representation is symbol

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• Social Sciences LibreTexts - Symbols and Language
• JewishEncyclopedia.com - Symbol
• University of Minnesota Libraries - Reading Rhetorical Theory - The Symbol
• symbol - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

symbol , a communication element intended to simply represent or stand for a complex of person, object, group, or idea . Symbols may be presented graphically, as in the cross for Christianity and the red cross or crescent for the life-preserving agencies of Christian and Islamic countries ( see Red Cross and Red Crescent ; representationally, as in the human figures Marianne, John Bull , and Uncle Sam standing for France, England, and the United States , respectively; they may involve letters, as in K for the chemical element potassium ; or they may be assigned arbitrarily, as in the mathematical symbol ∞ for infinity or the symbol $ for dollar.

In various philosophical contexts and particularly in semiotics , a branch of metalogic , very precise distinctions are made between symbol and sign . See also sign .

Definition of Symbolism

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I’ve tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice.

Common Examples of Symbolism in Everyday Life

Examples of types of symbolism and their effects, famous examples of symbolism in movies, difference between symbolism and motif, examples of symbolism in literature, example 1:  the glass menagerie  (tennessee williams).

Yes, movies! Look at them — All of those glamorous people — having adventures — hogging it all, gobbling the whole thing up! You know what happens? People go to the movies instead of moving! Hollywood characters are supposed to have all the adventures for everybody in America , while everybody in America sits in a dark room and watches them have them! Yes, until there’s a war. That’s when adventure becomes available to the masses! Everyone’s dish, not only Gable’s! Then the people in the dark room come out of the dark room to have some adventures themselves — Goody, goody! — It’s our turn now, to go to the south Sea Island — to make a safari — to be exotic, far-off!

Example 2:  The Lesson  (Toni Cade Bambara)

Miss Moore lines us up in front of the mailbox where we started from, seem like years ago, and I got a headache for thinkin so hard. And we lean all over each other so we can hold up under the draggy ass lecture she always finishes us off with at the end before we thank her for borin us to tears. But she just looks at us like she readin tea leaves. Finally she say, “Well, what did you think of F.A.0. Schwarz?” Rosie Giraffe mumbles, “White folks crazy.”

Example 3:  The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

And as I sat there, brooding on the old unknown world, I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. He had come a long way to this blue lawn and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night . Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And one fine morning—— So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

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Symbolism Definition

What is symbolism? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Symbolism is a literary device in which a writer uses one thing—usually a physical object or phenomenon—to represent something more abstract. A strong symbol usually shares a set of key characteristics with whatever it is meant to symbolize, or is related to it in some other way. Characters and events can also be symbolic. A famous example of a symbol in literature occurs in To Kill a Mockingbird , when Atticus tells his children Jem and Scout that it's a sin to kill a mockingbird because mockingbirds cause no harm to anyone; they just sing. Because of these traits, mockingbirds in the novel symbolize innocence and beauty, while killing a mockingbird symbolizes an act of senseless cruelty.

Some additional key details about symbolism:

• Symbolism can be very subtle, so it isn't always easy to identify or understand.
• It can sometimes be difficult to say whether an author intended for something to be symbolic or not.
• Symbolism allows writers to convey things to their readers poetically or indirectly rather than having to say them outright, which can make texts seem more nuanced and complex.

Symbolism Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce symbolism: sim -buh-liz-uhm

Types of Symbolism

A symbol can be a physical object, a character, or an event. Here's a brief overview of how each type of symbolism works:

• Symbolism through physical objects: Most often, physical objects are used to symbolize an idea or concept, as a way of pointing the reader towards some of the basic themes that a work is dealing with. For example, a poet might write a poem about a flower dancing in the wind in order to convey a sense of innocence, harmony with nature, or sheer happiness.
• Symbolism through characters: Sometimes, characters themselves can serve as symbols—of a particular virtue or vice, or of a political ideology. For example, in Edmund Spenser's famous allegorical poem, The Faeirie Queene , the female knight Britomart is a symbol of the values of chastity and restraint, traits which many 16th-century readers held in high esteem.
• Symbolism through events: Events can also be symbolic. For example, while a character's long, wild hair might symbolize a period of youth or innocence, a scene in which the character chops off his or her long hair might symbolize a loss of innocence—or the sacrifices people have to make in the process of becoming a mature adult with responsibilities. While the act of cutting off the hair is neither an object nor a character, but it would still be an example of symbolism.

Identifying Symbolism

Writers employ a wide variety of symbols to deepen the meaning of their work. Some symbols, though, are much easier to identify than others. It's worth recognizing the ways that some symbols can be obvious, while others might be less so. For example, sea glass might be used as a fairly obvious symbol in one text, and a more subtle symbol in another:

• Sea glass as an obvious symbol: If a character in a story gives her son a piece of sea glass just before she dies, and the son then puts the sea glass on a necklace and wears it every day, that's a pretty clear example of something being symbolic: the sea glass represents the son's relationship with his mother, his grief at her passing, or perhaps even the more general concept of loss. In this example, the author might choose to describe how the son plays with his necklace obsessively in order to convey his ever present grief at the loss of his mother—instead of having to state it outright.
• Sea glass as a less-obvious symbol: If a character in a story delivers a monologue about sea glass in which they explain how something sharp and broken (a shard of glass) becomes smooth and beautiful only through years of being tossed about on the ocean's currents, it might over the course of the story come to be symbolic for the process of growing up or recovering from trauma—but not every reader will necessarily pick up on the symbolism. In this case, sea glass would be an example of a symbol that might be harder to identify as a symbol within the context of the story.

Is a Symbol Purposeful or Not?

In some cases, particularly when a symbol is subtle, it's not always even clear whether the author's use of symbolism is intentional, or whether the reader is supplying their own meaning of the text by "reading into" something as a symbol. That isn't a problem, though. In fact, it's one of the beautiful things about symbolism: whether symbolism can be said to be present in a text has as much to do with the reader's interpretation as the writer's intentions.

Symbol vs. Metaphor

At first glance, symbolism and metaphor can be difficult to distinguish from one another—both devices imbue a text with meaning beyond its literal sense, and both use one thing to represent something else. However, there are a few key differences between metaphor and symbolism:

• Metaphors compare two different things by stating that one thing is the other (e.g., your eyes are heaven). This doesn't happen in symbolism, where the relationship between a symbol and what it represents is not stated explicitly and one thing is not said to be the other thing. Instead, a symbol stands for or represents something else.
• Whereas a metaphor is used to compare one thing to another based on shared characteristics, symbols can but don't need to have any characteristics in common with what they represent. For instance, Annie Proulx's story Brokeback Mountain ends with one character taking in the smell of a shirt that was once worn by his lost love. The shirt doesn't have any characteristics in common with the lover—it symbolizes him only insofar as it once belonged to him.

Symbolism and Allegory

An allegory is a work that conveys a moral through the use of symbolic characters and events. Not every work that incorporates symbols is an allegory; rather, an allegory is a story in which the majority of characters and plot developments serve as symbols for something else, or in which the entire storyline is symbolic of a broader phenomenon in society.

For example, the characters in Edmund Spenser's allegorical poem The Faerie Queene are not very complex or deep characters: they're meant to embody virtues or ideas more than they are meant to resemble real people. By contrast, Hester Prynne (the protagonist of Nathaniel Hawthorne's highly symbolic novel, The Scarlet Letter ) exhibits a great deal of complexity and individuality as a character beyond whatever she may symbolize, so it doesn't really make sense to say that The Scarlet Letter is an allegory about adultery; rather, it's a novel that is literally about adultery that has symbolic aspects. In short, all allegories are highly symbolic, but not all symbolic writing is allegorical.

Symbolism Examples

Symbolism is very common is all sorts of narrative literature, poetry, film, and even speeches.

Examples of Symbolism in Literature

Authors frequently incorporate symbolism into their work, because symbols engage readers on an emotional level and succinctly convey large and complex ideas.

Symbolism in Annie Proulx's "Brokeback Mountain"

The following passage from Annie Proulx's short story "Brokeback Mountain" describes a character named Ennis's visit to the childhood home of a lost lover named Jack. There, Ennis finds an old shirt of his nestled inside of one of Jack's shirts.

At the north end of the closet a tiny jog in the wall made a slight hiding place and here, stiff with long suspension from a nail, hung a shirt. He lifted it off the nail. Jack’s old shirt from Brokeback days. The dried blood on the sleeve was his own blood, a gushing nosebleed on the last afternoon on the mountain when Jack, in their contortionistic grappling and wrestling, had slammed Ennis’s nose hard with his knee. He had stanched the blood, which was everywhere, all over both of them, with his shirtsleeve, but the stanching hadn’t held, because Ennis had suddenly swung from the deck and laid the ministering angel out in the wild columbine, wings folded. The shirt seemed heavy until he saw there was another shirt inside it, the sleeves carefully worked down inside Jack’s sleeves. It was his own plaid shirt, lost, he’d thought, long ago in some damn laundry, his dirty shirt, the pocket ripped, buttons missing, stolen by Jack and hidden here inside Jack’s own shirt, the pair like two skins, one inside the other, two in one. He pressed his face into the fabric and breathed in slowly through his mouth and nose, hoping for the faintest smoke and mountain sage and salty sweet stink of Jack, but there was no real scent, only the memory of it, the imagined power of Brokeback Mountain of which nothing was left but what he held in his hands.

