
Nth
became
associated with death ITS
ol its color,
assot iated with the
storms century
,
ause
and soul and
safeguard the wearei
CORAI
Be<
with the skin, jet was believed to become a part of a person's body
and mourning, and was worn as a symbol ol love loi a losi hiend
,u
is
rogani
e
or piiismts
inlellei lu.il
Preciol
Matter
s
Gold Regarded as the most precious of metals, gold
is
a
symbol of
all
that has the highest value or is die hardest to attain. The ultimate prize-winners are gold medalists, perfect times are"
known
S \ lR Linked to the 1
weight
moon
of
as color.
but also
silver is bright,
vicing turns the corruptible side ol
human
which
nature,
Olympic cold Awarded lor excellence
needs cleansing. In
in a given held, the gold
China
medal
silver
is
the
lunar, feminine yin. in Christianity chastity,
it
is
punty.
and eloquence
in
is
gold
light, lire,
radiant
and treasured items as worth their most cultures gold is linked to the sun, giver and life. The sun god Apollo, symbol of all that is
as "golden eras,
1
and
In
beautiful, rode a chariot of gold across the skies. The
EMBI
oj the King's
XIV,
the most highly
sun's
powei
In the
TH! S
i
k
a<
as positive
.ell
symbolism, representing the sins of idolatry and gi eed - as in the legend of King Midas.
lifestyle.
the
\
thousands ol fortune hunters panned riverbeds for gold. Gold's power to corrupt lends it a negative
St N KING Louis \1Y of France was known for his extravagant
Nicknamed
i
the American continent as
achievement
and opulent
i
1850s and
"gold fever" spread
K
sought alter pi symbol ol exceptional
Gold
symbolize the extent :
Sun King
sun god Ap he adopted the golden
alter the
Copper The power
of copper to conduct has made it symbolic oi connection In alchemy it is in the sphere ol Venus, and
.inked to warmth and femininity Among
emblem
of
the sun to
symbolize his power
and
his
imponance
in the world.
North American u copper denoted status
fft
U
Golden offering
MW-SIZEDJAR
In Thailand worshipers
This Chinese ornamental jar. made ol beaten gold, is as tall as a woman The detailed scenes depicted on lt^. surface took a team ol goldsmiths more than a year to complete
\n
Lead's cheapness made il for pilgrims
honor Buddha by pressing tmi leaves of pure gold onto h image Over the years, th layers of gold render
Buddha
lorm almost unrecognizable
mmemorating
Crystal
shnne As the hea\ metal, lead
symbolizes purity. clarity, and also the >all represents the mind. In Christians a Jsare widely world ol the light o alian thought to have magical pow real aboriginals a rystal is a symbol spun Crystal ball of the future, and wearing a rystal is thought to promote health
symbo
il
well as a in or a rx
burdened by
sin
<
<
LODI lis
MOM
magnetic properties
S/l
imbued lodestone with
Iron
quasi-sexual pow< In ancient ility .
man
rule with
be
R(K K and
In the Bib:
igth
the «.\mhol ol In
the ru
ting
and
from the Greek
r.
unih. •ted
wife s faithfulness In plaintone under hei pillow while the
ti
ish a
huge
that a
word
is>
*
I
h
Pi Mtl
'
i
In Sanskrit lor
li
meai i
ILSO
\|
GOLOH
could ensure his
she slept
S
ms!
(
was believed
and
C
hinese the
J in
word
Si \ kin.
i
Nature -*ije'i***di-**?*?**?^fc>*^*'*******-%^
Precious Stones and talismans have played an important part in ever)' culture and continue to do Diamond, symbol of so to this day. From the early Egyptian and South power and wealth American civilizations to the oldest cultures in the East, people have imbued stones with supernatural powers. There are stones to control the elements, calm the winds, and still rough seas, and others to work directly on the body, stimulating vital organs or creating a sense of well-being. There are stones for particular days of the week, and stones for the different months. Stones that capture and reflect light, such as moonstones and star sapphires, are deemed to bring good luck. Agates, Fetishes, amulets,
Bt'FFALO FETISH
with central wTiite rings carved into watchful "guardian eyes," can neutralize the
power
At one time, Native
Americans used
fetishes to
help control the lorces of nature and to tackle problems in their even-day lives. The fetish did not contain any innate power; its spirit force was given to a by us owner.
of the evil eye.
The meaning of gemstones The symbolism of stones varies depending on their color, their form, and the use to which they arc put. For example, cut and faceted gemstones symbolize the soul set free from ihe base exterior of the
human
body.
Lapis lazuli In Mesopotamia
blue stone symbolized the heavens and so was used to decorate the tellings of temples In
:OND v
CADUCEUS BROOCH
this
Wings transcend)
pi
11
was used
adorn statues M<
r<
v
1113
's
bnnj>
ol the
from
it
was viewed as a cure for melancholy and level In China symbolized vision, and was used to
wit
han
strife
Amethyst
lake lapis lazuli,
This
sapphire symbolizes the blue ol the heavens
humility, peace of mind,
and also the heavenly attributes ol truth, chastity,
to
gods, while in Europe
Twin snakes of good and evil _
Sapphire
11
diseases of the eye.
and
contemplation. The star sapphire is a powerful good-luck i
harm
three shafts
Its
ol light are
represent
thought to hope,
faith,
and destiny.
is
the stone of
and resignation. was associated with Bacchus, god ol wine, and was thought to piety, It
cure drunkenness. It became a symbol of sobriety, possibly because water in an
amethyst jug looked like
wine, but had no
intoxicating effect
i f
Ruby
Emerald
In India this
of stones
is
and
the king
is
generally associated zeal,
Topaz
Legend has it that emeralds are found
royalty, dignity,
Diamond brock
and power. In rubies were
The most prized
h
as well
I
the nests ol griffins
poor
Revered and powerful stones, emeralds are thought to enhance the memory, sharpen the
to Si
Burma
as the hardest stone, the
thought to confer invulnerab especial!;.- if they were
diamond
with incorruptibility
wits, and,
and
under the tongue, help
embedded
transparency and
in the teeth or flesh so that they
ame
a part of the
allegedly
wounding by
ward and
1
associated
invincibility. Its
purity
make
it
also a
symbol of constancy and sincerity. Here,
diamond snakes
pi
swords, or guns as jewelr
is
Worn may
entwine a staff of emeralds in a winged caduceus, symbol of medicine as the healing union of opposites.
his stone was also widely believed to cure
in
when placed
had to place a topaz m wine for a period of three days. lien, on going to bed, he had to rub his eyes I
the moistened
The emerald
sti
has been used as an antidote for poison and a treatment of eye disease, dysentery, and leprosy.
Due
color, the
ti
me
century topaz was thought to heal plague sores.
A Roman
physic ian
claimed man)' successes is
Ql
to effect a cure.
open sores with a stone thai had longed to two popes.
a
ing
symbol of spring, of fertility, and of ram.
li'
40
I
:>
In the 15th
1
emerald
According
llildegard, the
patient
in predicting the
future.
vision.
l/AU OAU. \M> EAR™
Aztec turquoise mask Turquoise was highly valued in Mesoamcru a and was often used in representations ol gods, or
weapons
to ensure accurac y lie Aztec s stone of the gods In ancient Egypl turquoise was thought to lie protective Ihe stone is symbolic ol courage, fulfillment, and success. tied to
(ailed
it
the
I
Precious Stones
Agate
Opal The opal
is
the national
stone ol Australia, as
symbolized by this brooch Shakespeare
Wearing one's birthstone
is
viewed the opal as a symbol of inconstancy. although its Christian
thought to be lucky These are the most
common
birthstones:
associations are fidelity,
January - Gamet February - Amethyst March - Aquamarine April - Diamond May - Emerald
Sjrayer,
and
children"*,
June - Pearl
- Ruby ..List - Peridot September - Sapphire October - Opal November - Topaz December - Turquoise
July
although
this
belief almost certainly
comes from
the fact
Wu
Jade In
were carried as
stands for courage,
Mesoamencan
and prosperity. red for long life and
the
it,
and
their misgivings turned
into popular
myth
ove. Jade
vigor,
Maori lucky charm, that keeps fail spirits away
spiritual love.
little
it.
The
Crucifix Large and small crosses ensure
mbract
Chnstian symbols Contains spices to
safeguard
infection
power* against magic
spell*
Muldihifr lozenge I'cn to help spirits at
Cornelian
Moonstone
Red stones were
So named because
thought to be
captures the sheen of the moon, this stone is sacred in India and is Widely believed to bring good fortune. Legend has it that a person who places a
stimulating to the
Pamandei
of coral
bed
who adorn
gods with
to dispel the
against
tern
Indians,
of their
and magic
by her patron saint
(
masks
is
Spanish amquistadores believed it healed hip and kidney complaints.
hel tiki amulet,
Patron saint The child is safeguarded
.1
their fiancees jade
magic properties of stones.
a host of
let with
the most precious
similarly valued by
the evil eye. Black agate
working with
is
butterflies to represent their eternal
of salvation
Spng
this
Bridegrooms give
guardian spirits to counter the effects of
Jewelers began to include pectoral crosses and rock crystal reliquaries in their range, and it was not uncommon in Spain and Italy to festoon children with protective jewelry. This Spanish child is armed with an allpowerful red spng of coral, a protective
and
China
stone, symbolizing purity, perfection, andirnmortalit)
that opal breaks very
The nse of Christianity did
fist,
Year dragons
emblems of good luck
easily Jewelers disliked
Religion, superstition, belief in the
religious
error It is generally held to be unlucky (except lor October's
Agate has been thought to cure insomnia, to ensure pleasant dreams, to protect the wearer from danger, and to endow a person with a bold heart. Its popularity has been widespread. In Sudan, agate amulets - black with a white circle to look like an eye -
them
circulator)-
system and
was
the cornelian
deemed
particularly
valuable to those timid in speech or weak of voice. In the West it is viewed as a stone of
see into the
it is
fist
the
will
futi
symbolic
It is
moon, and ol
*
moon
be able to
is full
and health
In the East
in his
mouth when
self-confidence, courage
thought to protect the wearer from other people's envj
I
moonstone
it
ol the
tenderness,
ol
lovers
gainst
See also \/lli
II
RCM Ols|
MVskli
Diamond bkocx
i
BlOODSTONE I
his stone
was
thought to contain the blood ol |eSUS Mis' be magical
li
allegedly cause thunder, lightning, i
m
\/l
I
I
I'mi 101
STONI
s
i
a practical level,
and hemorrhaging
mwmum
Mis
and tempests
bloodstone was used to stem nosebleeds
w^>~/*^rvvy:
1
could
When made
u
jewelry,
symbolic
it
is
Rlin. ion
\Mi MACII
si 1
PERSTTTION, I
peace and understanding
r
ol
% •%-%'%^^'*--%^%^%^ 4
I
k-^,'%^%-
i
Nature
Gardens The literature of Europe, full
the Middle East,
and Asia
is
of the imagery of the garden: the garden represents
Paradise and the abode of the soul. Chinese and
Vietnamese emperors had tombs built in exquisite, tranquil gardens,
which they
visited
during their
lives
and where they were eventually buried. The biblical Garden of Eden symbolized the state of perfection from which Adam and Eve fell, while the walled garden with a narrow opening was a visual representation of the wall of purity that surrounded the Virgin Mary.
Walled gardens medieval walled garden was a -a mbol The-
of the
womb
and the
feminine, protective principle.
It
symbolized
and The walled garden had powerful religiou> symbolism, privacy, secrecy,
virginit)
representing spiritual
enlightenment Chinese and Roman tomb gardens were the earthly counterparts of the gardens of heaven In medieval literature
was an allegory foi courtly love (as here), with symbols of lo\ beauty, and other
e
pleasu
15
ry
French mam
s<
rim
Gardens of Spain I
\rabs living
"i
desert, a garden
the
the
in
was
arthly symbol oi
i
uni Paradise, des< ribed in the Koran as a place oi spreading
shade, "I
with
fountains
gushing watei he .ii n was a symbol I
i
everlasting
life he ourtyard, garden with a lountain i
fi
'I
'Hi
fold
oi
I
(
in the center spread with the Moors to 1> n southern Spain 1
The Garden' of Earthly Df
i
some
;
1510
This
panel from a triptych, a three-paneled painting, by the Flemish painter
Hieronymus Bosch depicts the biblical Garden of Eden. Here, the first humans. Adam and lived in harmony with nature and the animals in a state of natural innocence until they were banished from Parad right
he Fall. is
nature
a detail rur.
On
showing
the
i
of the lowliest
examples can be seen in the grounds ol the Alhambra at Granada.
Grotto In
ancient Greece
sacred
rites
conducted
Fountains
were in grottoes,
and so grottoes were created in (..reek and
In Babylonian tradition, four rivers
Roman gardens
watered Paradise, and
artifu
i.il
as
ta\es in
in the Bible, the
reinforce the magical
Fountain of Life is source of the rivers.
between tin garden and nature
This symbolism is d in lormal
the grotto
'ink In
-pean gardens in which four paths lead
Renaissance times,
was
reintroduced as an essential elemeni ol lassical garden design
to a central fountain
(
42
Gardens Formal
irdens
through
itOtUS c>/
the
ordering
I:
I
LOVl KNOTS
needlework designs. Knots, representing and binding, are
links
symbols of love and matrimony. They also symbolize fate and
ward
off evil
I
Fi.
Versailles have a SlLXTR BAY
TREE
political significance.
Known
as the Sun King. Loin- wanted to
show
his supremacy by conquering and
century, and reflected
contemporary-
nature
The Orangery at Versailles,
s VERSAI1 The formal grandeur of Louis XI V's paku c and gardens at
Kn
Knot gardens are made up o( interlaced bands of shrubbery, each with a central motif. They were popular in England in the 16th
oj
Bai tree The evergreen bay tree is a symbol of immortality and victory. Small bay trees are
irking the natural
landscape so that his surroundings reflected
own
his
WlSHlNC, Will
The
status.
\
symbol
ol the
feminine, life-giving
cultivated in pots as a
grand scale of Versailles was a conscious
symbol of honor and
symbol of the power
often been believed to
longevity.
of absolute
principle, the
monarchy
have magical properties A ^oin tossed into its
depths could make a wish come true
Ornaments A garden
an be seen as a symbol of the natural world, and <
Is I
considered
honu kinds
all
lbbot's
Garden of
1
from the
thesi
Zen garden Beautiful, bare rock
gardens are i reated in Zen Buddhist monasteries in |apan
'.! !
I
has
irdens
only since the
m
r The columns thai Man enclo "./(. or court) B(
it
hoed
m
gnome
ol
elik origin
c
See
microcosm Some have
aj s<>
Hour
a
garden with r*.-li overhung with t
I
I
Bonsai
pebbli
he Japanese an
ol
growing minial
and
provii
1
irney
,ii.
womb;
ration, thi
th<
mbol
this
4
5
ol immortalit)
in
(,\kl>l\
islands I
his illusion
intended
from generatioi the
ite
EOEl
.'F
miniature the unpi
symb
mastery ovei natui
nto red
nid
Kyoti
•
t
I
evil
I
raked sand, the Dr) andscape garden in I
alment
humb *
to represeni the universe in
i
and
gods Koine to the
I
ni
ultimate truth, and h is an aid to
meditation
I
1>\I
kSl'l
I
is
MAZI
I
\iKs\im I
i
'
Nature
Trees fu#£
The tree has symbolic
throughout the world.
It
significance in cultures
represents the Great
in her nourishing, sheltering form.
Rooted
Mother
in the earth,
it
draws water from the ground and reaches up to the heavens Ouve branches: and eternity, acting as a world axis. It is closely linked to the symbols of peace symbolism of the pillar and the mountain. Individual trees, types of trees, and groups of trees all have particular associations. For example, evergreen trees symbolize immortality, whereas fruit-bearing
Willow n the Weste weeping willow is associated with death and mourning, and it the
is
trees
often depicted in
China and Japan however, it is a symbol oi spring, funerary
are often seen as trees of
life,
and
forests or groves
tend to be magical places
where mysterious or momentous events occur.
In
art.
Palm As an important food source the palm was equated with the tree oi
life
in the
Near
In ancient Egypt
the fertility of the
and
crops. In
Taoism
the willow, pliable in strong winds,
represents strength.
was
sacred to the sun god, Re, and represented
of feminine beauty, grace. In
East.
it
an
Judaism
it is
emblem
of Judea; in Christianity of Christ's entry into Jerusalem
Cherry Sycamori maim
In
i
cherry
form ol the sky goddess, Nut Its leaves provide shade, which svmbolized peace and
blossom
1
tree, a
Tree of
km mi
-
edge
rest in the afterlife
Symbol of temptation, the tree of knowledge grows in Paradise and bears the fruit of good and evil. As Adam succumbs to Eve's enticements and takes a bite of the apple, he defies the will of God, signif) ing both his loss of innocence and his downfall - Adam falls from grace and "mankind is doomed. In this Spanish painting. Eve blames the serpent, her tempter and itself a symbol of evil
China and |apan the
To ancienl gyptians, this was a celestial
fruit yields a
the
milky
substance, and so was associated with fertility
and nourishment
is
a national
emblem and
its
symbol ol spring, femininity, and is
a
youth. In English lore a cherry nee planted near the house brings luck,
and the
luckiest
lovers are those
who
meet for the first time under a cherry nee
Laurel Sacred to Apollo and a
symbol of immortality and victory, the laurel was said by Greeks and Romans to be physically and spiniually cleansing, and to repel lightning
Worn
as a wreath,
it
symbolized the poet
and excellence in the sciences and arts.
The Christmas tree Widespread
throughout Europe and North America the Christmas tree is a symbol of Christ as redeemer ol original sin he ornaments on its branches represent the apples from the tree in the Garden of Eden The custom of decorating an evergreen tree goes back to the pre-Christian period ol taw nights" (December 25 to January 6), when people would hang green brain lies m their houses and light candles to keep evil spirits
17k candles an- symbolit
1
Beech Associated with death, the beech is sacred to Hades and Cybele, the mother of Zeus, and represents prosperity, divination,
PlNl As an evergreen the pine symbolizes immortality. In Japan it has come to signify strength of
character and
and
immortality. Because of its leather)'
leaves
and
bark the beech durance, and the Freemason's i
hammer
made of beech wood. The beech
is
tree is the
emblem
of
vital
lue to its
Denmark.
.ithstand
strong winds. In both East a
the
pinec
and
an Greek god Bacchus, and an emblem of Jup Venus, and Diana. ft
attribute oi the
is
at
Yew The yew
bay
has poisonous seeds and needles and so represents death. It has become symboln. ol tree
mourning and found
is
often
in English
Holly In Roman
churchyards; however, as an evergreen it also symbolizes immortality
and was grown
times holly was
part of the Saturnalia festival
in
Celtic sacred groves. In
the Middle Ages it was used as an antidote to
celebrated in mid-December In Christian lore it symbolizes both the crown thorns, due to its spiked leaves and bloodi
'I
red berries,
enchantment
44
and the joy of Christmas
oj Jesus, the
light o] the
world"
Trees -%^%^%^%^%^*^%^
Sacred trees A
reverence For trees, and even tree worship, is widespread thoughout
Main life -
a tree that
the central point
and pivot
the world. ol a tree
of
traditions speak is
of the world. This tree links
OR
L.IM1
I
IND1 N
Europe the lime, or
In
linden, tree represents
beauty, and
sacred to the ancient
German) and Scandinavia was femininity
In
it
believed to repel lightning and to cure
touched by someone w ho was sick. ase
Ac \CTA With its red and white (lowers, the acacia was
it
Egyptians, symbolizing
and death Thengods were said to hawbeen born beneath an birth
The sacred wood ol the Hebrew tabernacle was that of acacia tree.
the "shittah," or acacia tree. In
Europe
it
symbolizes immortality
heaven and earth since it is rooted in the underworld, but its branches reach up to the heavens, symbolizing man's striving for perfection
The Scandinavians have Yggdrasil, Buddhists have
and Muslims kneel on carpets embroidered with trees of life when praying toward Mecca. Christ is sometimes shown crucified on the tree of knowldge in the Garden the bodhi tree,
of Eden, symbolizing
redemption.
Ml This
BERR^
I
Mali vol
tree's berries
npen
nt
serpent
attach the roots
in three stages white-
represents youth, red
gorous middle and black the npeness ol wisdom, age, and death This tree symbolizes the sun
Yggdrasil
years,
and
is
a tree of
life
in
China. In Greek myth it is a tree of misfortune.
Pi
l
Yggdrasil is the evergreen ash tree that, in its mythological form, represents the entuc world lis trunk represents th<
M plur
ie
and from beneath its roots bubble the rivers - the waters ol wisdom.
central axis ol the universe,
wit an emblem ol winter In Japan the tree l
represents the fleeting joy and innocence youth, its beautilul
:hl. 01
'"(in, eru irele
blossom a symbol ol spring triumphing over winter, and virtue and courage triumphing
Buddha's
bod")
Pr.NA
I
R
HANGING
difficulties.
In this 19th-
century example stylized tree ol is
a
life
intricately
woven
into the
design.
Muslim
prayei rugs often
Buddha under
a bodhi tree
todhi tree, a type ol
Buddha
ol the
s
fig, is
depict this
powerful symbol
symbolic
Enlightenment,
ol asceni and salvation The
which he attained while meditating hes Bodhi trees are monaster) grounds as remindei ol this event
faithful kneel
in<
often
grown a
(
ypu
ss
M\Rll
d with Pluto. death. !
|
I
immortality
n in
hina it h but 'he feminine ilm
peace
eel
and
iii
to the
(
the earth elik
m
god Donai
In
i
in
th since
mam
ii
is.i
In
dreams
signit a rijx-
ol
(
hrisi s
while
cull
ludaism the gods
hristians
i
symbol
ol the
it
ii
is
divine
a
4 3
m
symbol
:
irope the oak ism stand
rity
old
i
ILSO
Beei
'
ii
wind and
in the
so bi
.md
Si
luno, lupiter, lima n represents
d
it
and
a tree ol lite
Often associated with the thunder gods, the oak
ol
ne, happiness,
(
on
and
prayers
theii
Oak
ish bridal
immortal,'
In
.
(
d ie Venus and to the Egyptian godd< Hathor, myrtle brii luck to lovers and
mhol
Is
in
t>I Ml R Iki
As the seed ol the mighty oak. the acorn videspread symbol ol
H
i
!>R\
\(
ndina\
lit'
is s.u
red 10 ol ol
life,
I
hoi,
Palm SVI
i
UMOU
'
ia
and
fertilii
and immonalit)
>....Hk\s|| I*
'.
Nature *-***^
Plants Plants echo the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. They were closely
connected with the mother goddesses of many cultures and with
Myths from around the world often
feature a
human
into a plant, or a plant sprouting from the dead
body
fertility
If
or a god changing
of a god.
Wheat and
grew from the body of the Egyptian god Osins. Often the symbolism of plants is more direct, based on their shape, color, smell, or herbs, for instance,
habitat.
The
fact that ivy for
A:
many old university term "ivy-league" now symbolizes a respected
buildings has meant that the
and long-established place of
./ '
example, covers
f Acanthus
learning.
This thistlelike plant has large, thorny leaves and takes
its
name from
the
Greek
meaning
akc,
sharp point. The distinctive leaves, caned in stone or marble, are commonly seen on classical buildings, particularly capitals (.shown above).
on Corinthian Acanthus
leaves signify the arts, or a love of the arts,
while in Christianity the thorns symbolize pain
and punishment
Reeds
Bamboo
Rushes and reeds symbolize flexibility because they sway in the wind. Pan's pipes were made of reeds.
mbol of pliability, and strength because it bends in the wind but does not grace,
break,
bamboo
Shamrock Once an Arabian The pi.
is
central to the cultures
of the Far East.
shoots are green,
it
As
its
'hcaddi the mart
alv.
Christians.
Bamboo's stem
Trinity: Father, Son,
straight, jointed
and Holy
symbolizes the path
plant
and the steps toward
Ireland
Mandrake's odd-shaped
Also
in paintings.
roots gi\c the
bernes. the fruits of this plant look edible, yet
Symbolic of
are highly poisonous.
fertility
symbol of deception and
growth
a
is
Spirit
the
and
of
leaved clover to
bnng the
The
emblem its
saint, St. Patrick. is
of
patron
A
four-
thought
finder luck.
impression of a man's bods
and I
It is
Its three-
leaves signify the Holy
enlightenment in Chinese philosophy, and it is often depicted
\m\ nightshade known as devil's
religious symbol, the shamrock, or clover, was also adopted by
form th
symbo
longevity.
Di
for sin.
.
FROM
12TH-1 ENTURY
,
MEDICAL
TR!
danger.
\es
dog's bach
on a
-
to the met!
uprooting
Wheat For the ancient Greeks wheat was the symbol of the goddess Demeter, while the Egyptians associated it with the resurrection
Ivy Like most evergreens, ivy is associated with Lmmortalit) but it is ,
M
also a plant of death,
\N DRAKE
This plant, with
its
human-shaped
god Osiris. Ears of wheat motifs in
roots, has been considered magical since the time of the ancient Egyptians. When uprooted, it was said
Christian churches
to utter a shriek that killed
of the slain
signify Christ's
and
body
also his rebirth.
it
^s
dog was used to carry out symbol of enchantment,
anyone
the task. fertility,
46
in earshot,
so a
Mandrake is a and prosperity.
drawing vital moisture from trees. Sacred to Dionysus, the Greek god of wmc shown above trailing ivy), it was thought to cure drunkenness when i
1
wom
as a garland
\NTS
Pi
Mistletoe
Thistle
Europe tnisdetoe, once considered
The
In
I
l
Gourd
\\ll
In old herbals, fennel
he gourd, with
1
d was thought to improve eyesight and
abundance
to cause
ol fertility. In
snakes to shed
their skin
symbol
was thus a clarit) and li
ol
.
ol
renewal
and
revival
ol seeds.
to
is
widespread symbol
a
is
China
it
associated with long
while
life,
now linked Christmas To stand
magical,
its
is
the idea that mistletoe
power
womb.
from
lives
of
Hyssop
plant causes pain but
This scented herb was used as a purgative and so represents
and
so symbolizes both e\ il and protection It also
is to nunc a kiss. The custom may stem from
in Africa the
emblem
al>o repels enemies,
beneath the mistletoe
gourd represents the
national
Scotland, this prickly
represents ChriM suffering
s
appear
people
s
and may
in paintings at
the foot of the cross.
restrictions.
and
purification
regained innocence. ssop grows on poor, stony ground,
it
a plant ol humility.
is
The language of herbs •
Although
to
many people herbs
are simply plants to use in
cooking, they have long been an indispensable source of medicine. Their effects can be powerfully healing or harmful, so many acquired magical or sacred powers, while others became associated with evil and suffering. Shapes and scents can be important factors in determining a plant's symbolic meaning.
Ginger According
to
i
hmese
superstition, eating this
M
Sage
whi pregnant was harmful and could produce a fingerlike root
This popular garden herb was so highly prized for its healing powers that regular use was reputed to bestow immortality In medieval Christian
Bl III In southeast Asia the betel nut is associated with love and marriage Betel shavings are I
paintings, sage
is
a
symbol
six
fingered child
ol
the Virgin Mar)'.
Fungus
traditionally
chewed with
In the Far East fungus
lime
is
doves, and other mild
an important symbol
longe> it) and in the Taoist religion fungus ol
I
sedative
is
.
the food ol the
immortals h
is
therefore a sacred plant,
and caned
Fungus decorations can n on precious ts sikh as the antique |apani
boxwood scepter shown above
Sm
lisp
(.i\si\..
I
t
HING 111
HlKI
(||\S| \(, his herb.
(
(i \KI
iinseng's fori
P\KM
fidelil
included
in bridal
r
tapping with it
woul
membrance n planted
I
>
herb is so slow n> germinate that people imagined its went down to the devil Parsley w symbol "I death lor the andeni creeks, who I
his
i
:
sprigs in
w
re. litis
iidered a
life
giving herb Ginseng's l hinese name means
man
rool
and
masculine reputed unliiv <•
it
is
.i
ancient
Greeks with
its
pungi
spun-
issroads the
i
47
foi
fiina garlic
is
ol garlic
the feared
wen
I
European myth the ward oil vampires In considered a luck) plant that
underworld
lo\.
will bless
Other plantsi
^
I
prote< lion against evil
i
IVYH
garlic,
smell
I
I
1(
le
mandral symbolizes the human body 01 this reason ii like the
or
In
t
entral
parents to-be with main children
Shammm
I
Nature '%s%s%s±s%s%s%s**\
Nature's Foods Food
gives us life
and thus unity with
all
Porcelain dish,
Qing
DYNASTY
other living things.
grows
It
through the interaction of the earth, the sun, and water. Foods that must
be harvested,
like
corn and
rice, are
linked to the gods of abundance
and fertility. Water is symbolic of life and purity, and milk represents the nourishment of mother earth. Food is part of life's cycle: all that lives must die and return to the earth, fertilizing it for new growth Peach, s\mbol of immortality
Peach The peach
is a symbol of immortality. In China brings joy and protects against evil. In the hand of the infant Christ it represents salvation. it
Ll
Fig The fruit with
its
of the fig tree,
many
seeds,
represents the feminine
realm,
MO\
A symbol
fertility,
and
A
basket of igs symbolizes woman as goddess or mother. The fruit has erotic !)rospenty.
symbolism and was sacred to Bacchus, god of wine and vegetation. Adam and Eve covered their nakedness with leaves from the fig tree.
Apple The apple,
especially
was
if
and lemon
of purity
faithfulness, the
traditionally
red, symbolizes love
Orange
thought to have
and
Sometimes shown in the hand of the infant
protective properties
and desire. Its round shape indicates eternity and also the
Chnst, the orange
magic spells and poison. In Judaism the
earth. In the Bible the
Like the apple,
apple represents temptation, although as an attribute of the Virgin Man-, it means redemption.
symbolizes eternity
sacrifice, particularly
and immortality, and due to its distinctive
in relation to
color
ol
and is an Venus as
fertility
emblem
of
love
that could counter
good fortune and fertility represents
its
lemon represents the
human
shape
heart.
and may be same
sexuality,
in
Sweet
Italian
GRa
in ;
the blood
of Christ.
Bacchus, god of wine,
in the
dreams.
it
appears
a
symbol of
fertility. In
Rome newly
depicted
women wore pomegranate wreaths, and pomegranate juice was used as a remedy
of the infant Christ.
for infertility.
are
sometimes in the hands
married
of fertility
is
and a symbol America pineapples were a and sailors would place a
a life-giving fruit
In parts of
sign of hospitality,
pineapple on the gatepost to
tell
neighbors that they
In
Christianity the
were home from
plum
sea. In the late
represents
1800s, the Scottish
fidelity
Lord Dunmore echoed this
with his garland of vine leaves.
Red wine
symbolizes the sun, life, and blood, while its many seeds make it
Christianity cherries
Pineapple
symbol of
a
way when
is
color,
ancient
The pineapple
is
chosen
it
its
pomegranate
their blood. In
In the Far East the
viewed
to Christians
- the red flesh lam symbolizing
plum
ripening female
is
and
samurai
the
Plum
the drink of the Paradise,
the
and
to the Israelites.
wine
Because of
are a fruit of paradise
wine and are a symbol of revelry and immortality, but also of blood and sacrifice. Grapes brought back from the Promised Land symbolized the promise of a new In Islam
Pomegranate
Japan the cherry is associated with selfIn
warriors
associated with the sun. it is
Grapes Grapes produce
life
Cherry
custom with fruit -shaped
summer house to
announce
Overripe
his return
pomegranates.
to Scotland
and apples
from
symbolize
America.
excess
Date In the desert
North
regions of
Africa, clusters
of dates traditionally
represent
life
and
Because of their shape and abundance, dates are seen as a symbol of male fertility fruitfulness.
,
Cara.
Till
Pineapple,
Scotland
% 48
Nature's Foods
Food of the gods
The
seen below gathering
ol Israel arc
people
God from heaven
m
to sustain the |c\\s
manna, food
sent by
the wilderness during their
long journey from gypt In the Bible it is described as white, like coriander seed, and tasting ol waters made with hone) Manna is also mentioned in the Koran, and i- a symbol ol God s love I
Nectar was the name used by lomer lor the beverage ol the Greek gods, which conferred immortality and beaut) 1
Sai
i
Because
Egg as origin ol
is lound myths throughout the world. The
alter Salus.
in
goddess of health, was once used in ceremonies in her
contains the potential for
life
and so represents
nourishment
C
honor A grain
hnst bread
is
seen as the " Bread
ol life
communion
body
represent the virgin birth
suffering
breaking ol bread may symbolize the death of
is
It
also
symbol of hope and and in
of the
of immortality,
Christianity can
Greek myth
in
symbolism, where
human soul with the infinite In Chnstianity salt has come to represent
and
birth,
gods
the lood ol the
churning mythology
the
in Indian
Bread is particularly important in i hristian
salt
at
womb,
the universe
Ambrosia was
and was consumed by the gods
is
dissolving in the ocean symbolizes the union
the
emerged during
the elixir ol immortality that
is
the milky ocean
the lood ol the body and ol the soul
h
Roman
the universe
Amritsa ol
spiritual
ol its purity,
represents immortality Named
salt
The egg
Briad Bread symbolizes
Hie
the
service represents the
of Christ
and
its
consumption represents oneness with c hnst. The ceremonial
leek,
ymbcA
the sacrificial victim.
oj
Wales
Honey Honey
is
the lood
ol
the
O'ds and represents immortality, rebirth,
Queen's
and
fertility.
Ii
is
associated with the moon and the lemn
Leek and was thought to protect against wounds It appears on the British pound coin as the emblem of Wales, and is also
The
leek represents victory
an attribute of
St
To ancient Greeks it represented wisdom. and to Christians il
symbolized Christ's gentleness and compassion. Paradise was known as "the land
David, patron saint of Wales.
of milk and
i
honey
%«
•V
v> Rk
i
Rice
is
Corn
<:nts
immortality and -hment. both
many
and
In the
I
The
Americas
tnbol ol In
literal
pari
it
is
com
is
life,
especially when ii is intact as com on the
and
it
i»
motif in potters
lirsi
and mosl
In
V
hummingbird
rid
symbolized the Sun Her.* and new growth the
moon
I
dawn
UH
the mot!
link-
unit)
and
the
lamp and foi menorah in the ..il ol Hanukkah
immortality
(
nd
town
ol
wild
worn by
'.aid
/
Foodoi mi GOD
I
II
recedii
%%»«%«%%%%»% 4
ol
tl
-
I
I
tw the PlNI Mil
seni b)
I
o the
ollVl
influences
Ml
ive
his i
I
the victoi
N\M
ud lo be is
I
returned to the ark
and.
pailu ulai
IC
olivi
in olive
time In the
so
a/
I
In
In tin- Bib
smeli
MIKKl
in
representing
In round shape symbolizes the
.
(
I
the layers to re
immortalit)
ol
fruitfulness
ant ieni
the centei
the n
|udaism, n is consider and is used as fuel for the
In
See
also symboli;
oil
'he lood
ol
own symbolism
Athena
attribute ol
nbol
i
O'ds In Hindu nd Vishnu reclines •-mil milky in from which the wondi ition
Bibli
their
Ii
o| the
repr-
from the olive
is
l\l s
main layered
onion represents
dui
II
the happir
The
symbolizes spiritual nourishment and immortality Ii is often ated with he-
and
oil
Onion
nutritious lood, milk
I
urn plant depicted with a
ancieni
In th
Ol An
Mil K
an cs^/mial
spiritual
Ou\i on
Ri<
and reconciliation
«%»»»«%
ill
c-
I
Nature
Flowers From in
earliest times
our hearts and
and
lives.
in even- culture flowers have held a special place
In ancient times certain flowers were viewed as
them in worship, bud is symbolic of
earthly forms of the gods. People treasured them, used
and imbued them with magical powers. A flower in new life and potential, but flowers also accompany the dead to the grave. Flower motifs adorn churches and temples, are incorporated into jewelry, and decorate even-thing from fabric to furniture. Flowers have even wound their way into our language - we view the world through "rose-tinted glasses" or see life as "no bed of roses." Many flowers have taken on particular meanings, but what a certain flower means can differ vastly from one culture
Anemone From
the Greek memos, meaning wind, this
flower denotes the
Poppy An opiate,
transitory nature of
Greek myth anemones sprang from the blood of Adonis and represent death life.
to another.
In
poppy
the
In Christianity they are
symbolizes the ultimate sleep ol death. Popular lore has it that the red poppies that sprang up
the blood of the saints.
after the Battle of
Waterloo grew from the blood of the dead.
Violet
A
Greek nymph was
spared Apollo's Iris
Named
after the
Greek
Pi
by becoming a
violet.
