| Symbols are objects, pictures, sounds, written words or something like that and refer to thoughts, ideas, notions, beliefs and feelings. Some symbols are very common, like a white rectangle on red background signifying “Stop”, others have special sense and provoke deep emotions. For instance, these symbols are the crucifix in Christianity or the Star or David in Judaism.
We are surrounded by symbols. Every day we're faced with something that has a symbolic meaning. You may find symbols on money, in commercials, books, music compositions, politics etc. To realize the sense of a symbol a person has to know what this symbol implies. For instance, the Chinese symbol of yin and yang looks like a funny picture with white and black colors for people who do not know the secret meaning of this sign. They can enjoy its design and aesthetic side, but they do not see more than that. On the contrary, if a person understands the origin of the symbol he or she sees not only an image, but an idea of deep correlation of things in our life.
During the history of mankind symbols were vastly used in art. This way, one item on a painting can speak a lot about the situation, the ideas of the painter, his view on life and aspirations. To understand the secret meaning of a music composition or a book we need to pay special attention to details. Now and then we have to read critics on a certain piece of art so as to understand the idea of the author. This is because the symbols language isn't so simple.
So what are the most popular symbols in art and what do they refer to?
Amidst the most common symbols used in works of art are books, candles, clocks and a mirror. A book usually signifies transmitting of knowledge and learning. In case you see a burning candle on a picture it is in the majority of cases a symbol of faith in God or time passing. On the other hand, an extinguished candle stands for mourning and death. A clock represents the passing of time. In this regard the well-known painting of Salvador Dali called “Melting clocks” implies an idea that nothing in our life complies with some rules. And eventually, a mirror refers to attempts to find the truth, but in some cases it just refers to the vanity.
In this way, symbols are everywhere in our world. We just should pay a little more attention to details to see them. |