Proulx's description of the shirts sounds like it could be a description of the feeling of intimacy shared between lovers: she writes that they are "like two skins, one inside the other, two in one." The shirts symbolize the love the two men shared, but Proulx avoids having to explain Ennis's feelings directly by using symbolism in her description of the shirts, instead.

Symbolism in Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ozymandias "

In the sonnet "Ozymandias," Shelley uses the story of an encounter with a decaying monument to illustrate the destructive power of nature, the fleetingness of man's political accomplishments, and the longevity of art.

I met a traveller from an antique land Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand, Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown, And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command, Tell that its sculptor well those passions read Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things, The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed; And on the pedestal these words appear: "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.

The symbolism in Shelley's poem transforms the half-sunken monument into a powerful representation of the passage of time. The poem reminds readers that natural forces will put an end to the reign of all empires and the lives of every person, whether king or commoner. In the final lines, the poem juxtaposes two very different symbols: the fallen statue, greatly reduced from its former size, and the huge, barren, and unchanging desert. The statue of Ozymandias is therefore symbolic of man's mortality and smallness in the face time and nature.

Symbolism in Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man

In Chapter Ten of I nvisible Man , the book's protagonist goes to work at the Liberty Paints Factory—the maker of a paint "so white you can paint a chunk of coal and you'd have to crack it open with a sledge hammer to prove it wasn't white clear through"—where he is surprised to learn that the recipe for the brilliant white paint actually calls for the addition of a few drops of black paint. The symbolism of the black paint disappearing into the white is a direct reference to the "invisibility" of black people in America—one of the major themes of Ellison's book.

"The idea is to open each bucket and put in ten drops of this stuff," he said. "Then you stir it 'til it disappears. After it's mixed you take this brush and paint out a sample on one of these." He produced a number of small rectangular boards and a small brush from his jacket pocket. "You understand?" "Yes, sir." But when I looked into the white graduate I hesitated; the liquid inside was dead black. Was he trying to kid me?

Symbolism in Film

Filmmakers often endow particular objects with emotional significance. These visual symbols may shed light on a character's motivations or play an important role later on in the film.

Symbolism in Orson Welles's Citizen Kane

In the closing scene of Orson Welles' Citizen Kane , the camera pans to a sled with the word "Rosebud" printed on it—the same word that is uttered by the newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane on his deathbed. The movie itself portrays Kane's ruthless efforts to consolidate power in his industry. Yet in his final moments, he recalls the sled associated with the happier days of his youth. The "Rosebud" sled can be described as a symbol of Kane's youthful innocence and idealism, of which he lost sight in his pursuit of power. The sled is one of the most famous symbols in all of film.

Symbolism In Speeches

Orators often turn to symbolism for the same reasons writers do—symbols can add emotional weight to a speech and can stand-in for broad themes and central parts of their argument.

Symbolism in John F. Kennedy's 1961 Inaugural Address

In the opening lines of his 1961 inaugural address , President Kennedy claims that his inauguration is the symbol of a new era in American history, defined by both reverence for the past and innovation in the years to come:

We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end as well as a beginning—signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.

Here, President Kennedy argues on behalf of the symbolic significance of his election, suggesting that his Inauguration Day stands for the progress in America that is soon to come. Though it's not an especially subtle use of symbolism, Kennedy's assertion that his first day in office represents the first of many steps forward for America likely had a considerable emotional impact on his audience.

Symbolism in Barack Obama's Speech on the 50th Anniversary of the Selma Marches

In his speech on the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches , President Obama casts the Edmund Pettus Bridge (in Selma, Alabama) as a symbol of American progress and resilience.

The American instinct that led these young men and women to pick up the torch and cross this bridge is the same instinct that moved patriots to choose revolution over tyranny. It’s the same instinct that drew immigrants from across oceans and the Rio Grande; the same instinct that led women to reach for the ballot and workers to organize against an unjust status quo; the same instinct that led us to plant a flag at Iwo Jima and on the surface of the Moon.

In this example, President Obama paid tribute to the activists who were beaten brutally by state troopers after crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge during a 1965 demonstration in Selma, Alabama. Likening their perseverance in the face of police brutality to other prominent examples of American resistance, such as the American Revolution, Obama claims that the demonstrators symbolize a quintessential American trait: a commitment to securing and protecting personal freedom. Thus, in Obama's speech, crossing the bridge can be said to function as a symbol of the long struggle for civil rights.

Why Do Writers Use Symbolism?

It's hard to find a work of literature that lacks any kind of symbolism. Symbolism is an important literary device for creating complex narratives because it enables writers to convey important information without having to state things directly. In addition, the use of symbolism is widespread because it can:

• Help readers visualize complex concepts and central themes, and track their development.
• Afford writers the opportunity to communicate big ideas efficiently and artfully.
• Invite readers to interpret a text independently, rather than be directly told what the author means.
• Add emotional weight to a text.
• Conceal themes that are too controversial to state openly.
• Imply change or growth in characters or themes through shifts in the way that characters interact with particular symbols, or ways in which the symbols themselves change over time.

Other Helpful Symbolism Resources

• The Wikipedia Page on Symbols : A rather theoretical account of symbolism, which delves into competing definitions of the term that might be more complicated or detailed than is necessary for many readers. Still, the page demonstrates just how pervasive symbolism is in language and thought.
• Cracked's List of 7 Films With Symbolism You Didn't Notice : Though the author's speculations verge on conspiracy theories at times, at its best, the list demonstrates how artists might use symbols to bury risqué themes in works for popular consumption.
• The HyperTexts Page on The Best Symbols in Poetry and Literature : The explanations here aren't especially in-depth—certainly not as sophisticated as the symbols they discuss. Still, this is useful as a survey of poems by major writers with examples of concrete, object-based symbolism.

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Representation in Art: Symbols, Signs, and Meaning

Table of Contents

Have you ever gazed upon a painting and felt as though it spoke to you, telling a story far beyond its visual appeal? This experience is at the heart of representation theory in art , where every stroke, color, and shape is more than mere aesthetics —it’s a language of symbols and signs that communicates the world to us. Let’s embark on an exploration of how art represents reality and why it matters.

Peeling back the layers of representation

Representation in art isn’t just about copying what we see. It’s about interpreting and presenting the world in a way that resonates with our perceptions and emotions. The theory of representation posits that art is a medium through which artists convey their understanding of the world, whether it’s through literal depictions or abstract symbolism. But what does it mean to represent something, and how do artists choose their symbols?

Understanding symbols and signs in art

When we talk about symbols in art, we’re diving into a deep well of cultural, historical, and personal significance. A symbol can be anything—an object, a figure, a color—that stands in for an idea or concept. For example, a white dove often represents peace. Artists use these symbols to create layers of meaning in their work, inviting viewers to decipher and interpret according to their own experiences and knowledge.

Art as a window and a mirror

Art provides both a window into the artist’s perspective and a mirror reflecting our own interpretations. By applying representation theory, we start to see art not just as a static image or object, but as a dynamic interaction between creator and observer. This raises intriguing questions about the nature of reality and how it is depicted. Can art ever truly capture the essence of what it represents, or is it inherently a subjective endeavor?

The domains of representation: Literature, semiotics , and aesthetics

The reach of representation theory extends across various domains, each offering unique insights into how art makes sense of the world around us.

Literature: The narrative power of words

In literature, representation is closely tied to storytelling. Authors craft characters, settings, and plots that, while fictional, often reflect aspects of the real world or convey deeper truths. The use of metaphors and allegories allows writers to infuse their narratives with multiple layers of meaning, challenging readers to look beyond the surface.

Semiotics: The study of signs and symbols

Semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, is fundamental to understanding representation in art. It examines how we assign meaning to signs, whether they are images in a painting or words on a page. This field provides tools to decode the visual language of art, revealing the complex communication taking place between the artwork and its audience.

Aesthetics: The philosophy of sensory experiences

Aesthetics delves into the nature of beauty and taste, exploring how sensory experiences, particularly in the arts, evoke emotional responses. Within aesthetics, representation theory asks us to consider how art affects us—why certain representations resonate and how they contribute to our understanding of beauty.

Organizing and interpreting the world through art

One of the most profound aspects of representation theory is how it shows art’s role in organizing and interpreting the world. Artists often take on the task of making sense of chaos, giving form to abstract ideas, and communicating complex emotions through their chosen mediums.

Art as a cultural interpreter

Art does not exist in a vacuum; it is deeply embedded in the culture from which it springs. As such, it can act as a sort of cultural interpreter, offering insights into societal values, beliefs, and historical contexts. Through representation, art can both reflect and shape the culture it represents.