In Christianity
it
Passion flower
is
who
flowei
transported women's souls to the
his
emblem during
Crusades, and it evolved from the
the
fleur-
de-Louis to the flew -delis, the three leaves
symbolizing
faith,
wisdom, and
valor.
is
a
t
hristian
I
Carnation
it
In Renaissance
around the
and good fortune, and as the adopted
symbol
Imperial flower. In
particularly
hina it was related to marriage and fertility
m
cross,
of Jesus, and some viewed us flowering as God calling foi converts the
form
its
wounds
Prj -Raphai
i
portraits, this
it
others saw in
this flower for his beloved. As he went under, he shouted, "Forget me not'", so the flower is a symbol of desperate love.
evil spirits at bay.
he |apanese linked
to masculinity, riches,
FORGET-ME-NOT
picking
I
S)
European legend has it that a youth drowned in a river after
nines this flower was thought to have magical properties he Greeks used it to
keep
this
mbol. The Spanish believed it grew
were
placed on graves. Louis VII adopted the iris as
stained-
windows,
glass
irises
m
Often used
tied to humility
goddess of the rainbow,
underworld,
ONY
In ancient
lusl
i
i
i
t
and much used as a motil on temple walls.
ii
o\\
i
r
is
a
ol betrothal,
when
held
the sitters hand. In
(
hina the tarnation
a
common symbol
is
of
marriage.
imagery: Shakespeare's Ophelia
Cyclamen Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the spot at its center symbolizes In bleeding heart. On used in love potion is now- associated with voluptuousness. i
Pansy The word stems from the French per
(thoughts), and the flower is poetically
"
1
Hyacinth The Greek god Apollo created this flower from
the blood of his beloved friend Hyacinthus,
who
murdered while
linked to thoughts, thoughtfulness, and remembrance, as well as love. Placed over the eyes of someone asleep, the pansy can
Orchid
the
impel the dreamer to fall in love with the first person to appear. It is said to be sacred
China the orchid is a symbol of perfection In England the purple spots on an orchid's
The willow represents forsaken love; the nettle growing in its branches represents pain; and the daisies near Ophelia s hand are symbolic ol The chain ol violets around her neck is assix iated with k ence faithfulness, chastity, and untimely death The poppy is also a symbol ath; other (lowers floating in the water are linked to sorrow; and the forget-me-nots on the bank are an entreaty not to forget Ophelia
throwing the discus with him. It is a
to St Valentine,
Christ
a Christian
prude
bol of
the Tnn:i
and
emblem
is
of
Oh
D In
petals are said to
represent the blood of Christ
50
i I
M
1852
madness by her beloved Hamlet's murder ol her lather. drowns herself in a stream. The garlands in her hair and flowers that surround her are all charged with symbolic meaning riven to
phelia
F
1
O V,
i
R
S
*^s%--%*+>*s%s%s%s%s%s±^>*
The language of the rose More than an) other How or.
the rose
and
its
symbolism have
has it entered the human consciousness. come to represent youth, purity, perfection, earthly love, and rebirth. It is the flower ol courtship, ol marriage, and even of In different cultures
death.
Its
essence has been distilled into love potions,
and medicinal remedies In the West there was a custom that a rose suspended over the dinner table meant that all confidences were to be held sacred, hence the central ceiling rose ol Victorian architecture, ami the white rose as a symbol oi secrecy. The rose is also intricately linked to Catholieism - the rosar) was originally made of rose hips strung together. perfumes, cosmetics,
teas,
Pi
I
Rl D ROSl
Keel roses
to
like
.less
and beaut)
- archetypal symbols I
ol love
today these associari
veil
make
face packs in the banishing wrinkles; -is ai banquets dropped petals into (hen wine to stave off drunkenness, and victorious armies return streets strewn with petals. to
hope
sacred ^H^ W^^ Venus and were - the
ials
Roman
times rose petaU were a valuable rency ad them in
ol
continue, roses being considered the messengers ol love In Christian
grew from blood and the Madonna is sometimes deputed with a red rose in her hand. Also associated with war. the red rose was adopted by the tradition the red rose
drops
ol Christ's
.!
Lancastrians in the English Wars of the Roses.
point oj the
Madonna and
The
L
Virgin Mary. \\
Fr.\
White rose sidered the flower ol the moon or ol the light, the white rose symbolizes
punty. virginity, charm, and secrecy. red rose
York
It
in the
It
in contrast to the lire ol the
r
was the emblem
Wars
ol the
ol the
House of
Roses.
The
rose
ROSl WINDOW window, so named because
adorn
ol its
human
wholeness and coherence and the realization ol those same desires Rose windows, which lust appeaietl m Jth-centi Fram be s\ mbols ol etemit) he) have been likened to mandalas - Eastern objects ol meditation - for then perfection ol geometry and he main paths thai lead to the eniet are ol form like the paths that lead to enlightenment aspii
this
>m hei
petallike shapes ol glass, represents both the
hat to the
Tht carnation
behind
(Ins
on hei ,
IS
thai
1
I
<
I
I
rhis
i
I
DOR ROSl
mi
embroidered with a K
he udoi rose With Us red outer petals and white inm mbolized the union ol the two royal hou he white rose and ancastei (the red rose Henr) ud his standard when he adopted tin married lizabeth "I V
I
Vl
I
IOW ROM
I
the yell ited
infidelity
In 1"
mainly
with
i
l
ind Ideti
l
I
foi
->
I
I
ihed
X ATT RE
4k '&J
The lotus One
of the
most ancient symbols
stem
is
the umbilical cord that holds
its
lotus emerges
unsullied from
swamps
and lakes. For this reason, and because its petals open and close with the passing of the day,
it is
highly
in
Asian art. long
punt}'. Its
Man
to his origins,
perfect flower represents enlightenment
the
The
and
and the The thousandpurit\ to which petaled lotus represents the sun emerging from the cosmic ocean, the sun and the waters being \ ual to growth. The lotus symbolizes divine birth, since the god Brahma emerges from Vishnu's navel sealed on a lotus, and then creates the universe. It also symbolizes the sun and the cycle of birth and rebirth, since its petals open at dawn and close at sunset. while
Flower of perfection
appear
to
the lotus symbolizes both creation
human
soul aspires.
Fertility symbol This 3rd-century Indian figurine represents a mother goddess, shown here squatting in
She has a lotus - a symbol of
childbirth.
-
fertility
for a head.
symbolic in the East.
In China and Japan the chrysanthemum is an emblem of fall and
long life, oi scholarship and
contentment. It was thought to hold the key to eternal life. The Japanese have adopted
*^*
Floral inlaj iind
Chrysanthemum
it
mold
as a national
and
as the
emblem
badge of the
Imperial family.
©if@) First flower of Egypt Often appearing in decoration, the lotus embodies royal power. It is associated with the god Nefertem and the sun god, Re, who is sometimes depicted as a child lying on a lotus. Capitals of Egyptian columns are often carved to resemble lotuses, either in bud or full flowei
Protective loius
round the Buddha's halo
stand
lotuses
In (his typically
I
Buddha namcnled
imple, ihc
Marigold In
with jewels
Chinese
mangold Hl-lll In
GODS
China the lotus represents purity. perfection, and spiritual gra< e combined with fertility and the
ripeness of summer [ere, both ol the he twin gods ol prosperit) can a i- in a jai he garment worn b) I
li
I
,
I
the god on the lelt is also decorated he [e-he themselves with a lotus 1
|
symbolize
i
on< ord and
harmony
emblem
is
ol
belief the
the
long
life
-
"the flower ol ten
thousand years Mexicans claim the flowei
s
color
by the blood
is
tinted
ol the
who were massacred by the Spaniards in their
Aztecs,
quest for gold
between married couples
Bl
DDHISl [EWE1 IN
IIII
#
LOTUS
cosmolog) the lotus symbolizes both purity and the primordial waters from which all life is ueated. Because the beautiful flower grows out of mud and water, it is associated with human aspiration and iddhisl
ntial.
The Buddha
is oft<
n
•ented as the jewel in the lot lis. seated on a lotus throne, the pinn ol perfection.
The
li
nslhcBuddhi ml
A
Tibe
:
Sunflower Greek myth, t lytic turned into this sunworshiping flower as a consequence ol her In
is
blind love lor the sun god, Apollo, hence the flower s assot iation with blind infatuation
Nome
environmentalists have adopted the sunflowei as their symbol because absorbs air pollutants. ii
52
Flowers
?3 Magnoi This
i\
IL
Chinese symbol ol feminine beauts' and leness. In ancient
LllY A white lily is the most widely accepted symbol ol puntv and
Narcissls
in
Greek myth
Echo I
•
perfection in the West
tail),
symbol of peace, divinity, and It is
\\
\\
Greek mythology the youth Narcissus spurned the love of the nymph Echo who could only repeat the last words spoken to her. and she wasted away until only her voice remained As punishment, the gods condemned the vain Narcissus to fall in love with his own image. When he saw his reflection in a pool of water he was unahle to tear himselt away and died He was changed into the narcissus flower which grows at the waters edge.
also a
innocence
In
In
the
was believed to have come from the milk of the goddess lera/Juno. To the Jew lily
I
the
is
it
emblem
the exclusive
Lin
Ol
VALLEY
llll
This is the flowei ol Ostara, Norse goddess of springtime.
Throughout Europe it represents spring and new life, and so al
Greco-
Roman mythology
beautiful
China, the plant w
S)
mbolizes the advent
ol Christ. In
France,
it
of the
A
of a magnolia plan a subject was then a sign
i
'I
HistoncalK n is al associated with a celebrated heroine who shares her Chi name, Mu-lan, with
the workers' flowei traditionally given to
that of the flower
employees on Labor
a
is
s
prop
of the emperoi
tribe of Judah.
man
in
ink-
i
on behall
1st.
ol
her lather
M and Lippo MEMMl, 1333
:
Crocus People once believed wearing garlands of crocuses would ward off drunkenness. that
Narcissi
s
The sweet, intoxicating the narcissus >nce believed to cause mad: "Narcissism mi vanity, and the flower symbolizes the dan
The species saffron was highly prized in medieval times when its pigment dyed garments a brilliant yellow, a light
and
symh
HONI
YSt
(
Kl
1
Given by the French to their loved ones to symbolize then union, the honeysuckle represents
mo
broadl) generous love.
nobility
li
Christians, the flower
was once used
medicinal!) to
symbol ol divine In China its
charm
away boils
fortune
•I* iii
I
The
in
i
VND
lily is
J
\s\ll\l
ilds
prized
is
in
India
It
r
i
ied in
.d is
purity
In
c
hi.
Annum or
It
iation
HRVSANTHEMI
(
eithei held by
ti
Iris
ibol
It
is
,m
emblem
iani(
I
( >
I
I
n s I |
i
with
hi
Peoni
R
i
chastii
attribute ol the \ in
i
Lily
I
il
ol the
R.'M
mother
neni the
lilies "I
th
WINDOW
i
to by I
ti
of
heavenly happtl
i
5
1
hn
bol ol sunplu n\
I
ntings
is ofti
ii
ludgment, tin innocence and guih
represents inn and is sometii
china jasmine will find
the
iabriel
tl
re]
is
Hindu
emblem hidden
i
an end
:
assov
ol
I)\|S1
lined flov
win
associated with
whiteness untainted by sin its
PRIMKOM
HRIST1
(
and
ol purity
Mu-
lan disguised he is,
Grapevines,
Sea Creatures One of the most important symbols
in
aUrxbuu
s
oj
Dionysus, god oj
world myth, the
wine
fish represents
and death, and is generally auspicious. It is associated with the mother goddess, the moon, and the primeval waters from which all life grew It is one of the earliest symbols in Christianity, signifying both Christ and the faithful, swimming in the sea of life. Jonah was swallowed by a great fish, and similar stories abound in other cultures. In Hinduism the god Vishnu's first 1PORARY incarnation was in the form of a great fish fertility, life,
Chinese
mankind from
that saved
carp
the flood.
*£fe£
PlIcKt's
turned into dolphins
DOIPHIN o-Roman myth
In Gre(
noble fish < onducts souls to the world beyond, saws the shipwrecked, and symbolizes safety and speed. It is associated with the sun god, Apollo, this
and is linked to Dionysus, god ol wine. The dolphin is a widespread symbol ol virtue.
Symbol oj courage and goodjorlune
t^CF
I
I
I
The
Sea horse The
delicate sea horse
Carp
is
is an important symbol in the Far East In China it represents perseverance and success owing to its ability to leap formidable rapids.
Poseidon/Neptune, the
n
Greco-Roman god
In
In general, the carp symbolizes patience,
in heraldry, often to
determination, and long life. Its armorlike scales are linked to valor; in Japan it is a symbol of the
signify bravery at sea,
and
Samurai and of courage.
to
This
the
mount
the sea.
It
of
associations. In Tahiti is
an ancestor figure
China
is
it
a
symbol
nnal love, while in mi the term slippcr\ as an eel
also appears
as a civic
show
eel plays a part in
Polynesian flood myths and also has erotic
emblem
signifies a
overseas trade.
person
who
wriggles out ol trouble.
I
WllAI
i
IRVING
I
[onah was swallowed by a great whale, and disgorged alive onto probably drj land three days later. A similar legend exists among the Inuits he whale has thus come to ignify death and rebirth, and darkness before the light. In Arctic Slav, and Russian myth the earth rests on the back of a great whale. When the whale moves, there is an earthc|uake. In the Bible,
fish,
.1
I
.
^\»Oi
Salmon Like the carp, the salmon swims determinedly upstream in search of its birthplace and so symbolizes perseverance and courage. It is associated with the moon, and is a symbol of death and rebirth.
SWORDFISH
imiliai
Sepik region of New Guinea the swordfish is a totem figure, and swordfish-shaped masks are worn during sacred dances. The Ainu of Japan worship a sea divinity that takes the form In the
Shark One
of the most potent symbols of terror, the shark is revered as an ancestor figure in the Pacific regions of Polynesia, Melanesia,
Solomon
and the
Islands. In Hawaii, as in parts of
Africa, sharks are also
held sacred.
V
of a swordfish.
sij^ii in I
3 4
bc
Octopus Because
ol its spiraling tentacles,
the octopus
symbolism ol the spiral - air, u.tui and rolling thunder and lightning Ills also a symbol ol fickleness and changeabilit) alters color when under threat since related to the
it
-%^»^<
1400
art
is
-
CREA
\
1
U
The language of shells Shells share water's symbolic associations to the
moon and
and
are linked
to the feminine, yin principle.
Venus, goddess of love, was born in the waters and transported to land on a scallop shell. In China shells
symbolize a successful journey and good Fortune, and in Christianity they represent the baptismal waters, perhaps because shells were sometimes used to earr\ water. Those shells that
Crab Because
symbolic
and
ot secrec)
shellfish
such
are
womb
the
as a
ruled
is
moon Due
to
In
W
signifies pilgrimage, particularly to the
|ames in the Spanish city ol Santiago de c ompostela, where pilgrims Si
wore the scallop on their clothing The she was jU>> adopted a- an emblem in Siena.
powi
habit ol walking
Buddhism
the sh in Christiai
sideways the crab also has associations ol evasiveness and de
1
lsll
the
ol
which
zodiac,
The scallop shell is an emblem ol Venus, and also represents the female sexual organ In Christianity a often shrine ot
the
STARI fourth sign In the
1
ith
is
li
thought
as oysters are
its
SHI
and w
motherhood
or sexual passion,
to be aphrodisiacs
SCALtOP
its
associated with
is
two halves fused together
consist ot
ol
tive shell, the
repn
\
-
through the storms ol love
the faithful
is
it
linked to the periods of cosmic nighl
between the ages of Brahma, or the sleep ol death between one incarnation and the nexi is
In Africa
considered a symbol
ol evil.
Chs[ER
Ceri MONLAI
eminine realm - the jk
^
the
In Mayan culture it represents the waters It is the emblem ol Neptune,
the waters, and the sealed shell.
symbol
11
as well as ol the
tightly
its is
also a
\
ishnu as
l
Si
\
m\
R(
t
tk lore ihe sea
.
ord
known
in is
ol the \\ alers.
seen
ol
II
shape
fertility ol
moon. With
ON(
The conch shares the symbolism ol the spiral owing to in convoluted
Possibly because the oyster nurtures the pearl, u represents the
womb,
(
lis
as the
and
serp
in
p
viewed as a s) mbol ol the world li is
EGYPT! \\ The
I
(
I
GIRDLE
KN
iughi to be abl
K
believed thai the cowrie shell had rve powers because h resembled the female this reason n was deemed
particular!) effective as a fertility
nanc)
down on
a
.
S
ol a
attaches
charm,
when worn
woman
approach storm when it
foretell the
itsell
I
rock, using n as an
low
anchor. Blind and
body
largel) defenseless, ibol ol all
LOBSII
weak creatures
K
In the Easi the lobstei is
view
God
eood
omen and
often
is
Si
without
Jaws
in ancieni (
nt; Uf<
was simil valued and was e
ft
'
COWRII
>
sill
I
I
in
s
\/so
i
Ui
I
ii
s
(
red
i
I
REMON1AI CON
I
In i
se small shells used as a torn
fa
n< lent cultures
-_
In
t
hinese an
is
it
I
n
the
ai
umber
eurrei
\
we
(
(
Kuan
lima the
Yin,
and
it
KM l nus
DOI
i
symbol i
dill |
i
'I
the shell
became ,
ney
(
writ:
—
then
in*
:
s
m
V|
LOP SMI
Sea Creatures
he
with
in
I
I
I
|apan n
appeals on I
i
K
irital
In
in the
OVSTI
harmon
the
bol ol
r
and
i
itulation
and.
i
Sl irittle
mblem
ol
fom long
life
\
HORSI
i
I
it
is
\
>
Nature
r
&
Insects Insects, snails,
and
Others
spiders differ biologically but are
commonly
referred to
- lowly animals usually shunned and even feared. In however, they were the focus of much interest. The Egyptians
as "creepy crawlies"
ancient times,
singled out the beetle as a creature to be revered, incorporating
form of a scarab
in their art
and
For other cultures the spider
is
their jewelry,
and even
in the
it
both because of its
many
In
in funerary offerings.
particularly important,
due
in part to
its
abilities,
cultures the
evil and and sometimes represents weakness or fly is
and the bee often has powerful associations poisonous sting and its life-giving honey
remarkable weaving
Fly seen as
corrupt,
insignificance, but in
Earts of Africa there
Dragonfly Probably so-named because of its long, sinuous body, this
a
beautiful insect shares
and among the Navajo ol America the
butterfly, representing
is
y god,
Big Fly
is
a heroic figure.
The ancient Egyptians wore fly amulets to keep real flies away
the
symbolism of the
immortality and regeneration.
It is
the
emblem of which is known
national
Japan,
as the "Island of the
Dragonfly." It also represents unreliability
and instability, perhaps due to its hovering and darting movements. In China the dragonfly
Ladyblg Egyptian scarab
Named
which take popular good-luck charm because it mimicked th
The
scarab,
struggle to roll balls ol
i
from the humble dung beetle, was the most
in ancient Egypt.
The
beetle
was deemed sacred
n across the heavens in us
dung containing
its
own
becau.se ol
heroic
long distances. The young emerging from the earth. Scarab r
hatched from these balls, representing new life amulets were commonly buried with the di
alter
ithe Virgin
Our Lady
Mai) its
I,
good
works
in
pi. mis
of pests, the
ladybug
a
illusion,
symbol of
good luck
aeration.
the dragonfly
symbolizes change and
ridding is
and
also
speed, a whirlwind.
and
The significance of bees Bees evoke feelings both of fear and admiration. The bee widely seen as a symbol of immortality and rebirth, as
is
symbolic of summer, but also of weakness. To Native Americans
activity.
Butterfly OJ H'\
is
and social organization. It is an of several Greco-Roman and Indian gods, including Cupid and Kama, both gods of love. Kama is sometimes depicted with a line of bees following him, well as of diligence
emblem
representing the sweet pain of love.
Bees In Christian allegory a
in
Christianity
queen bee sometimes
represents the Virgin Mary. As Mar, birth to Chnst, so the
queen bee prodru honey. The hive ^^ is then a symbol SM, of the Church.
YBEE
*^
Bi
I
1
1
Ri
i
Pope Urban Mil's \k\is The
coat of
arms of Pope Urban
the butterfly
VIII
features the keys to the kingdom of heaven, plus the Barbenni bees,
resurrection.
il
represents the soul leaving the body. To ancieni Greeks the butterfly represents the soul, and to the Chinese and Ja] ol both immortality and joy In Chinese art, butterflu - combined with
symbols of his family. These same bees grace a 7th-century fountain in Rome, Fontana delk Api, designed by Bernini to honor the Pope. 1
;
metamorphosis from a caterpillar, seen as a symbol of rebirth and As it emerges from its chrysalis
is
plum
bli
i
mbolize
li
butterflies together indu. i!<
5
6
.
i
and two happ) man:
!
'
[NSEC
I
-
O HERS
Osr
1
re of lih:
The transitory nail
Snail emerges from a withdraws into shell, the snail
its is
associated with the
waxing and waning and s) mbolizes i
:
rebirth.
It
is
general 1\ viewed as
and folklon
luck) i
il
places a
a girl
on a piece ol slate w ill w rite the m ot her husband-to-be. snail ii
Spider spider myths occur in
main
cultures. In
China
der sliding down a id symbolizes good fortune des rom heaven. In get the spider repn sun, or a Great Mother I
as
weavei
"1
destin
spidei controls
web
its
the center just as
the sun generates from in fierj enti
i
i
Worms I
Spidei
worm
listork all) the
A
It
the de\ il, and it continues to have
myths
the
I
the
in
Native
ol
d in mis.
|apan
a
dei
sii
it
radation and
humiliation
reatoi -da
sun, appears
1
i
sinisti
In the Bible
i
unwat
M
generall) this legless
The
insects in
Dutch flower painting? often enhance the symbolisi rblown roses peonies tulips, and a variety
the earth oi lowl)
ol the flowi thful other blooms illustrate the transitor) nature ol worldl) inguishes and fades love loses its innocence richescannol beaul lived fly crawl the white rose in be taken toth the center bol ol transience; the centipede and bugs amid the
Butterflies
symb
M
signs ol
ifler
i
ess
ommon
hour
hope and renewal
i
W
\f ITH
Am I
il
mbol
is
Lo<
\\ VSP ;ii
the
rom bul also
ol thrift
rid
is
hard
.
diligent
truth
\\ asps
a
I
Ii>
and
thi
a-,
did
tted
vora< ious eating habits ,uu\
death, th
to strip
1
symbolizi is
In the Bible
tried
in)
ILSO
VN
1
s.
\U
-
I
1
Spidi
Ancient rshiped
*
i i
Sii.mii. \s.
1
Ol BEESI
kel in the
tl
an instru
plag
i
turned
II
ind
lion
Mie 1
pion
punishmi life
.1
.
i
ated
widi
with calan
is
'
Si
with
USI
desti
Mind
ORPION
evil, destruclii
linked the
in
ah Chinese repn vim.
S(
\\ idi
lis
mi
inity :
M 'I
communil However, an<
within
i
repres
1
1" the
proteel tes
Ml
01
IHANSITOM v Ml III!
1
'
HI
t +
1
Nature k-%--v%-
Reptiles
& Amphibians
Amphibious creatures, animals that
on the symbolic associations
take
both on land and in the water,
of water, the source of
are mostly associated with the earth
symbolism of the
live
all life.
and therefore assume the
earth, although their
Reptiles
fertility
appearance often inspires fear and
*
disgust. Reptiles that hold a special place in the
\
dinosaurs, ancient inhabitants of the
popular imagination are
symbolism is mixed they are both giant monsters, terrifying to behold, and among the most fascinating of all the earth. Their
creatures
known
Tyrannosaurus A formidable 47ft
t.
is
certainly the best
The newt
Crocodile The crocodile has long been both feared and revered. Living on land and in water it carries
to us.
Kl \ 1
the
5rr0 high. T
known and most
feared of the dinosaurs.
popularized in films,
It
far
in
is
has been
are false tears,
from the
fiction.
and children's cartoons, and although a symbol of extinction,
symbolism
ol each, thus very powerful ( rocodile
and
rex
beliel that
generally
was
its
reputation that
Macbeth, Shakespeare listed "eye ol newt as one ol the ingredients in the witches' brew in
designed
conjure up
to
evil spirits that
would
reveal the future.
weep while
odiles
devouring
is
thought ol as an evil, harmful creature. Such
their victims.
Japanese symbol
is
from extinct people's minds.
Frogs and toads Frogs and
toads are both associated with water and the therefore with fertility and the feminine realm. Both undergo the process of metamorphosis, from tadpole to frog, and so are symbolic of resurrection. The frog was an emblem ol Aphrodite, and Heket. Egyptian goddc birth, took the form ol a
moon, and
id,
Tortoise or turtle
howc
ated with
and with -mister symbolism. witchcraft
a
more
(
Ql\(. ROG In China the
frog represents
the lunar yin principle
and the frog
Zuni bowl
Frog bow
spirit
evered a and bring
i
The frogs modeled around this Southwestern bowl indicate the high
Maid
k
They
wil
l
l
ON
rit)
changing color symbolizes inconstancy
is
and changing fortunes. It-- eyes, which can see in different
directions,
see into both the past
and
future. In parts of
viewed as magical and hung- rain
Africa
regard given to frogs in the Americas.
II
The chameleon's
I
it
is
Linked to the moon and water, the tortoise and turtle symbolize fertility and long life. Various world myths speak ol a tortoise supporting the world, and in linduism a I
man-tortoise was the ancestOT ol mankind.
Ac-op-
In
Fables the
tortoise represents
-teach determination.
are
esteemed as harbingers of rain, and for their cleansing and purifying
powers.
\\\SAZI FROG The widespread association of the frog with fertility v particularly strong
among
Native American peoples The ancient Anasazi people who lived on the borci
:
1/
See also
\RD
sun-seeking habit symbolizes the soul's search awareness. The Romans believed that the lizard hibernated, and so it represented death and resurrection o Native Americans, lizards have magic pow
ma and i
ornan
I
The
lizard's
fi
and
g the
impor
I
KlK.s
Rod
i>i
Ss\ki
\ist
i
u-n
I
S i I
I
58
VM> rOAD
I
III
I
Ml
t
-
I
!
I
S 1
Rett
1
1
r -
&
Amphibians
Snakes probably the most \\ idel) revered of all creatures because it embodies so many forces. Its underground lair allies it with the underworld and it is associated with the primal waters from which all life was created. The serpent symbol was widespread
The snake, or serpent,
in agricultural societies
the
is
where
fertility
it
was used
of the
to represent
soil.
Sn \ke stick
Among
the Pueblo peoples ol America, the snake is associated with
19TH-i ENTURY
L
Sri
thunder and lightning Snake sticks such as the one above were used in annual rituals to call
that
down
& ladders
Snakes
represents
the rain
lile's
journey. Ladders are
a good The snake were
ensured
mbols of
harvest
positive
sticks
success and
S)
achievement,
themselves
symbols
game
This childhood
kes
ol
represenl the
lightning
slip]
misfortune. ifces
banish e\
il
that
spirits
SNAKl
Egypt In ancient
I
a
Egypt the
serpent was feared
1)1
his Sri
Naga m,
1
MON
\l
\SK
ankan mask
ol
Rassa, or snake is
worn
in
and worshiped spirits causn \agas, or sacred snakes, have the powei ti both pn mil
Several deities are depicted in the form of
a snake - in this tomb painting a worshiper is
destructive
seen kneeling betore the serpent goddess Meretseger the guardian of the Valley ol the k
Tin Fall The ol
fall
\il.iiu
from grace and Eve is
inextricablj linked
I
with the serpent. It was a serpent, here in female form, thai tempted Eve to tasi forbidden fruil ol the tree he serpent is then loir viewed
.is
.1
symbol ol smooth-tongued and deceitfulness, and as
evil
embodimi
the
ptation
Rod
Ol
\i
m
i
i
sin
M'li s
Mi
ind a rod was •
and
mblem and symb I
Di s\
With
o|
ol
writhing
ion with healw she.
hideous
ng il
d
ind •ion
In
alchemy
stone
a serpi
the
In
ai
thai all I
ii-
1
who
tumi
addition to being she
embodied enchantment and cunnii
19
1
t
.
Nature •*s%s^*s%^>^%s%s^%.
Mammals
Egyptian cat Egypt cats were revered, and was an emblem of the sun god. Cats were also sacred to the goddess Bastet who had the head of a cat and who represented the power of the sun to ripen crops. So valued were eats that thousands were mummified after they died and buried in special graveyards in honor In ancient
the male cat
Because of their complex and often intimate relationships with humans, animals have always played a prominent part in our imagination and in our mythology, literature, and
art.
Manx;
been worshiped and credited with protective powers. Names of animals were given to the constellations, and people even claimed descent from these especially predatory species, have
powerful creatures. Certain animals have been paired in
conflict -
the lion
and the unicorn,
,
of Basic
traditionally
for instance,
Black cat
which
Being largely nocturnal.
^^
are associated with the
sun and the
the cat
associated
is
with the moon. It is also credited with supernatural powers, both good and evil,
moon. This may represent a balance between the opposing forces in nature.
and
is
companion
the
witches. In Norse
of
legend, U a black cat crossed your path it
was a sign that Satan was thinking about you
Hari
Moi
A
In
nocturnal animal, the hare is widely associated with the moon, and also with lust and fertility. To Name Americans the Great Hare represents opposing characters: part clown and part god. creator and transformer of our animal nature. In China it is yin, symbol ol the feminine principle. The hart. ation with lemhty probably accounts for the Easter Bunny. representing spring and the growth ol new life.
51
Western mythology,
the
In
America, a
black cat crossing your path brings bad luck.
but in England and
|apan this
iated
ii
is
omen
with the powers ol darkness The Bible considers u unclean
pattern o\
and devilish Elsewl however, ihe mous viewed as orderly and methodical
Ass OR DONKEY lurden the ass, or donkey, is a symbol of poverty ol stupidity, and also ol lemhty Creek ni loolishness, and writers used the ass ,
lly a
us, the
wild ass
I
"i
the an< ieni
some
ol the desert
is
blessed
it
humble
ass
bore Mat I"
\
shape
its
and
Jesus into
the be<
in
order to
I
the fox can
ast,
ome
a beautiful
trouble Also, like the I
woll
DOG, PROTECTOR VNDLOYA1 FRIEND
in little
//(>0(/,
irberus was the three-headed dog that guarded the he dead and acted as a spirit guide. In Judaic and considered unclean, while in Zoroastnanism
symbol of dience. The dog l
has
maiden who creates
lerusalem.
Edwin
it
de< eive, lor instance in
to
ililehem
traditions
the powei to transform
bolized loneliness and isolation In Christianit) the
Fox The fox universally represents cunning and deception. In
most
pitiful
and "
rable
Romai is
the Chinese zodiac
Brayp.
^%^%^%^
60
Red Riding
sometimes
dresses in the clothes
ill-stai
quadrupeds,
a fox
ol a
m
trustworthy person
ordfii to
eaten
me
pre)
s,,
tribes
and
unwary
Native .Americans have fox (
lans.
\\
% %
»-%-*. -%.-%-%
^MMALS
%^%s-%.-<
Rwi The ram embodies
virility
and
creative energy.
It
is
associated with many gods and is a common sacrificial animal, its blood symbolically
Horses speed, grace and The horse represents both solar lunar
soil
fertility to
The Hebrew
the s)
ritual
the feast of Rosh Hashanah, is made from a ram's horn
at
(
hariots oi Apollo
BlCKINC. BRONCO and Canada men
Hedgehog
In parts ol the I IS
compete
In antiquity the
lect grap'.
at
riding untrained horses,
the goal being to complete a
hedgehog was reputed
itching
mbol: the heavenly
and the Indian sun god Surya were drawn by lier\ or white horses, as was Neptune's ocean chanot.
horn, the shojar, blown
rolling over
and
a
It is
lilit)
returning
round
without being thrown This challenge emphasizes the horse's reputation as a wild and noble creature.
s
them and them on us
spikes Christianity ciates it with the
iped
Devil and with evil, as
was
this practice
herald the Jubilee
likened to stealing people - souls. The
Hands feepl draw bow while '
hedgehog sometimes symbolizes witchcraft, were thought to assume the - to form ol dnnk milk from cows as witches
1
"ibol of
Baccl
drunken revelry
MONGOl In
IAN HORsi \| \\ Mongolia herdsmen had expert
when
they raced without harness This custom probably originated their warlike ancestors rode horses into
battle
and had
cavalr) skills
and
reins.
to
keep
their
hands
tree to tight
L,0\[ Because
ol
and urge
ol the ox has much in common with and the buffalo While clearl) symbolizing male power and strength, all three animals, because ol their
The symbolism
us agility
thai ol the bull
to climb, the
symbol
ol the
seeking quest for
S
truth
However, the
now-
mount
ind
human,
and the
and
Acre
femlir
is
how
'K.
and d in '.
ilh
er
umals.
and
ir.
itv
it
is link.
**
1
%^%^%.-v--%-^
1
is
iding an ox to represent the
laming
often
depicted with the horns
and
in
ol the
shown
h
devil
The bull is the Hindu god Shiva .101-111 the sage Lao Tzu
attributes
rue
urwli
half
crescent-shaped horns, also have lunai hence feminine,
».'%.-%•
v-w^
oi th<
.
Nature
Lion, king of beasts The
lion
most parts of the world. Its mane, and great strength associate it with the sun
the king of the beasts in
is
golden color,
fiery
although the lioness
moon and
may also be
linked with
mother goddess figures. Lions have often been carved into thrones and are also sculpted at entrances, where the
1
N FAMILY,
13th-century Arab manuscript
great
r ,-C/j
*
TW\
.^H
they act as guardians.
Oriental lions In antiquity lions were tound
not just in Africa, but also in the Middle East and India. They were kept by kings as a symbol of royal power and were used in hunting. The lion is also a symbol of the wisdom of
Ik. IK.
SI
1
5m
CENTURY
Tiger
the Buddha.
Like the lion, the tiger
symbolizes royalty, courage, and strength.
HERA! DIC ion
is
1
ION
the mosi importanl
animal
because wished to be
ibabl)
associated with
its
valor
and strength. is
*
It
shown
"ramp standing on us hind tegs, or
\RDl\\
l
beasts
where
In il
is
hina,
i
emblem
the
West, il a tiger devours a man. thai man's soul becomes
and upon other men
the tigers slaw
preys
sejant,
Jackal The head
lion's image is often placed on bulk perhaps to add protection. As a gargoyle it carries water away from the roof, its solar nature combining with water as a symbol
Egyptian god Anubis is that of a jackal |ackals were thought to haunt graveyards and were reputed to see both by day and night. Clear-sighted Anubis was a pathfinder, guiding spirits to the next world. ( anopic jars, which contained embalmed organs, had Anubis-shaped stoppers.
jant" position, seated with
one pa* raised
fertility.
i
replaces
it
ol the
ION
St. Jeromi and hi ion There are several stones of a fierce lion helped by a devout man whom it then befriends. Like Androcles in Aesop's Fables, St. Jerome is said to have extracted a thorn from a lion's paw. In return the lion renounced its fierce nature and lived peaceably with him. This symbolizes man's mastery of his own animal nature.
Far
in the
where
the lion as king ol
A
of
particularly
seated
draining m
Cil
is
East,
in heraldii
nobility
It
important
ol the
i
horn
AlKR AN MASK.
Leopard symbol
ol
"fj
age cruelt)
and untamed instincts, the leopard is
greatl) revered in '
where
it
also represents the light ol the
eopard skins denote royalty and are worn to ward oil (.Linger Because its markings reseml the leopard is times known as the ( ,ivat Watchei ing sun
I
i
f>2
M.wi
\i
»»»**»%....,,
•%^»^i
Si u. ociated with
hunting, the stag
is
\lo\ki
rhe swift-running
The monke)
gazelle
.i
is
symbol
a
beaut) and
animal and an
ar
enemy
Gazelle
ol the serpent.
ol
ol
The shape
ol its antlers
literature
recalls the
Tree
be used as a metaphoi lor the beloved In
ol Life,
and because the antlers are renewed each year, the stag
It
is
a
In European and Asian mythology stag hunts
gazelle
is
it
is ai
represents mischiel and
it
Hanuman
can also
monke)
-
Hinduism
highl) regarded in
is
rom
I
ll-known motil
Monkeys, which and speak no evil.
the three Mystic
when the shown fleeing
Al
figure,
n
inquisitiveness, but the
hear no
Christianity,
regeneration.
kjI ol
rally
particularl) in Arabic
some West
sacred to
is
whom
foi
-
the soul.
i
evil,
see
>l
no
evil,
from an animal ol prey such as a panther ,
or lion,
it
represents
often lead to a super-
the soul fleeing from
natural encounter
earthly passions
Bl \R In
northern
king
.'I
-
the beasts
the bear replaces the lion as
was an ancestor
It
ol
the
apps,
I
Because n hibernates, the spring, it symbolizes
andfathei
and then wakes
KANGAROO Amcx
Australian
Aboriginals the kangaroo is an ana spirit that protects
in
The bear
resurrection.
also represents
power, and
to the Celts, warfare
the national
emblem
ol
It
-jw»^- 'V
is
^fi^_J~ =3* '
Russia
-
and
guides them and plays
major part in their myths fia^h Aboriginal
a
Eleph
wi
bulk and strength, the elephant symbol ol power It also signifies patience, wisdom, and chastity - probabl) use ol
animal ancestor and i
kinship with that
species •or
he kangaroo
1
left
man)
Bl
umey the tin
at
ition,
today in featui landscape
*
its
nerally a
\\
I
K
According to Native American myth, the beaver brought
mud
Irom the ocean bed to create land There are man\ beaver clans and the beaver
€. «*->
is
because, according to Aristotle, a bull elephant remained celibate during the two-year long gestation period ol his mate The Hindu god Ganesha has an elephant's head and. with his
and
iresents p
benevolence The white elephant ol royalty
and
is
is a symbol associated with the Buddha.
