| Symbols constitute objects, pictures, written words, sounds or something else and stand for thoughts, ideas, attitudes, beliefs and feelings. Some of them are commonly used, such as a white rectangle on red background implying “STOP”, others have particular sense and provoke deep emotions. The examples of these symbols are the Star or David in Judaism and the crucifix in Christianity.
We are surrounded by symbols. Every day we're faced with something that has a symbolic sense. You will see symbols on money, in music compositions, commercials, books, politics and so on and so forth. To realize the meaning of a symbol a person has to know what this symbol implies. For instance, the Chinese symbol of yin and yang seems an amusing image with black and white colors for people that don't know the secret sense of this sign. They can enjoy its aesthetic side and design, but they don't see more than that. Quite the contrary, if a person understands the origin of the symbol he sees not only a simple image, but an idea of deep interdependence of things in our lives.
During the history of mankind symbols were vastly applied in art. This way, one object on a painting speaks volumes about the thoughts of the painter, his view on life and aspirations. To understand the secret significance of a book or a music composition we have to be very attentive to details. From time to time we have to learn the professionals' point of view on a certain piece of art to understand the idea of the author. This is due to the complication of the language of symbols.
So what are the most widespread symbols in art and what do they refer to?
Among the most common symbols used in pieces of art are books, a candle, clocks and mirrors. A book as a rule refers to knowledge and learning. If you see a lightened candle on a picture it is for the most part a symbol of time passing or faith in God. From the other side, a put-out candle signifies death and mourning. A clock implies the time passing. In this regard the well-known painting of Salvador Dali called “Melting clocks” implies an idea that nothing in our life is in keeping with some rules. And eventually, a mirror implies attempts to find the truth, but in some situations it just implies the vanity.
Thus, symbols are everywhere around us. We just need to pay a little more attention to details to see them. |
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