Representational forms and their impact

From realistic portraiture to abstract expressionism , the forms that representation takes in art are as varied as the artists themselves. Each form has its own way of impacting viewers, whether by creating a direct emotional connection or by encouraging abstract thought. The choice of representational form can enhance the message an artist wishes to convey and influence the viewer’s interpretation.

Why representation in art matters

Representation theory in art does more than just provide a framework for understanding artworks—it highlights the importance of art in our lives. Through representation, art communicates ideas, stirs emotions, and provokes thought. It enriches our existence, offering new perspectives on the familiar and inviting us to engage with the world in novel ways.

The personal and societal implications of representation

On a personal level, art’s representations can touch our innermost feelings and thoughts, sometimes leading to moments of profound connection and insight. On a societal level, art can be a powerful tool for social commentary , using representation to highlight issues, celebrate diversity, and foster empathy.

Encouraging engagement and reflection through art

By understanding representation theory, we become more engaged observers of art. We’re encouraged to reflect on our own perceptions and to consider how art influences our view of reality. This heightened awareness can lead to a deeper appreciation of the arts and a more nuanced understanding of their role in our lives.

Representation in art is a multifaceted concept that challenges us to consider how reality is communicated through creative expression. It is a testament to art’s power to not only depict but also transform our understanding of the world. As we’ve journeyed through the theory of representation, we’ve uncovered the intricate dance between artist, artwork, and observer, where each brings their own meaning to the experience.

What do you think? How has your understanding of art changed after exploring the representation theory? Can you think of a piece of art that profoundly represented something to you, and why did it resonate?

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1 Philosophy of Art

• A Unified Experience
• Existential Possibilities
• Relation Between Art and Epistemology
• Enjoyment of Beauty in Art
• Beauty as Meant by Different Thinkers

2 Rasa – Definition, Nature and Scope

• Poetry as Emotive Meaning
• The Validity of Rasa as a Theoretical Concept

3 Aesthetics – Definition, Nature and Scope

• Definition of Aesthetics
• Nature of Aesthetics
• Three Approaches to Aesthetics
• The Aesthetic Recipient
• The Aesthetic Experience
• Scope of Aesthetics

4 Aesthetic Objects

• Aesthetics in Ancient Greek
• Indian Aesthetics
• Aesthetics in Medieval Period
• Eighteenth Century German Aesthetics
• Aesthetics Judgment

5 Bharata on Rasa

• The Natyasastra – a Curtain Raiser
• The term Rasa
• The Rasa Sutra
• The Key Concepts of Rasa Theory
• Bharata’s Rasa Theory

6 Theories of Rasa

• Bhatta Lollata and his Utpattivada
• Sri Sankuka and his Anumitivada
• Bhatta Nayaka and his Bhuktivada
• Sadharnikarana

7 Indian Aestheticians

• Concerns of Indian Aestheticians
• Bharata’s Contribution
• Abhinavagupta’s Contribution
• The Concept of Dhvani

8 Abhinavagupta’s Philosophy of Rasa

• Rasa as Sui generis
• Rasa Dhvani
• Alaukika Rasa

9 Ancient Theory of Aesthetics

• Pre-Socratic Artists
• Socrates on Art and Artists
• Plato’s Theory of Imitation
• Aristotle’s Doctrine of Katharsis
• Plotinus on Intellectual Beauty

10 Medieval Theory of Aesthetics

• St. Augustine and Pseudo-Dionysius
• St. Thomas Aquinas
• Renaissance Movement
• Transition – Rene Descartes

11 Modern Theory of Aesthetics

• Earl of Shaftesbury (1671-1713)
• Joseph Addison (1672-1719)
• Hutcheson (1694-1747)
• David Hume (1711-1776)
• Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

12 Postmodern Theory of Aesthetics

• Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)
• Hegel (1770-1831)
• Aesthetic Thought: A Historical Summary
• Benedetto Croce (1866-1952)

13 Ontology of Art

• Etymological Meaning of ‘Ontology’ and ‘Art’
• Art as Process
• Mimetic Theory of Art
• Emotion Theory
• Intuitionist Theory of Art
• Physicality / Content Theory
• Triptych Theory of Art
• Performance Theory of Art
• Institutional Theory of Art
• Formalistic Theory of Art
• Representation Theory
• Art as Interpretation

14 Applied Rasa – Indian Persepctive

• Rasa in Tradition
• Rasa in Classical Indian Aesthetics
• Rasa in Contemporary Thinking
• Categories of Rasas

15 Applied Aesthetics – Western Perspective

• World of Music/ Applied Aesthetics of Musicology
• Applied Aesthetics in Mathematical Domains
• Application of Aesthetics in Information Field
• Applied Aesthetics related to Digital Art and a Host of varied fields
• Application of Aesthetics in Other Fields

16 Art Experience

• Hiriyanna on ‘Art Experience’
• Rasa Theory as Art Experience: In Context of Poetry
• Art Experience: A Practical Approach
• Art Experience in Vedantic Context
• Art Experience and Samkhya
• Art Contemplation
• Art Experience and Morality

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What is symbolism? A Comprehensive Exploration

Symbolism is a profound and intricate literary device, a method of representing abstract or higher ideas or concepts with concrete objects, characters, or actions. It is a mechanism by which writers, poets, and artists convey complex, multifaceted ideas, emotions, and concepts through more tangible or visible means. This exploration of symbolism will draw upon various reputable sources such as Merriam-Webster, Masterclass, and Oregon State University to provide a comprehensive understanding of this literary device, its applications, and its significance in literature and art.

So what is symbolism?

According to Merriam-Webster , symbolism is defined as the art or practice of using symbols to convey specific meanings or represent abstract thoughts. It is especially significant when investing things with a symbolic meaning or expressing the invisible or intangible by means of visible or sensuous representations. Symbolism can manifest through artistic imitation or invention and can also involve the use of conventional or traditional signs in the representation of divine beings and spirits. It is a way to imbue objects, characters, or colors with meanings that are different from their literal sense, allowing for richer, more profound expressions in literature and art.

The Multifaceted Nature of Symbols

Oregon State University elucidates the multifaceted nature of symbols, explaining that symbolism is the idea that things, such as objects or colors, can represent other things. A single symbol can have multiple interpretations and meanings, depending on the context it is placed in. For instance, the color red can symbolize a spectrum of concepts ranging from passion, love, and devotion to entirely opposite ideas such as infidelity. It can also symbolize blood, a command to stop, as seen in traffic lights, or even political ideologies like communism. This implies that symbols are not confined to single, fixed meanings; they can represent a plethora of ideas, emotions, and concepts, allowing for diverse interpretations and understandings.

Contextual Symbolism

Symbols derive their meanings from the contexts they are situated in, and sometimes, they may not symbolize anything at all. It is crucial to approach symbolism with a nuanced perspective, understanding that not every element in literature necessarily serves as a symbol. For instance, a rose in a literary work can sometimes just be a rose, without symbolizing love, passion, desire, or any other abstract concept. Similarly, a storm in a story might simply represent a change in weather, without necessarily symbolizing impending conflict or emotional turmoil. Recognizing the importance of context in interpreting symbols is crucial for a more accurate and nuanced understanding of literary works.

What is Symbolism in Literature

In literature, symbolism is a pivotal device that enables writers to convey intricate and abstract ideas without explicitly stating them. It allows for the exploration of complex themes and emotions, adding depth and layers to literary works. For example, in Gilbert Sorrentino’s novel “Under the Shadow,” the moon is not just a celestial body but a symbol representing hidden layers in a character’s psychological makeup. It serves as a gateway to exploring repressed memories and personal histories of the characters, allowing readers to delve deeper into their psyches and understand their complexities. This use of symbolism enriches the narrative, providing readers with a more immersive and profound reading experience.

Examples of What is Symbolism

• Red: Often symbolizes passion, love, anger, or danger.
• White: Typically represents purity, innocence, and peace.
• Black: Commonly symbolizes death, evil, or mystery.
• Dove : Represents peace and purity.
• Lion : Symbolizes courage, strength, and royalty.
• Snake : Often represents temptation, sin, and transformation.
• Chain : Can symbolize restriction, bondage, or connection.
• Mirror : Represents reflection, truth, and self-perception.
• Ladder : Symbolizes ascent, descent, or progress.
• Water : Represents life, purification, and renewal.
• Fire : Symbolizes destruction, passion, and transformation.
• Tree : Represents growth, stability, and life.
• Three : Often symbolizes balance, unity, and spirituality.
• Seven : Represents perfection, completion, and abundance.
• Thirteen : Commonly symbolizes bad luck and misfortune.
• Circle: Represents eternity, unity, and completeness.
• Triangle: Symbolizes change, tension, and conflict.
• Square: Represents stability, equality, and solidity.
• Sun: Symbolizes life, energy, and enlightenment.
• Moon: Represents femininity, cycles, and transformation.
• Rain: Can symbolize renewal, sadness, or cleansing.
• Stop Sign: Represents a command to halt movement or action.
• Green Light: Symbolizes permission to proceed or go ahead.
• Curved Road Sign: Represents an upcoming change or deviation in direction.
• Heart: Represents love, affection, and life.
• Flag: Represents a country, its values, and its people.
• Scales: Symbolizes justice, balance, and fairness.
• Cross: Represents faith, sacrifice, and redemption in Christianity.
• Star of David: Symbolizes divine protection and Judaism.
• Lotus Flower: Represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth in various Eastern religions.