-
Watei
In
/'/.nil
denoting habitat
symbol
<*'
^g
ol
Camel
and
f
<%
J&
*JP
indusi
Sm use
ship ol
the desert,
is
valued in Middle Eastern cultures Arabia
!>
highly
BEAI
Mohammed
The b I
said in have
ind the
<
now
lural
animal, the camel ana.
well as earth, the
with
fertilit) lile,
and
It it
was known played
to
tl
a particularly
and
Lion
i
MONKI
i
i
the
holiesi spoi in Islam
s
I
I
the flighi
Hippopoi \mi
Horsi
|un:
aIr-ic Ins can
with
PHANTI
the
-
id is
M IH
I
prophet
I
In
ii
Bats
i
Hi
114
OTHI
l
K \\l\t\l s
m
Rw mbol
ol
.'
J
iid
temp
I
Ih.
i
i
I
i
I.)
i
n
Birds There
is
a widespread and ancient belief that after
body in the form of a bird. Consequently the bird is a symbol of the spirit. Birds can be mediators between gods and men, and can act death, the soul leaves the
as vehicles for the gods.
Many
religions
have heavenly
beings or spirits with wings: angels, cherubs, and
seraphim
example. Birds are seen in myths involving
for
and
sometimes depicted fighting with or carrying a serpent, symbolizing the uneasy balance between the sun (as bird) and the waters (as serpent). In a Tree of Life,
Chnstian an
are
symbolizes the struggle between good and
this
evil
In general, the falcon
symbol
Cuckoo
Sparrow
Because of its habit of laying us eggs in other
the sparrow
birds' nests, the
In the
view as a symbol of solitude and loneliness, while in the New Testament
cuckoo
sometimes regarded as evil. It is a symbol of is
unfaithfulness in marriage and, in Japan, of unrequited love. But it
is
The cuckoo
aid rain.
spring,
and
heralds the arrival of spring and the sowing of crops. If it is heard too early, it is taken as a sign of frosts and a
poor harvest.
sociable nature.
renewed
fertility.
the swallow
wuh
and in Creek mythology it is linked to Aphrodite, goddess of love. In Japan the sparrow is traditionally a symbol of loyalty, perhaps because of its
habitat
Because almosl
parts of
fertility,
nature
important
an stands
peli<
and
According
killed the
chick-
in
A
then
symbol ol purity it does not soil its leathers by walkm.
as a
the ground. In Chi
foi
end
popul.it
nale
Moms
serpent
newbi n C male
mourned
thi
m
which she stabbed her u
i
to
marital happiness.
represents Christ,
:
-In.
il
was
form
ol
the god
Like the eagle, the falcon, with its strength
and high fn
w
i
dom
In.
h
flight,
represents
the spirit,
ol
perhaps explains
its
his
blood
who
Renaissance Europe In hina the falcon has both
in i
together reprc
II
il
popularity as a sporting bird
till
:m with her blood. Thus foi nans, the pelican
two swallows
Egyptian
n d to Re, Egyptian goc ol the sun It was also a
fi
I
in
a.
to earl)
a
particularly
is
11
mythology where
devol
ital
pelican 01
is
always airborne,
Pelican
eithi
life,
oi the
The
self-sac rifice
I
and insignificance. However, it is also associated
summer
only with the arrival of warmer weal swallow symbol
lowliness
associations, linked to
first
its
this small bird
also has positive
song of the
Sw \| io\\ Returning nori
Old Testament
is
sun and the mas< uline powers in a
Hi.
sun
li>
aline
.\iu\
power
the
ol
the
X
destructive
powei
oi
wai
'i
fi
ind and was
Roosters and hens
R
raised
and hens have long been u In some places roosters are sat
.ritual.
so that their blood returns
and
fertility to
seers foretell the future
from the dead days he
threi
oosters
bird
is
i
ifti
I
n
carved
i
on
the soil,
i
huri h
lei
terns
from
the entrails of the hen.
Crane
Rooster The rooster
In is
associated
with courage and battle, with masculinity and the
symbolizes the victor)' of light
over darkness.
and part of
equated w ith sacrifice forms
It is
its
many
harvest rites, anity the rooster '
lervane in
on, it
is
hina, as
good omen, a messenger ol the gods, and a bearer 01 maternal love mk\ happiness It bungs
sun. Its crow heralds the dawn and
SAIC,
(
elsewhere, the crane is seen as a
ill N The hen
Raven
is widely seen as a symbol of maternal care and
Although often seen as an evil omen and a sign ol war, Him ;s ..I death, the ravi n was viewed in md Pel ia as a messenger ol the gods and as a symbol of the sun in Noi -\ idin is ai companied by two raven and; rding to Native Amei an myth reated b) a raven thai dropped pebb ake lands in the sea
protectiveness. In Christianity thi
•
with its chicks represents Christ
and
high status, longevit)
.md immortality,
mm.\ \ mbolizes spiritual
enlightenment, p. hi
i
ii
his believers.
i
64
i
i
.'I
Africa
in
and
North America the pane was associated
with
wisdom
Birds
Doves of love and peace is a symbol of the and ol peace, innocence, gentleness, and puntv Two doves together are considered a sign of marital love and fidelity Doves are held sacred in many countries. In Creek legend the dove was linked to Aphrodite, the infant Zeus, the Fates, and
The dove soul,
Crow
the Furies
The black crow
is
widely regarded as a bird of
ill
omen and
Seven gifts of the Spirit
to
Chnstianuv the while dove is a symbol of the Holv Spirit and sometimes of martyrdom. Seven doves encircling a cross represent
many
Native Americans, a crow's black feather spells death to
enemy To
In
an
the Chinese
the seven gilts of the
the black crow paired
Spirit:
represents the yin/yang,
counsel, fortitude, know ledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
male/female principle, and in Japanese Shintoism the crow is
Talon holds the
Greenpeace dove Greenpeace, the international
a messenger of
movement
the gods.
"shenu
1
wisdom, understanding,
with the white heron
lor protecting the
en\ ironment, has adopted a bearing an olive branch as its
nitv
i
emblem. It is symbolic of peace and also ol hope
Condor To the Incas condors were revered and were thought embodiment ol the gods ol the air Con. leal hers were prized and used in
to
be the
Parrot
Kingfisher
The parrot symbolized spring and fertility, as well as imitation and mockery due to it^ gift of mimicry It is held sacred by the Hopi peoples of North America In Hinduism
In the East the
the bird
Kiwi rid,
the kiwi, flightless
which is and without ited trom
is
religious ornaments.
kingfisher denotes
married
bliss
and
its
feathers are prized for their color
and
are
thought to be magi .Wording to medieval legend, after the Flood the kingfisher flew
associated
and
with Kama, god ol and also with
close to the ^un
prophecy and
while its back took on the color of the sky
scorched
ra
making
its
breast red
CoosE
Polynesian anc< It
is
the
emblem
(
mbolize watchfulness and love In Hinduism the goose
mount ol the god Brahma and in is
\(,l>ll
The magpie bird ol
(
ill
omen
m
world
Pi
tCOCK
A-
circular
tail
i.
o!
the sun. Us
k
myth
myth Zeus
took on the form ol swan lo seduce the beautiful eda The is
also asscu
i.ileil
with Venus/Aphrodite her chariot is sometimes borne through the an
I
Hebrew
to
swans in Native American lore the swan is a s\ mb trust and submission he song ol the dying
Buddhism
tradition
the due k symbolizes
b)
immortalitv. while in
lima and |apan it repn tentment,
C
marital bliss,
I
and
Rdelil
tall
the prospect
i
SlOKk
the
In ancient
afterlife
I
gypi and
young
represents the vauh ol heaven and the
irticularly
American
the
mediator between the sk\ and the water, and n was ,me ol the itures that helped renew the earth aitet the lood According
a
I
swan
bean "I
in thi
lima and lap iled with the
moon and
+
This royal bird with But
the
,iss,h
in
In i
V The goose is a bird of the sun II was associated with many ireek and Roman gods and was kept to guard temples h thus came
caland
M
Duck Name
Sv\ \\
ne, a
sti
weie believed to treat then elders kindh and so they symbolized filial
the mat
.
.•lit
rm
lo be unlu
the
ol the
moum
dut)
In
1
mope
the stork
:i
pride that •ui\
it
has
with
bmh
babies aie said lo
brought by
tl
is
spnng and
d with the
i
Nature
symboisof power and
Universally viewed as the king of birds.
cfe-VKv
£B|
is a symbol oi the sun. royalty, and the gods, especially sky gods. It
ihe eagle
represents authority, strength, victory,
Jay
and pride, and in China the male yang principle, keen vision, and fearlessness. The eagle is often identified as the mythical Indian garuda, seen in deadly combat with the serpent. Like the hawk, the eagle is reputed to gaze straight at the sun as it flies upward and so. in medieval Europe, it came to be associated with prayer ascending to God, and with the ascension of Christ. In Australian lore the sea eagle carries the souls oi the dead hack to Dreamtime.
Although \ iewed as a chatterer and a sign oi bad luck, to Native Americans the
is
|.i\
creator bird
a
helped recreate the world alter the Flood It is a guardian
that
of some tribes
spirit
and warns of the approach ol an enem)
Napoleonic eagle Perhaps inspired by the Roman practice, French regiment in Napoleon's army carried bronze standard in the form oi an eagle The
Bird of paradise he leathers of this magnificent bird. I
found
New
in
Guinea,
are so beautiful thai
was thought
in
that the bird
came
from paradise. The
bud achieved mythical
i
a
status
- people
believed that
it
lived
example shown here was the emblem ol the 105th regiment, and was captured by the
on dew chops and would moan in pain
British at Waterloo. In us right talon the
captured
eagle holds Jupiter's
emblem
it
Europe
of a thunderbolt
Its
il
leathers
were prized and were once wom as a fashion item.
US In
BAl D
I
\GLE
1782 the United s adopted the
bald eagle as a national emblem appears both on coins and paper
money and
is
GOl
It I
s
INCH
Ol
ssentially a
I
hristian
(
symbol, the goldfinch represents both the
symbolic
power and strength The eagle's outstretched wings demonstrate ngth, and it rests above an olive
soul
branch of peace.
thorns, and so the bird has become associated
se< n as a
w nh hrist's suffering on the loss he red spoi on in throal is
through
said to represenl the
bird that represents
drop
beauty, harmony, and enjoyment. he Azte< war god, luitzilopochtli, and
ol
,\\x.\
hrisl
(
(
ilic
passion
ol
ioldfinches
like to eat thistles a\h\
others
(
t
hunting and war
.is
a
l
blood
oi
thai
lell
the goldfint h drew
thorn from
(.
hrist's
brow
Hi mmingbird he hummingbird
is
I
|o\
In
,
symbol
oi
giving pleasure its
loveliness.
Native American
myth
a
is
a truthful
I
1
Quetzalcoatl, the Mayan god, both wore us leathers, which were
w tdely thought
to
have
magical properties.
m
orwmi
Lip
["o thi
ilized
bi
and
he eagl
'
cele
er. It
associated with I.
i
and
ins,
I
tin
was
..II
this eagle
ii'
n
head was
protective jewelry
i
Eagle
sun
rising
'.In
fi aiiii
ks
the Sioux the spotted eagle
ii
;ents the
il
all
lifi
iri
rded
a
ra;
of
thi
;un
and the eagle-feathered mbol ol :
nderbird putting the the warrii
power
>oul
ersal Spiril
i
ire
I
tdi
i
'I
1
1
B)
battle
ruined himsell with thi n and strength eagl god. »i
Egypl the ibis was a symbol ol the was sacred to the lunai denies [sis and [hoth, and represented the moon (with the hawk
In ancienl
'
1
1
as the sun
lowevei the ibis also had a solar seen in battle with serpents, emblems ol the watei In In nan an the ibis . mbolizes devotion and perseveram I
significance
I
when
(
i
i
66
Birds » % » »
Ow LS ancient Greece the owl was sacred to Athena, goddess ol wisdom and night. and came to symbolize the city named alter her, as well as wisdom. The owl was then incorporated into the design ol Creek c and was so popular that countries such as
In
PB
i
Bl
NtGHIlNt.M
ACKB1RD
The much-lowd blackbird was sacred
1
tal) I
to
he song
song, but because thi>
particularly meaningful
The dodo, which was
where u was seen a?- a symbol of love, longing, and pain Because its song heralds the dawn, it is said by Christians to
hunted
is
also a
symbol of
some
In
flesh
was
plaintive,
in Persia,
the temptations ol ihe
Christian
writings the black
plumage makes the blackbird a symbol
to extinction in
the 17th century, has
become final
symbol of
a
death, hence the
phrase dead as a
do
sent the soul's
yearning lor Christ.
of evil
coil
Dodo
and
bird
and Turkey issued similar
gypt,
nightingale, both sweel
the i.rcck- Fot us sweet
alluring the
I
ol the
Bird Ol mi NIGHT Because of its association with the night, the owl is widely seen as a bird of ill omen with a cry that heralds death and misfortune. To the Celts the owl was a night h linked to corpses In parts ol Africa it was associated with magic, and its head was used in preparing spells
30
Wri n Although killing a wren is considered unlucky, it was not always so. In England and France it
Robin The robin
is
symbol
a
•mpassion.
Its
red
-aid to be the
scorching when it carried water to the parched souls in result of
hell
pan
ince a
of
Christmas ntes to hunt and kill wrens, burying them in the churchyard as a symbol of the ending of the old year.
Alternatively, the
robin was pricked when trying to remove nails
from Christ's cross.
Hawk This predatory bird
one of the great
is
solar
birds, with similar
Albatross
associations to the eagle
Because of
To Greeks and Romans
fly
and the
falcon.
it
was the messenger of Apollo. The god Horus was also depicted with the head ol a hawk In Native American myth the
hawk helped
the sun
and
fire
recreate
the world after the
Flood. The eagle hawk is a deity and totem for Australian Aboriginals.
M« i)POE
**
nown
journeys. When it circles a ship it is thought to herald the
widely believed to have magical powers and to bring good luck. It was Mars, Roman god of war, and was seen as a symfo
weather. In the West is an ancient
there
belief that the albatross
embodied
as
is and in Arab literature messenger of love However, it it
in
Europe
it
is
a
It
is
ii
nt
the soul of a
Marinei
ostrich
The woodpecker was
it
one, as reflected in Colendge's Rim. qj the
alive associations
and
Woodpecker
advent of a storm and mbolic of rough
medieval limes the was reputed to leave its eggs to hatch In
symbol of the sea and long ocean
kill
tor bird,
Ostrich
is
extremely unlucky to
In
ribed as a
to
a
sailor and so was considered
conflicting
symbolism
water, the albatross
dead
The hoopoe -
its ability
great distances over
lightning and
lire
by
Germanic peoples. The Ainu of Japan viewed it as evil, but also believed that the
in the heat ol the sun.
In some cultures this was seen as a sign ol
crueltv to its young; in others as a symbol of
power of The
belie! in the
the heavens
ostrich
nis
ai
those who hide Irom the truth, owing to its . it ion for burying
woodpecker was sent iod to show them bj
An
how
symbol
(
to hollow out tree trunks to make boats.
its
head
in the
ostri< h
.
-and
i
ol rebirth
said to betr.n
symbol
of the devil
and of witchcraft
Ql \n In Russian lore the
quail symbolizes the
sun. with ihe hare as the mi ion The quail
was Ml RON The heron, like the stork and the
also a
the izars.
symbol
To
ol
the
Chinese, as to the
mbol
Down
H
t*
presents both the sun
and water and
in battle,
although
when 1
_ht to predict
ii
eather In
mat
'he
hen m was and il
the annual return ol
I!
»ul
symbolized imprisoned
Vl
I
It
Kl
gyptian
in
IN
d<
the vultun
the b ited
with
.
luck and ihe spring, and MI tO
Peuc<
maternal instinct, as vultures were supposed to Iced then young with their own blood '
ite
purifiers left
amorous nam: nrdahi'
Rvu
i
i
ROOSTEBI Vulture
a
H
are is
appetite
^%-
People ncient societies believed that our very
\
bodies were microcosms of the universe,
A- and
that our actions, particularly in
ritual, reflected Still
today,
much
our relationship with nature. oj our behavior can be seen as
symbolic, from donning ceremonial
gowns and
dressing baby girls in pink to participating in the
complex
lituals
surrounding birth and marriage.
Sex
&
Fertility
For many people nowadays,
fertility
of the earth,
fertility
Fishoj
ft
fertility
I KV\
charms
Silver
^
the earth's bounty.
garland
lis
flowers are silver keys, a
ol
pomegranates, grapes, and
Fl Rill 11V DOLLS Dolls siuh as these were
young
LlNGA AND YONI of Shiva,
god
its
as the
phallus-shaped
pillar
male creative principle. Here fertility
symbol
it is
and
creation.
PlNl APPLE QUI This American bridal quilt is ornamented with pineapples, symbols of life I
fertility,
with
and
worn by women and enhance
variously
their fertility.
com
ol
ol fertility
set
Sex symbols
The
symbolism
and
meadow
also
lilies
"I
sex
from
itl)
\
<
ulture to
and Western world classic sex symbols tend ind glamorous, and are often him stars or music ians )bjec is that symbolize male sexuality lend to be assoc iated with a phallic shape and with powei whereas female sexuality is related to rounded shapes. nd abundance culti
and
made
to
fish,
tambourine.
representing the
into the voni, the vulva-shaped feminine element.
Together they represent
Angola
a festive
cubs or forked ks and beeswax - the corn cob being Usell a
sin.
most commonly worshiped form
girls in
he) are
I
linga is the
ios
i
irding to
lifest) u
;oi
ial
etiquette,
In the
<
which
tulips,
nbolize love. Quilts are traditionally
made
Marilyn
Elvis
as part of a
Known
bride's trousseau
when
she marries, and are often
as
pelvis," the
n
designed to
roll
muc
promote
Elvis the
Idolized by millions,
kmgol
Marilyn Monroe was Lassie lollywood sex symbol,
was revered
roc k
as
b for his gyrating
hips and simmei ing good looks as his voice
"fruitfulness."
1
i
j
doomed
ki
"the roi kei
is a
<
il
In
accentuating
lassie
shape and an ibjec gn ai powei and thrusl
phallic i
i
addition
il
•
"'he
what is essentially a male urge to conquei man-the-hunter sets oui to
oi
trate the in mtiei
70
levels
il
the leg, thereby
I
ultimate new
- space
1
a
Western symbol ol
femininit)
and
its
spiky
heel suggests
domination
elongates
to
die young.
he high-heeled shoe operates
I
on two
I
.
1
Stiletto shoe
Roc
I.)
womanhood This richly decorated waist ornament includes many items connected with fertility and mav have been a gift to a young bride. Hanging from
qj
The
US]
a
is
and thus the continuation of the species, was the greatest preoccupation of humankind. All societies have had fertility gods and goddesses. And there are countless images imbued with sexual symbolism, which thus essentially have to do with fertility. Many arc straightforward sex symbols and relate to the union ol man and woman; others have to do with Three stripes along with
'A
qj
(ruitjulness
especially city dwellers, the fertility of soil
rather remote concept. But for thousands of years the
human
Brazilian \ranat
&
Sex
Fi
rtilitv
Sprout-.-
Birth
nty
Giving
birth
is
the ultimate
symbol ol creation, and such is mythologized throughout the world- In the West babies often appear as tl b\ miracle, snatched by storks from the cosmic waters In other parts ol the world the process is more dire - resulting From the blessed as
union of
man and woman Birth plate commemorative
plate a stork delivers a baby to us crib. In this
In folklore storks
became
asscx iated with birth because of
then renowned devotion to
young.
their
Peruvian childbirth A
single act of creation mirroring the whole ol creation, childbirth is seen as a moment
.Mill
CATHEDRA:
Grej\ m
w
The
head has continued
foliate
to be a
symbol
ol hie
and
I
tertihtv
from pre
ecological
symbol
for preserving
and
ol spiritual vulnerability
Christian times well into this century In church architecture it stands toi the regenerative force of Christ More recently it has been adopted as an
often
accompanied by
is
ritual
The umbilical cord is treated with respect as a link between worlds and sometimes, as m
and protecting nature
Peru,
*!•>
may be
preserved
by the family
Goddess
01
fertility This gold
figure -cnts Astarte, the
Pl\l ( ONI This vast bronze pinecone is pan of an
tree
it
Roman
fountain
A
the pine
corn
a
is
symbol
I
it
ol love
a
well-known
ol the fertility
and ol growth and abundance
with Venus,
and
it
emblems
of her
is
of the earth
The Romans
associated
goddess
and
sheaf
sheaf of wheat or
symbol
powerful
ol life
fertility
rie
goddess
Wheat
fruit of
ancient
As the
Canaanue
It
represents the
fruitful union of the sun and the soil
CORM
symbol ol
Icmlity.
-
ol
vegetation
bi
Although highly
and the gods
Its
The
loth century bc. stylized, with a
ol fertility
an attribute
ol
and dates from the
OP1 \ The cornucopia i> the horn of plenty, spilling over with fruit. It is a (
pubic triangle set within a largei one, the sexual organs an
shape,
-
a hollow horn - is both female and male
clearly defined
ks
>-\i
;
This Japanese print
pubu
is
an illustration from an lMth-ccntury "pill rolic
paint
WSi>
S/(
ting
i
the union ol male
Km
and
female The union >..m a purely
I
I
i
H
u III
I
i
It
«
SYMBOLS
the
male and
combined mholk j
principle
cnil
ig their
u
men
I'M
pleasure
highlv popular time
at
the
1
Mil!
s*
Villi
'i
I
People
Human Body The human body is seen by many people as a microcosm of the universe In some parts of the world buildings are laid out with this symbolism in
mind.
A
correspond
most
Southeast Asian house, for example, has sections that to the
human
head, body, and
sacred. In other parts of the
"temple of the soul."
Composed
frequently appear in
made man
in his
own
the
world the body
metaphorically
head area being the referred to as the
is
of the four
elements,
it
and linking gods and humans. Gods, in human form, and the Bible tells us that "God
can be seen as representing fact,
feet,
life,
image."
Eyes The eye symbolizes
Skull
the sun, the all-seeing eye ol
God, and
power of evil. It is the oi the soul and the light of the body. The eyes on Buddhist shrines symbolize wisdom and omniscience, whereas the widespread belief m an e\ eye" - and the
eternal watchfulness, as well as the
window
In this famous scene from Shakespeare's play. the prince holds the skull of Yonck, a former servant The scene stresses the impermanence of life and the pointless vanity of worldly matters, both symbolized by the skull.
il
Sklll-andcrossbones
consequent need for a "luck\ eye' - reflect the tear that curses can be transmitted with a single glance.
In the L600s,
variations of the
Lunar
eyi
skull-and-crossbones
Egypt the eye of Horus, the
emblem were
In ancient right
adopted by pirates warning
sky god. was his solar eye, and the left eye his wadjel e of the moon. This wadjet mbolizes the powi f
as a sinister
ol their evil intentions
.
he
1
emblem
hlled sailors with dread,
signaled death lo
all
who saw
and
it.
.
light
and was one of the most sacred and
powerful protective amulets
in Eg) ptian
magic
All-seeing shrim Four pairs of eyes mark
this Buddhist stupa in Nepal. These represent the eyes of the all-seeing Buddha, gazing out in all directions. The question-mark-like
nose is a symbol of unity, and slightly above each pair of eyes is a third which represents the Buddha's clairvoyant powers.
Eyi 01 wisdom This 15th-century eye
is an Islamic illustration based on an almond-shaped mandahi li
represents the spiritual the soul and to ultima'
Eye oj sea monster wards
thai leads to
ind wisdom.
Within the soul- outei in le smaller, hum which stands foi a prison's
off evil
(
i
Prow of boat The prow
of this
Portuguese fishing boat is painted with oculi,
Eyi idoi This alabastei
or great eyes,
which see the dangers that lie ahead and ward off evil. The eyes cause the boat to
fi
ized eyes
'0-3000 BC) is thousands ol similar such idols found at the Eye Temple ai i
ol
Tell Brak, in pre
i
ni
day Syria. The temple derived its name from its cat he
look like a great sea monster, thus deceiving the dangerous spirits of the ocean into keeping away.
ol
visionary figures.
I
ON(,l
1
The tongue is likened to a flame because ol its color and qui< k movements can be a fertility symbol and also represents the voice ol the deity li
some churches, devotees speak in tongues Here the Indian goddess Kalis protuding tongue is a symbol ol her reative and aestru< tive energy In
i
72
Human Body
Ears n the East, large earrings were once
worn
and The Buddha usually shown with b) kings
princes.
is
long ears, perhaps stretched by such earrings during his youth as a prince
Long
ear lobes thus
signify
and
both royalty
spiritual authorit)
Nosi he nose may signif) arrogance it it is raised or wrinkled In
Ti
I
In
i
in
many
parts ol the
world teeth are ritually filed at puberty as a
literature
is often it linked to the phallus its size used as a \
sign of beauty. In the
animal world baring
<
reference to male
the teeth
prowess. In the story big nose symbolizes dishonest) since the puppet s nose grew with every lie that he told
defence
is
oi
a sign of
but
threal
in the well-kni
story ol Dracula the
fangs of the vampire
draw blood from innocent victims.
Brain The brain with the
is
equated
intellect
gives the head \\
and
location in the skull
its
its
cstern connotation
as being the seat ol the intelligence.
^P
Head
The head is widely seen as the within us and so as the most sacred
seat ol the
life
Force
body Head which was equated
part ol the
hunters sought to capture this life force, with fertility and power. People in authorit) are known as the head of an organization, and in Japan heads are bowed in greeting as a sign of respect. This golden head is thai ol an in Ashanti king killed in battle.
Mm I
he
the
III
mouth gives judgment and so symbolizes word can represent the all-devourii It
n into the realm ol the unconscious. The demon above, from a Baroque Italian garden, unites passers-b) into his cavernous mouth
earth
Hair
Hair as
DR] \m ot ks
and energ) ol the both In popular ol spiritual powei Iree spirit, even wantonness
is
often seen as holding the strength
it
grows from the head,
seat
worn loose denotes a although in Christianity it represents p» saints ( Uten when hair is covered n is a sign "I respeel ( hristian nuns cut their hair short to symbolize th« ii stones, hair
>rn
\utl\ to
show hip in the
rgin
Rastafa foi
i
communit) which, though
renunciation ol worldl) vanity
ni.
to the ancient
Swiso\
\\|)
In the Bible,
Ml Samson performs |)|
I
trength that his .
s
culture ol
||
ng nid mai
teats ol
Delilah dis< ovi
powei lies in his long hail and him to his enemies by lilting (
I
thii
hair
the it
long
norms .ion
oil
while he sleeps, thus
rendering turn as weak
and vulnerabl
SlIWI N In
III
M>s
many Buddhist
sects
monks and
en head;
othei
ll
is
nhiaicd
7
5
long hail a lik
when
he
ism
\ f \
1
Nature *-*--%--V*-»-1
,
Spleen In
The heart
European and Arab countries the spleen
is
the seat of the humors: laughter, anger.
ill-humor, and
To Christians the heart is the source of love, joy, sorrow, and compassion. Many Christian saints hold a heart as an vs or crowned attribute, sometimes pierced by arrows art was the A with thorns. In ancient Greece, the heart
melancholy. To be "splenetic'' is to be melancholy.
center of thought, feeling, and will, while in Islam, it is the spiritual center.
Liver In
China the
liver is
^
Sacred heart
^, This French greeting card
Jesus within a stylized crucifix. It .
v
*-
filial
Love
combines a
is the classic symbol of love: Cupid's arrow pierces a heart and his victim is struck by the
unexpected pleasure and pain of desire.
is
As symbol of fertility the male sexual organ
to
be cowardly.
represents the generative
Intestines The twisting
the Creator
nature ol the
the art of
intestines gives
countries as a powerful symbol of regeneration and renewal. This English chalk figure
ihein the
phallus
ii
symbolic relationship with the labyrinth ol life In
of
thoms with other
some places the intestines are associated with compassion
Christian imagery
180ft
Playing cards
Skeleton The personification the skeleton
ol
often
is
and erect
depicted in
many
is
(55m) high.
Death,
shown
carrying a scythe or an hourglass as a reminder of the speedy passing of time.
Ribs n the Bible, after created .Adam, he
Him
\\ sacrifice Mesoamerica, human
was ntually practiced
communion re
is
An
from Cerne Abbas
Hearts are one of the four suits in a standard pack of playing cards. 1 represent warmth and the heart of the world. The queen of hearts stands for love. The king is more powerful than her, but the ace is generally even more so, and to be "ace" is thus to be best.
In
halk man, England
forces of nature
flaming heart
own
<
Phallus
duty
"lily-livered"
surrounded by :
Early
and
Elsewhere, to be
This
depicts the sacred heart ot
£*
linked
to courage
needed
as a form of
le
therefore caused
to fall into a deep sleep and, according
cosmic order. For the Aztecs
took out one of Adam's nbs and fashioned it
to Genesis,
was the center of life force, and it was this that had to
the heart
into a
be offered to the gods to ensure the
companion,
a
nm
with the gods; the deities
periodically fed to maintain
the
Adam
de< ided thai sacrifice
God
I
fertility
and the renewal of crops.
woman
-
The rib is thus a symbol of wife, born from the body ol man. \
e
Navel The ancient Greeks placed this huge stone carving in
Breasts Nowadays
the sacred city of Delphi to
mark
the center of the
erotic.
world They believed that
two birds
breasts are
often seen as simply-
However,
the past, and
many
flying
still
in in
cultures, they
from opposite ends of would meet
have primarily symbolized
here, and so erected the omphalos, or navel, to physically represent the center of the world, from which all creation
motherhood and abundant Fertility goddesses thousands of years
the earth
i
old arc depicted as Large-breasted women. sometimes in the acl
rounded symbol of the
originated.
Its
top was a point of connection between the realms of the gods, of humans, and of the dead.
giving birth, making the link with treat ion fear <.
I
74
KIA
Coco-di -\ur. South India
Vulva This strange palm nut,
known as a double coconut or coco-demer, is seen as a symbol of the female genitalia and so of fertility and creation. In India it was worshiped as a manifestation of the vulva of the earth goddess, and thus of all creative energy.
Hi MAN BOPY
Hands Hands, b)
their gestures,
protection, justice,
and
can
signify blessing,
authority. Healers often
work through the "laying on of hands," and we speak of giving a "helping hand" when we assist someone Two people holding hands is a sign oi love
and
affection.
1IWDS
Joim h>7
In
)
a special
fifty-pence piece
was minted
^Tjy\ o^s%'^
to
commemorate
Britain
joining the European
Economic Community
Hand
oi
mi
1
1
rum
9-14-29
This Roman hand was used in divination It bears
"•
h features a series of
hands clasped continuous
symbols such as a roost* head and a pinecone, which were linked to the cult of Bacchus and the visions ol
in a
circle of
friendship.
Handprints of the stars in
H \nd of God
the future that arose out of
Hollywood film stars leave then handprints wet cement as a lasting testament to thentame Thousands ol tans tr\ out the impressions
drunken
lo see
This Jewish symbol of strength and power is worn as a good-luck charm.
In
revelry
how
they match up to their idols
1
(,S
I
The three-legged symbol has various
Arms
meanings U represents
signify supplication or
the swift-footed sun as
prayer The)
rises, sets,
it
each da) i
It
and ebbs is a symbol
z,ood luck, like the
'I
swastika, symbolizing
and regeneration continuous cycle ol footsteps, and it is also the chosen emblem ol Sicil) and ferulit)
with
the
mi is
its
Man The the Me ol Man
Isle ol 'ii'
i
"I
Quocunque Stabit - whichevei way is thrown, /•
it
it
will
stand
It
raised, the
arms ma)
may be
raised in battle
(bearing weapon-
or surrendei (openpalmed). Generally, the 1
in
arm symbolizes action. The arm ol justice
common
metaphoi
as
strong arm ol the law In [astern is
the
religious
.inn-
r<
Thus
a
SlMNI I
hi-
I
pillar
g)
pnan
backbone
iconography
presi rtt power man) -armed
djed-
i
ol
symbolizes
c
the
>siris
and
stability
the stability ol the
and that the heaven-, which
Pharaoh
-
rule
deity represents the
ol
man
the pillar supported
I
nature
ol tin
I
he spinal column
the central support the
symbol
I'
ol thi
Sn Eyi
fill In the YA
humihts and p
is
part ol the
I)
pointing
at
pilgrims
1
ING1 KN
\ll
S
In the l^th centir
in
wealth
anolhi
i
Hani
i
ol
implied
in
.\n
In the
M Leosi
i
auspii ious symbols "I the II
f*S\
in
l
,>!
i
sc II
Mean
e
lib
i
tin- belief,
although
often restricting the practice to the hide linger
III
III
1
w..so
\
People
Dance
&
Theater
Dancing is movement, energy, excitement. It is symbol of pleasure and as a ritual of courtship. associated with initiation ceremonies,
a part of
even-day
War dance life
In different cultures
fertility rites,
Native American tnbes of the plains, such as the Hidatsa. were
as a
it is
ram. war, and death.
lormed into military "Dog
It
war rituals to induce a state of frenzy. Many of today's dances have developed from earlier rituals; the maypole dance, for example, has its roots in Greek and Roman rites of spring. Drama, with its more controlled actions and gestures, provides us with a symbolic representation of the world we live in. is
used in harvest
festivals to
improve the crop and
in
Societies."
Dog
Pehriska-Ruhpa
(Two
Ravens), enacts a war
dance
^Stofe^t
V
to enlist
the aid of spirits
jfee&fe
The
dancer,
and
^ to prepare the warrnors for battle.
Lord of the d \nc Encircled by a ring ol lire and on the back ol the dwarl ol ignorance, the Hindu god Shiva dances out the end ol one age and the start ol another. He enacts death and rebirth in one frenzied dance. With his drum. Shiva beats out the pulse of the universe and the pounding of the heart i
Whirling dervishes In their ecstatic dances the whirling dervishes (holy men) of Turkey pace out the turning of the earth on its axis as it orbits the sun. Through the dance, a dervish symbolically brings the spiraling of the universe into being.
The Ganges River in (hi-
o)
Puppets
hair
Shiva
-
hand
drum
Puppets are scaleddown versions of men and women, or the gods they believe in, and their
Sword
performances often concern human behavior.
The design
of the puppets, their clothing, and their
actions are
symbolic.
dan<
i
Dances involving swords occur all over the world They were probably originally used spirits and to t
all
\l\RIOM LIES Burma string
strengthen the power of the sword in batik-
puppets are used to
Some sword dances end with a motion
In
act out epic stories
involving princes and deeds of valor.
These moral fables leave their
audiences with food for thought.
symbolic r. cutting off of a head, suggesting a link with ancient rites of sacrifice. The ribbons form a pai:
around
the
pole
Shadow pi ppet The famous shadowpuppets of Java and Bali enact the great epics of Hinduism.
The
flickering
shadows, projected onto a white screen, create a world of mystery in
which the stones of the gods and heroes are filled with olic
meaning.
•^»--v-%--*^»^-m-«
M VYPOLE DANCE The dance around the maypole has been performed since Greek and Roman times to celebrate
with
spnng.
May Day
It is
often associated
The maypole represents the earth's axis and also acts as a phallic symbol, representing male fertility celebrations.
s%s%s%s%s%s%*
v+s\s±^^s%s%s%s%s%s%s%s%s%s%s\s%s±^s%s*+
76
Greek tragedy In ancieni
Masks
Greece
L drama presented HW a powerfully *
l^ w
Because
-\mbolu
masks dance and drama
behavior and emotions. By resolving huge
gods
issues such as
and incest, such performances enabled the audience to identify with the
characters and overcome anxieties in the
process Thus
drama
often
in
sacred
ancestors In lapanese
theatei the actors are
love,
Noh
masked ami
tl
he danct th moments ol greatest intensit) masks an lized and gefulness. types, or moods su< h as rag l
M [Ml Mime form
i
is
oi
a
symbolic
drama
that
is
enacted without words It uses onh expressions
and gestures to convey meaning, and so can he
healing effect.
01
mam
in
wot
rituals the) aic
I
a
where
.is
human
had
ol tii
portrayal ol
isy,
the) present
read' universally
Thai dancers
Fltirr. .
mboliZC
The costumes of
ami
Thai dancers make them look like heavenly creatures. Their stylized dance
purification
destruction oj .ill'-
movements reinforce this
impression.
Classical Indian dance gestures Hand gestures used in classical Indian dance are also used in modified Form in Southeast Asia.
They represent moods, anions, and
objects or creatures. Every
dancer
is
movement
ol the
symbolic and has meaning.