Symbolism is a profound literary and artistic device, allowing for the representation of intangible or abstract ideas through tangible means. It is multifaceted, context-dependent, and versatile, enabling the exploration of a myriad of concepts and emotions in literature. Understanding symbolism involves recognizing its nuanced nature, where symbols can have multiple, varied meanings, and not every element in a piece of literature necessarily serves as a symbol. By exploring and understanding what is symbolism in this comprehensive manner, readers and viewers can gain deeper insights into the works they engage with, appreciating the complex ideas and emotions conveyed through symbolic representation.

What is the symbolism in literature?

In literature, symbolism is used to convey abstract ideas and concepts without having to explicitly state them. It allows writers to express complex and multifaceted ideas through more tangible or visible means, adding depth and richness to their works.

What is symbolism English dictionary?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary , symbolism is the art or practice of using symbols, especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing the invisible or intangible by means of visible or sensuous representations.

What is symbolism in one word?

Symbolism can be succinctly described as “representation,” where various elements represent or stand for something else, usually abstract ideas or concepts.

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Symbolopedia

Encyclopedia of Symbols

About the Author

Symbolopedia is a comprehensive guide to the meanings of symbols. Our content is crafted by professionals in psychology and symbolism, striving to maintain a balance between scientifically proven data and insights derived from myths, legends, and folklore. While our approach leans towards scientific interpretations of symbols, we acknowledge the significant role of the subconscious in their understanding, allowing for a blend of rationality and creativity.

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Chapter 4: The Symbol

This chapter covers the concept of the symbol. The first portion of this chapter defines the symbol and presents several philosophies of language developed in the 20th century by Kenneth Burke, George Herbert Mead, and Charles Sanders Peirce. Important concepts from these philosophies/philosophers include  identification, the “I” and the “me,”  and the  icon, index, and symbol.  The second part of this chapter addresses Burke’s framework of “Rhetoric as Symbolic Action,” discussing  the terministic screen, the dramatistic pentad,  and  demagoguery.

Please note that some of the written materials (specifically, the section on  icon, index,  and  symbol ) presented in this chapter do not appear in the same order as in the official recording for the class. Also included in the textbook below (but not in the recordings) are written descriptions and YouTube videos about early 20th-century American propagandists. This added material is useful context for symbols as 20th-century American propaganda, but it also provides more detail than is presented in the recordings.

Watching the video clips embedded in the chapters may add to the projected “read time” listed in the headers.  Please also note that the audio recording for this chapter covers the same tested content as is presented in the chapter below.

Chapter Recordings

• Part 1:  What are Symbols?  (Video, ~40m)
• Part 2:  Rhetoric as Symbolic Action  (Video, ~35m)

Read this Next

• Burke, Kenneth. “Definition of Man.” The Hudson Review , vol. 16, no. 4, Hudson Review, Inc, 1963, pp. 491–514.
• Solomon, Martha. “The rhetoric of dehumanization: An analysis of medical reports of the Tuskegee syphilis project.”   Western journal of speech communication  49.4 (1985): 233-247.

Part 1: What are Symbols?

The concept of “the symbol” comes from an ancient Greek word, “symbolon,” which is the union of the words “thrown” and “together.” The ancient use of the word “symbol” had an important social function: they were objects that represented a pact, treaty, or agreement between people and the state. Receiving a “symbolon” was more than receiving a gift or a token: they indicated the presence of a specific relationship between an individual and an institution. This chapter continues this line of reasoning by considering the kinds of relationships created by prominent symbols in the 20th century.  This section covers the concept of  identification,  different 20th-century  theories of the symbol,  and continues an ongoing discussion about dangerous  propaganda  from the previous chapter .

Kenneth Burke and Identification through Rhetoric

Between 1939 and 1945, Kenneth Burke’s theories of identification and symbolic action changed the study of rhetoric by bringing new attention to the powerful effects of speech. Rhetoric and rhetoricians adopt a new framework that considers rhetoric to be a mode of  symbolic action , in which speech is primarily understood to unify and divide a mass public. Whereas rhetorical scholarship had previously concerned itself with effective persuasion, Burke introduces the idea of  identification . As persuasion, rhetoric happens in or as a speech and relies upon the speaker’s conscious choices, their historical circumstances, and the timeliness of the moment. As identification, rhetoric is about  influence . It concerns communicating a meaning that reflects something that the audience shares with the speaker and other listeners.

In other words, identification is a way of talking about rhetoric as collectivizing, or as creating the audiences that it addresses. It is about bringing people together using  symbols . When we identify with or around a symbol, we may come to share a similar system of values, assessment of social hierarchy, and rules of communication. The symbol is how we make not just any meaning but a  shared  meaning that we all hold in common. A related concept is  consubstantiality , or the creation of sameness or likeness between different members of a group. Identification is not just about persuading with the right words. It encourages us to think about groups coming together around a symbol, how it moves the group, and how this symbol comes to mean something similar for everyone within it.

X Gonzalez’s March 24, 2018 Speech at the “March for Our Lives” Rally. An Example of Identification.

The speech above offers a good example of identification. The silence that spans the majority of the recording symbolizes the school shooting that  X Gonzalez  experienced for the gathered audience.  The silence in this speech creates shared meaning with which this audience may identify. Identification does not happen all at once, however. Gonzalez begins the speech with the following statement:

Six minutes and about twenty seconds. In a little over six minutes, seventeen of our friends were taken from us,  fifteen were injured and everyone, absolutely everyone in the Douglas community was forever altered. Everyone who was there understands. Everyone who has been touched by the cold grip of gun violence understands. For us, long, tearful, chaotic hours in the scorching afternoon sun were spent not knowing. No one understood the extent of what had happened. No one could believe that there were bodies in that building waiting to be identified for over a day. No one knew that the people who are missing had stopped breathing long before any of us had even known that a code red had been called. No one could comprehend the devastating aftermath or how far this would reach or where this would go.

For those who still can’t comprehend because they refuse to, I’ll tell you where it went, right into the ground, six feet deep. Six minutes and twenty seconds with an AR-15 and my friend Carmen would never complain to me about piano practice. Aaron Feis would never call Kiera Ms. Sunshine. Alex Schachter would never walk into school with his brother Ryan. Scott Beigel would never joke around with Cameron at camp. Helen Ramsey would never hang out after school with Max. Do you know Montalto would never wave to her friend Liam at lunch? Joaquin Oliver would never play basketball with Sam or Dylan. Alaina Petty would never, Carol Lungren would never, Chris Hixon would never, Luke Hoyer would never, Martin Duque Anguiano would never. Peter Wang would never, Alyssa Alahdeff would never, Jamie Guttenberg would never, Meadow Pollick would never.

At that stage in the speech, Gonzalez pauses for the entire length of time that the students at Stoneman Douglas had to remain silent while an active shooter was in the building. Gonzalez’s silence is uncomfortable for some listeners, who cheer and make noise as if encouraging them to speak.

Since the time that I came out here. It has been six minutes and 20 seconds. The shooter has ceased shooting and will soon abandon his rifle, blend in with the students as they escape, and walk free for an hour before arrest. Fight for your lives before it’s someone else’s job.

Identification describes the creation of a shared experience around the symbol. In this case, Gonzalez’s symbol is silence. This silence, which disrupted the expectation that they would speak, represents Gonzalez’s specific traumatic past experience, which also lasted six minutes and twenty seconds. Identification is clear in the discomfort and uncertainty of the audience during this long silence, simulating the disorientation characteristic of the event itself. Audiences – including its distant viewers on YouTube – come to identify with X because they come to understand the relationship between the speech and the scenario that the symbol represents.

Of course, identification does not always work. When this happens, it is called failed identification: when a meaning that a speaker wishes to share with a wider audience does not create the intended effect. During his 2012 US Presidential election campaign, Mitt Romney was widely criticized for using a false accent in his southern speeches. According to some critics, the former Massachusetts governor and US senator’s choice to use a southern accent was an example of unsuccessful pandering:

Mitt Romney’s “Grits” Moment. An Example of Failed Identification.

As Romney’s clip illustrates, disingenuous or inauthentic rhetoric may lead to effects of failed or (dis-)identification. The intent of this kind of speech may be to create an audience that shares the speaker’s understanding and worldview. However, a speaker who chooses symbols that challenge or their existing  ethos  also risks distancing themselves from their listeners.