NOH MASK Noh
Japanese is distnn
lit
theatei ts
i
ol paii
n.isks
'
II
in
Iroquois dancers
iden
!
i
deities,
as w<
\sK
im husks
The masks
repn sent mali groups -
use
M
SK
Nativ
a
i
nidwinter
ra)
when and monsters motions
on
the) call
spirits
harvest
i
SM WM> ll\M>
ORD
I
"I
\t\SK-
Bum
i.lsll HI
im
-
I
DANl
'
I
MAYPOI
I
DANl
»
i
i
!
I
ike othei
dance forms, ballet costume and gestun onvej meaning \ ballerina fluttering in white lulle, foi example
SWORD
i
'%^V%^%^V%-
W
J
com *%•*.•%»
77
ii
»
wan
DAN(
i
i
h
People
Magic
&
Charms
we become aware of the world of magic and ritual at an early age. As adults, many things in life remain mysterious to us what we cannot explain by rational means we may try to explain by magic. Similarly, when we find ourselves powerless to control the forces that affect us, we may look to J magic. Many people still use spells to cure illness, to harm enemies, or to ensnare a lover. Even the skeptical among us may wear lucky charms, avoid Through
fairy tales
1
walking under ladders, and consult fortune
tellers.
Magic
though disparaged by some as superstition, are practiced by many people throughout the world.
and
ritual,
still
Feng Shui compass Feng Shui
an ancient based on living m harmony with one's surroundings. Using this compass,
Witch
Chinese
According to folklore, witches could fly on broomsticks, brew magic potions, and
Feng Shui diviners
Once
they were thought to be in league with the devil and thus were symbols of evil. Women healers cast spells.
is
art
locate the right
combinations ol elements, such as time, wind, and water, whi< determine the best sites for homes, temples, or burial grounds
were often branded as witches. By 1700 more than 200,000 had been put to death.
Serpent
-
'
armed
'
\
with
•
\
-
COIN
5E
SWORD
Egyptian knife Ibis curved knife of animal bone was used in ancient Egypt to
strung
strengthen the covei sword
shape
drawn
FlVE-POINTED SI AR An upside-down fivepointed star was a
against the
relevant area to create
magical protective The various animals and patterns depicted on it endow tlie knife with their collective power. a
barrier.
Money
symbol of evil. Rightside up, as her
CURES Money is
and and was painted on houses to ward off witches.
symbolized
weak
house It would have been parts of a
light
spirituality,
a
symbol of power, and so by extension it tome to be imbued with lias
spiritual, as well as
practical, properties.
In
China
a
sword
made of coins was hung over the bed
ol a
sick person to dispel
,/
Mirror of
the
Mirror
POTJON
i
M
demons
or evil
spirits that
might be
causing the
illness.
Love dolls i,
1903
hese male (right) and female (left* dolls are traditional Native I
The mirror symbolizes divine truth and the wisdom of the universe. This "vision" if a mirror broken, and it is a popular superstition n years' bad is
shattered
is
Whenmagic
unsuccessful lovers often reson to to beguile the object of their desires literature. This could take the form of love all else fails,
in
made from phallic-shaped ingredients mandrake root, ginseng, oi ginger, plus
potions, usually
such as the an appropriate
Many
foods are reputed to be aphrodisiacs or love enhancers, and are used in much the same way as the age-old love potion spell.
will follow.
78
American medicine charms In the
Menominee namt
make
tribe, the dolls
were given the
uple and tied fac ing ea< h other to sure they remained laithlul to one other
In the Potawatomi tribe they were used charms to draw two people togethei
as love
\1
u, IC
&
Charms ~^%S%S%^^^%s-%S%S%S%S%^%S^^%,
1
Magic carpet Riding on a magic carpet is the stufl ol many dreams. Flying symbolizes release ol the spirit
fiO^
and the overcoming ol all physical limitations. king Solomon had a flying carpel that d him, his throne, and both hi- armies wherever he wished.
1
In
I
he 1,001
Nights,
Fot/R-LEAF CLOVER
Horseshoe
Dice
Magic eye
Aladdin also lieu on a
Finding a clover with our raihcr than three
The horseshoe is made of iron, which has power over the Evil
Dice represent
A
carpet
chance - the random
Eye
eaves is so rare that a bur-leaved clover has jecome a widespread symbol ol good luck
Eye
represent fame, wealth, a faithful lover,
brings luck
life's
unpredictability
uppermost, because u will then catch good luck and hold it safely.
cast"
and good health
is
If it is
- all important component.- ol
down,
happiness
will
considered
is
Charms
Thus
after the c rucifixion,
anyone with evil intentions such charms are often
means
soldiers
run out.
that look like
fate
the die
is
that one's
I
has been decided Dice are also a nan symbol:
unlucky - the luck
is
eyes are thought to turn a wax the Evil ye or deflect the look of
the phrase
hung upside it
widespread in the Mediterranean and the Near East.
numbers
pairing ol
symbolizing
it
hung on a door with the open end u
The lour leaves
It
belief in the Evil
threw dice
made
for
of glass to
them seem
Christ's cloak.
make
lifelike.
Power to protect Manx people wear charms to protect themselves from illness and danger. Certain objects and images are also used in healing the sick and are thought
Light cure A
crystal
xxill
refract light in
main
directions.
absorb illness, thus ridding a sick person of disease. Other objects arc thought to give off energy, repel evil, or instill powers.
to be able to
It is
thought that
when
a crystal
is
placed on the body, its energj will be absorbed and have a healing effect.
i
H
\IRY
\>MIVE LEG Gifts are often
promised in return
to
gods
t
favor, such as curing an illness This bronze votive leg, dedicated by a
Roman named
TOO
Caledus, was probably
Fairies
a
symbol of
his
1
UR>
people children's
stones as well as their imaginations Mux have magical powers
gratitude for having
been cured
II
I
ol a
.md are generally symbols ol good godmothers can right the wrongs ol the world leie a tooth fairy guards a lost and colli
m r
infection
I
money
I
ok GOOD
III
\l
The Nte'va people
See \lso
III
( ongo in Wesi Africa one made up ol bone, leather, nuts, and wood, to watch oxer \^k\\ providing protection from illness
use
figures,
little
ol the
such as
u
foi
I
ppei
this
(
loxik
POWI RTO PKOTEl
i
.
Protei
ii\i
<.\kmf
m
W IK
Ms
I
Will l\k
This Burmese undershin red with charms, spells,
spiders,
and h mad'
(nought to be able to repel evil and poisonous Ktk
In th.
ihim
i
\i i;k
hex
c
ri
Starh
ymbolizi sell
oad
i
ting the
in
small:
\\
hen
iic
with spells and incantations b)
n included in rular
\\
witch doctors, the
mar>
the illnes
:<)
ligui.
Witch
a
•
i
People
Musical Instruments/ Music represents the ordered pattern of the
and musical instruments symbolize harmony and oneness with nature. They bring pleasure but universe,
may
spell danger, pipes in
power to their doom.
particular having the lure listeners to Burv
:rcle
Stringed instruments represent
^
Electric guitar
the sounds of the heavens, while percussion
instruments are associated with divine truth, revelation,
and ecstasv symbolize
Drums
ilestial
The drum symbolizes the sounds, divine truih. and speech.
first
associated with
It is
powei
Gong
symbolism of thunder and lightning and to Native Americans the
u
The gong
is traditionally used in Buddhist temples to mark the stages ol the sen-ice and to ward oil evil spirits It is a valued religious
and is often highly ornate, example found in Borneo. In secular sounding the gong signals a call to dinner.
object in the East as in
use,
i
Since the 1950s the electric guitar has come to symbolize youth and rebellion, with groups vying with each other to create the loudest sounds. The guitar itself has male associations, with certain musicians using it in performance as an exaggerated phallic symbol.
his
it
particularly in a formal setting.
represents the heart of the universe.
Drums were
traditionally
used
to
accompany dance throughout the world and were a vital component
ol
ecstatic dance. The "
audax" * and cv
C
MU-YL
YMBALS
Mu-vn mean- wooden
These ancient |\
hsh in Chinese. These instruments are played in temples and are S) mbolic of ceaseless prayer because, like they never seem
rcussion instruments
back to 3000 K and are still widely used today In worship they symbolize contact with the heavens, and in Tibetan temples tlate
sounded the worship ol the\- are
\i kit
M drum
\\ DRI
In Africa the
Buddhist
to rest.
in
deities.
is
highly symbolic and
Military Dri \i Once used to accompany
soldiers
into battle, the rousing, regular beat
of the
drum became
warfare
rhythm
Nowadays
associated with
this military
forms an essential part
Bin
of ritual dance
The
It
bell
symbolizes
represents the beat of the human heart and is played to summon up
contact between heaven and earth out the voice of the divine
magic pov.
and the harmony of the cosmos. In the Western world the church bell is
an integral part of the brass or marching band. is
call to prayer,
Hcaddi Buddhist
monk
inded as a warning.
The sanctus bell at the altar announces the coming of ChriM In
Indian \bi is The tabla, or drum, i
is
Buddhist coun'
an attribute of the
it
Indian god Shiva, who beats out the pulse of the universe on it as he
danc
is
rung or struck
alter devotions,
while small bells tiding in the
dance and
wind
at
purification.
80
Chinese zither A Chinese scholar
a
but can also Tibetan BELL
should be accomplished in the four arts
-
literature, painting,
and music - and cfin, was symbol ol music
chess,
the zither, 01 the
According to lore, a zither
a sage
t hinese played b)
had the powei him the
repri
to reveal to
title
essential truth
ds ol
the mother-of-pearl disks
en.
mark
fingei positions
Musicai Instrumen %S%s^%S%S%S%>i%S%S*S%S%S%S*?%S%'*S%S%S+a
Trumpets The Last Judgment
The trumpet or bugle \vas blown as a call to arms in Roman times and has been associated
Both the Bible and the Koran slate that the trumpet will be sounded on the Last Day, when the dead shall be raised.
with battle or lame ever since traditionally, a trumpet fanfare heralds the arrival of royalty or important persons. Fame
persomhed
often
is
shown
holding a trumpet.
ORPHEl
S'S
LYRE
Orpheus, musician to the gods, enchanted all animals through his playing o! the lyre and even succeeded in calming a storm-tossed ocean. In his hands the music of the lyre calmed all
Popular in Europe from the mid- 15th century, the hue
beings, causing
them to be aware only of him The lyre's seven corresponded to the seven known planetx and its sides to the relationship between heaven and earth.
strings
Lute
an
is
music h is also a symbol of purity and faithfulness In Western art. when shown with a broken attribute of
string
Bugle The bugle trumpet.
Lamps
a valveless
is
sounded
TheL
discord.
M
\i (pftaii V
1536-41
to
play the reveille that heralds the morning
signifies
it
ii
is
In military
Ceremonial trumpet
and taps to mark the end of the da)
masculine and is used at ceremonies and grand occasions in
The trumpet, with
its
authoritative associations,
many
Fit
The shape
countries.
ii
ol the flute gives
u a phallic mas( uline dimension, while in tone
and femil Hinduism Krishna's
gentle
is
In
flute
voice
is
ol all
said to be the
eternity tailing living beings to
More
himsell
the flute
is
generally,
sometimes
iated with
k
anguish
and extremi emotion it
s\
In
t
\
hristianity
mbolizes the soul s longing ti'i iod i
Org
\\
A church instrument, the organ has comi
symbolize the prai si
music
saini ol
.
is
said
io have invented u
dedicated
Shi \(, I
he
in
ol
1
ami
is
S/i
made
7 individual i
H\rp
bamb
tnd iii
nl in
nusii. in
the Bibli
thei
both Judaism and ently
id
bol both
i
the harp
'
^^H
symbol ol the phoenix, which u •nblf he slung
J
i
is
played
and
at
harmony
I
weddii
•h!
i*i
South
em
ol
the)
nature
were
<
In
the
Gn
arried b) the
Hid had the
heard them
I
>-+.-%s%s%s%s%,'%.%^
HI
%s%s\
...
i
s
Played nowadays in
America pan pip
I
is
im
the Andi
lent
the ten
harp
a
Pan
and held mouthpii
dep
'rings in
the
within
1
ord
mouth
originated 1,000 i
up
to the
ol the
hinese
(
it
l)KI
M-
I
Gong Kjushn
I
'
i
\
patron
et ilia,
t
wso
and
People
&
Love A
POPULAR VIEW
life
-
its
IS
Marriage
THAT LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND. Love
force has inspired poets, writers,
the world over. Love binds
man
and
sexual, the powerful attraction of forces
found
emotion
that
sides of love
'rvnisTi wcitv^ i-wite niiT
aa
Central tO
from time immemorial
artists
woman, mother
to
is
The two
to child.
It
can be
opposing and complementary binding
in nature, or platonic, the deep,
forms the fabric of our
society. In a
more
spiritual context, love reflects the longing of the soul for
God
of the souls urge to Lips
transformed
Lips pursed into a kiss are a classic
into doves
symbol of
love or sexual attraction
- the
The sexual act is then an expression merge with the cosmos.
or ultimate truth.
red lipstick kiss
The willow, which shed its
leaves as the
l
ends many a passionate love letter. Lipstick
the collar, though, signals infidelity.
on CHINES!
PATTERN PLATE
Venus and Cupid, Lucas Cranach the Eldi r,1545
This painting shows Cupid at his mother's side, in tears because he has been stung by bees. Venus,
in response, reproves Cupid for
inflicting
Willow This plate see
and
ilrn shows the Chinese
hei low
hang
i
i
I
he
story ol Koonggirl's fat lu
r
Forbids
their marriage, so the lovers flee |ust as the
leaves
and fire
from the willow Soldiers pursue them Chang, so Koong heartbroken, sets
fall
kill
a
i
The lovers are then transformed emblems ol their constancy.
to herself.
into doves,
more
wounds on
pai
painful others than
bee stings. Both Venus and Cupid are gods of love and
Hi
here represent the two sides of love - the pleasure and the pain is
Cupid covered
symbolic of
ini Y< PI
NTS
SWII
I
OMB 01 AND NESS
bees
in
love's sting in
t
tail.
Krishna's love 1
i
Cupid
A
Radh Twin hauls aflame
AND
MINIATURE, i
In this
1785
scene Krishna sits in a with Radha, his
forest glade
I
^
favorite gopi, or
the /mbolso) passional
milkmaid.
All thego/5i.s love Krishna,
embodiment
oi
heavenly love, but Radha is the one who captures his heart.
The
love of
the gopis for Krishna
represents the Valentint
onging of
ling (o its
lination
the soul to
\
merge with
Cod •
love
n\,
dovi
and
fidelity
qj
symbols oj
yea
•
VALENTINE CARD The valentine card
first appeared in the 16th century, with its imagery reaching the height of sentimentality inVi torian times Exchanged on Valentine's Day, February 14, these cards often depict love symbols such is hearts, doves, and cupids. Valentine's Day was originally known as the wedding day" due to an old belief that birds selected theii mates qn y. People then followed suit, and made it a day n de< Uations of love. '
fi
-+^*^^S*s*sl?*S%s*s%s%s%s%s%s%s%sl
82
LcU
Mar rial, l
i
Marriage The and
ritual
of marriage
conducted
is
in
traditionally a contract uniting
is
some form
two
in
Families. In
every societ)
some
B
cases
man may marry more than one wife, while occasionally, as in Nepal and Tibet, a woman marries several brothers Whatever form the marriage takes, it is a celebration that symbolizes the union of god and goddess, heaven and earth, man and woman, and the uniting of opposites to form a complete whole.
;v
a
\\
s. 7v-
Piece of caki The wedding cake has been part ol wedding celebrations since
Bii^ht clothes
first slice
fertility
harmony, and
Chinese legend recounts
moon
the
ties invisible
how
newborn boys and
legs of
the
man
girls
to link their destinies
When
they grow up. they
drawn
are irresistibly
Indian wedding An Indian bride s ted
-":
sexuality
Sharing the cake among
happiness, while the bank notes are symbolic of prosperity
two
is
/
families.
Silvei bells to
I
!)l)l\c,
foi
represents the union of the
inevitable.
\\
stands
sari
Here the bridal couple is iterall) bedecked with good wishes. The fragrant garlands ofroses and tuberoses represent beauty and fertility
the guests
to
each other, and marriage is
united
their
eating of the cake associated with
in
threads around the
thi
together to
symbolize lifelong
Chinesi wedding
m
and united
on
times Bride
and groom must cut the
symbolize luch
and
Roman
/w:,i<
ward of
evil saints
BANDS
itive lace-
i
The custom of giving engagement rings goes
tery
RINGS
is
consid
back to Roman times although the traditional diamond ring- symbol of faithfulness - dates only from the 5th century The plain gold band of the wedding nng symbolizes eternity and the cycle of life.
auspicious
1
wishing a bride
happiness
i^
a
Wien Horst
good
!u< k
Red
roses o) love
and passion
NNAI
III
isslNGS The practice of showering newly manned couples with confetti or rice comes Irom the East, where rice is a symbol of fertility. It is thrown so that the couple might be blessed with many children In Saxon times red and white rose- petals were thrown to represent the union of passion and purity
ll\NDS
Middle East
In the
and India hands are
Bl
hi ides
intricately
painted in red fol good luck The red imes from the dye ol the
A
plant ./
when
tied
appearance would be
particularly
lid';,
henna
bl
Incomplete without
r
See
I
Hi
NY
III
insist
Mils
aj
so
,
.
Krishna's lovi
Sll\l R
|.)<
kl
I
\\ ING! this
Synth although
and
the it
pi
\Ri
ill
symbol
emblem
*
ombines
ol the
heart, representing
al
in
with a
I)
with the character npid or
III
\S
\RI
In the
1
WORD
love
(
New
logo the heart is universally recognized
rful
I
connotations hocolate has i
li
III
\RI
III I
he phi
a
given
Ills |s
into the heart ol
ai
its
way
IPS
i
r
//"
I
Valentine cam
into out !
language The bean
.\\\d una-.
splits in
me;
time
two
the
celebi
ultimate pain ol griel
token ol affection heart-shaped is probabl
oi loss
Valeni
1
has
],
gilt
\l\l
s
\\l>
(II
Spumi
have broken bean do those separated from the ones ihe\
8
5
i
tRTBROKJ N
wound
been
ol die
familial lattei
f
Ml
well as romantic
the most of their
lot 01
With aphrodisi
York
mbol ol making the use word itsell
I
i
it
People
i
Materials
Clothing
The materials we choose to wear are highly significant. Slinky synthetics, for
show
Clothing
is
an emotive
ways
issue, reflecting the
in
which
society regards
Cotton, by contrast,
body and
example,
flirtatiousness.
and economic; symbol of India's independence and would wear nothing else.
Gandhi spun
and status, and also how individuals regard themselves. What you wear says a great deal about who you are, or who you wish to be. More powerful members of society tend to wear more elaborate clothing in public, for instance, and it is often of finer, more expensive, cloth. Clothes can be sensible or seductive, businesslike or frivolous. Youth characteristically dons clothing individuals in terms of sex
to
a pride in one's his
functional
is
own
as a
Lace
Silk Spun by silkworms fed on mulberry leaves,
denote rebellion, although youth fashions
silk
often develop into mainstream fashions.
Lace was a symbol of privilege.
It
was made
by working women the upper classes.
has always
represented luxury.
for
Fig leaf The fig leaf,
as the very item of clothing, symbolizes a loss of innocence and a fall first
Cotton
from grace. Adam and Eve donned fig leaves
Traditionally
when
working people,
they first noticed their nakedness.
Tartan
homespun symbol
Sailor's top The traditional suit,
worn by
cotton
The checkered
a
is
patterns
of tartans are like heraldic devices, each denoting a Scottish clan.
ol simplicity.
sailor-
or matelot shirt,
Ornate
silver b
is
woven with honzontal blue and white stnpes. The blue of the stnpes is called navy blue, or just navy, and is thought to represent the color of the sea.
Belt
bi
Bile jeans
kles
c
For men, buckles are one of few outlets for
Jeans are essential items tor young people throughout the world. Designs seen as fashionable can be surprisingly expensive
showing individuality. The lower one belonged to a SouthAmerican gaucho
Fashions
in
Leather
Ft R I
unctional in
cultures, fur
item, or a
some
is
Leather
a luxury
symbol
is
functional
ol
it is
and
Today
readily available.
often associated
with youth culture
cruel death, in others.
footwear
J
\I\WESE CLOG
These Japanese shoes are for outdoor use. Their deep
Shoe styles reflect social and cultural attitudes and tell us something about a person. To remove shoes on entering a temple or home is symbolic of leaving earthl) matters outside the door as a mark of respect
wooden soles some 4in ( Ocm) high - add stature to 1
the wearer
and induce
a delicate gait.
Chinese shoe L nti! early this century it was
Doc M\rii
\
Doc Marten
first
common made
protective
working boots in 1967, and they were the runaway success story of the '80s and 90s. symbolizing a reaction against glamour by both men and women.
W
Kl Ni TRIBESMAN This East-African warrior wears simple clothing and
to
feet.
lifestyle
si ippi
r
the image
In the tale of Cinderella, the glass slipper represents truth and transformation When Cinderella's foot fits into the shoe she left at
is
Pi
- and
>uld feel In this
ITFORM SHOE
han
literal
embodiment
of the
human
valk
»--*--%.-
^-*.
.-...
*
„
tall."
desire
ol
women
as
and helpless, and it also prevented them from straying.
delicate
and she
transformed from pauper to princess.
Platform shoes have been in and out of fashion for centuries. These date from the 1970s. They are the
-essed without his
Symbolically,
reinforced
Glass
distinctive jewelry.
hunting
China
tiny feet
the ball, the prince recognizes her.
This suits his active
in
bind women's
Sm
\ki r sports shoes have become the status symbols of our time, with accompanymgly high pnees. They are worn not for their original
14th-( imi ri shoe These shoes, worn by noblemen, reached an amazing 18in (46cm). atus symbol to some, the cK viewed them a> the work ol the devil
»..
84
purpose, but as everyda)
wear for
both
men and
women
Clot HING ms%s%s^%s±s%s%s%^%s
Headgear In
most cultures the covering or uncovering of the head
Depending on
redolent with meaning.
is
the religion, places of
worship require cow-reel heads or uncovered ones. Hats are a sign of respect as well as an immediate indication of status and occupation.
Corset Corsets
ol
the early
1900s were reinforced with whalebone and were designed to
1/fl
exaggerate the natural
I mil recently, a lady or a gentleman was
have come to symbolize the way
wear gloves
which
ol a
always expected to in
women
in public
To handle with gloves
willingly subject
is
Hi
PRESER\
kid
to treat
someone or something
Ties
Immortalized by the dancer Fred Astaire, the top hat came into fashion in the 1820s and remains the ultimate symbol of male elegance
Given the fairly rigid code of dress that men are expected to conform to, ties are one ol the lew areas of
Worn
self-expression
themselves to pain
Top hat
in
the pursuit of fashion.
with the utmost care.
nowadays, it complements the weddings and other formal occasions.
less often
tailcoat at
The
The relationship between height and
f)
The high lace
circular beret
is
neck
evident in
the classic
from lowly dish washer to respected master chef
mi ike out in
in
other colors, notably red and green, u is a s\ mbol
hats,
",-,.
\i.
ol military
his affiliation to
any number of more individual wa)
symbol of the
French working man.
to
that organization, or
-
associated both with peace and war In navy blue it is
the range of chef's
open
them. A man max choose to wear a club tie or military tie to
Beret Chef's order
is
were presented at investiture ceremonies
woman's body A tiny waist was the ideal, and corsets curves
static
Gloves Originally gloves were a S) mbol of power and
Edw \kdian dress This fashionable figure
courage
shows how Edwardian
and excellence.
dresses distorted the The bust was
pushed forward and in what was known as the S-shape. It was not the hips back
unusual for women to faint from the pressure
on
Diminutnc WOlSl - iashxon fights
their lungs.
nature
See also 18m-( i\n
kt \\K,
were worn by century They were I
a
affluence and
high status.
1
i
CHADAJR Willi
/
This was part ol Turkish national dress until the country became a republic in 1923, and the hat was outlawed
In
M
II
Bn
countries women are veiled outside the
honu
i
Fashions
draw male attention
hi
l
footwi
\k t*
h
i
I
X
i
VP..I \K I.'
It RI1\N
At
1
.1
it
the
Made
dI bright
man idition
(
mil I
the
is
Fig leaf
III
UtBOAKD
in
10
(if
Mom
i
orthodox Muslim
*
nen
I'
on important and (
I'
'us
}
\ H
)
People *%s+4**&&
Jewelry Traditionally jewelry
is
bought as a
gift, usually celebrating the
- from christening presents to 21st birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries - or a particular relationship of love or friendship. Its symbolism lies not so much in its form as in what the item represents; whether it is the plain important stages or events in a persons
life
man and woman together or a locket with a ones photograph. Much of our jewelry has ancient origins -
gold ring that binds a NECKLACE C.1870
loved
a child's
jewelry:
charm bracelet is essentially a modern version of amuletic the charms protect the wearer from harm.
Thai earrings A love of intricacy and
delicacy
visible in these
is
18th-century earrings. Made from gold-painted animal skin, they represent mythical creatures.
Bl \R CLAWS This necklace,
Egyptian coins
made from
Although jewelry
the
claws
ol several
bears,
was
often symbolizes wealth, in many
the
prize possession
cultures the
of a Native
relationship
American
direct
chief.
usually indicate "bridt
actually
nails,
teeth, or tusks, Pink beads
more
is wealth. On marrying, girls are given coin necklaces, headbands,
Like other pieces
made from
is
-jewelry
it
denoted status, panly because of the prow
and even
involved in killing bear to obtain the c laws
the family, the greater the value of the coins.
their
belts as part of
dowry. The wealthier
African beads beads are a form of communication They have particular meanings according to their color and the order In Africa,
as well as decoration.
Fruitfulness
which they are strung. Young girls will make love letter" necklets for their boyfriends to wear. After mamage, girls are allowed to adorn themselves with more and more stnngs to show
m mbols of in the
their heightened status.
different cultures,
in
fertility
abound
jewelry
ol
from Egyptian cowrie-shell amulets to the Spanish higa, 'or clenched fist. The ... •-•••• concern with fertility may be less marked now. but the symbolism still abounds as in the decorative examples of <
fruit
shown
here. \\ll
IHYSI GRAPI
s
This cluster of grapes may well have been a wedding present from
BRi
groom to bride - the grapes are an ancient symbol of fertility. Grapes were associated
Leg ornament In parts of Africa,
jewelry denoted the wealth of a woman,
number of goats or sheep signified that of a man. Leg
just as the
ornaments were prized both for their craftsmanship and their bulk,
•
some
weighing as much as 331b (15kg). This leg ornament shows Islamic
with
Pacific
charm
This 17th-century necklet from the Cook Islands conferred power and protection on its wearer. Although jewelry made from wild beasts was quite common in many-
prefer silver, signifying purity, to gold.
their natural state.
influences, as
Muslims
Vim
the pleasures,
Pomegranate : a
Mycenean
craftsman c. 1 300 bc and would almost certainly have been worn by a young bride.
fertility.
wis
symbols of
The many-seeded pomegranate has
widespread associations with
ii
Dating from about 1850 this gold pendant is covered in grape vines,
This pendant made by
cultures, this piece
unusual. The bones and teeth are carved into talismanic shapes, rather than worn in
all
and excesses,
Bacchus,
god
ol
Roman
wine and revelry
ol
wine
Jewelry ^-m.^%^%^%^^^^%^%^%^%^%-%^%^%^ %,-%.-», ^'%--%^^s%s^%s%s%s^
Mourning jewelry Kneel one is marked by a and symbolic acts People adopt different colors o dress and shed
The death
ol a
series of ritual
I
their everyda) jewelrj in favor of
somber forms
of
that they are in
world, black
RINc, SU.\I Examples of swiveling signet rings date back 10 the "nli century w They were both functional and mark ol status since only a person ol considerable wealth could have his image carved I
more
adornment, demonstrating mourning. In the Western
is
the traditional color of
mourning, and
the classic stone
jet
1
Ring
.1
onto a stone By pressing the ring onto
owner was
the
able to seal
and
damp
In the 17th century,
Tins dove
bean
so
o) a
ih,
heart
low
it can be viewed from both sides. The back hold a lock of hair, symbol o an absent friend.
finger rings such
clay
that
one above would have been handed out to
as the
identify his goods.
Lock oi hair The brooch below swivels
relatives at a
funeral
Undying love became popular during Queen
let
Gloved hand This oi a
brooch
jet
\ ictoria s
jeweln was ai most lashionable
gloved hand a funeral wreath
lolding
Charm Silver
bra< llet
charm
bracelets
are thought to protect
- often a - from harm. This one has a lucky horseshoe, a wishing well, and a wise the wearer
child
CtllM
PADLOCK
si
This lock
traditionally
is
given by a father to his young child in order to evil forces
Irom stealing
it.
l:\o\U
One
Ml \l RI\C,
In so doing they
The custom ol giving engagement rings goes back to Roman times. The rings were often
become
plain iron elides, the
hundred
families
monkey, plus a fish and a frog tor fertility The fashion ol wearing charm bracelets is
contribute toward the purchase ol the lock
relatively recent, a
honorary guardians,
Western. 20ih-ceniury form
bound
child throughout his
amuletic jewelry.
or her
specifically
9£
iock in the child's spirit
and stop
the child's
30
1
1
1
ANNIVERSARY
symbolism
addition to
flowei invi In giving this
brooch., an admi was probably hoping that he would not be forgotten
hands
has long been the jewel
diamonds were thought
the
the
II
king
the pearl
is
diamond
fidelit)
to protect against all
ol |ew els.
the
the forces ol evil
queen
Pearls are the birthol those horn in |une and also the gems hat mark a 50th
Stones
dominance The man gave the piece to a loved one and. in doing up the buckle, she willingl) or unwittingly - acknowledged him as her owner
I
See also
wedding anniversai \l
I
I
I
I
i
M
Ml \l
Mil
i
I'M 01 this 18th-century choker with clasped hands
SYMBCN
hum
lded
and ride:
ry
much
mblem represented
Hands
ol love
in jewelr)
is
are often
and take on
mods I
:
it
ry
touching, lor example a
lisi
insti
is
.mbol
a
talisman against evu;
ol lettilits
l
ashionable
ladies could then
forefingei
I
their children
then he.ul
H7
C\l KINO became
lashionable in the ISth centur) Made ol
interconnecting the)
portraits ol then loved
the position ol the
the
who
u
commissioned miniature enameled
different
hand with thumb and
those
could afford
l
ingle af
Willi Ml Ml \IO
Before the era ol the \l
ol
the particul.it
- were added
to these simple In
is
Jewelry with buckles was popular in ihe 1800s both ind as bracelets What they all represented, however subtly, was an era ol male
ol fidelit)
beauty and
perfection, the pearl ol love
f.let
ol
lowei jewelry takes on the
I
1
life
ORG1 r-ME-NOT
I
shape symbolizing the eyefe ol life and eternity Tth century In the diamonds - emblems
to protect the
A symbol
Victorian buckle brac
reign
when mourning
is
at all til
had hands I
enclose
iivkvi
(
III
IDS
I
MACEU
i
Nc.ua MEN1 KIM.. A t.'
I
I
KK CN
OVI KIM.
hi
thai
Ml llll
I
ISlssW -
togethi a central heaii
Pan ol theit romantic symbolism lies in the that the rings
can
be pulled apart, but can nevet be separated
I
EC
Mm
OKSW1IM
Rsisi.
I
iiwim
I*
People
**t***vw«l
OYALTY The institution of royalty
Crown n
a symbol
iv
of sovereignty and
honor
Many
highly symbolic.
is
Asian courts were laid out as microcosms of the universe with the throne,
at the
center of the palace, representing
mountain at the axis of the world. A king had tour chief queens and four chief ministers, symbolizing North, South, East, and West. The health of the nation and the land depended on his health. In parts of Africa and southern India the king was ritually sacrificed while still strong and virile, so that the shedding of his blood might renew the fertility of the soil and the sacred
Scepter Original!) a magical
symbol, the sceptei signifies the king's
responsibility foi hi> people's
prosperity
Ermine
thus ensure the well-being of his people. Kings have
rhi
tvtntei coal
d/ the weasel,
been widely believed
to rule
some
by divine
and
right,
in
ermine fui
cultures to be semi-divine.
/(
purity
is
a royal
symbolizes
and
incorruptibility
King The king
The king is the ultimate symbol of
ilically
the
his h,.
monarch was
surrounded
b)
who had
courtiers,
same Function
denotes
earthly
king, the
queen
is
associated with a of Heaven.
marks
king
queen represent the perfect union of opposites, two halves of the whole, the sun and moon, and day and night.
of consciousness, the
well as myster)
transformation I centei
d
enthioned
Power games
of chess
the conflict
opposing s in life. The black and white squares represent negative and positive, male and female principles. The pieces, representing the
Ph \raoh
king, his court,
The famous mask found on the mummy of the boy king Tutankhamun
army, carry the symbolism
and
god He was
epoch, and each
intermeci,
an jen
queen
is
Cards Playing cards are divided into lour suns, each ol
which
i-
king, queen, and ack or prince) Packs of cards also include
his
i
two jokers or ]esters, more powerful than their lowly title
more
In man} games the
suggests
powerful than the king. Each is
goal
an
makes
headed by us
own
of their roles,
game
id
are based on the balance power and involve kings, queens, courtiers, and armies. The object oi the game can be to defeat the other players •nquering their court and army, or to build up a royal power base with which to trump one's opponents.
although in the game of chess the
pharaoh. For the ancient Egyptians the pharaoh was more than a monarch, he was a a of
Many games
of
a symbolic
between
s'.
in
heavi
playing out of
Re. the
The
depicted
game
ofai!
Its
the tank of
the ruler
The ancient
the center
and
unci the
I
Chess
reflects the glory of the
the sp
kingdom
ruler over our unconscious urges.
is
protei tion, as
centei of the
power The also a symbol
Together the king and
is
the
is
as the
Queen
counterpart of the
The mantle
The throne
mother goddess or
As the feminine
Mantle
Throne
the
heavenly beings surrounding God. He was thus seen by his subjects as an earthly counterpart of God and a symbolic link between heavenly and
QlEEN
holds
the whole world in
power. Traditionally
build
is
to
up cards
to
complete the suits, s\ mbolicalh -iI.k ing the king in
a
ble choice
his personal courl
heaven an
'%^<*S%S%S%S%S%S%S%S*S%S%S%S%S%^S%S*SIS%S%S%S%S%S%S%S%S%S%S%S%S%S%S%*
88
Rov
\
n
!
**^*s%s%s*^s%-y
Crown The crown
Y Ski?
jewels
accoutrements have assumed almosi mystical
jewels, the essential
ol royal office,
monarch Without all authority The crown jewels, orh, and scepter are
significance for a ruling
them, he or she would lose 18th-
essential in the coronation ceremony, when they arc worn or carried by the newly crowned monarch.
[mperial
Scepter MP1 ROR In China and Japan the emperor is the Son of Heaven, symbol of the moral order and responsible tor maintaining harmony between heaven and earth The Moghul emperors of India took on a similar role Here the hrst Moghul emperor, Babur. receives envoys I
Umbrella
The
The umbrella, or more properly the
believed to have magical properties, much like a
see pier
was once
parasol, represent:- the
magic wand, and
canopy
phallic symbol.
oi
heaven and.
with us raylike spokes, the sun
itself.
symbol
ol royalty in
It
is
a
is
The orb
and scepter together symbolize completeness
a
and the creative power male and female.
parts ol A^ia
ol
Crown Made of precious metal and jewels crown symbolizes sovereignt)
:
a
It
adorns the noblest part ota
son, the head, or intellecl Jesus was crowned with an ironic
crown
ol
thoms A crown
also
denotes supreme accomplishment, as in
"crowning
gli
Seal All
documents
Orb
ol state
The
or letters written b\ a
«•: iposed ol a globe, representing the world, with a whk li symbolizes the king's spiritual authority over his subjects, mirroring that of God over mankind
king would be sealed with the monarch s
own
seal,
representing authority and powei The seal can be a
symbol of belonging to God.
& princ ess
Prince
The pnnce
is
embodiment
Coronation
usually seen in legends as a he
Queen
lizabeth
i
ri
II
mony
ol
m
courage and moral action The symbol ol the highest good and Cnn Ity The prince endures hardship to bring about chart] ue a captive princess In the same way truth can be obtained only alter a spintual
c
England was crowned Westminster Abbey in 1953 in a solemn and high!) symbolic ceremony She was invested with the state regalia, which symbolized her role as head ol state and the Anglican church I
ol
stoic,.
\\IIM
LLA&
SPOON
The new monarch is anointed with holy oil, poured into the oon from the ampulla, shape ol an
here-
in the
I'M
Knk.ii
•n
a
royalt)
ich
I
he
""I OR JIMI R simpleton pt
•
U
1
As the residence
i
human
maintains order
I
etiquette
ih<
from i
i>l
the court
a palaci
A pal man.