In review, rhetoric emerges at the beginning of the 20th century as the study of public address, or as, again, the study of speeches and the systematic way they persuade. But at the same time, there’s also a second notion about rhetoric that is emerging that rhetoric is a mode of identification, that it requires symbols that everyone interpreting the same way.

The Symbol and the Philosophy of Language

There are two early American philosophers of language who independently develop theories of the symbol. The first is George Herbert Mead, who coins the phrase symbolic interactionism. The second is Charles Sanders Peirce, who develops a theory of representation based on the  icon,  the  index,  and the  symbol.

George Herbert Mead argues for a fundamental difference between “the I” and “the me” to explain how social expectations surrounding symbols are created. The “me” is the self that exists in relationship to a generalized, non-specific other. It is the generic response that I would expect from someone else when I execute a gesture or say a phrase. If “the me” says “how are you doing?” to a stranger on the street, they might expect them to say, “I’m fine, how are you?” or “none of your business!” depending on the customary expected response within that social environment.

The “I” describes individual reactions inflected with freedom and unpredictability. If  “I” wave to someone on the street, I might (as “the me”) expect them to wave back or acknowledge my hello. But the I is all of the actions that could happen: they could run up to me and confront me or suddenly run in the other direction. The sense of freedom that is characteristic of “the I” is, in this case, all of the different ways that this other person interprets my gesture differently or in a way that is opposed to the intention of the symbolic gesture I used to interact with them.

A second mid-20th-century philosopher of language who develops a theory of the symbol is Charles Sanders Peirce (pronounced “purse”). Peirce is the inventor of linguistic pragmatism, in which the meaning of an idea may be understood as the totality of possible observations about it. According to Peirce, meaning must have an actual value; it must be taken from empirical observations. This is “value” occurs in one of three registers: “firstness,” “secondness,” and “thirdness.”

Informational Video on Peirce’s Philosophy of Language

Imagine thinking of nothing but the color blue, not thinking about the color or addressing questions about the experience. The idea would be to perceive one thing alone. This is Peirce’s concept of firstness, the contemplation of the essential qualities of something, the color blue. But we cannot purely experienced this before some secondness (the sun, the landscape) a quality distinct from the blueness that you first perceived enters your consciousness. Perhaps something different or distinct from the original phenomenon, in relation to the foreground of background appears as a secondness. Perhaps it could be a sound. It could be another color or it might be an object that appears in the midst of that color. [It could be] something in a contrasting color that makes it distinguishable, that has characteristics, such as a shape. Finally, Perice recognized that what you experience in your mind is thirdness, the mediation of signs that occurs as a mental process of your experiences, thoughts or ideas. He called this an interpretant. An interpretant is a being with the potential to interpret signs [and who occupies the position of thirdness relative to firstness and secondness]

Signifier, Signified, Referent

Peirce employs three-part distinctions like  firstness, secondness,  and  thirdness  throughout his philosophy of language. One related framework is the distinction between the  signifier,  the  signified,  and the  referent.   The  signifier  is the graphic mark before it comes into contact with a specific meaning. It is also called the ‘shape’ of the word and the sound image. The  signified  is the meaning of the signifier, or the concept the word invokes. It is the ideational component of the word or the shared and similar thought that a word conjures for a person or people. Finally, the  referent  is the actual, literal object, which exists in the world.

For example, “the White House”: the  signifier  is the phonemes and sounds that combine to form this phrase. The  signified  is what this phrase “means,” such as the office of the American presidency that symbolizes the authority of the executive branch. Finally, the  referent  is the literal building or structure that exists in Washington D.C.

Icon, Index, Symbol

A final three-part distinction related to representation is the  icon,  the  index,  and the  symbol.

The  icon  resembles its referent, the literal thing to which it refers. The image of rocks falling is an icon because the thing it warns us against, rocks falling, is represented as a literal depiction of rocks falling.

The  index  is associated with a referent by cause or inference. When we see an index, we can deduce what it means. An image of smoke in the distance means that there is a fire; reasoning rather than a natural resemblance gives away the meaning of the index.

Finally, the  symbol  is related to the referent by convention. The biohazard symbol means that there is radiation present. However, there is no natural resemblance between a biological hazard (such as radiation) and this symbol; this danger does not “look like” anything we can easily represent. Additionally, we cannot use reasoning or deduction to infer that the biohazard symbol means that radiation is present. The symbol does not, for instance, show what the effects of radiation might be, like the image of smoke. Instead, the symbol means “radiation” through convention, circulation, and use.

Here’s another example, an image of a bicycle, a skull and crossbones, and the infinity symbol. The bicycle is an  icon  because it literally resembles the object. The skull and crossbones are an index because the audience may infer that consuming the object will lead to death. Finally, the final image, the leviathan cross, is a symbol because it does not refer specifically or reverentially to an object, and an audience cannot easily infer its meaning. Although it symbolizes protection and balance, this meaning is only attached to the symbol through convention and use.

The final example of icon, index, and symbol is the  Nazar Boncuk . It is an ornament that hangs in many homes to ward off the “evil eye”; many of you may have seen it or own them yourselves. It is an important example because it illustrates how the icon, the index, and the symbol can be part of a single object. It is an  icon  because the object resembles an eye. It is an index because, most often, when it is placed in a home, it hangs above the doorway as a message for guests: someone is always watching, so behave yourself as if you were being watched. Finally, it also has a symbolic value because its meaning is only learned by convention. When I grew up with this symbol in my home, I only realized that it was there as a symbol of protection because it was part of a story that was communicated to me by my family and which is part of a larger cultural tradition of hanging these symbols in homes. However, just seeing the symbol by itself doesn’t necessarily communicate this shared, well-known meaning.

Symbols and 20th-Century Propagandists

The last bit of historical context about the symbol that I want to provide is political  propaganda  in the early 20th century.   Propaganda is an important feature of the early 20th century that still lingers with us today. This time in the United States created a class of professional persuaders whose job was to create symbols and shared identifications on behalf of corporations and government. Several important figures for the history of propaganda in the United States are George Creel, Edward Bernays, and Walter Lippmann. Edward Bernays is widely regarded as one of the founders of the field of public relations.

(1) George Creel.  Seven days after the United States entered World War I in April 1917, Woodrow Wilson created the Committee on Public Information, a propaganda agency acting to release government news, sustain morale in the US, administer voluntary press censorship, and develop propaganda abroad. Creel was named the head of the committee, and he created 37 distinct divisions, most notably the Division of Pictorial Publicity, the Four Minute Men Division, the News Division, and the Censorship Board.

The Division of Pictorial Publicity was staffed by hundreds of the nation’s most talented artists. They created over 1000 designs for paintings, posters, cartoons, and sculptures that instilled patriotism, fear, and interest in the war efforts. Creel himself said that the images were “something that caught even the most indifferent eye.” Between the News Division and Censorship Committee, Creel and the CPI could control the flow of official war information. Creel sought to portray facts without bias, though most pieces of news were “colored by nationalistic assumptions.” Creel’s committee may have produced biased news, but he hoped that the US could avoid rigid censorship during the war, as Creel’s views on censorship were “expression, not repression.” Under Creel’s direction, the CPI sought to repress material that contained “dangerous” or “unfavorable” ideas to avoid demoralizing the population.

(2) Edward Bernays  was born in Vienna, Austria. In 1891 Bernays’s family moved to New York City. The nephew of Sigmund Freud, Bernays often consulted his uncle’s work. He was the first to incorporate psychology and other social sciences into PR, yet where Freud sought to uncover motivations, Bernice sought to mobilize them. Bernie’s clients were companies rather than individuals. In one instance, the American Tobacco Company asked him to expand sales. He responded with a campaign (see below) that marketed cigarettes as “torches of freedom” and sought to associate tobacco consumption with the women’s suffrage movement.

(3)  During World War I  Walter Lippmann , an American journalist, became an adviser to Woodrow Wilson and assisted in drafting Wilson’s  Fourteen Points  speech. He sharply criticized George Creel, whom the President appointed to head wartime propaganda efforts at the Committee on Public Information. While he was prepared to curb his liberal instincts because of the war, saying he had “no doctrinaire belief in free speech,” he nonetheless advised Wilson that censorship should “never be entrusted to anyone who is not himself tolerant, nor to anyone who is unacquainted with the long record of folly which is the history of suppression.”

Lippmann examined the coverage of newspapers and saw many inaccuracies and other problems. He and Charles Merz, in a 1920 study entitled  A Test of the News , stated that  The New York Times’  coverage of the  Bolshevik Revolution  was biased and inaccurate. In addition to his newspaper column “Today and Tomorrow,” he wrote several books. He was also the first to bring the phrase “cold war” to a common currency in his 1947 book by the same name.

Lippman also argued that people, including journalists, are more apt to believe “the pictures in their heads” than to come to judgment by critical thinking. He wrote that humans condense ideas into symbols, and journalism, a force quickly becoming the mass media, is an ineffective method of educating the public. Even if journalists did better jobs of informing the public about important issues, Lippmann believed “the mass of the reading public is not interested in learning and assimilating the results of accurate investigation.”

Part 2: Rhetoric as Symbolic Action

Symbolic Action  describes the construction of  social reality  through symbols that foster identification. If rhetoric-as-symbolic action is the expressive human use of symbols, then  social reality  is the reality that we perceive through symbols, as well as the rituals, habits, and practices that use symbols. Additionally, symbolic action must involve  identification  because symbols allow people to see themselves as a group based on common interests and characteristics. Groups may also be broken apart using symbols, for instance, by claiming that some group members hold on to symbols that threaten the whole group’s identity. Symbolic action also occurs in public, out in the open. It means that symbols are leveraged to move people as a group to do things that they otherwise might not do. Symbols move people because they identify with them — because they see something at stake in protecting symbols and see similarity (or difference) in those who cling to them.

Let’s place some firm definitions on this terminology, starting with Symbolic Action.

• Symbolic Action  describes the making or construction of social reality through symbols that foster identification. It is expressive human action, the rhetorical mobilization of symbols to act in the world.
• Rhetoric  is the use of symbolic action by human beings to share ideas, enabling them to work together to make decisions about matters of common concern and to construct social reality.
• A  rhetor  is any person, group, or institution that uses symbolic action.
• A  symbol  is an arbitrary representation of something else, a word, an image, or an artifact representing a thing, concept, or action.  Verbal Symbols  are symbols found in language, whether spoken or written.  Visual Symbols  are symbols that include pictures, images, objects, recordings, enactments, demonstrations, and other collective actions.
• Identification , finally, “is a communicative process through which people are unified into a whole based on common interests or characteristics.” It is how symbolic action allows a rhetor to connect with the audience on a psychological level.

Kenneth Burke’s theory of symbolic action revolves around his “definition of man.” (see the additional readings for this week). Although the word “man” is both a dated and imprecise way to say “human,” Burke’s definition is significant because it defines the human in terms of their capacity to use symbols (“the symbol-using animal”). Burke points out that animals can understand symbols; birds, for example, interact with symbols regularly. Wrens use food as leverage to goad hatchlings to leave the nest. However, humans manipulate symbols to advance their own purposes and create social groups, which sets them apart.

Burke’s “definition” has five parts. The first is that humans are symbol-using (and misusing) animals. As Burke writes,

“What is our reality for today but all of this clutter of symbols about the past combined with whatever things we know mainly through maps, magazines, newspapers, and the like about the present. In school, as they go from class to class, students turn from one idiom (like mathematics or chemistry) to another (like Communication Studies or Rhetoric). The various courses in the curriculum are in effect but so many different terminologies. And however important to us is the tiny sliver of reality each of us has experienced first-hand, the whole over-all ‘picture’ is but a construct of our symbol-systems.”

Humans have the capacity to recognize symbols, but they also have the capacity to put them out into the world. They can use these symbols to destructive ends, and most often, substitute symbols for one another, such that a new symbol may carry on the work of an older one. The other aspects of this definition are important as well:

• Inventor of the negative  refers to how symbols are exclusive; for example, a group of people may gather around a symbol like a religious text or a conspiracy theory while excluding others, making them the “negative” of their symbolization.
• The idea that humans are  separated from their natural conditions by instruments of their own making  symbol-use can delude a people; how we may become ‘detached’ from reality based on the stories we elect to read or the news that we choose to watch. It also recalls the famous Clausewitz quotation that “diplomacy is war carried out by other means,” similarly, language allows for a kind of violence that sometimes stands in for acts of physical aggression.
• Goaded by a spirit of hierarchy  refers to the tendency not only to separate other people who are not part of our same symbol system or social group but to think of groups in terms of relative importance or as more and less deserving of recognition or rights. It describes how humans put some principles, ideas, and even people ‘first’ and subordinate others to those in that category.
• The final part,  rotten with perfection , describes how creating these hierarchical and exclusive orders is often the opposite of creating a ‘perfect world.’ The idea of American exceptionalism, for instance, that America is completely or wholly unlike any other country because it is ‘perfect’ in its ideals can be a way to legitimize oppressive laws or violent policing.

That brings us to Martha Solomon’s Article on the “rhetoric of dehumanization,” which discusses the misuse of symbols. Using Burke’s concepts, Solomon argued that the Tuskegee progress reports, printed in major medical journals from 1936 to 1973, functioned as “rhetoric of dehumanization” (p. 231). Specifically, the symbols used in the report show how Black men were treated as less human than the scientists who were conducting the study. The scientists’ “neutral” scientific language normalized inhuman practices of human testing, resulting in the deaths of patients who doctors never told that they were receiving placebos.

What was the Tuskegee Project? (from the CDC’s webpage documenting the Tuskegee Project)  In 1932, the Public Health Service, working with the Tuskegee Institute, began a study to record the natural history of syphilis in hopes of justifying treatment programs for Black Americans … The study initially involved 600 black men – 399 with syphilis, 201 who did not have the disease. The study was conducted without the benefit of patients’ informed consent. Researchers told the men they were being treated for “bad blood,” a local term used to describe several ailments, including syphilis, anemia, and fatigue. In truth, they did not receive the proper treatment needed to cure their illness. In exchange for taking part in the study, the men received free medical exams, free meals, and burial insurance. Although originally projected to last 6 months, the study actually went on for 40 years. Now that we’ve established what the article was about and how it is related to the topic of ‘symbolic action,’ we will return to Solomon’s article to show other aspects of symbolic action at work.

The Terministic Screen

The Terministic Screen  describes how symbols distort reality or create a partial ‘lens’ to interpret the world. It is connected to the idea from Burke’s “Definition” that symbols create a social reality that may be at odds with the way that other people perceive it. Burke defines the “terministic screen” using the trio of terms “ reflection ,” “ selection ,” and “ deflection .” In his words,

[Humans] “seek for vocabularies that will be faithful reflections of reality. To this end, they must develop vocabularies that are selections of reality. Any  selection of reality must, in certain circumstances, function as a deflection of reality.”

First, language  reflects  reality or provides a vocabulary that has scope and breadth to account for things that happen in the world. Language then  selects  reality, placing a sliver or snapshot of the real world under a microscope and elevates it to the status of the ‘whole thing.’  Finally, language  deflects  reality. Humans use language to discard what doesn’t fit within the version of reality they have become accustomed to. Burke’s examples include a color filter on a camera and the interpretation of the ‘same’ dream by psychotherapists who come from different traditions of dream interpretation. A color filter deepens the yellows, reds, and blues while also pushing out other wavelengths. A Freudian interpretation of dreams might likely focus on the patient’s parents; a Jungian one on their religion and mythical beliefs.

Ultimately, the terministic screen is a way that symbols are used to filter our reality. One example is the “national security state,” a framework not just for international relations or the FBI but also for how we think of and organize our homes. The national security state is built on the idea of surveillance, or watching — and that we are somehow safer when there is  more watching . The national security state is a terministic screen because it has become a part of schools, hospitals, cities, and homes. Even “smart home” technology assumes that intelligence means we can watch everything at once. New parents can take this to new extremes by putting cameras literally  everywhere . That idea — that when we’re watching, helicoptering, surveilling, we are somehow more intelligent, more in control — is a terministic screen. Suddenly the national security state isn’t just a way to look at how we pass through airports, but a way to organize our lives.

In “The Rhetoric of Dehumanization?” Solomon connects the terministic screen and “neutral” scientific language. According to Solomon,

[scientific language] is a “way that symbols are used to filter our reality” that “is constituted by terms through which humans perceive the world,” and “that directs attention away from some interpretations and toward others.”

Solomon condemns the dehumanizing characteristics of scientific writing, which often removes the author from the essay with the passive voice. (This is also why I don’t discourage students from writing using “I,” it involves the writer as a participant in the writing process, rather than just as a neutral observer.) Because the Tuskegee reports “avoided emotionally connotative language,” researchers emotionally dissociated from patients and deflected attention from human suffering, racism, and the possibility of intervention (pp. 237-238, 244).

The terministic screen of the Tuskeegee report also displays “four features of scientific investigation that “are accepted almost without question.” These include

• The scientific method encourages the perceptions of distinctions and the investigation of their significance.
• Objectivity and detachment are [wanted or needed] characteristics of the people who administered the Tuskeegee study,
• Science assumes knowledge as a primary value, rather than the wellbeing of the patient, and finally,
• The scientific approach is consistent across subject matter areas. These four characteristics were the ‘screen’ that allowed the Tuskeegee patients to be dehumanized.

Dramatism is a theory that describes instances of communication as if they were staged as a play or a fictional human drama. According to Burke, we read and understand the world rhetorically (i.e., as a narrative or theater performance). We process communicative phenomena through a restricted set of categories that Burke likens to a stage-act, consisting of a  scene ,  actors/agents , and  agency . Dramatism tells us that we are not just symbol-using animals but story-telling animals who use dramatistic elements in many different ways.