-
I
member
ts
and the
in
ind lain Kin
main
chambers, som< holding and
Km.
the nubility
mn.xence humai
in a
See also Ciownh
symbolize heaven or the heart ol the realm
But often he
in the
.
ol
world
a
ol
hidden
ious with
H
Ql EEN
i
'
I
its
spiritual truilis
*^»-*^»^^^**^**-%-l^%*^»^WVi 8s)
I
People \^s%s%s%s^s%?^s%s%s%s%s%s%s%s%s\s%s%s%s%*-m
& Weapons
Tools
Although they are practical symbols of the inner or
and weapons make powerful
objects, tools
myth, their obvious functions
spiritual world. In
on symbolic meaning. Gods are often associated with the implements they use, and while these may appear purely functional, they always symbolize concepts such as fertility, death, and war. Sometimes the implement itself denotes the god. Weapons generally represent power, protection, and destruction. In the hands of the gods, they symbolize the defeat of ignorance and thus liberation. Weapons also stand for the state of conflict that the god or hero overcomes. take
Scales of Justice
A
pair of balanced scales represents justice and judgment, both in court and in the afterlife. In the Egyptian Hall of Judgment, the heart of the deceased w as weighed against the Feather of Truth before the god Osiris, who passed judgment. In Roman art, Justice holds a sword
and
a pair of scales. The archangel Michael weighs the souls of the dead before Chnst.
Ax H WIMER
an emblem of such as Zeus. It is a symbol of power, associated with many deities, for example. Shiva and Agni in India. and the Voruba storm
The ax
\\ idel) seen as a
of thunder, the
>vmbol
hammer
an attribute of the Norse god Thor,
is
whose hammer alw a\ s hit its target and came back to him. The
god ol Wesl Africa In China it represents justice, am horny, and punishment The ax is
god Mephaestos,
k
the blacksmith, also
wielded a hammer. Cv In Japan the hammer is an i
also symbolic of death
^
ordered by a wrathful deity. For Hindus and
attribute of
Ladder
Daikoku, god of
The ladder represents our urge
to climb from ignorance into the light. In ancient Egypt an image of a ladder was placed inside the tomb with the dead. In the Bible Jacob dreamed of angels ascending and descending a ladder to heaven. Buddhists believe the Buddha climbed a ladder to preach to his mother in heaven.
Aw
Along with the
riches.
nail, the
symbol
hammer
is
is
_-.iids
a
of the Passion
of Christ.
Plow Rope
The plow
Rope represents bondage and captivity
Greek pastoral gods such as Demeter and Dionysus. As a phallic symbol it
It
also connects heaven
and
earth, acting like a
cosmic umbilical cord. In the form of a noose, is a symbol of death and despair In it
Buddhists, the ax removes ignorance and thus severs the cycle ol birth, death, and
of Christ
rebirth
bound by
(
hristianity
symbol
ol
it
is
a
the betrayal
who was his captors.
usually an
is
attribute of
represents impregnation of the earth by the ;ods, the furrow being eminine and receptive It
also represents the
act ol creation,
when
pnmal matter broke up into different
life
forms.
II
The amll
is often seen as the feminine, receptive counterpart of the hammer, with us
masculine associations. Together they represent the opposing but
Hammer
complementary forces of the active and the passive
The
name
Scythe Because it is a harvesting tool, the scythe symbolizes death, the
moment when
life is cut short It also stands for the liberation
The figures Time and Death, the Grim
of the soul.
of Father
Reaper, are both depicted carrying a -
.the.
M
to the
Spinning wheel The spindle
its
new moon
is
an
attribute of goddesses
because of its shape. It therefore symbolizes time and death, but also the annual cycle of
concerned with
renewal. The Greek goddess of agriculture,
and death The turning wheel is a symbol of the universe. The loom is the loom ol life, with
destiny
shown
Simon and Andrew, Gabriel Loirf. 1975
The hammer
sickle were brought together in the bol of the former Soviet Union. That symbol now represents
Net
communist movement
Simon) was
and
They
net symbolizes the
life.
In Christian
power of the gods to bind and hold humans helpless in the mesh of an, a net with
fish
represents
Peter (originally the fisherman a "fisher of men," and St. Andrew
St.
(also a fisherman) carries a net.
90
birth,
life,
masculine, active
The
the church.
are often
as three spinners
who govern
Demeter, carries a sickle
the
M
& sickle
sickle lends
threads and feminine, passive threads united
harmon) According Buddhism, the loom weaves the fabric ol in
to
illusion
Tool
Weapons
&r
s
Swords n
The gun
[he daggei
a
is
symbol ol masculine power and aggression Because
us projectile
ol
strength.
Dagger
Gi \
capabilities, the
gun
associated with
virility.
along with other
is
fire-
generally a phallic
symbol and stands i>
an attribute
It
ol
Mithras To Muslims
In Freudian thought
the sacred dagger kn represents die word
gun
an obvious phallic symbol, an is
association
echoed
in
gangster movies, where it has become linked to
male prow
Samtrai sword
truth.
characteristic
undulating form,
is
decorated, often with words from the Koran.
Japan the sword is symbol ol courage and strength. For the In
This late 19th-century sword of the Ashanti kingdom ol tihana
a
has an unsharpened iron blade because it was used foi remonial purposes only The gilded beads on the handle are symbols ol wealth and fertility
aristocratic warriors of
|apan, the Samurai, the
sword was the chosen symbol ol honor. It represented the noble cause and the light for
truth
foi
and
s-
George, hold a sword.
St.
AsHANII SWORD
and absolute The kns. with
usually beautifully
DoubU-tdged
including
of Allah
its
1
a
Mars and
arms and missiles the
is
sword - when
ol victory,
military gods such as
A
sword taken from an enerrt)
and to receive a knighted, for example - is to be given authority. The sword divides good from evil and cuts through ignorance Main gods, heroes, and saints,
symbol
is
lor masculinity.
power and
cultures the sword stands for
ail
truth
justice
and
justice
Crossed swords of Saddam Hussein hold the crossed swords of the
The arms Martyrs'
Monument
easl
i
(for
in
The arch faces for birth and west martyrdom
Baghdad,
Iraq.
>
<
Knighting The custom
knighting is By touching both shoulders with the ol
very ancient
Cw iQuiuf
- round
blade, the
monarch Asa
confers authority
Sikh MB1 M The Nishan Sahib, the emblem of the Sikhs, contains a two-edged sword, symbolizing truth and justice, and two crossed swords lor Cod's spiritual power In the center is a chakram, a circular throwing weapon, or quoit. i
symbol
i
ol purification,
the
sword
also
cleanses the s.Ull
H
OR S/CISMI
Shield The shield protects and has come to symbolize feminine power and chastity In some cultures, however, it personifies the power of a male god or ancestor and can also represent a hero h is an attribute ol the Greek
^K*6
Indian shield I
in
hide
•rated
with mytholo
goddess Athena
Sl'l
niliis-
its hape powerful function. the bow is both feminine and masculine and he
*
i
hristian
lance represents a vice I
I
MUM
Ron
I-
I
i
Mm ii
Ol lllls
1
H
Spinning whei
i
i
m
and
lb
ol the s[\-.ii thrusl into
n With the
a
(
hlisi
nbute
md
side sshen he
I
(
it
-.
the
earth
91
ml-iol ol the
well
h
is
i
the peal an
Apoll
is ran Way," the fao •
s
was on th
dine
(
M4MI
In
an an animal impaled on a speai
With
i
II
speai represents wai
powi
\KRdu
iv
See a/m>
elongated, shape, the
lis
phallic
(.
Boh
AR
With
Swords 0*
i
People
Death
&
/»***^^W1
Mourning
The certainty of death unites us all, rich, poor, and of even- culture or faith. The many different rites and rituals surrounding death and mourning illustrate how each society deals with its fear of the unknown. Ancient beliefs speak of the body being reunited with Mother Earth, or the soul rejoining the cosmic ocean or entering heaven. In other words,
life
returning to a state of oneness with nature. In other beliefs
death can be the door into another future that will be favorable
if
the deceased
of great fear
death
is
was devout
and an occasion
for
in this
life.
A
source
both sorrow and
laden with symbolism.
Many
joy,
death rituals
are symbolic enactments to aid the souls journey
into the afterlife
and
to console the bereaved.
Raven Although \newed
many
D V>
1 Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead. Images of Death in the form of .
skeletons are made, and to welcome the dead back to earth candles are lit in the graveyards and offerings of food set out. This is a symbolic
way
in
OF THE DEAD
On November
of maintaining a link with the past.
cultures as an
auspicious symbol
wisdom, fertility, and creation, the of
prophetic raven is seen in the Christian tradition as a bird of ill omen. It heralds evil, warfare, and death This is probably due to its black color, associated with the night. The raven is
thought to haunt graveyards and foretell death and destruction.
BLRV
'.IRAL
Luck for the dead Hi \RSE Dl \!lll\ DANCE The Danse Mai
I
ised to illustrate the concept that death is the procession of figures representing the various classes - from Pope to peasant - each alternating with a skeleton, is led towards a grave showing all are ultimately linked by death. Another popular medii belief, the Dance of Death, held that the dead rose at midnight and danced about in the graveyard. The two themes were often intermingled.
great leveler.
A
.
Blail
magnificent hearse
his
bygone The hearse and the
typical ol a
era.
horses were always black,
symbolic ol mourning, as was the livery. Though
modern funerals are more streamlined, such
and
are
still
some
In the Tarot,
not the
last
Death
is
card but
marks a transition from one state to another. This might '
of
ifytheend-or h - of one phase
life
and the
ning of a newone. Either phase would be accompanied
mer changes. Death 2
is
the
vhich he he living.
the
auspicious squares of colored paper on the funeral pyre to bring good luck to the soul ol the deceased on its journey to the afterlife.
preferred by
napping
for the solace
the ritual and sense of occasion provide.
T\ROT CARD
it
custom for mourners to burn is
old-fashioned formalities
Bklck pipe hat with -inch plumes
is
At Chinese funerals
,
on hearse
& Mourning
Dhath
Grave goods many
In
the to
dead
cultures pre< ious goods are buried with as a sign ol theii prestige in life and also
accompany them on their journey to the afterlife )nce upon a time even slaves were buried alone wuli then dead owner i
R\RV IRN
Ft \I
1913,
II
Aftei a
ashes
cremation the the deceased
ol
GRAVESTONE
are often placed inside
The sue of a Christian burial is marked by a memorial -tone, often
a funerary
impanied by symbolic reminders sueh as a wreath, a Bible, or an angel An angel is an intermediary between heaven and earth and mbolizes the
urn As a round-bodied vessel ol containment, the urn is a symbol ol the feminine The urn with a lid is a goodluck emblem, symbol in Chinese Buddhism ol supreme intelligence that triumphs ovei birth and death. large,
-age of the soul to
the heavenly realm.
Rill
Mot RNING
\l
Mourners at a Taoisi funeral in Gansu province in China are completely covered out ol respect lor the dead The chief mourners wear white and the principal mourner carries a green sash Hessian veils are used, as it would be pectful to use line cloth Mourners will not eat fine food lor the lirst two or three years alter the death
I
VG
I
ll\l
\l
The custom I
hallway up ign
the p ol
M\si
I
ol living
mourning
t>
m
the 17th centurv
left
in I
he
em pi
invisible flag ol death
iiinues
mourning
in The white I
lily,
flower ol the
the
Madonna
litionally
with pui West, ami th i
in the •
xplain
win
I
a
ii
In
the ial
In
poem
the bl
In
t
d to
sdi
\t
lu
I
aj
i
i
\i
Mahal
is
York
SM
''
'
Us.
i
the 1)1
Indian emperoi Shah
ITHI
i
|ahan
IDS,
ime j
world-
a
mbol
the red
lolizes
be
Buifi in th<
was planned most magnificeni
nuu\
ii
memorial on earth symbol ol the emperoi
ril
support
love
foi
llis
disease and
the river,
tl
in h
ure
Foi
Ins wiii-
own tomb
the light against the
mbol is
C(
as the
ol
IPs
Wearing
fields
where poppii
pop;
I
a
I
I
nil
ribbon
I
anadia
|onn In Flanders
return 10
white
flowers stem
M
Ribbon
W'RI Mil 01 Rl I) Red poppies have ne a symbol "I lues losi during the two World W.iis
was
beside
Raven
1
i
Red wreath i» I
ni
finished 1
s
MOt KMS..
\koi
.
I
UID
I
111
h
>s%s%s%s%s%s%^s%s%s%s%s±>\ i)
\
I
Architecture The symbolic meaning of a building and
its
components can be very complex,
may
especially in religious buildings. Stepped terraces
and
levels
a spire points symbolically to heaven, while a
the vaults of heaven
symbolic
represent heavenly
dome
represents
shaped buildings represent differing instance, represent status and achievement
Differently
itself.
ideals: skyscrapers, for
modern, environmentally sensitive buildings symbolize union with nature. Separate elements have their own symbolism: doors and windows, often mark boundaries between worlds.
in the material world, while Angel at top protects church and those w ho
enter
Knocker Door knockers in animal shapes protect a house and keep evil spirits at The ominous knoc k at the door has long been a S) mbol in literature and music - of inexorable
s
Window Just as the eye known as the
is
is
Indian balcony
'window
oi the soul." the
Balcony
window
The balcony represents mystery and ambivalence due to its
the "eye oi the soul,"
symbolic oi consciousness and oi an individual's perception oi the world. A round
window
is
partly concealing,
partly revealing nature,
and
lets
m
or death
its
position,
outside a building. Enclosed balconies add to the mystery. In colder countries bay
light, the
window
also
both inside and
appropriately
called an oculus or oxeye window, since it
bay.
fate
Ocuu
also symbolizes
windows
the light oi truth
and
entering the soul.
as enclosed balconies.
oriel
act
Reach for the sky obsei
Humankind
has always been
fascinated by
tall
buildings
upward to die sky, building diem both for religious reasons and for reasons of power Whether ancient pyramids or modern that reach
skyscrapers, such buildings
hical beasts
represent man's need to reach
symbolically keep evil at I
iUSH
Pyramids For the ancient Egyptians the pyramid stood symbolically as a world axis at the center ol the universe. Its apex represents the highest level ol spiritual attainment. A stepped pyramid sigmlics the stages ol consciousness through which the soul must pass on its ascent.
bay
up
CHURCH DOORWAY, 12TH CEN
to the
heavens and also
to
gain supremacy over his
I
Doorway
surroundings.
The doorway marks the passage between the sacred and profane, between safety and danger. It also symbolizes the transition from one stage of life to another or the passage from life to death. Temple doorways in particular are often carved with guardian spirits and fabulous beasts to dispel evil and offer protection.
::::::::::
::::::
(Mill
t
II II II
II
H
II
/
/
I I
\
/-il!.UHII|Ul!!*r\ >
<
II
I
II II II I
III
i
I
II II II
*i*-T—T~
SkYSC RAP1 K The Empire State Building in New York was for decades the
I
I
Thf B
Wai A
wall encloses
and protects the sheltering
interior of a building or a garden, suggesting
strength, privacy,
and containment.
In the case
above, it may be divisive, paration of East and V
•Vail,
building in the world Is as an obviously phallic
achu
It
symbol of man's instantly
recognizable to peoplr all over the world.
94
/
B 'm
i
I'h
1
1
r
Bi
i
1
1
-hi l
the Elder
'i"
1
I
Tower of Babel ol Babel was a ziggurat, or stepped pyramid, in Bab) Ionia li is a symbol ol man's arrogance In the Bible the Babylonians were dei> m mud id build such a tower to reach the heavens God divided the speech ol the builders into main languages so thai they Id not understand eac h othei and the tower was nevei completed
The fabled towei
.an
i«
i
it
Architecture Cj\TH'
a
lata
4
bo ^
i
Bridge The bridge i> a s\inbohc link between heaven and eanh It is the passage from life to death, and from death
The
Dome
The Parthenon. Athens
The dome is used as a symbol of the heavens
Classical temple Greek and Roman times were believed to be the houses of gods They could be square, polygonal, or round. Round has been
Religious buildings often incorporate a
considered the perfect form, because the circle
dome
Temples
in
i^srw' Nobles
courtrooms to the
erected in
dunge
the Acropolis in Athens, site of the Parthenon
Arch
Charles d'Orlea\>
original Bridge of Sighs
Venice led from the
in
symbol of the cosmic mind and
a
itself is
nature's perfection. Classical temples were
commanding
positions, tor example,
The arch symbolizes passage from one state another Victorious Roman armies marched through triumphal arches In initiation rites, to pass under an arch is to be reborn.
is the
that
Roof
may
be decorated on the inside with paintings of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as angels.
lo immortality.
The roof symbolizes principle.
Some
the feminine, sheltering
societies
hang treasures and
powerful hunting trophies in the roof space to increase
its
protective
power
Tower of Flemish,
\,
lKi'J
C1650
to
Holding place
cii
'.it to
prevail
A
K
•
i>r
t'v
•
ape
Stairs
A
staircase represents
the steps in spiritual
development. Its holism is related to
r
of the ladder
and
the stepped pyramid.
One can
toward Enlightenment or descend into darkness and ignorance
A
THf
either ascend
spiral staircase,
with
winding su leading towards an unknown and unseen its
end. represents the mysterious
UlY Bl IIDINC.
I
FlNPHORN. SCOTLAND
Earth dwelling In
many
countries people
houses made found around them.
live in
entirely of natural materials
from adobe huts in Africa to igloos in the Arctic. This keeps them, literally, in touch with nature and more in tune with their surroundings A modern earth-integrated house, roofed with turf, represents a return to this more natural way ot hie with its related symbolism of union with nature
Sm
li'UI K \\1) ( \s|| Ihe towei is symbol protection With its castellated to and drawbridgi |
IGHTHOt
I
A
SI
lighthouse provides (il
!
the
eachings of Chi \hich guide th-
othe
MHh
HOUSE
\ss
Mainly
house provides full to the natural elements and all their bolism - a window to the world built ol glass, this
Ihe glass
lels in
and stores heat air
from
il
the I
hi
maximum amount ible
territorial
heraldic
and
(
I
M
IsM.
symbol
in (airy
inside
fresh
(symbo 'he
9
,
I
I
Ml
I
I
low IK
I
\S[1
In ordi
d with flowers Mid plants
f
pow
an enchanted place thai
ol light
klso
nd
,i
burden
itual
ol Ignoi
knowledj
M MIS
I
I
\s
I
People »
Everyday Objects There are many ordinary objects that do not fit easily into obvious categories but which are so much part of our everyday world that they have become imbued with symbolic meaning. These range from different types of container, associated with the feminine, secrecy, or protection, to objects connected with
human
frailty
and the passage of
light are also rich in
time. Items linked to
fire
or
meaning, signifying enlightenment, as are keys,
which unlock
mark
a
secrets or
Fan
coming of age.
The fan is a common symbol of high rank or royalty.
Basket The basket
open and
close.
It
gives access to
another realm, symbolizing wisdom, maturity, or success. Many keys dangling from a key chain symbolize power and status, since they denote the ownership of valued property. Keys are the attnbute of St. Peter as the guardian of the gates of heaven.
an attribute oi the lour seasons and. when full, it symbolizes tcrtilm fruition, and abundance,
spirits,
therefore also
into the
In
Buddhism
also
is
It
thought to ward of is
it
the
I
e\
il
to Taoists
represents the flight
hud and
ol a
1
and
release
world of the
Immortals. In contrast, the fan also has long-
"three baskets' are
the scriptures of the
standing associations with femininity and
Buddhist canon.
flirtation.
Box EGYl
in.
IR1N1
bowls, are symbols ol the receptive, feminine realm. In this Egyptian
he box is a feminine symbol. When closed, it symbolizes the unconscious, and when opened, it may unleash a storm of devastation, disease, and death
example, the lotus
upon
.
!
I
Cup Because they are containers,
pattern
ups, like
t
shows
the world, as did Pandora's box.
the
flower's relationship to
water, and thus adds to
its
links with the
feminine,
(
iold
and
ymbol
silvi
i
i
oir\
q) wi alth
reed
MOW Y
PURSE
purse represents worldly vanity and the ie
Swing
il
The swing is associated with fertility because its movements represent the rhythms of the seasons and the rising and setting of the sun and moon, rhythms oflovt- making. In this '
h -century French painting, the
I
i
1767
its backward and forward nn ion. symbol of amorous flirtation A stone Cupid presides over the sec luded omei ol the
swing, with
.t
n.msuike
is
a playful
i
rden, while the lush vegetation prw ides a fertile backdrop for the ami I
96
(
attribute ol Judas Iscariol tax
<
ollector.
symbol
ol
ol
wealth. In
an a purse is an and ol St. Matthew, the
hristian
Coins spilling out ol a purse are a attai hmeni and greed
worldly
Everyday Objects
\ll VSl Rl\(,
People haw concepi
mam
ol
IMF
!
always been fascinated b) the and have linked the
time,
objects related to
mortalit)
seen as
own
to their
it
bus the aging process may be time marching on, and heart I
problems
as a failure ol the
old ticker."
HOIRGLASS This simple instrument lor measuring time operates on the principle of sand filtering down over a period of an
Watch
hour under the force ol gravity The process has given
a
nse to the notion of life being "ike "sand ebbing awa)
stands
I
ike the clock, the
watch
symbol
a
is
and
the passing hours
remindei
brevity ol
the
ol
life
- "time
no man.
for
still
Sundial The sundial shows the time via the
sun as
shadow cast by the moves through the
it
heavens. This ancient method thus relied on the .
ity ol a
sun god
8
Open book Books are symbols ol
know
ledge
and the wisdom the universe
Mirror
Am
iiok
The anchor of safety
hope
c
is
symbol and
a
stability, hrist
is
often
referred to as an in the sea ol life
anchor
An
anchor depleted with a dolphin is a symbol of Chnst on the eross, and to be anchored means ted
An open book
Since thought
is
Candle
reflection, the
mirror
A candle
is
a
symbol
indicates truth, clarity.
the individual soul
and self-knowledge,
and the flame
as
well as vanity, thu
ol
that
darkness of ignorance It is the sun
lights the
break a mirror brings bad luck because u is a form of harming oneseU To Taoists a mirror is the calm of the sage and the reflection of the
and
I
a
that
spiritual
illumination,
and
of
a
symbol
ol
human
destiny spun In a
I
In
ireek
(
Vriadne gives heseus a ball ol \arn
and an
erogenous zone
high-caste Hindus weal a sa<. led thread
and. with its winding, uptight
i
in
<
red lipstuk
mi
mbol
s)
is
a
ol sexualit)
h at centuates th< ol the
lips
religious rites
in
Lips iu k
which to escape From the labyrinth In linduism a thread onnet is this wi with the next, and In
1
andles play a part
many
and
life
divine powei
understood, whereas a closed buck, remains a myster)
extinguished candle can signify death (
universe
person or subjet tan be easily
is
TllRI \l> A thread is
mechanism, combines male ami female
hristianity the
lighted candle
una.
represents Christ as the resurrected light ol the
(
« a a «
OMPASS he
I
world
i
I'l
ompass points
out tin lout primary directions, North.
I
Sum
N \M> INK brush used
ike tin-
hine the pen (
in
k
Ivei
spoon
i
SPOON
In Eui
(
Is
:i
(MH
I
I
to I
i
ol
I
time
a bal
ol I
Soul
ind :
the foul
indarydin •hi
and
learning ami the intellect,
and
it
mai
out destin
lank
symbolizes nurture
and
life
Key I
10m
ally the
din
bol, built
with
n in
mouth
dippi
•Mlh the
to
that
^-%^»^». -%--%.
%
« % « % %
indi.
bom
t:
into a
n
I
life
"| pri\
ill
IMF
I
MlRROI SI.
>M
i
\
i'l
i
c
mi
T-t
Serpens
Sjrua Ihr:
Symbol Systems
Coi
•*
Certain signs and symbols have evolved
l
X^
over thousands of years. These include scripts, gestures,
often used as instant
means
As technology shrinks these signs
and of
the
VIRGO c
stylized images,
communication.
modern world,
and symbols increasingly transcend other languages.
* O.AL/U
/
Symbol systems
Picture Writing
Ideograms These
Hittite
more
are a
throughout the world, picture writing represents the attempt at setting down words in a non-verbal, non-gestural
In cultures earliest
form of communication. Picture writing
differs
from drawing
in that
ideograms abstract
development of pictograms.
A
picture of
Cm
example, may mean the verb "to walk."
a foot, lor it
Kn G
uses a standardized set of picture signs, or "pictograms." These picture signs
came
to represent particular objects that
were then
y 6^0
easily
recognized by the reader. As the need for more complex forms grew,
word sounds were introduced, and in were combined to create a more complex script.
signs that represent actual
addition, simple signs
Clay tokens
have been unearthed in modem tablets
I'
Some
Iran.
Cameroon,
1,500 different symbols have been decoded,
most of them
c
i
Ox
Great
Bamum
Heart,
and
about
set
eating a written
language
relating
to agricultural
God
-I
These particular pictograms are quite modern, dating from the early 1900s. King Njoya of Bamum, in a remote area of
Seat
i
Large numbers of representational clay
and
h
Pictograms
These Sumerian tablets date from c.3000 bc.
Iraq
Sti
for his people has only
words,
single- syllable
commercial matters.
and so each sign
is
picture
also just
one
The meanings he symbols are
syllable.
Stone
'A
i
'I
i
fairly
C
easy to decipher,
Egyptian hieroglyphs Hieroglyphs,
3000
/iins/i
three scripts,
holdei
"sacred writings," originated long before
BC, but were not deciphered until the L9th century,
Rosetta Stone
Lucky eye The "wadjet eye," or Eye of Horus (sky god), was
literally
llll li
when
the
was discovered in Egypt. This had inscriptions m one oi them Creek, which could be translated and
compared with the hieroglyphs. Hieroglyphs are a combination of pictograms - mostly stylized drawings ol animals, plants, and flowers - and "phonograms," or signs representing sounds. This script was therefore a true form of writing in the modern sense.
thought to have ma.
powers 5cribes often included this symbol their writing for
in
good luck
Waiir
Cartolc
III
The names of Egyptian kings and queens were
&&
always enclosed in oval borders, known as cartouches. The cartouche
was
a
symbol of the
Km
ruler's
power, signifying that he
Reading hie stela A hieroglyphic text can
or she reigned over "all that the sun encircles." It
was
a
be read from
French
Egyptologist, Jean-
Francois Champollion, who in 1822 cracked the code of these particular royal hieroglyphs.
left
right, right to left, or
to
bottom
animals or people rhi
owl/
indicali (
2250
(Ion
fit
I
00
>/
/
[l
//Mr
s
tl tailing
thi
thi
om
i
•
•Hi
ring
oj in
.i
the King
foi
way
notion furu ral
th priest Mi
i
ra
to read
1
I
he symbols lell
hit
ol
h
[ere the faces point
to the right, so the
n
you W
to
top
.ul
1mm
tc.\t
is
to be
righi to
Icli
P
U
r
URE
Chinese
Mm vn
The
Mayan script is made up ol compounds ol
hinese script, the oldest script still in use toda) is more than 00 years old The c
!
T
1
N
i
The inscription records the no
.
Chinese characters also
and is a mixture pictograms and phonetic elements it is written in double columns from left to right and top to bottom. The hieroglyphs below are phonetic-syllabic -
include phonetic
they each contain
components and .in added element to characterize the word
several elements and sounds, and yet are
rulers
signs
•
earliest
\V R
ol
i
examples were
inscribed onto tortoise shells or carved into
ox bones Some pictographic elements remain, hut the
still
representational
ER
a/3
*J§
M
-
B
»
Some Chinese words are compounds, hems; the sum of two other «
BlRDES
H
^ X tse
It Q2P
aall
Uttle
SOITH
Dr-
Cherokee Cherokee
script
a B
was
invented in 1821 and
shows the influence the Latin alphabet a phono',. that
is,
ol
It
is
4
stem,
there
is
a clear
relationship between the written symbol and the in
sound shown
y T
here-
phonetic symbols
w (
I
Nl
(x) M
u
w
mor\
This panel comes from the temple of Yaxchilan. Jose to the present border between Mexico and Guatemala It depicts the sacrificial offering
G
ol
blood to bring lorth ancestral spirits ad) Xtx the wife ol ord Shield is gazing up at Yat-Balam, a spirit who has emerged from the jaws a huge double-headed serpent 1
i
Jaguar '
ol
Sm
[FORM
Ml
form
Bird
v
3000 bc
2400 bc
650
(
This
:
tor
of writing
more
thar
throughout the \
cl
I
-*T \KIOI
(
H
I
w
M ..wins raEHOGLVmSH H.
HTC4
LUCKVEYEa
JL
£ $ K
^r*
czz
—
ty
illy
P
to
1 I
in th'
MIII.MI
developed
m of put and
±
(
Babylonia It
^fl
klso
bc
with
a
but
I
1
I
MM
£±T
IT
I'l.
\S
I
Mom
rOCRAMS «»
I*
Symbol Systems
Numbers In
imbued with symbolic meaning. The practice of the study of their influence. Numbers have long been seen
most cultures numbers
numerology
is
Number systems
as expressions of
are
cosmic order, possibly deriving from ancient Babylonian
Devanagari Mosi Western languages use Arabic numerals. These derive from those written in Devanagari. the script used lor Sanskrit, the classical language ?i India.
observations of regular cosmic events, such as night and day, the phases of the
Viewed symbolically numbers represent more than quantities; they also have qualities. To the Greek mathematician Pythagoras, even numbers were feminine, divisible into two equal parts, and were considered passive: odd numbers were masculine, and active.
moon, and
<\
cycles of the year.
I
SEVEN
Row
rilREF
FOUR
«5
%
E1GH1
NINI
x9
%
v
3
* wo
* i
ive
o
\N
The Roman system uses seven alphabetical signs: Numbers are formed by 1, V, X, L, C, D, and M adding (6 = V+I = VI) or subtracting ^4 = less than V = IV). Larger numbers come from Latin words, foi example C=centum=100; M= mille= 1.000 1
I
OZero
VI
in ancient India.
was the
perfect form.
containing
all
from which created
and
all is
In Islam
limitless light
it
is
and the
Divine Essence.
number one
ITo be
IV
V
FOUR
il\l
VII
VIII
IX
X
Ik, 111
SIX
Spiritually,
HUN
HUND
forms of life. It also symbolizes the oneness to which all living things must return It is
Ml ISRI w Numerals
in lebrew read from orrespon d to the alphabet )ne alt ph; two the second; and so on
<
(
lettei
made up
and death,
light
dark, male
the
alue ol eac h
n
life
and
hell.
4
Four is the number ol the square the lour elements - earth, lire, water, and air; and the
complementary, such as
cardinal points ol the
with the Earth and with completeness. In medieval Europe human nature was characterized by the lour humors (seen abo phlegmatic, sanguine, choleric, and melancholic
[wo is the numb and conflict but .
ind marriaj
Three
I
ki
i
compass
oil
ei
It
i
assoc ialed
is
right is
oleft)
tlu
in tens
2
(au ph)
(GIMEI.)
NINI
n
(II III)
(heth)
5>
rwo
nikii
15
first letter.
Aftei the tenth
goes up
j
FOUR in)
Others
the Chinese yin and yang of discord
lettei
to
of
pairs as
eft
.
and female,
heaven and
1
.
cultures view the as
1
t
but also the individual
>pposing dualities:
mot SAND
FIV1
1
creation of the myriad
2 world
M
D
C
L
one stands
for the state before the
\
11
to be the best.
is
Many
3
III rilKll
was invented
Represented by a continuous circle, it signifies non-being and eternity. To Pythagoras it
II rwo
t
t IK. Ill
T
t
s|\l\
J t
sl\
mi Trim n
Three geometric shapes coming
Sacred to most religions, the
number
spress the
three
one
istian Trinity,
mbines the numbers one and two and so includes all life and experience. It is birth, life, and death; mind, body, and soul; past, present, and future; man. woman, and child.
God
m
three persi the Father, the Son,
and
the
1
I
I
Thus
Spirii
the
architectural
device Brahma,
Shiva
trefoil
found
Nl I'll \i's IKIDI \| The trident is a symbol
ol the
ol the is
in
often
churches
Roman
god. Neptune, possibl) representing the pasl the
ind the |
The indent ol the Hindu god Shiva future
Hindi trinity In India
sustain,
and
Brahma.
and d
ind Shiva form a ween them they create, in an endless cycle of birth
stands lor his function
5 As
the
in
ei
Satan
also holds a trident.
ol
two,
is many cultures human senses It
are five
and destro]
sum
three, a mas( uline
a
feminine number, and five is importani
numbei a (
symbol )n a
fol
human
man
["here
figure, a line
joining the head to outstretched arms ,u\i\ legs forms a pentagram Muslims pra) Fivetimesa
ind there are five pillars ol piety in Islam
02
N
l
\l
BI
RS
Nine 9 number is
the sacred tin I
multiplied by
itself to
give eternity, fulfiflmenl
cubic
first
perfect c
eight a at
at
life is
ruled h\
eight
months
Juki has milk
it
is
the
numbei
power
6 world
in six
(
iod
c
reatecl the
davs and rested on the seventh
epresents balance, love, health, and also luck, because it is the winning throw of a die.
~\
"I
Originall) the age entitled
countries), 21
in
considered a major landmark in life A symbolic
"I
«
T
3
n
y
which
many is
thi
person is allowed to buy and
at
dnnk
a
alcohol
Af\ Representing T" \J number 40
in ss
'.'.:>. ill
Buddhist wheel ol life has eight spokes, foi the eight-fold path to Enlightenment
1 r\ As the number JLVJihe lingers ten
of
as did that ol Christ in
is
and Noah's ark floated in the Flood foi 40 days and 40 nights ort) the wilderness,
also figures strongly in
the Bible there are ten
I
was aUo
commandments, ten nan plagues, ten
Each of the four phases ol the moon lasts seven days and there are seven days in the week
terms ol \ears the lews spent 40 years in the wilderness, and the reign
David and Solomon lOth 40 y<
ten is symbolic return to unilv
mi
ol the
am
signific
in
:is and ten lepers. According to some theories, in the decimal
four)
the
especiall)
Moses sojoum on Sinai lasted 40 da)
counting systems Ten
and earth (number
is
in the Bible
important
ol divinity
the
was
now lowered
is still
ol
a
three)
the
tizen
gh
countries this
Seven sacred number, 7 Seven union representing (number
«
at
I
the foundation ol most
is
at
5
1
1
procreation The the Bible.
an unlucky
\$
adulthood. In
eight year> he loses
the
J
1
there were
Supper. In Leonardo's fresi |esus has just announced that one ol the disciples will betray him. In ancient south America there weie 3 Mayan heavens and the Aztec calendai was divided into 13-da) periods
teeth;
at twice eight he readies maturity; and at 8 x 8 he loses
B
hristian countries
C
ke) signifies entry into
them;
Thi
In
fateful Last
Z. JL many
powei the nine-storied pagoda is a symbol ol heaven
number
hinese
he Norse
o! celestial
considered the
i-
tuna
i
8 numbei (2x2x2), eig^il
1
O
lj number because
god Odin hung for nine and nine nights on the tree Yggdrasil to win the secret ol the runes Kir mankind. In
wm nsvv> A- the
1
and
pillion
Ml NORAH
cr/"\ This
the
is
The branches candlestick
and celebration It maiks the completion
indicate the
ol
seven da)
and sanities new
of the )ewish
the
week
as the
and
beginnings
as well
live principal
£Lf\
Dv
The three shaped arms represent
wisdom I
I
I
-
I
marks the
his
ol the
:i
minute and hour, and led with time
strength,
and beauty
In
an
pt
it
long Si \|
in ih«
les
sun mi
planets
Will S WITHIN In Hindu phil<
seven
I
I
ile
\ Di \|)M SINS
Sm use
he seven deadly
rwo
i
|
glutton)
sloth.
.
in. lllKI
1 ~\ 1 Zm
lunterparts ol
i
he three il
mcnt
te the
multiple of the mascul -'ill
itual
and
ths ol the veai ;il
night
I
In
:
10
5
1
1 tribes ol
I-;
I
'
SEVI
.
list
2
'12 knights 'uistmas
and
I
catthlv Ol
and
irdinal
I
ind
I
ol the
2 disc iples,
•
1 /
I
Symbol Systems
Shapes Many
shapes
and patterns
&
Patterns
are universal.
For example, similar patterns
may
decorate objects separated by thousands of miles and thousands of years.
Symmetrical shapes appeal to our need for order,
intricate shapes,
such as
puzzles and knots appeal to an urge to unravel mysteries, and labyrinths
can express our need
to find
our true path, despite obstacles. Shapes
may
be mystical symbols. They are also often used symbolically in architecture
-
a
square temple surmounted by a circular dome, for instance, represents
the solidity of the earth topped
by the dome of the
sky.
Yantra or mandala Doors of perception
A
sacred Hindu diagram, the yantra is used as a focus for meditation. Concentrating on the geometric shapes draws the mind into the diagram and beyond, into ultimate reality. Yantras often form the basis for the ground plans of temples. The mandala is a circular yantra, usually enclosing a square.
The tour projections from the middle of each side of
Square within square
the inner square are the
The square represents the earth, solidity, order, and safety. It also represents the four compass directions and the balance of opposites. The immense Grande Arche in Paris seems to embody these qualities by its location, size, and function.
doors" oi the yantra,
through which the mind
may
enter or leave the center
during contemplation.