Dramatism makes two assumptions: First, language is primarily a species of action rather than an instrument of definition. (i.e., its primary function is NOT denotation or to establish the literal meaning of things). Second, that the best way to understand human relations and motives is to analyze symbolic action. There are five elements of dramatism that constitute a “pentad.” These include:

• The Agent  – the person or kind of person who performed the act;
• The Act  – what took place in thought or deed;
• The Agency  – how the act was accomplished;
• The Scene  – the background of the act, the situation in which it occurred;
• The Purpose  – the justification for the act.

Dramatism is like a detective drama, where the rhetorical critic tries to figure out the motives of the people who perpetrated the symbolic act. What is most important about this framework is NOT ‘finding’ these five elements but understanding their relationship to one another. This relationship is what Burke called the ratio. In a ratio, one is the ‘container,’ and the other is the ‘thing contained’. The meaning of the second term depends on the meaning of the first.

• The  scene/act  ratio, for instance, requires some explanation of ‘where’ the act happened to explain ‘what’ happened. The inventor of anesthesia, for instance, discovered ‘oxygen’ but called it “dephlogisticated air.” Unless we know something about the historical “scene,” this “act” of naming would be hard for us to understand.
• The  scene/agent  ratio describes how the “who” is over-determined by the “where.” We might be puzzled by the fact that Brittany Spears has withdrawn from public life and developed increasing hostility toward the paparazzi, for instance, until we recognize the larger ‘scene’ in which such actions have been set: the fact that she has for years been able to go out in public without confronting a sea of microphones, and that she and others have been fighting relentlessly to retain conservatorship of her estate. Without that “where,” we lack a clear understanding of the “who.”
• The  act/agent  ratio describes how a person’s ethos is over-determined by an act attributed to them. In the courtroom, a plaintiff may be symbolized as a ‘criminal’ by repeatedly drawing attention to the “act.” Alternatively, if you send a friend or colleague a basket of baked goods after hearing that they are having a particularly tough day, this act can configure or reconfigure that person’s impression of you as a person.

In “The Rhetoric of Dehumanization? ”  Solomon provides several additional examples: the agent/agency and the agent/scene ratio. In the first case, the AGENT (or “who performed the Tuskegee experiments”) explains the rationale for the AGENCY, or how “the experiments were done.” The agents are ‘noble’ doctors pursuing knowledge, and the “means to an end” are the patients. Doctors dehumanized the patients because they were only the “agency” for the doctors (the “agents”) the means of completing the medical experiment.

In the second case, dehumanization occurs because the disease is the AGENT and the patients’ bodies become a SCENE. This choice of language is significant because this ratio erases the fact that the doctors were, in fact, the ones doing harm.

Demagoguery

The last part of this recording is devoted to the topic of  Demagoguery , which is exactly the kind of symbolic action that Kenneth Burke is concerned about when he talks about the “misuse of symbols.” A demagogue is a dangerous speaker who perpetuates conspiracy theories and acts as a political salesperson. They attract an audience by spreading lies that divide a group of people from another group.

Before World War II, Kenneth Burke was concerned with the rhetoric emerging from Nazi Germany and saw a similar pattern of thinking and speaking emerging in the United States. Disturbed by what he saw in Germany, he applied his framework of symbolic action there. He said he identified several key features that were hallmarks of demagogic speech. These features were used to ‘constitute’ a people using language that is similarly hateful to the speech that was delivered by the staged demagogue in the clip just shown. The demagogue encourages “the division of the attention of a people” by focusing on a convenient but phony scapegoat. He noted specifically the treatment of the Jewish people in Germany. The demagogue also fashioned themselves like a religious pattern, using patterns like rituals, and made themselves into a paternalistic ‘father-like figure who would lead the ‘feminized’ public to salvation. These were above all dangerous characteristics because they are so easily picked up and used elsewhere. When analyzing the dangerous speech itself, Burke also came up with the following characteristic progression of ideas.

• First, Inborn Dignity.  This stresses the “natural born” dignity of a group elevated above all others while other people are described as innately inferior.
• Then, the Projection Device.  This gesture associates the target audience’s problems with a scapegoat. If one can attribute their problems to a “cause” outside the self, they can battle an external enemy instead of an enemy within.
• Then, Symbolic Rebirth.  Rebirth involved a symbolic change of lineage by voting oneself and the members of one’s group as different and less-than.
• Finally, Commercial use.  This provides a macroeconomic interpretation of economic problems, such that depression/recession is due to the actions of a particular social group rather than to larger structural forces.

Demagoguery is still prominent in American culture. Watching this final clip, consider the elements of demagoguery and how they are played out in “Dwight’s Speech” from the popular television show,  The Office.  In this clip, Dwight is delivering a speech to  North Eastern Salesmen after winning an award. He has been given a speech that strongly resembles and was adapted from one by Benito Mussolini.

In the clip, Dwight quickly runs through Burke’s criteria: inborn dignity, a projection device, symbolic rebirth, and commercial use. He appeals to inborn dignity when he says that North Eastern salesman stand apart from other people, that they are special and unique because of the difficulty of their work. Next, he appeals to a projection device when referring to “door-to-door charlatans” and those who would be nasty to salespeople in principle. He then tells the audience to “unite” in opposition to these ideas, corresponding with “symbolic rebirth.” Finally, he pushes them to the ultimate purpose: more sales, more money, bringing his speech to its commercial use and application.

Additional Resources

• Fernheimer, Janice W. “Confronting Kenneth Burke’s Anti-Semitism.”   Journal of Communication & Religion  39.2 (2016): 36.

Reading Rhetorical Theory Copyright © 2022 by Atilla Hallsby is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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What is a Symbol?

A symbol can be any object, character, color, or even shape that represents an abstract concept without explanatory text. But wait, there’s more!

What transforms an image into a symbol? In visual language, a symbol can be any object, character, color, or even shape that recognizably represents an abstract concept. The word recognizable is important here: any element in an image can be intended to be symbolic by the creator, but true symbols are things that do not need to be explained to be understood by the intended audience.

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In this article, we’ll explore symbols through posters in several JSTOR Open Community Collections including the Claremont Colleges’ Twentieth Century Posters , SVA’s COVID Collection , Central Washington University’s U.S Government Posters , the Wellcome Collection , and more. In many ways posters are an ideal format to begin thinking about symbols in visual media. Posters are often used for mass communication, relying on symbols to quickly disseminate a message without the need for extensive or explanatory text.

Symbol ≠ Icon

One of the first things to know about symbols is that the words symbol and icon are not interchangeable. Whereas icons are simplified representations of items in the world that often have a one-to-one translation of a particular word, symbols represent an idea or abstract concept . Take the following two posters promoting boating safety in the U.S. The first uses icons in place of a specific word—an image of a fish stands in for the word “fish”. In the second poster, Uncle Sam is being used as a symbol to communicate a sense of responsibility and duty to associate boating safety with these ideas.

Symbols frequently rely on different elements of design like color and shape to facilitate quick identification. The more widely understood the symbol, the more room for shape and color to vary before being unrecognizable. An example of this is general prohibition sign , a circle with a diagonal strike that indicates the abstract concept that some item or behavior is not permitted. This is such a widely used symbol that it can be applied in many different contexts and manipulated considerably before losing its symbolic meaning. In the images below, this symbol for “no” is applied widely while still communicating that something is not allowed. In the left image, the shape of the symbol is manipulated to look like a virus, but the distinct red color makes it instantly recognizable. This stands in contrast to the center image, where the color is now green but the shape is traditional and clear. Even in the image on the right, language does not stand in the way of understanding that viewers are being cautioned against the behavior in the photograph.

Global Symbols

Symbols rely on easy recognition on the part of their intended audience, but that audience can often vary in size and scope, from relatively small populations, like the U.S. Army Materiel Command, to entire countries. The strength of a symbol is not necessarily the size of its audience, but its clarity and instant understanding.

There are even symbols that are almost globally recognized. Often, universally understood symbols come from shared human experiences. One such symbol is a skeleton, usually symbolizing an omen of death or warning of deadly consequences. While the posters below depict skeletons in widely different cultural contexts, from New Delhi to Moscow, and various situations from war to alcoholism, the symbolic meaning of the skeleton can be read in much the same way without the need for additional information.

One’s proximity to the original context of a symbol affects how easy it is to recognize. Symbols meant to be read and understood by people like us in similar times periods, places, and situations tend to be quicker for us to comprehend.

Some Symbols Have a Second Life

Powerful symbols can even live more than one life. Sometimes when a symbol is closely tied to a particular meaning and easily recognizable it can be repurposed in new contexts, transferring its meaning from one situation to another. One widely recognizable symbol in American posters is Rosie the Riveter, a cultural symbol that became visually associated with a 1940s Westinghouse poster where a woman flexes her arm and declares, “We can do it!” Over the last eighty years, this image has been repurposed in wildly different contexts from banking to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite different contexts and visual details, the symbol has staying power and continues to express initiative, empowerment, and independence.