Where one square
sits inside another, the outer square symbolizes awareness of the physical world, the inner square the unconscious.
Stone circle Certain stone-age peoples haw Lett behind huge standing stones as monuments. The original function of the stone circle at
Stonehenge in England is still a mystery It was probably a lorm of temple, maybe representing the eye of a great goddess.
Star The
symbolizes darkness and wisdom shining through ignorance. To many people stars are the spirits of the dead, star
light in
set in the sky.
To
"reach
lor the stars" is to set
the highest goal. In the
US of
the star
is
a
badge
honor.
t——
r;
;*»;/
Shri Yastra, Nepal,
Circle
signify the unfolding of
meditating on the yantra
1
700
Triangle
The enclosing circles serve to unify the opposing triangles. They are made up oflotus petals to reality as perceive.!
c.
The upward-pointing
triangles
represent the male principle
and the downward-pointing triangles the female
A Am
mm
Ik ^k
'
i[>l'
i
Hk
show
I
hey
interloc k
the creative activity of the cosmos.
to
104
Wheel
Longevity
This wheel, which is one ol twelve from the base of the Sun Temple at Konarak, India, symbolizes samsara, the endless round ol
This
existence.
Buddhism
The wheel in is a symbol
Buddhist law, or doctrine, set in motion
is sJiou,
one of the
three ways of representing the Chinese
symbol
for longevity or immortality. It is often seen with other
symbols ol longevity, such as the pine or the
when
ol the
tortoise
m the Buddha's sermon.
with a peach, it is a wish foi a long and happy marriage
lust
paired
Shapes
Patterns
S\\ \STIKA The swastika is a very ancient and auspicious
with complicated
lilt R-Dl
symbolism associated with the sun Found in
Emblem
-l
ol
is
Almond
French
most pans of the world, it is especially popular
monarchy, the
However, in West it is now a symbol of evil because
ins. Legend also claims an angel gave a lily to
de-lis
in India
the
of
(
association with
its
may
lovis,
be
known
Also
allied
mandorla, the almondshaped halo is formed from two intersecting circles It is used to symbolize Christ's ascension to heaven.
Kingot the
Franks, in AD
Adolf Hitler
a
fleur-
-Wo when
he accepted Christianity
as the
Knot r
lMRESMOi: '
Energy was once believed to flow in spiral form. The spiral symbolizes masculine and feminine energy and the energy of both sun and moon. ll is the great swirling force of the whirlwind and the movement of the heavens. It is a manifestation of the energy in nature, and is related to the powerful imagery of the serpent. The spiral also symbolizes the circhngs of the soul,
which eventually return
This engraving by Leonardo da Vinci is, like a yantra, a contemplative diagram It is a knot made from a single thread that, if followed, will lead to one's inner self. The knot binds, but also holds the promise ol r lease. A knot can be tied for protection, and to "tie the knot means to get married.
to the center, or truth
Triskele This Chinese bears the il,
drum
triski
which,
like
was symbol
the swastika originally a
fortune represent the
movemeni
It
ol the I
ol
may sun
lis
\\KII
nkh iik lent
I
is
>ymbo ombining au cross
\/so
S/l
an
gyptian
Mv.
i
M the
si
utn
ol the
mms and
Maze The
•
the oval ol the labyrinth, has appeared in the art ol the
editerranean >n people peopli •chere truth h' is
gyptians, Indians path leading
ss Isis
signified
I
difficult to enter,
n find their
in dr.
i
ting
bui also difficult to
way through
life
I
103
I*
Irivscii I*
It
i
(
it
S\\ \sllk\
it
was adopted b) t optk hristian church in
puzzles, with the path ir
.nnth
1
^
VMKV
I*
[
Symbol Systems Orange
Color
Like red,
orange symbolizes
We
are surrounded by color, and
flames, but
immediate visual effect on our senses has powerful emotional and symbolic overtones. its
Red is equated with blood, lor instance, and green with grass. The two colors traditionally associated with death are black and white. Though it differs from culture to culture - and even from
- color symbolism
person to person
is
Certain colors, such as
Red
and are considered Inch' and
lire,
(
which contain
O
to
be soothing. Rainbows,
^W^
Bi
it is equated with love and happiness.
universal.
the color ol life - of blood, passion, and war It is worn
is
and china as a good luck and fertility. calendars marked holy days in red,
hristian
inbol ol
hence red-letter days. Bui reel is also the color of danger and warning signs are often marked in red
the full spectrum, are viewed as lucky
White
Japan
b\ brides in India
s\
stimulating; others, such
and tend
i
White symbolizes purity and perfection, also the Absolute.
the color
Saffron robes It
is
most associated with
sacredness: sac
i
ific ial
animals are
Jlhu» ^B W ^^^^
West,
death, mourning,
much
has
Ghosts are thought
to be white
because it is a color that conceals nothing \ while flag signals truce, and therefore peace
the underworld. In
I
Rl
linduism,
S)
Kali, the terrible
ol destruction, (.
him
goddess is
black.
n represents
I)
1
AC.
1
mbol
ol
revolution
and the communis! party, the red Hag was firsi raised during the
and
the north
colored robes ol Buddhist monks to indicate that they have taken vows ol humility and renunciation
also
Ii
with
ins
a
magic
In
These young initiates wear the sallron-
black
often white. In the Western world brides usually wear white, but it is the color ol mourning in ol Asia.
and
splendor. In China and
Red
red, advance,
as blue, retreat,
among the most
also luxury
n< h
Revolution.
It
was adopted during
winter.
the Paris
(
ommune
in
and then by the Russian communists I
Red devil Sine e
Brown
medieval limes
Satan, or the Devil, has
Brown
been depicted wiib red lollies 01 skm Red is
the earth
symbolizes
i
and
the color ol hellfire
fall.
It
is
and damnation and
also, as the color ol the
also ol unbridled
earth, humility
passion And
Hon
and
degradation.
lust
red
celebrate
1
mass
a
ommemorating J
I
I
jewelr)
c
made
a black,
stone,
martyrs, a
UK
151
ol jet,
1
hose
i
in
mourning in Victorian Queen Victoria I
ngland,
in
(
thought
s
Si \ll S-SYMBOl
her death,
isso
ual
i
brighl jewelr) sho\ I
the
ind this led to a fad foi
jel
hrisi
s
Passion
perp 1
husband
oloi symbolizing shed blood Red is
also the color ol
limes "I
wears
a red chasuble, the
51
was commonly
used b)
hristian
priesl
1
RED
iation "I red with 'Hi
men! makes
ii
\
irilit)
one
ol
danger, and the mosl
.ii colors loi flashy sports cars - the ultimate symbol ol masculine success in wealth) countries
jewelry.
Monk In the
Middle Ages
blown was the color mourning Several (
ol
hristian orders
adopted u to signify u ileal from the world
Lid white Sometimes called the Madonna Lily, the v lily is a symbol of purity and the The iditionally depicted with wl she a
i
baptism, and
I
mn
I
06
(
i>
In Islam
OR
Green
Yellow Yellow
1
and the sun
gold, light,
Green
golden yellow represents advice, while pale
and i- used warning
the most visible color internationally for
ROl SMI IOW Since the Middle Ages
U
TRl
111
yellow has
come
to
Europe and
agnify, in
bet aval i
color
pring and represents
It
hope and
and watei blue symbolizes calm,
and the
reflection,
is
It
JO)
i
ol the sk\
ol life,
youth.
i
As the
the color
wisdom and good
yellow is deceit and betrayal. In yellow is the color ol envy and disgrace, and in Europe it is associated with cowardice. In China yellow was the coloi ol royalty Yellow is
Bi
is
associated with ecologj
intellect
the concern with
infinite,
preserving the earth s resources However, green also represents deca) and jealous) In
from which
It
%
America
t
Pi RIM
I
West purple signifies royalt) and imperial powe In the
I
did in ancient represents pride and
grandeui
50 |Us!icC
also the
is
and the void all life
develops.
Dll D
I'l
RIM
1
Greece purpli extracted From mollusks, was In ancient
a luxur) that onl) the rich
could afford Thus the now symbolizes wealth
Christianity it is the color ol the Trinity
^
Here judas envelops
treachery |esus
oak
m
his yellow
as he
identities
with a
him Bi
kiss, a
i
symbolism would have been e\ idem to
Renaissance
MOM
I
1st
\MIC GREEN
.
i
ecu Nlam
color,
is
pigment
Mesopotamia
Pi RIM
The
ceilings
s
lor
i
\KI
ington
uaied the
S mil
I
firsi
medal, a heart-shaped badge purple cloth It was revived in 1° 52 as the Purple ol
ci
signified divine favor
Mean, awarded
lor purity
wounded
The crescent became a symbol ol Islam in the 14th century and the star was latei added as a symbol ol sovereignty
viewers.
III
I
In 1782
.
decorating temple
xkred combined
with white
a
highly prized in
Pakistan s Hag declares the nation s faith i
lapis lazuli
produced
priests that they
should attest him. The color
I
Ground
sign to the chiel
to thi
or killed in battle
Pl\K In
Western
traditions, pink
is
the
color ol flesh, and hence sensuality A softer tone ol red,
105-6
it is primarily associated with the feminine.
Bl
t
-skiwi
i
i)
cod
Rama, jn incarnation ol the lindu god I
Baby pink More muted than red. pink suggests sensualit) in a lesssiw was
Vishnu,
CiRI
GO
\ lOR
1
Green
used
is
hma
was
it
it
represents the vastness
heavens
Bill DOMl The blue
lor railroad it
was
dome
ol the
stars,
|
represents
the heavens
I
1
with the
|
I
I
s|
|\
i
m
|
I
emblem
ol the
i
Baby
the
girls
j
often
diesscd m pale pink, in contrast to the traditional
pale blue loi boys
that
<.
hrisi
^H
^k
W
V
^^^^
Gra)
is
associated with
s
areas
In
i
considered gra)
hristianit) gra) represents the
immortality religious
ol the soul .\n^\ is
all
Si
hie
III
( i
OLOR Ol hlorophyl
plants ;
II
I
It-
the
- the
\
ih,
Blue
H
A
Lily
white
logo I
KLSO
I
stylized
m
i-
Kl
I
the Vegetanan So<
moon
b)
gi
seedling tonus the
ind
worn
groups
dominion em ompasses
emp<
ow
Tie
gloom
and depn ssion Bui as a balance kiween black and white il is the color of mediation rhings
thai aie noi certain arc
ios^
indicating
I
he
girls
siill
M
ol this
Russian church with its gold
symbolic
young
is
originally
masculine principle the power ol tile sun During the ( h ing dynast) 1644- Ni only the his 18th-century emperor could wear yellow imperial throne cushion is decorated with is
an appropriate
ol the
IOW
yellow
is
giving the go-ahead Along with red and
adopted on the road
(.
aie
Blue
signaling before
[MFI KIM 111
much-loved incarnation coloi tor Vishnu, since
used
In
traditional coloi foi
universall) as a sign
yellow
Pink
is usually depicted with blue skin, as is Krishna, another
iiu
V
«
i
ol
iet)
reasingl)
Ri n
i
Western draw attention
the
world to to manufacture
S\U rian
imption
1
11
H,.\
I
I
Symbol Systems
Alchemy Alchemy, the medieval forerunner of chemistry, was a richly symbolic science that united practical discovery with a mystical view of nature. The goal of alchemists
was
to discover the Philosophers Stone, or the Elixir of
which would create gold from base metals. This hange was known as transmutation, but could also be
Life,
understood as
a
One
was to unite opposing elements, such water and fire, earth and air, the four primary elements. The fifth element or essence,
way of achieving as
quest for spiritual perfection. it
"quintessence," symbolized the spint.
CADl'CEUS
Early alchemists
According to alchemical lore,
Mercury,
messenger of the gods, magic wand between two warring
cast his
tail of the dragon a dragon, or more often a serpent. eating its own tail is known as the uroboros The dragon was a symbol of the god Mercury and the circle a powerful symbol ol the eternal cycle oi nature Because the uroboros recreates ttsell by feeding on its own body, it is a symbol of transforming matter, i.e. alchemy itself.
The
In
alchemy
serpents.
They
coiled
themselves around it. forming what is called the caduceus, a symbol ol
opposing forces
held in balance.
Alchemists were philosopher-chemists. Their goal was to distill an elixir that would transform common metals, such as lead, into gold.
Through
their ceaseless
laboratory experiments, they forged a path for
modern chemistry.
Alchemical symbols made up of The symbol for water flows down like water, the symbol for fire rises up like flames. Sulfur and mercury are often paired together as masculine and feminine symbols repectively. The sun was the symbol Alchemists believed earth,
fire,
water,
of gold; the
moon
all
and
matter was
air.
of silver.
Water
A
Mercury
M
Fire
-
o |.
Seal of Solomon
IMMOR1
This six-pointed star, one of the most powerful magical
persecution,
symbols of all time, combines the alchemical
alchemists developed a complex vocabulary
signs for
fire
and water. As the water
descends and the
1M8
See a lso
of symbols to convey
knowledge. This diagram shows what an alchemist must do their
Caduceus «• brooch
Philosopher's Stone,
Phoenix
The
the key to immortality.
This mythical bird
therefore,
The alchemist brings
represents the union of the four elements in the quest for the Philosopher's Stone.
together
all
I
the vital
elements around him water and fire, earth
and
i
i
to arrive at the
seal,
Mylius,
Because of fear of
ascends, air and earth are created fire
D
IL1TY
air.
1
VIC Ml
lapius59 MISTS t* D 39
is
the alchemical symbol ol In medieval legend, the
rebirth through fire phoenix lives in Arabia but flies to Egypt, the home of alchemy, to undergo its ritual death and regeneration Here it cradles the all powerful elements ol lire and watei under its wings
OH
\KI\
Di 40;
Phoenix is Seal
oi
I
Solomon 115
»
& Freemason r\
Alchem\
Freemasonry Free anp Ac
c
i
pted
members belong
Ma>ons form
to a
the world's oldest association ol
men
lodge presided over by a master and wardens.
principles, or craft, as freemasonry Initiation rites, or degrees,
is
called,
concern the
Its
Its
good men. Temple of Solomon and
to "build"
is
biblical
use the stonemason's tools as symbols of personal or spiritual growth.
Pi
1MB RULE Apron
Builders use the plumb rule
Masonic aprons arc richly decorated emblems ol they hark back to the lambskin apn worn by stonemasons in ancienl times fha the (.rand Mastei bears the sun - as the sun rises in the East announcing the da) so too the ( Irand Master opens a lodge, sitting in the Hast.
in obtain true verticals.
Masons symbol
Square This
Level The
Masonic emblem \s essential tools of a
stonemason, the square and torn pass have become the main symbol of freemasonry Together they help create belter citizens
level
is
used
to las
bricks horizontally. is
the
symbol
Senior
is
the
emblem
ol a
Warden and
signifies equality
It
is
is
a
ol
rectitude,
ol
a Master of a Lodge
office,
For
it
'
indicating
h
an instrument that
their upright
gathers scattered elements into order, and so represents a
behavior the a
Warden
moral code
It
emblem
is
of
lunior
ol a
I
odge
Hit- all-sei ing eye, with
The sun, representing the Jti\
light,
an ancient
,
sym]
Utl
representing night
Tracing board The principles
ol
freemasonry are explained to new members using tracing boards covered with symbols This tracing board, with its three pillars of
strength,
wisdom, and beauty,
represents the
degree
firs!
ol initiation
into the fraternity
/U(.l/>
N
/ill/./.
I
Thi-. ,,'nn.\ l\ (h t
-
brln.
Sign language Solomon s temple is
polh.i'ljitiifh.
»i(h the three principal
S)
lull ol
mbols with u inding
stairs
representing an internal path the individual musi limb )n eithei side are the t
(
man's secrets and an eai ignifying plent) fhe trowel cements" brotherhood kc\ to
(
itmpuss paints
1
/inul piiinh n/
on tht
/
PUki
UMn
US
OOI
I
\R
HII
I
Si
hlsl
SlGN
Washington, w reemason He adopted I
(
hr< hi >./ pari
mrnl
(to
km
ILSO
1
Wc.l
is,.
v..
I
BOARD
I
a
symb
freemasonr) su< h as the
I
I
pyramid
denote knowlt
•
and wisdom and the I
all
seeing
Aim
I
OK
rican nation
I
S ooi
1
\k
Bll
'
1
1
Symbol Systems \
Divination To
and predict
see into the future
DIVINING >\\
I..
i
AND MICK
the course of events
a desire that
is
has preoccupied humankind from time immemorial. In some countries,
animal entrails and oxen's shoulder blades are
answers
examined
still
and the West the
for signs
to questions, as are the feeding habits of chickens. In
richly symbolic system o{ the Tarot, with
Pendulum A pendulum
pictorial
its
used
representations of situations or states of mind, has
discovering metal
areas of
popularity,
its
human
life,
can be
dowsing -
objects or water
and the medieval art of casting runes has reemerged. The ancient art oi palmistry, in which the lines etched on the human palm stand for
regained
for
beneath the earth's surface. In especially ^killed hands, a
Divination bowl
pendulum can even be
Among
suspended over
continues to flourish everywhere.
a
map
to locate lost items.
Yoruba of bowl is filled with sand and then the
Nigeria, a
tapped with
The
The ouija board is a means of getting in
interpreted by a
While
see this as a
others use
futui.
3T
tp ol
peopli
ther
touching a hette and In their titration call
down it
a spirit thai uses
to spell out
particular
answ ' '
lv
Reading hands A developed mount
the lines ol the
Saturn
reveal a persi is
very old.
As well
Difl
as the lines,
shapes of the fingers and the "mounts" all
is
the
t
In
ol
I
\I.
at
the
Mount
mounts
Jupiter stand
I
I
\
I
EAVES
was on<
It
e
in
'land
have one's lortune told by means of
oj Venus inu,
''all',
kmd-h,
tmay
ti
»/ the
lli.
(o
drunk
i
i.
hand
the traditional
method
of looking
into the futuri '.he
of a
pool
ink
a
palmistry haractet and written in the lines ol tin- hand. The palm contains numerous lim thn which - the head line, the heart line, and the
I
three time
i
life is
liquid thi
line
i
bi fori
mi,
,
i
i
|
Omni in
i
iiirowinc,
si
hinese temples
women one
(
shaking
sin k
i
divination,
<.
it is
ground
sinks The one thai falls firsl and hooks provide detailed
men and
ks until In this type ol
ryptk messages are
interpretations
to see
ylindrical pots ol
latters to the i
sucks common
sin.
attai
is all
hed
to the
important,
_ ca
^^^
iIm
was pound
pattern
-are deemed particularly importani The strength and lengi indicate h [ships, and ovi uny. life
was
one >poon remained in i
future
a
i.
until jusl
the up he up would then be rotated
mimry
)
into
he
n ated
by
the leaves thai lefl behind formed the basis 1
i
.1
the
n adei
interpretation
I
I
ol
ommi mi "
I
to I
show
to
the world toda)
(
iveness
su
mount
he way they scratched then loud anil ale
divination is still pra< in ed in parts
two
whut
P\t
times sacred
whether or not the gods approved ol a particular plan. A similar form ol
i
for ambition
i\
divination
Roman
was thought
rson's
pi
Arab count
I
coops and observed
•imt oj
tommunuutr
In
DEV1I
I
ability to
Oil
IN
spec ially constructed
he-
reveals a
loped
i
chickens were used as messengers ol the gods. he) were placed in
personality
play a part in the diagnosis.
and
iMAN D
Roman
of
si
hardworking
forms of palmistry appear in ancient Chinese and Jewish texts.
S
€
D
character
rain.
lightly
usually of the future.
hand
the tribe can
seriously
it
have lost or to ask questions about the
"pictures,"
The idea that
i
water
to locate
when
expec
to contact those they
gazes into the
and sees
or
A
lortune telling. ball
where
the spirit world
harmless pastime,
Europe the crystal ball is often used in divination and is now a classic symbol of
medium
diviner to answer questions such as
to
represent contacl with
many
Crystal spheres can concentrate the ra the sun and so have come to represent divine light and celestial powers. In
resulting sand
Formation can be
touch with the dead
and has come
Crystal ball
a stick.
OUIJA BOARD
Wl
1
rELLINGl
Divination MO\|s
Rl INI
Casting nines tor divination originated in Iceland in the Middle Ages and has recend) come back into There arc 24 runes, each with a symbolic
The language of the Tarot
.
Tarot cards probably originated in the East
They entered Europe more than 500 years ago. The cards consisi of 22 major arcana, or trump cards. m\^\ 56 minor arcana, the mi *^ two sets possibl) originating separately They present a picture oi a personality and symbolize die soul's joume) along four parallel paths toward spiritual enlightenment.
meaning, plus a blank one lor ihe unknown The order in which the runes fall dictates their meaning
D
M :
$
The
1
i
XVII. n
l
"
*""*
*
*
*
*JV*
f^k
l>
L'fiTOILE .hild
Du
I
Dice have been thrown in divination since ancient times and arc bols ol
luck or chance In this method ol looking into the future, three dice are
When
thrown
they fall, the numbers that they reveal and the order in which the dice ile of meanings This in turn pi or mterpi of the qu. I
I
\/so
S/l
lll\(.
(
H
iinese divina'
(
kum
IAI
i
i
>ut in
Du n
6
Hi
hfferent
i
I
be M
I'
of
i
Ml
(
1
i
meaning I'm
mi
ii.
's
i
R,.\|\S DIVINATH
I
Ml
Im.'i
I
\M.I i
\,.l
01
I
1MI
Symbol System? Wheel of fortune
Astrology
This astrological wheel shows 12 "houses." each representing one-twelfth of the heavens at the time of birth. The outer
the idea that the movements of the sun. the moon, and the planets through the heavens influence our lives goes
signs; the inner
gave the Jupiter,
five
known
own
deities,
their
to each. Fire signs
the
and
are energetic
water signs are emotional and forceful;
and the Romans
intuitive; air signs are
objective
- Mercury. Venus, Mars, names that we still use today
planets
and Saturn -
shows the
ring
element assigned
gods and goddesses with the power and attributes of the heavenly bodies. The Greeks saw them as representations of their
shows the
ring
back thousands of years. As early as 3000 bc, the ancient Mesopotamian civilizations recorded the movements of these celestial bodies, and endowed
and
logical;
earth signs are practical
and
WHl
reliable.
Everything under the sun Our Sun
sign
is
the astrological sign of the zodiac that
Sun
is passing through at the time of our Using symbolic language, the Sun sign in astrology describes how we express ourselves most naturally. The Moon in astrology is the feminine counterpart of the Sun. It represents our emotional responses and our links with the past
the powerful
birth.
The
S
SPEND-
MONTH
IN
EACH
Z0D1AI
Mar 21-April 20
C\ft I
^
r
Aries Courageous. passionate,
Tauri
"J ^^•^
Those born under this
eanh
assertive, Aries
/T|
s
sign are
said to be practical
people are inclined
reliable, yet with
to rush into things.
a
This
Sensuous Taureans
fire
sign
is
stubborn
and
streak.
associated with spring
have a love of beauty
- a time of renewed growth and energy.
and may have
Ubra Sept 24-Oct 23
Scot
•"% £
Libra The symbol
beautiful voices.
fYJ I w Ir **
scales
'
Leo Jul 23-A
I.
Ol MINI satile
Scorpio Intense and passionate, with a love
tfS
and
/^•^
quick-witted, those born under the sign of the twins can also be changeable. Geminis
home-loving types shell
communicative people and need to know what is going on around them
^
Enthusiastic,
r
direct,
and
need harmony and
stronL
are
up
cord.
when
for their
lally
thr
restless
becomes
likes to
powerful
and
I
I
friendly nature.
2
private, the
practical Yirgoan
pays attention to
and
well prepared.
very close family
i
traveling
and quite
loach a
dramatic.
and
loyal, Leos generous and
20
21-FEB19
Capricorn
Aquarius
Cautious and
Independent and with a
disciplined
i
streak.
mist
Aquarians are
who
-
Cautious
detail
ol the
2
Virgo
I f
personality with a
have
ties.
\W% * X^V
be the center
Warm
C
if life
routine,
many enjoy
Leo
many Cancenans have
apncorn is hardworking and has a marked lire succeed Those born under this sign can hange or be high climb
Sagittarians love to learn. With a
me
The typical
the earthy
Sagittarians can
known
Leo
of attention and can a
:
24—S
water sign is associated with the family, and
adventurous,
great desire for freedom,
moderation, they react
4 have
upset. This
\/lQ y*^t ™^X
Sagittarius
^^
Scorpios are loyal and private people
Charming and
if
-
of mystery and secrets.
diplomatic. Librans
who
will retreat into their
indicates that justice
important to Librans.
WCER sensitive,
and
fairness are
(
Cancenans are said to
are
22
-
/
••
21
^y
/
enthusiastic,
and
M
2
Moon
The
likes to
may
Virgoans
be
take a
special interest in their health
and
diet
-20FtB-2i
P
X
Pisces I
he typical
Pisces
is
imaginative and intuitive and has
rarely subscribe to
very compassionate nature The fish
conventional views
symbolism
individualists
(
nampions
ol
new
a
trie
i
reflec ts
he slipper) hangeable
at
i
causes, their opinions
and
can appear dogmatic
quality ol the sign
i
ASTROL Pi \\I
the ten planets (the
i
common
sign the planet occupies
everyone
to
UNDE1
birth, its
at
OX
ffljl^
Utl
0Sl
every 12 years according to a lunar calendar
I
N central
creative Force in the
zodiac, the
Sun has masculine attributes and is linked with rulers and lathers associated with and its metal
the heart
The Sun _:n ol Leo
ild
rules
^^^
Moon
.^^
Associated with mothers.
j ^ MM
it
thai begins
around January/February The
the body,
%
largest
known planet. Jupiter
represents expansion. exploration, and the
tire, air,
disciplined
metal, and water.
Rat
Jupiter The
iiu ster,
signs are further defined by 5 elements,
wood,
The
It is
is based on the year of Each of the 12 animal signs occurs
birth.
makes, eolor the expression ol its energies Below are the main symbols and associations for each planet
and the aspects
position,
>
The Chinese system
M
a satellite) represent basic drives or
characteristics thai arc
The
I
Chinese astrology
Sun and Moon
planets, although technically a
treated
and
> <
\RY RULERS
I
In.noastrology,as star
i
B ° AI
1948) The rat is ambitious, hard-working, and liable to accumulate money. Rats may be reserved and shy
^ttfc. ~"'S bom
1959) under hose the boar tend to be
g
I
soc iable, Loyal,
with
reliable
and
a
passionate nature.
search lor knowledge
and meaning |upiter s associated body part is the liver, and it rules Sagittarius and Pisces.
%
Saturn Once
I^T
s-^- Dog cHl (e.g
19"
(e.g
The intelligent and hard-working ox can
Dogs
affectionate, honest,
and
be stubborn. But once aroused, an ox's leehngs are deep.
m^f >f^
known
The
planet,
are
but can be
inflexible.
J^ ^^
Tiger 1962)
(e.g
They
loyal
objective
the
farthest
I
are intelligent,
RoosiER 1957)
(e.g
Disciplined and good
tiger takes risks,
usually born
and childhood, the
Saturn represents
but
Moon
order, limitation, and
lucky. Tigers have a
the rooster can be
responsibility It is associated with the skeleton and the skin,
sensual nature and
eccentric, but has a
olten act
is
the Sun's
feminine counterpart Linked to the stomach and womb, its metal is silver
The Moon
rules
the sign of Cancer.
and rules Capricorn and Aquarius
k^A*
2 the
i
h\
Fast-
moving
the urge
a
i
\kn 20th CENTURY
"jM^' £ j
pursues a comfortable
time
ol
lifestyle
bf\£
Vft^L
Dragon
^
oXXSP
YEARS
Snvki
V,
g 1940) are strong(e
Shit teg 1943) i'
this sign
easily
unpredictable charat
makes them populai
new
dramatic change. It is the ruler of Aquarius.
and either marry young or stay single
are as
m, Mercury rules Virgo and Gemini
and
^f ™
II 'I'M
icg 1990)
generous, the horse is a popular and rather
to be secretive.
ideas,
settled latei
Freedom-loving, good-
are usually successful,
They
more
humored, and
individual freedom,
fiery.
W^ ~
conceited mon can be promiscuous when young, but is
loving, with a tendency
with the shoulders, arms, and nervous
Dragons and
1992)
leg. 1953) Snakes are pleasure -
willed
They energetic and
self-reliant as
dragons.
tei
Those born under tend to
hun
leel
heii
I
compassionate nature
Mapping the S
The planet of
I
A WHEEL OF
and social unrest, Uranus represents
9Vfai
Z<
This Nepalese zodiac displays the 12 images ol the Chinese system in the outer circle and the 8 sacred Buddhist symbols in the central circle
and communicate Linked to understand
\\\ si
and lucky, and olten
Discovered only in the late 18th century at revolutions
/^ The charming and (e.g
\\\
is artistic,
thoughtful, intelligent.
represents
mind and
_— MONK1 Y
1987)
*\i^ Uranus
^S
Mercury
rabbit
sense of humor.
Rabbit (e.g.
organizing others,
at
on impulse
rT^^ The
Merc
is
ll
attraction,
|
Neptune.
^^^^ rj^^ J~
discovered
middle
beauty.
Nth
sk) the patterns created by the st.us .
in the
and cooperation, Venus also represents
the
what we value
intangible
skii s
As men and women gazed up at the night
Neptuni
I
suggested familiar ob|c'cis oi animals
ol
century,
symbolizes the
I
named
he)
the
st.its
kidneys and
extraordinarj The planet ol fantasy and
natural ruler of Taurus
dreams. Neptune rules
what the) loi lion and iemini lor twins - and included these ima
and Libra
the sign ol Pis
m
It
is
f K
in life
linked to the is the
*f
"m
1
Mars imed
and
el'i
according saw - eo
the
I
(
i
Si)
Pluto
the
(
represents powerful.
maps
heir early
ro
t
to
\/X(>
HINE5I />'DI\( «*
Hindi ZODIAI
'
i
'
hidden ttina
the the
pio,
with the head
and with
I
beyond out control, .md is nan
Roman
underworld :
with
Pi ini
gi It
IISTRY is
win
ii
n
CM
is«110
.'.
life,
103;
wal,
ll >
I
I
\
"I
^Hl'hi
'
1
1 -)
Symbol Systems
Status symbols
Heraldic Emblems One of the most colorful and There
is
no
attractive uses of
limit to the variety of devices
symbols
in heraldry.
is
used - plants, animals, humans,
Since coats of arms are ultimately granted by the "fount of all honor," the Crown, they have come to represent power and authority
-
royal, inherited, or civic.
grouped in a coat of arms or as a flag to represent a family, business, or nation. The practice of heraldry began in medieval times when symbols were used to identify knights on a battlefield or jousting in tournaments. It soon became a highly complicated system that had to be strictly regulated. This was done by the kings messengers, the heralds, which is why it is called heraldry.
and inscriptions
mythical beings, geometric shapes, colors,
are
Vivid language Heraldic devices are described in a
language called "blazon." It uses terms such as "shield," "charge" (a symbol on the shield), and "supporter" (a figure on
Arms of Henry
VIII
At the time of Henry VIII. the Bntish royal coat of arms bore the English lion and the Welsh dragon. The unicorn of Scotland was not represented since Scotland was then a separate kingdom.
either side of a shield).
Lion
Eagle
The
The double-headed
so-called king of
beasts
is
symbol
a natural
eagle
ot royalt)
is
of Byzantine
Roman)
(late
origin.
Dog
Trappings of chivalry Knights and their horses dressed sumptuously for battle or tournament. They wore their heraldic symbols on their shields, armor, and surcoats. A surcoat was the garment worn over the armor, and from it we get the term 'coat of arms."
Bear
ibol ol faithfulness
In Central
European
and
heraldry the bear, standing for strength, often replaces the lion
loyalty, a
dog may
Minify a Crusader.
Arms or mi Swinton Crested
family
Dating from the 12th century, the Swinton family arms have evolved from a single boar "rampant" (upright) into a herd of six, acquiring along the
eagle Crests were onginally heraldic
way
the mottos
"1
hope" and
"1
think."
symbols mounted on helmets.
An
eagle,
symbol of German power, crowns an early 20thcentury Prussian
i
officer's
helmet.
/
Cadency marks On
English coats of
arms these symbols represent the rank H PLATE, 1
5th century
•ON
a family.
Mixed signals The charges" on this "shield" are a castle, denoting the Spanish city of Castile, and a lion, for the city of Leon. Trie surrounding decc. ation is of ongin, reflecting Spain's Moorish heritage.
3rd son
of each son within
%>
c
LrLn7
4m
-
1
14
-
©
Arms of the City of Liverpool Neptune and
a
merman,
the "supporters," rein
long history as a port, as does the ship The liver bird (similar to a cormorant), is a visual pun, a device in heraldry called "canting to Liverpool's
Herai.dk' Emblems
Asian badges of honor Japan is the only nation that uses a .similar system ol heraldry to thai ol Europe, and u also developed in the 12ih centurj Japanese heraldic
"mons," and are usually circular. The red sun on the lapanese Hag is the mon ol the Land ol the Rising Sun Symbolic patterns were also used on Chinese eourt dress to denote rank.
symbols
are called
I
\A1IYI
HI
R1VATJ
[MP! RIA1
LOWER
I
The chrysanthemum is
Official's drfss ach round pattern on this Chinese coun coat is made up of good luck symbols. The Manchurian crane was a symbol of longevity, and was supposed to
the national flower
|apan and a symbol of long life and ol
I
prosperity. The lopetaled flower is the cresi ol the
emperor.
other imperial males use a 14-petaled mon.
carry the immortals
through the
air.
Whue
cranes were embroidered on the u>uri robes ol civic officials ol the
tourth grade. Here they are encircled
by clouds and tiny bats, the
bats being
i
symbols of
I
happiness.
WHI
Flags Using
range of colors, lorrns. emblems,
a
and designs,
flags represent a
wide variety
of different peoples, hut prohahly the
best-knoun
flags are those ol nation stales
M
South Korea
\\\i
\i
Malawi s flag is taken from the arms ol the formei colon)
moon,
many
Hags,
sometimes
<
representing royalty he rising red sun in I
the top
band
ol
I
ol
Nyasaland
PlRUI
I
i
the vm-vang symbol id the entei represents the two universal opposing - ol faoism he foui trigrams ol the ng represem sun,
The sun appears on
earth,
US
w
But The dragon to those thai
appeared
on Chinese Hags
-
reminder that this Himalayan kingdom in its
language,
own Druli
I
the
and
^
I
loi
added
lawaii, «
I
in
1
\/m>
See
no mere) would be shown to victim The winged hourglass arm and sword, I
signified death
ioi+i
Sri \\k\ The lion emhl'
(
I
w \l)\
maple >m mal
w
Hi (
I
|s|<\|
blazin
I
the
emblem
ol the
MI'K
he siai
ol
the
ition;
bath
the centei
li
I
1
national
In
from
f|
blue stripes tlu
;
come iwl
Kl \ he sword and
will!
1
I
,
I
I
VI. s I
Ol
i
M.I
•.
in
(
I
I
I
v..
i
I
I
the
an an< warrioi huntei trib he colors are iho
Kin KIM FLOWEI
1
the ai
main
is
political
the time ol
independ
bol
kl
M
I
Da\ id religious syml aits represem
hold;:
merit ol the
representing the red maple, is the
mi
\K\IS oi
IVERPOOI
I
Zairi he hand
ol siais
iiu
\sl(,\
skuli
i
nased with he each new state
it
the
number
I
heaven
1
the original
loi
stales ol the union, but s
has
means and ol the Thundei Pi agon
and
I
stand
is
a
name
s Hag is the most he modified flag in the he world stripes I
similai
kn>
i
I
ION
I
i
I
mbol Systems
Si
International Signs The notion of a picture being "worth a thousand words" is borne out by the vast number of signs and symbols that now represent words and phrases throughout the world. Take, for example, the no smoking sign. The red circle with its diagonal line Peace cross
over a smoldering cigarette
New York
Treble de]
it
own
notation, have evolved over centuries as virtual languages in their
Organizations The Red Cross The International Red Cross was founded in Geneva in 1863 to provide medical relief to all during wartime. Its
The present system ol representing music has evolved over hundreds of years. At the end of the Roman period a system was devised using the letters A-G to represent the 7-note scale. The standardization of the 5-line stave, used to determine pitch, came about in the 17th century.
as instantly recognizable in
is
would be in Kathmandu. This sign, like traffic signs or the CND peace symbol above, has been designed to communicate immediately and effectively; other signs, such as mathematical and musical as
Musical notation
+
The plus
appealed
first
in
German)'
in
489
1
used
In
|ohn
\\
idman.
• «
formed by reversing the colors and symbol
division
In
I
mbol \\a-~ invented in L668 b)
of the Swiss flag.
s\
John
professor
Pell, a
mathematics from Cambridge, England.
^~ ^^^
C
E
D
C
r»
P n \s V
s
rhe duration
book
ol
silences
different shapes.
notes and rests - the sounds - is indicated by symbols of
These notes and
related to ihe beat ol the
Multiply he
I
mbol
s\
for
multiplication
appeared
in
i
it.
dot alter a
note oi test extends its value by half. The del sign (bass or treble) determines the
range ill.
)ughtred's
(
rests are
musk A
u
pitches to which
ol
st. ill
refers.
o »
-
J ll\n
Ol
I
o/
S
VI
In
00
/1 i
INin
lu
foi
he
I
.u
l
n
i
pei
I
li
i
is
ill.
Qi
a
!
.'in
I
rooi
in
I
is
J
i
7
the
..
square root sign modified form ol a
infinity s\ •
from
(iiiii/ii
VSQUARI oined
mbol was in m De v, tionibus Conicis, by John Wallis.
i
inula
nun
(
I
n
i
ne per< enl sign derives '
fn 'in th(
1
|N-1
Pi rc
/O ^
The equals sign
was invented
OO
R
1
Note values and the
[avis Mathematica, published 1631
ii
The Olympic flag
fust
(
Robert Recorde, who m an alg< brai< used text published in 557.
The Olympic emblem of five interl ickingcin Itwas created to represent five continents Europe, Asia. Africa, Australia, and the Ami rica
sign, like
was
|ohn
ilium
\\
ol
OCX)
minus
in
hist
A
G
\Bas sclej
The symbol
X
Dividi
C,
A
\
idman
\\
emblem was
F
B
(9- 5
Subtract
for the
Mercantile Arithmetii
E
s
the plus sign,
in
n
H
H
D
tfV /•
—
sign
f
UMlc
right.
Mathematical symbols Add
ir
-&
I
M
II
I
mi
I",
SI
COND
di\ ision sign
Quality control marks
The system ol
imping
prei ious metals as prool ol theii being in the 13th century Silverhad to have at least 92.5 pen cut silvei content in order to be con idi red sterling ountrii adopted different signs to denote purit) and ities also had individual stamps si.
purii
i
\
i
so that pieces
The United Nations The United Nations was founded in 1945 and adopted as its emblem a polar view ol the world in led by two olive branches of peace.
i
.mill
In
located ac< urately.
Silver marks Swi
\^
Dl
17>2
\Jl/
I
Ri
ii
.1
m nn.
\i'i -i
m
'
iWNI D
B\
Mir, ITALI i
IWS \
.M
Dl Nl 'ir.i
,
PI
R]
RANC1
.i
'
too;
1809
l
wo)
I
I
ill
El ROPl
W
Ml
FLAG
The European Union (EU) flag was formally adopted in 1986. The 12 five-pointed i
i
Nil
II
MARK, ,YM1
according to hern
I
1
6
L
OF PURE COTTOI
Ol
REA1
I
i
Mill
i
Intern at ionai Sk
Warning
signs
International highwa) "sign language" has been devised lor oi
maximum
visual impact.
involves a clear system
It
colors and shapes thai can be understood instantl)
Red. for example, indicates prohibition; yellow, caution; and green, safety Similarl) a triangle is a warning sign and a red circle, with or without a crossbar,
\\ \K\I\C, 1RIAM.I
A
triangular black
background color
i-
hand on
The
a prohibition sign
Prohibition
I
yellow a cautionary sign a
3
l(
INFORMATION
'
Washing
standardization ol public symbols has in operation since the early lQOOs,
Iven
growth ol international Mosi signs arc self-explanator)
reflecting the
An
i
\bi
i
s
reel outer bands, with oi without crossbars, indicate prohibition
scheme
exists
promote the propei clothes and
Words
-
UIRI
are
intentional!) kepi to a
minimum A
£l
^®
II
!
textiles
>K1N<
H7H^r\S7
international
labeling to
travel
Circles with
i
R
Pi HI
is
cross
through any symbol means \\o not
I
p
'
DlRl 1
In
(
HON
sign indicating direction has
varied ovei the years, from a .-.
M
graphic hand with stretched finger in 'ii.
in inn.
more
stylized •as
used
tod
Si
m
Pin
.
wxo
i
M.'-.
i
MATH! MATH M SYMBOI Organization;
i|
has prompt!
iral,
ling Sign, Willi
now
constantl) revolving
on biodegradable
pi >i
I
7
l>i
Mini ONTROI MAI*
its
a famili u
bage cans
I
i
oui end
return to th
a
i
runner recycling
\\
UlNING SIGNS «* I
P>
i
.
Symbol Systems
.-^v^s_-
Symbolic Gestures "Actions speak louder than words," and this
is
particularly true of gestures.
The various postures that we assume, both consciously and unconsciously, are highly revealing - although just what they reveal depends on whether and on the context in which it occurs. Some gestures, however, transcend cultures - hands clasped together and held out to another are a symbol of entreaty the world over. or not the action
intentional,
is
Hands
Loose screw
Mockery
This gesture indicates
Thumbing
that
someone
that
he or she needs
is
craz)
is
to
tighten a loose screwin the
.1
head.
Fingers crossed
Horns This "homed" gesture
This gesture, fli :king a thumb-nail against the
common
in
Mediterranean countries,
where
it
denotes anger.
This gesture has various related meanings, and is generally an insult. In Mediterranean countries
Often
ii
emphasize mocker)
represents the horns of a cuckold; in japan
denotes an angry
01
jealous
it
woman
REETINGS
protects againsi evil or
bad luck and
teeth, is
Jealousy
ages and
the lingers are w iggled to
This widespread symbol of protection or good luck is a modified form ol the Christian cross.
all
nationalities.
all
Teeth flick
People adopt this posture unconsciously. It is a modified prayer with a reassuring touching of the lips.
one's nose
playful insult,
familiar to
Thinking
often
is
combined with a backward and forward rotation of the hand.
SllTIDITY
Common
in
Saudi
Arabia, this implies
can see clearly
"1
that
are a fool."
Waving
NOSI RUBBING
this gesture
is
Thumbs up Roman
when would make times
this
lassu
m
pr
thumbs (symbols
of
swords) to spat
Qui Praying hands This familiar symbol of prayer is also one of
life.
and greeting in India and Southeast ct
Asia Originally signified
it
notably
attenti
among
to onesell
Polynesians
hands bound
r\
HANDSII AKI
gesture of fingers and thumb In Italy this
Lisping ol hands is a common gesture both on meeting and parting Unlike a how 01 a curtsey, it to rtain equality ol status.
the
pressed together, with the hand twitching up
to
(
m
and down, as! iu want 7 " or What do you mean?"
together in a symbolic offering of oneself
[
God.
Bowing Mit
ingis
ed mainl)
immon >R
VICTORY is known
Pi
This sign
'.as
tradema; Chi'
rfi
'i
ii
i.
e
ti
in
Asia and
is
si il
i
audiem
a ton
•
.1 1
at
bow I
m iw
to theii Ii
i
applause In the West bowin nnies accompanies the
till
;
Okay DING H VNDS
ii
thumb and rm a circle and move back and
hand
forel
her bee i.
hal
ignif) ing
i
i
in
bow
humilit)
in m.illi
forth to indicate that
than the other
fiance.
I
18
oilier
cultures,
spectators
a similar gesture covering their
gladiator's
i
I
chawing
nl
Meaning "okay," stems from
a
he hand palm upward wa\ parting
i
raised with
Although rare in the West, the rubbing ol noses is still practiced
often mai
is
I
the
Symbolic Gestures
Arms
Kissing
Hand
kiss This gesture
Cheek
Praise
kiss
Triumph
In this gesture, palms,
This
Arms
and head
gesture practiced in the
straight in the air
arc a sign of success: the
person
feels this
are turned
Childhood insult
heavenward.
big
Children the world over stick their tongues out as a rude gesture -
Be quiet An easily recognized
perhaps their
lips are sealed
symbol of
first
is
a friendly
West, in which both people kiss each other on one or both cheeks
a
is
symbol of respect, and was once commonly performed by a man greeting a woman Usually the lips barely
touch the hand.
silence, the
learned insult
Surrender A recognized gesture Hail Depending on
the
stiffness of the
arm,
this is a friendly
gesture or a Fascist salute
Roman
a
weapon.
goes back to times and was
know
don't
I
Anger Biting one's lower lip
This gesture involves pulling down the
It
adopted by Hitler the 1930s
of
submission, this armsraised posture shows that the person is not reaching for
while shaking one's
comers of the mouth
in
a facial equivalent to
head from side shows barely
shrugging shoulders
contained anger.
to side
Eyes 1
Ri |OK l\(. This gesture,
Tin KlSS,
G
it.
1907-8
Lovers' kiss An erotic view
which combines jumping in the air
of a kiss, in which two people are fused together in total intimacy.
with the slapping of right hands, is a
S
1 1 .^.
spontaneous
display of joy is
most
It
Winking
common
A wink has
Exasperation A familiar sign ol
in the field of
team sports
exasperation, the eyes are turned heavenward, as
various
meanings, from sexual approval by a potential aimer, to collusion E etwecn two people in
though invoking
divine assistance.
the
know.
BlOWIM. A symbol
\
Kiss
ol love
often from a mothei to a child,
or to a friend too distant to embrace
Sm USD Arms
i
!
I
N
Yis
hv •xpti by turning tin- head
Although shaking one's head generally
from std North Alma with :arp turn
>r
a
in
Awn
Ski imk ism Raising |UM one
India
and Pakistan this wobbling from side to sidi- means
eyebrow
is
a
I
he two sides ai
(
Rossi
Hands aa
n
yebrows raised and furrowed is an instinctive respon I
uniimon
gesture ol disbelief face are
IM.IRs
me
ol the
odds,
registering a state nliision
I
is
FOOl a
Kiss
ture symbolizing
natural expression,
humility and respect,
common
performed by the Pope during llo|\ Week
cultui
1
anxii ty
it
s>
to
all
ii
Kissing
Moi
m i*
h
I I
&
Signs
Symbols
Glossary Greek and Roman mythology
In references to
booh,
we have
generally used the
the gods rather than their
because they tend to
gods are
listed
in the
Roman names for
Bodhisattva Future Buddha; one
postpones Nirvana in order
Brahma The four-headed god who the universe
term for
God
or the state
In
Greek and Roman mythology, a by Venus. He was
beautiful youth loved
of the
in
The
Nights or Arabian Nights, a poor
1
,001
boy who
who
tried to find a
way
to turn
ordinary metals into gold.
Allah Islamic name for God. allegory
A story
and events
are
meant
A
love,
evil.
Annunciation The angel
Mary
to
tell
Gabriel's visit to
her that she will
he execution of Christ b)
Dreaming, the
known
Ariadne Daughter of Cretan King Minos
in
Greek mythology, who helped Theseus only to be later abandoned by him. Aristotle Ancient Greek philosopher
advocating reason and moderation.
Ashanti People from central Ghana. pleasure for religious reasons.
Iraq,
who inhabited and who conquered a
vast empire.
nationalist leader,
A
and
Vishnu's ten incarnations on earth.
who
inhabited ancient Mexico.
Bacchus (Greek Dionysus) Roman god of fertility and wine.
a
eagle's
body
a lion's
beak and wings. festival of lights.
of love
and
for his
strength
in
life,
A
heresy
Herod Herod
and
woman, who lived with Adam, in the Garden ol
slavery in Egypt.
Antipas, governor of the
in Jesus
tunc.
Hittites Inhabitants of ancient Anatolia Syria.
Blind Greek poet of the 8th
century bc, author of the epics
Biblical first
of the Jews from
belief that contradicts authorized
religious teaching.
Homer
to erotic stimulation.
Iliad
and
Odyssey.
Horus Egyptian hawk-headed sun god, son of Isis and Osiris. Ching Ancient Chinese book ol I
Flood, the According to
many
religious
an ancient disaster that
all
heading
beauty.
erogenous zone Area of body susceptible
drowned
mythical beast with
Hathor Egyptian goddess
Aboriginal
humanity except
for a
chosen few. Iraq.
A
Roman mythology famous
liquid giving everlasting
traditions,
for
harbinger Forerunner, precursor.
of thunder,
form of the Goddess
Exodus The escape
famous
icinKing.
Jews
her husband,
and
Garuda Fabulous bird, mount of the Hindu god. Vishnu. Great Goddess An embodiment of the feminine principle. May take different forms, In Hinduism, may be benign or
Hinduism. elixir
in Christian
God's messenger.
Hercules (Greek Herakles) Hero of
Greek goddesses controlling destiny.
avatar Incarnation; one of the Hindu god
Babylonians Inhabitants of ancient
women
Fates Atropos, Clotho, and Lachesis,
auspicious Bringing good luck.
Aztecs An American Indian people
ol
In Australian
terrifying
belief.
Hanukkah The Jewish
Eden.
Assyrians Ancient peoples
now
Durga A
fertility.
Gandhi, "Mahatma" (1869-1948) Indian
of earthly
thought, the spiritual and natural order
Eve
asceticism Denying oneself physical
is
Muslim
incorporating legends of the ancestors.
as the 1,001 Nights.
invented
Norse mythology, Odin's wife.
Gabriel Archangel
unfaithful to
David Second Hebrew king, father of Solomon. Diana (Greek Artemis) Roman goddess of
god of prophet Arabian Nights A
what
is
son of Venus.
Donar Teutonic god
tales, also
In
griffin
Apollo Greek and Roman sun god, and collection of Eastern folk
who
nonviolent Ireeclom struggle.
to a cross.
hunting, protector
give birth to Jesus.
Freya
native people ol North
Cupid (Greek Eros) Roman god
charm, often inscribed with a
shaped the
Furies Avenging goddesses in Greek
oi
him.
magic formula, to protect one against
the Virgin
I
him
on how much of
mythology
cuckold Man whose wife
to be interpreted
symbolically.
amulet
horned god. lord
cosmos, cosmology Universe; study of the universe as an ordered whole nailing
belief,
personality depending
goddess of love, marriage, and
Cherokee A Native American people. Churchill, Winston British Prime Minister during World War II CND Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
Crucifixion
which the characters
in
according to medieval
psychologist
America.
of medieval
bile) that,
psychoanalysis.
fertility.
Comanches A
has a magic lamp.
Alchemy The chemistry scientists,
Celtic
and black
each was present in the body.
that
achieved by meditation
is
four fluids (blood, bile,
Freud, Sigmund (.1856-1939) Austrian
trinity.
and detachment nature and
Japanese island Hokkaido.
Aladdin The main character
enlightenment
Cernunnos
killed while boar hunting.
Agni Hindu fire god. Ainu Aboriginal inhabitants
created
Religious leader, founder of
Buddhism, who taught
of cosmic unity.
Adonis
Buddha
Hindu
humors The
phlegm, yellow
and who. with Vishnu and
Shiva, forms the
A
four
others.
Greek counterparts,
be more familiar. The Roman
here with then Greek equivalents.
Absolute, the
who
to save
divination.
initiation
Isis
four elements Earth,
air, fire,
and water,
believed in medieval times to be the basic ingredients of the universe.
120
ceremony A
rite
of admission,
marking the entry into adulthood Inuits Inhabitants of Greenland and the Arctic region of North America. Eskimos. often
Chief goddess of ancient Egypt,
sisici
wife of Osiris Israelites Descendants of the patriarch (Jacob), the Jews.
Gl OSSARY
...
k
Jacob Hebrew patriarch whoso twelve sons were ancestors
Jonah by
who was swallowed
Biblical figure
Buddhism character who,
Noah Biblical command, built
division ol ancient
1875-1961) Swiss psychologist
and colleague of Freud who originated analytical
of the
Roman
Roman mythology, god Koran The Muslim sacred prophet
in
texts as revealed
Mars (Greek Ares) Roman god oJ war. martyrdom Hying for one's belief. Marj \ irgin The mother of Jesus Christ.
who
lived
in
ol
and was
the Divine through
Rama
Socialist Republics
wax tablets. Taoism Chinese philosophical system
us
kingdom
\isting
i \
minotaur
learning in Egyptian mytholog)
transcendence
own destruction Roman god ol Hades.
ol
of the dead,
from the beginning;
I
limitations ol
(
>ften
an ancestoi figure
he surpassing
ol all
human knowledge and
experience tribe of Judah Descendants ol |udah, son ol
|ewish patriarch |acob
Trojan
nsuall) depicted
asa
War
Legendar) siege
ol the city ol
Troy by the creeks tzars
Emperors
ol
pre-Revolutionar)
I
he ninth month of when Muslims last
the Islamic b\ da)
fathei of Osiris
and
Renaissance
I
he transitional period
ol aits
people of North
ol beaut) and love Venus, sphere of In medieval thought,
I
the
earth was encased in nine in\ isible
a
in<
reasin
tc
h
planet
Virgin Birth
I
Virgin Mar)
Vishnu
Japanese- aristocratic wairio
equivalent ol
I
ngland
S
he birth ol |esus to the aftei hei
tne Preservet
the most important
knights
he anc uni literary language
ol
yinandyang
insemination b)
Lhe second largest plane) is
lis
believed by astrologers to
give ris
>ld,
melanc hoi)
temperament
ol
1
1
and bright
southwestern Nigeria
Zoroastrianism Pre
1
and daik. while yang
positive, masculine,
Yoruba People
ol
principles, yin being
negative, feminine, is
With Shiva one Hindu gods
hinese opposing yei
complementary
influence ol
and ingenuity
his courage
God
learning
Saturn
rojans and was famous for
1
Venus (Greek Aphrodite) Roman goddess
holding
and
ol
Roman and Greek mytholog) who
rotating spheres ol
India
Amen
Russia
Ulysses (Greek Odysseus) Hero fought the
Vishnu's seventh incarnation, the
Sanskrit
heightened spiritual awareness.
un
North
totem An object or creature regarded as
killed b\
feathered serpent
Samurai
directly experiencing
Human-headed Egyptian god
ol
Solomon, King Hebrew king, son ol David, famed for wisdom. Soviet Union The former Union ol Soviet
sacred by a clan
times, literally the 'rebirth led
Egypl >f
AN
the
iMs
one god only
who
American people
Thor Norse god ol thunder. Thoth Ibis-headed god ol wisdom and
between the Middle Ages and modern
lawgiver and judge
mysticism
tht
fire,
Re Egyptian sun-god,
Indian
570-632) The prophet and
people out
mm
1
calendar,
Islam
Moses Hebrew
who drove
Promised Land ( anaan (present-da) Israel), which the Jews believed had been promised them b) God Quetzalcoatl Aztec god ol learning and of
Ramadan
light
rulers 152r>-1857.
monotheistic Believing
Commandments
America
killed the
ol a
mythical hero of India's wai with Lanka
prehistoric Crete.
ol
Name
'
worshiped by Romans
ft
on
priest)^ functions
Mithras Ancient Persian god of
Sinai Mountain in Egypt where Moses
nature.
primeval
miniature
Mohammed
mythology
thunderbolt
primordial
Minerva (Greek Athena) Roman goddess of wisdom and war
Muslim dynasty
ol a
Phaeton Son of Apollo,
the Underworld,
ol
the three great
Theseus Hero of Greek mytholog) who
from the flames
I
\t
gods
phoenix Fabulous Arabian bird reborn
travelers.
ol
teaching harmonious interaction with
effect
All the
Pluto (Greek Dis)
Mcsoamerica Central America, between Northern Mexico and Panama. Mesopotamia The ancient name for part modern Iraq microcosm he world or universe in
Navajo
hypnotic
Jupiter's
glance turned people to stone.
his
shepherds and hunters
ol
goat's horns and hoofs. His pipes
the earth
Mercury (Greek Hermes) Roman
founder
a
directly
stylus Pointed implement for writing on
chariot ol the sun for one day, nearl) sel
Mexico
Moghul emperors Northern
1
nation or religion.
Mecca The birthplace of Mohammed Medusa In Greek mythology, a female monster with snakes for hair whose
Minoan Of
Ottoman Turks \o 300-
patriarchs The founding lathers
America and Southern
messenger god. ^od of
all
collective!)
.
ancient Indian people
had
Shiva The Destroyer, one
Sioux A
to the
Empire, ruled by the
pantheon
a Buddhist aid to meditation
in Central
sk)
Osiris Egyptian god of the dead.
with a
symbol of the universe,
who works
world.
spirit
received the Ten
Pan Greek god
Vishnu,
Maya An
.
1O20.
Mohammed.
Pictorial
of Norse mytholog)
Ottoman Belonging
of thunder.
Krishna Incarnation of the Hindu god
mandala
Odin Chief deny
living creatures.
Jupiter (Greek Zeus) King of the gods
-doctor
Priest
gods of Hinduism
god.
women
pantheon, protector of
to the
an Ark to save his family
Orpheus Mythical Greek poet and musician with the power to enchant
psychology
Juno (Greek Hera) Queen
goddess,
with the
from the Flood
Palestine. 1
God's
at
Greek mythology
in
Human-headed Egyptian scorpion-
Selket
shaman
reborn; goal of
Christ to the Jews
Jung. Carl
individuality and
ol
absorption into the cosmos, never to be
Judas Iscariot Disciple who betrayed
s.u\rs Hall-goat and hall-human
woodland gods
Nirvana Extinction
a great fish.
Judea Southern
ol
the sea
twelve tribes
to Israel's
Neptune (Greek Poseidon) Roman god
«.«.%.-%».-%. %.»,,
Islamic Persian religion
7
1
I
&
Signs
Symbols
Index Numerals main
in
bold denote
entries
arch 25, 95
betel nut
archetype
Bhutan,
10. 11
Ariadne 97, 120
A
112
Aries, sign of
Noah's 37, 106
26,39,63,67
Covenant
of the
acanthus 46 acorn 45
arrow
Adam
Art
42, 44, 48, 59,
74,84
Deco 35
Artemis
Adonis 50, 120
120
14. 44.
see also Pi.
c
74
caduceus 40. 108
Heket 58
cake,
52
ashlar
109
67
Astarte
71
birthstones 41
24
Athena
14. 31, 49,
bishop
Aladdin 97, 120 albatross
67
alchemy
54,
01
121
$9, 59,
Aztec 28, 35,40, 52,
ambrosia 49
66, 74.
120
10',.
amethyst 40, 41, 86
amulet 38,40,41, 56, 72, 120
40 84
boai
61. 113, 114
Bodhi
14
B ~>
ony 94
77
ba ilisk
57
Anubis 14, 62
15
-I
64 65, 121
beads.
52,54.61,91, 120 apple 48
Aim
63,
Apollo 14, 15, 31,34,
n, 50,
bower 4
claw bea
-
I
apron 109
96 16
120
i
1
king 61
106
>
bell
27,
-
i
i
85
1 1
1
1
1
1
.
hrisl
;
97, 103, 104 buffalo
2
1
64
21.6!
97
1
11
corn 49, 100 In
53
cow, sacred 21
pansy 50
cowrie 55
passion Mower 50
crab 55 see also
1
crescem .I...
i'
51
1
46
k
55
\lolel
13
66 6/
.1
while
37,
il
so 9]
(
58
44
wren 67
row
I
6
17, 18, 22, 35,
74,88,89,
mi. ih-,
crystal
47
1
65
lo 1
tin ilix
i
reel
crown
.(1
hristmas
Hi e
cross, .
I0(i
mistletoe
107
53
us
see ci/sn 11
15
is, 24,
odile
10.
1
cross 18, 118
49
nun
ancer
c
crane 64.67,
Hi,
uihsh 55
51,
16
I
palm 44
shell
3
85
corset
cotton 84,
II
sage 47
5
41
cornelian
coronation 89
h.
8
38, 41
coral
53
cornucopia 71
sail
18 28,
.1
copper 39
maypole 76
rose
87
onfucius 27
t
1
lighthouse 05
roostei
28
83
confetti
usalem
1
purse 101
ripi
><
44, 46, 47, 48, 49.
i
i
85
hoi olate
iO 1]
beret
<
80
Aquarius
112
1
38, 39, 43, 45, 52,
29
1
chokei
Buddhism 22-23,
'
h
74
plum 48
88
hess
condor 65
pig 6
ID',
44. 48
hi rry
1
buckle 84, 87
int
15
120
74
n
1
85
hal
conch 20, 22, 55
harp 81
opal
57,
109
104,
Feng Shui 78
nan. issiis
60
rokee
In
1
n
120
hameleon 58
chefs
95
86
105
15.
chakra 20 i
man 70
hammei 00
|i
28
mi
hadai
(
charm
65, 10
an 86
s|
6/
1
compass 25, 97, 102,
73
jasmine
I
15,44, 54, 55,
eru
i
aquamarine 41
in.
I
Communion
hen 64
18
emunnos
I
73
14
44
21
.
10,40
bee 56,82
Barbn
10
1
Brahma 20, 22
63
'i
(
i
cross
centipede
let,
brain
eltic
c
17
hyacinth 50
(
I
Commandments, Ten
66
107
heart
14
I
aiholk ism
lis
10
hedgehog 6
t
6
3
howl, divination
i,
100
60
9
118
reetin
bay tree 43
Venus
I
bov
30
63, 115
bal
16
79
unconscious
collective
107
hair
>
95
..1 .lie
91
60
Bastei
90
I
-
29,
green
50.
cartouche
•
si
gray
88
magic
pel,
J!
I
ol
up 54
...i
prayer
96
basket
bow
gazelle 6.3
green
nation
.11
1.
43
Pandora
ankh 105
V-
15
box 96
bamboo 46
iras
IVSUS
Dil
animus 10
35,
40, 48,
54,61.86, 120
10
also
^4
ol
flute
55,
grapes 48
ildi<
prayi
18,97
Aphrodite
1
97
I
anemone 50
anvil
2.:
tre<
i
Town
Babel
ancestor spirits 26
ant
107.
Bodhisattva 2?
Ananta 20
am ma
cards 74,
120
amntsa 44
anchor
67
blue
ampulla 89
Amun-Re
112
1
96
goldfish
apricom, sign
1
coin jewelry 78, 86,
115
candle 07
bloodstone 41
91,95
Terasu 27
amber 38
egg 40
12
106, 117 bird
world 44
axis,
29
ol
sign "I
ei
1
black 45, 60, 65,87,
90
ax
am
<
Clyde 52 coconut, double 74
hsh 54
anada, Hag
(
57
fish
Mm.
see also
108, 120
Ama
plains 46
mail
25. 07
camel 63
38
79
on
eagle
48
club 20
18,65
dragon 30
wedding 83
calligraph)
mother-of-pearl
dove
17,
clover, four-leaved 46,
70
dice
14
1
104
stone
41
coral
cadency marks
goddesses
agate 41
Al Borak
104
cloud 37
71
asana 22
54,
Church 18 circle
candle 97
64
Aesculapius 40. 59
Amu
acanthus 46
anemone 50
citrus fruit
lotus
ma
12
bread 49
fertility
91
1
57
Testament
egg 40
114
heraldic
Taurus
see also
butterfly 41, 56,
52,
115
blackbird 67
19.
119
18-19, 39
Christianity
New birth
gestures 75,
19,37,49,
16,
chrysanthemum
see also Jesus
61
bull
74,81.00, 102
1
arms 75
45
115
54, 57, 60, 64, 73,
Ark
Aboriginals. Australian
acacia
Bible
bugle 81
4/
flag of
hall
18
!8,
I
14
41, 74
79
39,
110
cuckoo 64 <
uneiloi
111
si
1
ip|
101
5
1
f
5
1
5
1
1
In pi x
cup 96
dervish 76
M
Cupid
37
desert
oo. 120
elements, lour 72, 102, 108
102
Devanagari script '
63
dharma 22
see also
Cybefc 44
diamond 40. 4
cyclamen 50
Diana
cymbals 80
56,91, 120
J4,
due
79. 103, 111
Dionysus 44. 46, 75
TV1
see also
91
17
1
53
50,
Dead, Day
ol the
02
dog 40.
113
76, 60.
lunar 72
anemone 50
dome
ax 90
Donar 45
78
magic 79 of the soul
25, 37, 95,
Stonehenge
107
04
1
wadjet 72.81
120
104
doors' (yantra
wisdom 72
ol
beech 44
Dracula 63
crow
dragon 30. 108. 113.
45
115
dod
dreadlocks 7
4o
120
lizard
mournir.
duck
mulberr.
Durga 20,80, 120
TT
h
"4
get-me-not 50
guitar, electric
Osiris
14
oyster
55
•
00 114
i
r
1
20
hinese draj
palm 44
fox
pat
Freemasonry 35. 44
com 4o
bunny 60
fez
Fre\
pineapple 48 70
1
pinecone 44
frog
4
87
hair
7
3
Hamlet 50
84
hammer 90
^
hand 75
Furies 65. 120
fig
ol the future
of
58
74
i^ 1 T VJ
64
Ganesha 20
Hand
53.
Fatima 24
ol
handshake 118
106, 120
Hanukkah 16.40 120
2;
Hanuman 20
2
garden, walled 42
60
hare
47
harp SI
garnet
75
garuda 20,2
41
harp*. 31
66,
120
hat
8
3
5
Hathor
6
tongue 72
gazelle
ton
Gemini
list.
ires
Gabriel 24 25
garlic
75
also
59
Ganga
75
God 75
-prints
three-legged symbol
40
•
o7
hawt-
3
sign ol
112
head
head
dance
85
7 3
L
19
92 he.ni
*7
pi<
48
1-
74 B3
Hebrew numerals 102
85 ol
61
om
31. 4
8
.
118
hai
•nails
flsl
75
Heh
Heh.
19
llei tiki
14
»2
41
goldfinch 66
\9
HO
61 •ird
110
ravei
list
1
•
27
\lt
47
emerald 40
40
44
Hades 44
58
fungus 47
84
wl
JL
J.
53
38.
red sari 83. 106
54 •
reya
dati
44
H
1
46
fifty-pence
irden ol
TT
109
phallus 74
fetish
34
ecli|
-
60
:
80
gun 91
wheal 40
mer 74
7 3 •
5
22. 75
s
fountain 42
toad 1
64
-
42
swing Oo
96
breasts
J—
pop]
31.40. 120
grotto
more 44
basket
7
118
greeting
swallow 64
Apsara 21 1
man
green
footprint
107.
$
17
1
griffin
spear 91
70-71
green
1
Buddha
apple
parsley 47
plants 46
47
fertility
1
Vishnu's 75
sparrow
acom 45
also Kali
90
pi:
78
1
orange 48
sou 61
s hui
97,
oak 45
sacrifice
75
fennel
5
iw:
Pand
binding 84
serpent
Feng
54,
107
foot
Fates 65,90, 120 feet
drum- 76 80 105
-
.
04
se<
reptiles
96
14 .
55
foot
rue 49
fan
3
.
49
fool 89.
64
falcon
Dreaming, the 26
3
tooth 79
fairy,
dragonfly 56
81
Makara 29
fur
j.
.
mandrake 46
J8
93
107
Greeks, ancient
fog 37
ram 61
h
candle
dan
~^2
plants
T7
105
whisk 89
62
pomegranate 48,
82. B7
gray
5o
fly
49.65.
dovi
106
gravestone
iO,
flute
peony 50 ^4
doorway 94
63
harpy
72
idol
114
dolphin 54.97
black
119
106, 107
15
Flora
28
mother-of-pearl
41.72,79
grapes 48. ol
116
3.
115
mermaid 2°
74.84. 120
evil
doll, lose
n
59,
gestures
death 92-93
alisk JO
Cupid
30.42.44. 48.
Eve
75
deadly nightshade 46
ivy
lion
lotus
see also
a
41,
flew
ermine 88
dodo 0~
David, King 81, 120
flag
52
Ky-lin
all-seeing 72. 109
djed-pillar
3
Ik -he
hippopotamus honey 4o
eve 72
110
head 7
emperor 89. 107, 115
Diwali 21
-
48
bat
70
divination. Fowl 26,
Daikoku
date
Elvis
Bacchus
direction sign
\*J
42. 40. [08, 120
Eros 14, 120
90, 120
fist
higo
elixir
emerald 40. 41
Artemis
see also
cypress 45
daisy
elephant 20, 22. 26,
hare 60
47
6 gout 1
I
2
3
%-j%'%^% -%^%^%^'%^
hen ot i
hennaed hand Ik:
8
5
Signs
&
5
5
Symbols *^%s%^M
dog 60
Hera
grapes 48
Juno
see
29,62,114
heraldry
74
hear:
lemon 17,48 Leo. sign of 112
mace 22
leopard 62. 116
Madonna
Jerusalem 16
Ka'bah 24
Hercules 28
manna 49
Kali
Hermes
pig 61
heron 67
silver
hieroglyphs 100
trees,
Hinduism 14.20-21. 29.49. 53. 54,57,
58.61.63.65.74.
76,81.83,90.97. 106
104.
of
level,
56,
65
Libertv. Statue of
Muslim
kangaroo 63
Life.
Man. emblem of
Karttikeya 65
115
of
Israel, flag
ivy
Durga
Libra, sign of
75
38
ivory
see also individual
46
lighthouse
Khepn 35
lily
hippogryph 31
Kippah 16
hippopotamus 63
kissing
44
honey 49
jackal
honeysuckle 53
Jacob's ladder
hoopoe 67
jade 41
Hopi 65
Japan,
62 1
09
flag of
horse 61. 113
flower of 115
horseshoe 79,83,87
jasmine 53
Horus 14
jay
100
97
Krishna 20 SI, 82,
89
hummingbird 66
Jesus 41.44. 50. 74
hyacinth 50
107. 121
So Chnst jet
38, 58. 87.
hydra 28
Jonah 54
hyssop 47
Judaism
1
ibis
66
duck 65
labyrinth 28, 74. 97.
Isis
monkey
Monroe. Marilyn 70
1
5
1
49
lamp
bow
butterfly
rose
56
cat
97
starfish
55
crescent
He-he 52
dragons 30
65
hare 60. 67
5
honey 49
5
50
horse
rose
lioness
51
Mars 15,67,91, 121
onion 49
Mars (planet) 113
ox-horn 61
Mary
oyster
.
see
Virgin
Mary
Virgin 26. 55,
40
salmon 54
Zeus
Jupiter (planet
lead
113
105
spiral
14
rhoth
>4
16, 49,
103
unicorn 28, 60
moonstone
4
I
mortarboard 85
121, 121
Hermes
Mercury (planet
39
57
snail
31, 59, 121
108
34.
silver
see also labyrinth
see disc
55
shells
Mercury 15. 108,
40. 107
55
51
rose
81
44
J8,
queen 88
»4
17
Melanesia
55
pearl
77
59, 62.
lyre
laurel
>
moth 57 1
1
3
mother goddess
S. 14.
Meretseger 59
18,21,46,49,
leather 84. 116
mermaid 29
hi, 62.
Leda 65
mezuzah
107
leek
Ca:
leg
49
1 f>
milk 49
75
Milky
^*^%s%s%?%s%fis%s%s%s%s%*
124
83
34.
moonstone 41
landscape in Taoism
Jupiter 15. 44. 45
62
in the
milk 49 r>4
shofar 61
lapis lazuli
1
66
man
and peac h
menorah
Juno 15.45, 53
7
ibis
81
27
58
goose 65
poppy 50
Jicui
107
frog, toad
1
lute
96
60
duel
Lancastrians 51
Iscariot
91
crab 55
Medusa
51
112,
dove 65
knot 4
3
1
113
47
43 105
Krishna 82
1
(astrology)
betel nut
knoi
1
63,
moon 34-35
marionette 76
ram 61
see also
Islam 24-25. 39, 102,
mantra 21, 23
mask
15
23
maple
matzah
Judas
14, 66, 105
Zen
maypole 76
oil
39
Thai 23
jasmine 53
mosque 25
iron
manna 44
hoopoe 67
palm 44
50
47
78, 79
mantle
ladybug 56
53
pig 61
46,81
monk
honeysuckle
information signs 117
iris
money
mandrake 46. 47
ladder 90. 95. 109
Eros
incense burner 21
of
1
1 1
mandorla 105
17,88
24. 25.
o3. 121
mon
lemon
olive oil
emblem
Mohammed
swallow
53
divine
84
Lamb, Sacred
54
mitered bishop 29
Malawi, Hag of 115
lace
oak 45
Ireland,
malachite 41
harp 81
Inan 27
Inuits
betel nut
105
mistletoe 47
104
65.82
Aphrodite
104.
•
104
20.21.22,23,
12
mirror 78. 97
Makara 29
peons 34
Louis XIV 39
Lakshmi 21
74
57
longevity symbol
menorah 103
intestines
locust
Ky-hn 28
L
magpie 64
magpie 6
lodestonc
dog 60
lily
65
83
miniature 87
Minotaur 28
kingfisher
Kuan Yin 55
ideograms 100
Incas
lockei
-
magnolia 53
Juno
55
lobster
106
•
grapes
Ching 107
58
52,96, 104
acacia
I
iverpool, .urns of
Loch Ness Monster 28
81,85, 121
jester
97
Athena
see also
51.93
38,
marriage 83
eo
74. 113
lizard
Koran 24, 25. 42. 49.
Huitzilopochth 66
1
114
44
Jerusalem 16
humors, four 74, 102
1
Knowledge. Tree of
84
also
lipstick
3
Minerva 15, 121
mangold 52 62 114. 115
82
liver
knot garden 4
66
jeans, blue
hourglass 74,
hy lips
knot 43. 105
35
70 28.
lion
knighting 41
of 56
53
45
linga
78
knocker 94
emblem
74
linden 45
knight 89. 114
horn 16,21, 118
-
53. 70.93. L05,
lime
114
minaret 25
121
of the valley
kiwi 65 knife
95
-livered
mime 77
mandala 51, 72. 104.
106
65
Kinnara 31
holly
97
key 96. 103
kingfisher
J
Tree of 42.44.
lightbulb
king 10,73,74,88
gods
35
112
45.63
Kenya, Hag of 115
hippocamp 29
Hittues 81. 101, 120
mason's 109
ilso
Kami 27
sacred 45
also Isle
72, 106
Kama
86
79
votive
herbs 47
15. 108. 121
M
K
ornaments 86
Way
mother-of-pearl
mouse 60 14
mouth
7
57.
88
3.
1
14
38
6
5
1
Index %
%.
t--%^-».--%.
.
Muchatinda 22
l
22
HUti/lil
Phaeton
L6
49
olive oil
-».-%.-%'%
queen
58. 121
phallus 7
74
5.
pharaoh
mulberry 45
Om
phoenix 28, 31. 108,
music
omphalos 74
Apollo
14
Kinnara 31 notation
see also
Islam and
Koran rmt-\i<
80
myrtle
1"
pictograms 100
opal 41
pig 61
pilgrims
48
(fruit)
Pillars,
pine 44. 105
pink 86. 107
Orpheus 81,121
pipes 81
Osins 14,46, 75,90,
Pisces, sign ol
Naga Rassa 59 Nanus, 04
ouija board
55
Nepiune 29,61, 74.
padlock, Chinese 87
1
13
40
beads
palm 50
89
palace
44
17.
110
palmistry
50 45
Nidhogg ni^hlini;al(
67
H
Nile
m
Sahib 4|
mytholi
<•
1
64
see cWm>
Eden
47
50
-rubbing
1
18
14 44
Path.
O
pearl
121
-
10,
89
103
protective garment
pentagram
i
41
1
l>
10
Catherine of Siena
53
74
21
seal
St.
Francis of Assist
seder
19,53
Selket
14
is
93
44 83
ring
83.87
14
67 50
Ro<
Home
quail
15, 20, 44.
serpent
45,59,63 78,86
double-headed 28
St
|ohn the
si
Mark
si
Mar) Magdal
she.il
14 vangelist
sea urchin
shamroi
19
71
roman numerals 102
si
Patrick
Romans
si
Paul
st
Petet
rool
19
90 st
si
|
4
i
salmon 44
,1
marks 'ulei ol
t
14
18
shiti.ih
(a< a<
20
21
i.i
>6
61
Valenti
salamandet
'I
•
1
Shintoism 27 ship
homas Aquinas
41.
card 82
i
90
18
l
is
95
rope 61
116
19
29 55
j
I
sheliu shield
Shiva
6
67
46
46
k
sheng 81
|
108
<
hydra 28
shells
1",
10
101 1
Michael 91
70
66
John the Baptist
si
25
•
lerome 62
19
51
qualit) control
57
Matthew 96
ol the
75. 79 si
80
7
I
si
k.
golden
Qitou
84
St
61 63 65.67.71.
Q
91
55
sea urchin
sheep
locket l >4
10,
19
36
54
St
IS
rice
rock
46
14.
David 49
robin
puis,
Poseidon
seahorse 2° 54
Christophei
Puranas 21
107
of 27
Si
rivet
50,
Monarch
St.
54
29
29
14
54
puppet 76
i/in
pendulum
Catherine
St.
nhs 74
79
qiblah
pen 47 •
)i>
olivi
-
1
pelican f>4 ">4
I
38 4
>
51
45
Odin
6
peai
St.
Greek 14,47,49,
105
peach 48
Makai.i
mermaids/sirens
Cecilia 81
ribbon, red
22
Lghtfold
I
Andrew 90 Augustine 81
St.
resurrection
10,73,89
15
si
Hildegard 40
pyramid
17
Aphrodite
George
purple
passion [lower
14
40.92
St.
15,44, 54
gyptian
74.
34 albatross 67
84
top
St
puja
65
parrot parsle)
75
42 44
rib
112
St
protective figure
J6
sea
see ciKc individual
princess
bird ol
scythe
Sagittarius, sign ol
gods
pansy 50
Paradise
46
ol
47
sage 47
sailor's
Scorpio
emblem
Scotland,
106
rug 24. 45
parabaik 22
Nirvana 22. 121
20
112
ol
57
see also
wheel 23 primrose 53
^>o
sadku saffron
117
Roman 15,49,
prince
.
scorpion
Norse 15
Pandora
88,89
i
human 74
76,88
box 16
Pan pipes 46 81 I
sw pie
sacrifice,
Jewish 16
newt 58
1
25
18,
scent shaker 21
3
Celtic
1
55
Scorpio sign
14-15
78
ibra
1
5,
1
16
religions, ancient
Neptune
New Guinea 54 66 New Zealand 65
Pan 46. 81
(2
106. 115, 117
I
book
i
s
51,56. 66,67 82.
prayer
107
Aries
83, 85, 93, 97,
14, 24. 121
ii/s,>
90
sabbath
1
reeds
61
scales
21, 107, 121
recycling sign
64
satyrs
scarab 35. 56
red 41,45, 48, 50,
50, 93
potion, love
Pakistan, Hag of
Poseidon
Nepiune (planet)
see
pagoda 23
102. 114. 121
nettle
41
Poseidon
Nelertem 52. 121
net
54,
poppy
P
ilso
Polynesia
pomander
ol
36
61
64,67,88, 121
113
emblem
see also
Re, sun-god 44, 52,
109
rule
pomegranate 48, 67
19
44
•
1
110,113
scallop
raven 64, 92
Pluto (planet)
ox 61, 113
74
navel
rat
1 1
106
37. 50
see also
112
80
Saturnalia 44
5
1
16,
Rama
Pluto 45, 121
10
1
owl 67
Narcissus 53 Nativity
ram
plum 45, 48
plumb
1
sapphire 40. 41 Sarasvaii
Saturn
Russia,
rainforest
plow 90
67
ostrich
100
40. 41
runes
rainbow
ornaments, garden 43
oyster
rabbit
cone 71. 75
Ostara 53
Divine 25
Five
pineapple 48, 70
naga 29
Napoleon 66
R
24
orange (color) 107
105, 121
Samurai 54,91, 121
Rosetta Ston<
rub>
Delilah
73
1
21
19
orb 88,89
organ 81
N
108
j
47
mar)
•% *.-i
Samson and
51
window
40,
31
121
quintessence
75. 109
pillar
orchid 50
45
Tudor
rose-water sprinkler
onion 49
orange
66
121
Ophelia 50
16
1
Muslim 24. 25, 45,91
14. 75.
74.88
54,
10,
Quetzalcoatl
88
Olympic games 49 21
% » » » %^%.'» --%.-%.-». -•-»-»%.•%•»»*»»-%»*•.»
ioldi
54
84
28
stiletto
shofat
Salu
shou
samsai
shrine
70
16
104
^%s%^4
*.^%^%^%^%s%^%s-%r'%^ I
2
5
5
5
2
Buddhist 23
six-pointed 104.
Surya 61
household 21
108. 115
sutra
24
Islamic
55
starfish
Shinto 27
stela
see also chorten
sticks, divination
Sicily,
emblem
sickle
90
of 75
emblem
of 91
39,86,97. 116
103 Sioux 66, 121
Mary
38,42,47,48.
106. 121
Swinton family, arms
Torah 17
Virgo, sign of
torch
Vishnu 20. 21. 31.
94
con.
28
112,
6
80,89,90,91.04 symbol, sex 70
T
64
garuda 29, 31
snake 22, 59, 113
58
snakes and ladders 59
Tahiti
goose 65
Taj
Grand Master 109
talisman 40, 72, 86,
Mahal 93
snowflake 37
hawk 67 heron 67
Tane 64
horse 61
Taoism 27. 44. 47.
108
Temple of 25. 109
Solomon
Islands 54
South Korea,
Japan
115
1
5
1
symbol
lion 60,
of former 90, 121
lotus 52
spear 91, 115
orange 48
Sphinx 31
peacock 65
pomegranate 48
spine 75
quail
67
temple 25, 72, 95,
raven 64
104. 109
Spirit,
Holy 18
Re
Hindu 21
14
ring (on cross)
spoon 97
rooster
square 104
spider 57
square and compass
spiral
Lanka, flag of
stairs
star
1 1
62
stag
24, 25 -pointed 78,
102,
18
64
105
63
107,116
sunflower 52
of David
16 115
turtle see tortoise
washing
thorns,
crown of
17
wasp 57
121
70
yoni
York 51
Z
see also sea
17
salt
waterfall
waving
1
weal her
37
Zaire, flag of
18
Zen
37
garden 43
whale 54
zero
unconscious 10
wheat 46
Zeus 14, 15, 31,44,
unicorn 28
wheel 21, 103, 104,
1
1
I
I
Catherine
Uroboros 108
ol
S, flag of
35
115
19
law 22
of hie
22
yel!
throne 88
thunder 37, 90
Chinese 30, 60, I
1
3
Hindu 29. 104
spinning 90
Nepalese
willow
1
1
3
Zoroastrianism 57, 60, 67, 121
44, 50
17
pattern
82
window 94 wine
14, 15,
82 121
^*<9^%^^^%^n^%^%^%^%^-%^%^
103, 112
zodiac
L15
39,44,
45.48. 55. 71. 74,
85
90
80
wig 85
22
Venus
49, 65, 66, 80,
prayer 2 3
83,86,93, 106.
Varuna 29
97
102
zither
i
urn 93
flag of
monk 23
43,87
112.
3
vampires 47, 73
thread
115
umbrella 89
mine card 82
74
tie
1
well
18,
Thoth 14,66, 121
sunflower 52
labels
watch 07
V
45,90, 121
three-legged
97
yin 37, 39, 55, 58, 60, 65, 102. 111. 115.
white 45. 51, 53,65,
47 15.
30.45, 103
Ulysses 29, 121
I
symbol 75
sundial
warning signs 117
Uruguay,
Theseus 28,07, 121
Thor
16
turquoise 40, 41, 58
Thang-ka 52
thistle
44
yew,
Yggdrasil
Wall, Western
Texas 51
swastika 21
95, 109
1
16
tefillin
of 49, 81
04
wai god 26
Uranus
105
spleen 74
1
73
spiral
Sri
70
26
110 teeth
117
emblem wall
101
yellow 51, 53. 107.
Wales 30,
109
L'luru (Avers Ro<.k'
tea leaves, reading
1
spider 57. 79
stag
wadjel eve" 72, 100
15. 121
U
Taueret 63 Taurus, sign of
Malawi
Yat-Balam
turban 85
84
tartan
62
yantra 104. 105
ION, 115
Tarot 92, 111
sparrow 64
109
20
W
102, 107. Ill, 115.
121
water 34. 58, 50,63,
115, 121
leopard 62
Soviet Union,
105
58
61,91,93,96,97,
king 88
flag of
triskele
87.95
66
ibis
18.46. 102
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Solomon Seal of
Trinity
trumpet 81
80
tablas
108
gold
102
14.
tulip
vulva 74
yang 37.47,65.66,
[YojanWar
66
00
trident
rriton
Xavier, St. Francis 3 3
Y
67
vulture 1
104
triangle
symbol, phallic 70,
volcano 27. 36
102
trefoil
X
75, 102. 107. 121
pole 26, 67
i
112
49. 52, 54,55. 56,
58. 105
tortoise
trowel
falcon
57
1
1
27
fcni
116
•
eagle
smallpox cure 79
7^ 91
60
cat
-scraper
">
swordfish 54
black 35
sky 37
N
sword
60
candle 97
49,
50. 51, 53, 55, 56.
symbol, mathematical
72, 115, 117
18, 28,
top hat 85
tracing board
calendar 35
wreath 44, 93
wren 67
topaz 40. 41
symbol, definition of
64
43
Versailles
swing 96
Apollo 14
bird
72
stick
Virgin
tongue 72. 110
tower 95
-and-crossbones
snail
toad 58. 79
swastika 21. 22. 75,
sycamore 44
Bastet
skeleton 74
Sleipnir
swan 65
amber 38
113
Sisyphus 39
skull
50
star-shaped 25
woodpecker 67
worm 57
1 1
violet
115
(astrology)
29
(planet)
Tlaloc 28
sun 34-35 Terasu 27
Venus
swallow 64
114 81, 101
Aphrodite
see also
28
Tigris tile,
sukkot 17
Ama
seven deadly
siren
23
62. 113
tiger
23
105
Sumenans
simurgh 31 sins,
Stone, Philosopher's
stupa
84
silver
110
stork 65, 67, 71
6
sign, definition of
Sikhs,
100
Symbols
Svipdag 38
108
Siddhartha 22, 23
silk
&
Signs
'VBHt?
3
5
19
witch 60, 78
doctor 70 woli
34
*^S%S*S%S%^S%S%*%*%**s%s*S%s%S%^S%s%S%**S%S%s*S\S%S%*%S%S%S%^S\?^ I
26
Further Reapi ng
Further Reading Ayo, Yvonne.
Guerber, H.A. The Myths
Africa, Eyewitness Guides,
Dover,
Knopf, L995
Baquedano. Elizabeth. Acre. Eyewitness Guides,
& Gombrich,
Hall. James. Subjects
Richard.
Hall,
-
1
Becker. Udo. The Continuum Encyclopedia of
in
Wendy. The
&
HUP, 1992
A
Campbell, Joseph. The Masks
of God, vol
Mythology; vol
4:
Architecture of the
Creative
Dictionary of Symbols,
Japan,
Roman
Mythology,
Scripts,
Dictionary of Symbols, Routledge,
&Co
1993
& Clift. Wallace, Symbols of
Transformation
in
Dreams, Crossroad NY.
Thames and Hudson
J.
C.
& Mythological Animals,
ThorsonsSF, 1992
De
Pantheon Books, 1981
Alchemy, Thames and Hudson
Fberard,
Di<
Inc.,
& Visions,
1988
Routledge
Precious Stones,
& Kegan
& Mystery, DK
1992
1991
.
Philip. The Art
& Bah.
Java
Southeast Asia
oj
Thames and Hudson Spirits,
1990
Inc., 1
Brown,
ittle
1995
Inc.,
the Cat,
1991
& James, A Dictionai
& Hall,
Chapman
1985 olors
c
H. Holt, 1994
Hudson
hristian
(
Art,
Thames and i
1995
Inc.,
t
&
Twining, Louisa, Symbols \u.
Emblems
Gordon
Early
oj
&
1980
Press.
Versluis, Arthur. Native American Traditioi
to
qj Beliefs
Bringers
and
(
Good
oj
olors,
I
uck
\ t
hai
(
Gordon
Press,
1991
1991
Press,
and
lopi did oj
Spells, Talismans,
African
Mascot Booh An
Villiers, Elizabeth. The
Encyt
Bazaz. Buddhism. Facts
On
File,
Wangu, Madhu
Bazaz. Hind
On
File,
is
1991 \\ ernei
N94
I
Dover, \\ ernei
Religions,
Larousse, Kingfisher, Chambers.
Wangu, Madhu 1993
Dover Publications, 1971
Larousse Dictionary
1986
Inc
Thames and
Element, 1994
Mythology and Rehgum. Element, 1993
tumary of Chinese
'ish edition,
Paul.
& Symbol: A Selection of
Kunz, George Frederick. The Curious Ion
Wolfram A
Rawson.
Medieval
Inc.,
Thames and
1985
Inc.,
Philip, Sacred Tibet,
Thomas, Nicholas, Oceanic
1964
Knappert, Jan, The Encyclopedia of Middle Eastern
1972
Hudson
Myths,
oj
1995
.
Philip, Art oj Tantra,
Stuiley. Margaret
Symbols, Doubleday
Myth and Legend, Aquarian
McGraw-
Rawson,
Inc
Thames and Hudson
Knappert, Jan, Indian Mythology, Encyclopedia of
1973
Inc.,
Dreyfuss, Henry, Symbol Sourcebook,
Publishing
Saunders. Nicholas. The Cult of
Mythology, Thorsons SF, 1991
Rola, Stanislas Klossowski, The Secret Art of
Hill.
his
Knappert. Jan, Aquarian Guide
Crossley-Holland, Kevin, The Norse Myths, Gods of the Vikings,
and
1991
Publishing
DK
Theroux, Alexander. The Primary
King, Francis X., Mind, Magic Symbolic
Philip, Neil, The Illustrated Book
Hinduism and Us Symbols, Routledge,
Man and
Amity House
1992
Inc.,
I
Valley,
Kelsey, Morton, Symbols, Dreams
Illustrated Encyclopedia of
Traditional Symbols,
Cooper,
Ai
to the
Writings from C.G.Jung, Princeton University Press,
C, An
Guide
Kathmadu
Jung, Carl G., Psyche
1986 J.
A
Abrams 1992
Inc.,
Nov Complete Astrology, Random
Saunders. Nicholas. Animal
Illustrated Encyclopedia, 2 vols.,
Jung, Carl G.,
Oxford University
.
Cambodia. Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Burma, of Ancient India.
Jean, Georges, Writing, the Story of Alphabets and
Chiron. 1994
Jean
Visual Arts
Kodansha, 1993
Chiron Dictionary of Greek and
Cooper,
An
Parker, Derek.
Rawson,
Shambhala Publications, 1994
ThorsonsSF, 1994
Clift,
994
Abrams, 1991
Hint, Michael. Nepal,
Mythology, Viking, 1959-68
A
1
Weatherhill, 1995
I:
Music
to
1967
Hudson
& Fleming, John,
Huntingdon, Susan, The Art
Primitive Mythology; vol 2: Oriental Mythology;
Cirlot, J.E.,
Symbols
An Odyssey into the Spirit Putnam Pub Group, 1994
of Africa,
History,
l
House Value, 1990
Illustrated Dictionary of
Publications, 1991
Mesopotamia, University of Texas Press, 1992
Chetwynd, Tom,
Harper
Eastern and Western Art, HarperCollins.
Honour, Hugh
Symbols of Ancient
Blurton. Richard. Hindu Art,
vol 3. Occidental
Ait.
in
Herder Symbol Dictionary, The, Chiron
& Green. Anthony.
Gods, Demons
James, The
World
Story oj Painting,
Publishing. Inc., 1993
Black, Jeremy
Symbols
Hall, James, Sangoma:
Symbols, Continuum, 1994
DK
&
then Meaning,
i
Companion
)xford
Press,
and Row. 1974
Hudson
The World of Buddhism, Thames and
Becket, Sister
Concordia (
.
ThorsonsSF, 1992
Becheri. Heinz
.
99
Nordon, Rudolph. Symbols and
} >
Haeffner. Mark, Dictionary of Alchemy
Knopf. 1993
Inc
1
Rome,
-
of*
*
Myths and
(
I
na,
I
I
ed
Karel
&
The Indian
Jyml
\u
i
&
Religion
:
:
i'
Farrant. Sheila. Symbols for Zodiac.
ThorsonsSF.
Ferguson, George, Signs Art.
Oxford
Matnlmeal
V.
1W &
Toronto
Symbols
:
in
Christian
1
o) Signs
&
Publishing, 1993
ontana, David
\1
read
Mgmund
Knopf,
H
mbols,
Hie InterpretaH
I
Diversity of
Egypt.
Williams,
The Tempi
;
I
The Gods
and Syml
Thames and Hudson
An
(
(
ompai
Viking
i
i"
nese Symbolism
A.S., Outlii
Motl
Witkower, Rudoll
rhames and Hudson
.Religions. The, Lion
Yarwood, Doreen,
In
rh<
•
n Publishing
>n File
y^S%s%^l^S%^
and
<
fvilization
1977
.
Encyclopedia of World
Random House
turn*
Inc
SA, 1994
I
Valui
Zimmer, Heinri< h Myths and Symbols
nguin 191
i
Riverdale
bols
Morns Desmond
i
Gordon, Matthi
Art,
19£
Lurkei Manfred
Morgan Hal Symbols I
&
1987
Press,
undquist, |ohn
in Life
Heaven and Earth, Thames and Hudson
961
Foley, John, The Guinness Encyclopedia
I
Leith, James, Symbols
Panthi
Indian
in
i -
1
'4o
&
Signs ^*-***»-"*-*-»^
Symbols »^»^^%^*^>»^»^^»^*^»^»--»<-%--%'%^*^»^»--V-*^'«^»--%^%.
»^»-%^*--*- *^«*-Jl^a^! ,
t
Acknowledgments From
thank the fnends and queries concerning the text. These include Richard Blurton, Heather Elgood, Anat Feinberg, Edward Gibbs, Meher McArthur, and John Okell and Yumiko Yamamoto. Thank you to I
would
like to
colleagues
good advice, and good humor. Thanks also to Harriet Griffey, and to my friends at Tolli's for all their encouragement; and lastly to Roben, Jessica, and Jonathan, for their uncomplaining support through every dedicate this book to them. crisis. Extraordinary, for her expertise,
the author:
who answered
I
Alison Cole, the Western Art adviser, for her
many valuable comments.
I
owe
The publishers would
a great
Patel,
Joanna Pocock, and
worked
tirelessly
The publishers would
lifce
to
on
Ali
this
thank the following for then kind
bcr=bottom center nght, bfl=bottom
bfr=bottom
far left,
far
nght, tfl=top
17tl. 19tl,
far left, tfr=top far right.
34-35. 53cr, 81tr. 94br; /Ench Lessing
Antikensammlungen und Glyptothek 54tr Reproduced by permission of The American Museum in Britain, Bath "Obi, American Museum of Natural History 63cra, 77cra. cbr, 78br, 86c; Ancient Art
96cra; Heather Angel 2 tela;
20ci
16ll.
The College of Arms
Ashmolean Museum. Oxford 18tr, 20tr, 25tc, The Australian Museum/Nature
Focus Library
26bfr; Bentley
& Co. 86tl, br. bcr, 87tl,
cb, cr, cfr. bla, bl, br; Bibliotheque
49bl;
BLC
16bfr;
1
The Bridgeman Art Library 8br, 26cr, 27tr, 34ca, 42br; Archeological Museum, Naples 15cl; Musee des Beaux-
/
Havre 36b; Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris 8b.
27bc; Bonhams, London
2tr, 34b, 40cl; Brancacci Chapel. Santa Maria del Carmine, Florence 59br; Brewster Arts Ltd., New York, Tuesday, Leonora
©
Carrington 9cr; British Library- 24c, 341. 46c, 75bl, 98-99, 113br; Schloss Charlottenburg, Berlin 89cfr; Chnsties,
London 29bc; Musee Cluny, Paris 3b, 28cl; De Morgan Foundation, London 78c, be; © Fondalion P Delvaux-Sl Idesbald, Belgium/DACS 1996, The Temple 1949, Paul
89trb;
Museum
of
Mankind 26bc.
University 58c;
Ostemches
119cr; Prado, Madrid lOtl, 42bl, Art Auctioneers. St.
Peters,
cl,
Vienna
Preweatl Neate Fine
Newbury 45crb; Reims Cathedral
Leuven 49cr; Santa Maria
103tr; Scrovegni (Arena) Chapel,
Gallery 50br,
Gallery,
106bl/©ADAGP,
delle Grazie,
Padua
Paris
51c,
Milan
107tfl; Tate
and DACS, London
1996, The Rechless Sleeper Rene Magritte 10b; Gallena
93cra, lOOcl. be; Manscll Collection 47cl, 85br, Arxiu
Museum
30br,
Leeds
of English Rural Life, University of Reading,
90cfr.
ET Archive
1
,
2d.
201. 22tr, 31tl, 62bl,
66tr, 71cra. 72bc, 74cl. 81tc, 89tc. lOltr. 103bl;
Mary
4cra, 9bl, 9tr, 28cfr, 31br,
45tr, 65br. 72tr, 73tr, 74il, 75br. 79tr, 80tl, 81cfr,
>7<
&
erpool 53t: Wallace
38c!;
Preser
ndon 88tr; The British Hedgehog Bnush Library. London •
JNTO
lbbl. l~tr. c,
Museum
Manchester
23cb,Joods Historich
back jacket.
4cl
I4cfl, cr, bcr,
15clb, 20tc, 28br, 29bl, 31c. 55tr, 56cl. 61cl. 62cr, 75cr,
Mas
Museum
41hl.
of
Mankind
NASA
76bl,
Museum
1
Id, 34cr,
of the
}6d; National
/|I'l
I
31tc,
19tc,
Museum, London
National Maritime
cb;
2crb, 29br, 59bc, 72bl. cr, National
Scotland
Army
The National Gallery. London
66c;
bl, 57tl
Miranda Moving Image
55bl, 66bl,
Museum
Bruce-Mitford 23d, be.
Museum
of
9Mr, National Trust Photographic
ibrary/Nick Mecrs 4 Ml, National Trust for
Scotland/Harvey
Wood
48br. Natural History
Museum,
84bra, 89cl. 90cl, 90bl, 92c, 95tcl, 102bl, HOcrb, elb;
London
Eye Ubiquitous 43c, /David Gumming 21cr; Frank Leather 27cr. Exeter Museum 86cl. Chris Fairclough Colour Library 18br, 95bl, Forest Light/Alan Watson
Times, Witney, Oxfordshire 43cla, Peter Newark's Western Americana 6 1 tr. 76tr; Photostage/Donald Cooper 77tl. Pictor 76c; Pitt Rivers
95cl;
Werner Forman Archive
London
Museum, Goldman
23clb/Bntish
inside jacket, 4cla, 28tr; Philip
Musee National du Bardo, Tunis 63tl; of Man, Ottawa, Ontario 63clb. Statens Histonska Museum, Stockholm 15bt Univet Philadelphia. IS 39br; The Garden Picture Library 42cb/John Bethell 73cr; Bridgme Thomas 43clb, Garrard, London }9d; Glasgow Museums 4c. rb, 5cra, Collection 52bl,
National
Museum
16cla, cb, br, elb, 20br, 21cra, tl,
26tfr,
tr, tc,
tfr. tc.
22bc, 23tr. 25cfl.
59c, 64bla, 76-77c,79lc, crb, 81bra,
Golders Green United Synagogue 16cr; Ronald Grant Archive 54bl; Greenjackets Museum, Winchester 80cfl; Greenpeace/Dorreboom 65cra Sonia Halliday and Laura Lushington Photographs 19lx 37crb, 90bc, 106crb; /Barry Searle 16crb Robert Harding Picture Library inside jacket, 14bl. 39c, 73bra;
Bntish Library 95cr; Alain Evrard 83tl; Paolo Koch 106ca;
Kodak Ltd 83c;
Pate 25bl;
Adam
John Ross 88bl;
Woolfitt 6tr;
Holford
T.J.
lOtr.
JIM
Hodder
30d, 72br;
Larse-Collingen 27bl. Jenny
Wilson 20c, 104crb;
& Stoughton 891x
HMSO Crown
Michael
Copyright
:
iorence 48bl; Courtesy of the Board of Trustees of the V A 29tr, 60bl, 71bc, 82br (detail),
1
Hughes 37bc; Luiz Claudio Hans Reinhard 2t^hr. Cotton technology International 16br; National Museum of Denmark. Copenhagen 4clb, 18bl, 30tr, 90cla. James Davis Photography 16bc; C.M.Dixon 35tr, 74bl, 75tl; 106tl; Carol
36tr;
82tr. cr, 89clb;
40br National Gallery, London 73bl; Oriental Museum,
)tr;
1
Frednksson
Chantilly 103tl; /Musee Municipal. Laon, France 81tl:
Museum, Moscow
1
Museum, Amsterdam 17br; Kobal Collection lltr. 7 5tfr; Anna Kruger 18c: Museum of London 91br,
cr,
Index/Museo Diocesano de Solsona, Lerida 44cl; Kremlin
10Vlb.br, 107c, 108tl. c, b. 110c, 11 Id, Impact Photos Christopher Bluntzer 25br; Colin Jones 2 lbr, Rachel Morion 84cl; Homer Sykes 83lr, Rajesh Vora 107bl. Imperial War Museum 14bo: Japan Archive o Mr, Michael Jcnner 18bc; The Jewish 92tr. 102,,
Museum
Delvaux 6-7; Ferens Art Gallery, Hull 29cr; Giraudon 43tr Alusee des Beaux-Arts, Nantes 8t; / Musee Conde,
Durham
br (obj
Colin Keates, Dave King, Cyril Laubscher, Richard Leeney, Liz McAulay, Andrew McRobb, Kevin Mallet, Diana Miller, Ray Moller, Nick Nicholas, Martin Norns, Stephen Oliver, Gary Ombler, Roger Philips, Martin Plotter, Laurence Pordes, Kim Sayer, Karl Shone, Steve Shott, David Spence, James Stevenson, Give Streeter, Harry Taylor, Matthew Ward, Kate Warren, J erry Young, Michel Zabe Additional illustration: Chnstian Hook. Danuta Mayer
Duncan Brown 28c, 39cr. 75tcl, 93cb, 107br; J.Allan Cash 77c. 93crb. 94tr, bl. Lester Checseman 21bl, 72cl, 73br; Christie's Images 32-33, 47tr. Cinema Bookshop. London llbr, Bruce Coleman Ltd./Chnster
Evans Picture Library 4b,
Nationale (01FR 143
Museum
198vl 42tr: Birmingham
16tr,
57br (obj no.
no L936 419102-12-464), 63b, 64-65t, tl,
1
29tl. 52cr, 103tcl, 105tc:
Arts, Le
(obj no.
tr
tc,
cl.
Anderson, Geoff Bnghthng, Jane Burton, Peter Chadwick, Tim Daly, Geoff Dann. Philip Dowell, Andreas von Einsiedel. Neil Fletcher, Lynton Gardiner, David Garner, Philip Gatwood, Paul Goff, Chnsti Graham. Frank Greenaway, Peter Hayman. Stephen Hayward, John Heseltine, Alan Hills, Chas Howson.
65tr, 66cl. 70cl, 71br, 78cra, cr.79cl, 86bcl, 93lcl, 96cr,
Mango
&
Architecture/Ronald Sheridan back jacket,
fol
11.023), 62cl,
be. 25cl. 27tl,
105bc;
15cra, bl, 19cb, 38bl, be, 89cr, 91cr; Staathche
114tr;
52cla,54br 55bla
J -7 48). 59bla. 60tr, 61bl,
below, crb=center right below, bcl=bottom
left
center
AKG
39cfl ,4hr. 48ir
far right. cfl=center far left,
clb=center left,
21bc (Or 11387 f ,10b); The British Museum, London 9tl, 14tr. c. be, cl, cfl. cfr. I5lc, tr, cr,
r=nght. c=center, t=top. b=bottom. a=above.
cb=center below. cfr=center
set;
Spink and Son Ltd. for all their assistance. Special thanks to Sue Instead, for her continuing support and encouragement Additional design, editorial, and picture research Caroline Brooke. Louise Cox, Sarah Crouch, Robert
permission to reproduce the photographs: l=left.
for the loan of his precious
&
Bentley Co.. the Bond Street Jewellers, for their advice and use of their many transparencies; Past Times for access to their historical gift collection; and
who
Cobb,
Hugh Myers
Freemasonry; chess
book. An especial thank you to Sarah for her calm and assured handling of the design - and her smile, and to Emma, Editor all
like to thank:
Laraine Newberry, our Australian consultant; Julian Perry and John Hamill for all their help regarding
debt of gratitude to those at DK: Anna Kruger, Peter Bailey, the team of Sarah Ponder, Emma Foa, Martin Wilson, Shinn
Graham, Anderley Moore, Fergus Muir, Caroline Potts. Specially commissioned photography Andy Crawford, Steve Gorton, Ellen Howden at the Glasgow Museum, and Geoff Thompson at the Manchester Museum Specially commissioned illustrations Peter Bull, Nick Hall, Colette Ho, Malcolm McGregor, Peter Visscher. John Woodcock. Additional photography Max Alexander, Peter
89br; Hulton Getty Picture Collection 77br, 89crb,
The Hutchison
rnngton 93cl, Goy Coolea 21c; Ikona/Gallena Borghese 15cla; The Image Bank/Andrea Pistolesi 12-13; Guido Alberto Rossi 36c, F Reginato 34c: Images Colour Library 77tc, 95c; /The I
ibrary/Sarah
1
Dawes Collection 106cra; /Charles Walker Collection front jacket, 4clb, 5t, 6tl, 7b, 23tc. 28bl, 72cl
128
38br. 39ll,
tr, bl,
40tl. bcl.
40bcr,
c, cr,
55cr,
'9cra; Past
Museum
back
jacket,
Sarah Ponder 93
tr;
18d, 4
1
tcr.
47tcl. 54cr, 58tr, 62br,
77cb, 78tr, 86tr. 86cr, elb, 87cl. 91(1.
cla, crb, 70tr, 75tr,
be,
tfl,
Powell Cotton
Museum
23c. br, 70cra, 80d; Rctna Picturcs/A&M Records llbl;
Rex Features Ltd 7e>lx 80tr, /Tim Rooke 85bl, Simmons 106tr; Royal Mail 65d; Peter Sanders 24bc, Scala 19bl, 105bl, Sir John Soane's Museum 46tr; ,
Sotheby's,
Spink
London
& Son Ltd.
21tcl, 22br. 24tr, bl. 25tr. 37d;
1 15tc, Frank Spooner Pictures/Jane Taylor 91c, Sporting Pictures
(U.K.) Ltd
$9tC,
1
30c, 37cra. 107clb.
19cl.
Statens Historiska
Museum
Tony Stonc/Chnstopher Amcsen 68-69; Kevin Miller 26bt. I.nc Gallery 51br; Thames & Hudson
28cr, 9
3tc;
Ltd/)eff Teasdale (from Tanlra
John I
Webb
mud
US
104cl,
tl.
Grand Lodge
be. bl.
by Philip Rawson) 74cr,
/
Trip/H Rogers 20bc, 21clb,
of England 35d, 109tr,
V
tc. cr. bl
& A Museum.
London The Vegetarian Society I07bc; The Wallace Collection, London 6 V 66tl, tc, 73d, 14bl. Rodney Wilson 35tc; Westminster Cathedral I06cb; Elizabeth Whiting Associates 95bcl. Robin Wigington. Arbour \iiiiqurs ' ill b< Wimbledon Buddhist Iemple2MI. Inlemational Wool Secretariat l6bra, Michel Zabe Postal Service 70crb, bca,
56br,
1
I
1
66cb; Zcfa Pictures Ltd. 95tr; /Taner
Every
ejfjfort
has been madi
apologizes for in
tc trace the
24n
copyright holders
DK
am unintentional amissions and would be pk\i\t\l
such cases, to add an a
mcntinfuturi
c
The Author Miranda Bruce-Mitford studied anthropology
at the
School of Oriental and
London
African Studies,
social
University, graduating
with honors, and later earned a master's degree in Oriental Religious Studieb
<;ame school.
„
As
Longmu
a writer, she has contributed to
Directory of Minorities, the Macmillan Dictionary of
Art,
and the Larvusse
she has lectured
Encyclopedia.
As an academic, School of
at Sotheby's, at the
Oriental and African Studies, and at the British
Museum, and she is often a guest lecturer on art tours of Southeast Asia.
The Consultant Alison Cole has contributed to a
wide range of publications
in addition to
writing The Renaissance, Rrspective, and Color in
DK's
successful Eyewitness Art series. Alison
Cole's latest Courts.
book
She
is
Art
ofthe Italian Renaissance
head of communications
is
the National Art Collections
Fund, London.
^
i Sun Emblem Front
Symbol
ot r-aith
of Louis XIV, the Sun Ki n\rr
(
S
I'nhtrmr
M AM
1)K Publishing, (
>S
•
h-
Inc.
Nhdisnn Avenue-
New Visit
'
'
York,
\>
116
\Xorid
Ic
,..//www.'
com
)c
Web
at
at
Chinese Script
Pegasus
Symbol
Speed and Creativity
for
Pomegranate Symbol of
Sky
Siren
Fertility
Temptation and Seduction
Hand of Fatima
The Illustrated Book of
Good Luck Charm
Signs^Symbols
Lucky Eye Egyptian Protective Amulet
A fully illustrated visual guide to the mysterious Star of David
language of signs and symbols and a rich source of
Symbol of Judaism
information for the general reader Explains the origins and meanings of thousands of
Carp Perseverance and Success
symbols from the horseshoe to the rose Magnolia
Includes signs and symbols from the
art, religion,
Flower of Feminine Beauty
and folklore of many cultures worldwide
An indispensable book
for understanding
and decoding Laurel Wreath
dream symbols
Excellence in the Arts
and Sciences
Spirit
«
Comprehensively cross-referenced, color-coded,
of the Sun
Native American Sun Symbol
>,
-'•< S
/
V
and indexed
ISBN 0-7894-1 000-1
rz
x
90000
Shou Chinese Symbol of Long Life
>
Heraldry Printed
in
Spain
Swinton Family Crest
Rvl BAy Symbol
<
Heraldic Shield
Chinese Chess Pieces
Double-Headed Fagle
Imperial Figures in Courtly Power Struggles
Scallop Shell Emblem
of Venus
Lips
A
Symbol
Kiss of Love