Symbols and Cultural Context

Often, as with symbolic color associations, a symbol will be present across cultures and time periods but take on different meanings. Sometimes, these symbols are co-opted from one group by another that transforms its meaning, the swastika being a notable example . More frequently, though, symbols simply emerge independently or are spread unintentionally, taking on different meanings based on the culture in which they arise. Dragons provide a clear (and visually delightful) example of this. The dragon posters below span approximately sixty years, but the difference in symbolic meaning stems from their cultural context rather than temporal distance.

The first two seem quite similar at first glance: a mounted swordsman defeating a scaly dragon. Yet in the first, the red champion of socialist revolution is defeating a dragon symbolizing imperialist rule while the knight of the second is Saint George , the embodiment of faith and heeding the call to arms, triumphing over the devil in the symbolic form of a dragon. The third poster depicts a dragon that is visually distinct from the others. Here, the dragon symbolizes power, abundance, and China embodied. This dragon is not evil at all but rather the symbolic origin of the Chinese people and, at the time of this poster’s creation, a deliberately reframed symbol of good fortune in communist China.

Out of context, any of these symbols may be drastically misunderstood, but to the intended audience they form a shared foundation for visual communication and understanding. Recognizing the original context of symbols makes it possible to research and discover the intended message of symbols, unlocking their meaning for deeper understanding. In posters, this original audience is usually easy to identify based on text in and around the poster, but this is also true of investigating symbols in other contexts. Consider the amulet below and think about what your first interpretation of the symbols is based on your own culture and experiences. Compare this to the description of the symbolic imagery given in the metadata to the right of the image. What were the differences between your interpretation and the description? How might you go about finding more information to identify the symbolic meaning of the tiger that wasn’t mentioned in the description?

 Are you an educator? Explore symbols in poster art with your students using this lesson plan. 

Further Reading

The Power of Symbols

Identifying Symbols

Iconic images, symbols, and archetypes: their function in art and science

Are you an educator? Explore symbols with your students using this lesson plan :

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A form of knowledge representation in which arbitrary symbols or structures are used to stand for the things that are represented, and the representations therefore do not resemble the things that they represent. Natural language (apart from onomatopoeic expressions) is the most familiar example of symbolic representation. Also called propositional representation . Compare analogue (2). [From Greek symbolon a token + -ikos of, relating to, or resembling]

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Symbolic Representation in Art – Definition, Examples, History & More – Art Education and Methodologies Glossary

Table of Contents

What is Symbolic Representation in Art?

Symbolic representation in art refers to the use of symbols, images, or objects to convey deeper meanings or ideas within a work of art. These symbols can be cultural, religious, political, or personal in nature, and are often open to interpretation by the viewer.

Symbolic representation allows artists to communicate complex concepts or emotions in a visual language that transcends words. It adds layers of meaning to a piece of art, inviting viewers to engage with the work on a deeper level and uncover hidden messages or themes.

History of Symbolic Representation in Art

The use of symbolic representation in art dates back to ancient civilizations, where symbols were used to communicate ideas, beliefs, and stories. In Egyptian art, for example, the Ankh symbolized life, while the Eye of Horus represented protection and healing.

During the Renaissance, artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo incorporated symbolic elements into their works to convey religious or philosophical ideas. The use of symbols continued to evolve in the Baroque and Romantic periods, with artists like Caravaggio and William Blake using symbolism to express emotion and spirituality.

Techniques of Symbolic Representation in Art

There are various techniques artists use to incorporate symbolic representation into their work. One common technique is the use of allegory, where objects or figures represent abstract concepts or moral qualities. For example, a dove may symbolize peace, while a snake could represent evil.

Another technique is the use of color symbolism, where certain colors are used to evoke specific emotions or ideas. In Western art, for example, red is often associated with passion or danger, while blue is linked to tranquility or spirituality.

Examples of Symbolic Representation in Art

One famous example of symbolic representation in art is Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” where the placement of figures and objects conveys the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. The use of light and shadow in Caravaggio’s paintings also adds symbolic depth to his work, highlighting themes of redemption and salvation.

In more contemporary art, artists like Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali used symbolism to explore personal struggles and political issues. Kahlo’s self-portraits, for example, often feature symbolic elements like monkeys or thorns to convey her emotions and experiences.

Importance of Symbolic Representation in Art

Symbolic representation plays a crucial role in art by adding layers of meaning and depth to a work. It allows artists to communicate complex ideas or emotions in a visual language that is accessible to a wide audience. Symbolism also invites viewers to engage with a piece of art on a deeper level, encouraging them to think critically and interpret the work in their own unique way.

By using symbols, artists can create universal connections with viewers, transcending language and cultural barriers. Symbolic representation in art helps to bridge the gap between the artist’s intentions and the viewer’s understanding, fostering a deeper appreciation and connection to the work.

Contemporary Use of Symbolic Representation in Art

In contemporary art, symbolic representation continues to be a powerful tool for artists to explore complex themes and ideas. Artists like Ai Weiwei and Kara Walker use symbolism to address social and political issues, sparking conversations and raising awareness about important topics.

Symbolic representation is also used in multimedia art forms, such as video installations and performance art, where artists combine visual, auditory, and tactile symbols to create immersive experiences for viewers. This multidimensional approach to symbolism allows artists to engage with audiences in new and innovative ways, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.

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What Is Symbolism? Examples of Symbolism as a Literary Device

Symbolism is the use of a symbol, which can be a word or an image, to communicate a distinct idea. We live in a world full of symbols: Flags, icons, and even colors work symbolically to help us navigate our environments. Think about this—when you’re in public and need to use the restroom, you look for the basic, featureless human figures found on nearly all public restroom doors and signs. Or, when you’re moving through just about any space, online or offline, the color green lets you know you can proceed, while the color red tells you to stop. 

Symbolism in literature works the same way. It’s a language writers use to communicate messages visually, even when their work isn’t illustrated. Within a text, symbolism works visually as pieces of imagery that create a picture in the reader’s mind. Sometimes, it’s literally visual, such as the symbolic illustrations on the Twilight book series covers.  Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

What is symbolism in writing, and how does it work?

Symbolism is the use of words or images to symbolize specific concepts, people, objects, or events. In some cases, symbolism is broad and used to communicate a work’s theme, like Aslan the lion in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a symbol of Christ. In other cases, symbolism is used to communicate details about a character, setting, or plot point, such as a black cat being used to symbolize a character’s bad luck. 

Symbolism is one of the many literary devices writers use to make their work more vivid. In a way, symbolism (and certain other literary devices, like personification and imagery) illustrates a piece of writing by creating pictures in the reader’s mind. In fact, some other literary devices, like metaphor and allegory, are often considered to be types of symbolism. Literary devices are the techniques writers use to communicate ideas and themes beyond what they can express literally. 

When an entire work is symbolic, it’s known as an allegory . Animal Farm by George Orwell is one of the most well-known modern allegories. Otherwise, symbolism is often worked into a story or other type of creative work that’s meant to be read literally. 

How to recognize symbolism

You can recognize symbolism when an image in a piece of text seems to indicate something other than its literal meaning. It might be repeated or seem somewhat jarring, as if the author is intentionally pointing it out (and they might be—though authors don’t always do this). For example, a character might be described as having piercing green eyes that fixate on others. This could be symbolic of that character’s jealousy. Symbolism can be obvious to the point of feeling too obvious, like naming an evil character Nick DeVille and describing his hairstyle as being reminiscent of horns. It can also be so subtle that you miss it. When this is the case, you might only recognize the symbolism on a second read-through, once you know how the story ends. 

When is symbolism used?

Symbolism is used when literal language isn’t strong enough to express what the author needs to express. Compare these two sentences: 

• He looked at his wedding ring and was reminded of his commitment to his marriage. 
• He looked at his wedding ring, noticing its perfectly circular shape. It reminded him of his never-ending commitment to his marriage.

The second sentence uses the circle’s symbolism to build on the character’s reflection on his marriage. Notice how this second sentence still includes a literal description of how the ring reminded him of his commitment. Including symbolism in your writing doesn’t mean you have to “swap out” literal descriptions; it often enhances these literal descriptions. 

Symbolism is used in every kind of creative writing . You’ve read it in poems and stories as well as creative nonfiction works, like personal essays and blog posts . It’s also frequently used in song lyrics, movies and television, and visual art. 

Symbolism is almost never used in academic writing unless the paper is about the piece of symbolism. For example, you might write an essay about how Toni Morrison used symbolism in her novels, but you wouldn’t create your own symbolism to communicate your essay’s themes. 

Types of symbolism

There are lots of different ways authors use symbolism in their work:

Color symbolism

Just about every color humans can see has some kind of emotional or psychological association. For example, red is often associated with anger and passion, while blue is often associated with calmness. Authors often rely on color psychology in their work, symbolizing different character traits, feelings, settings, or foreshadowing events to come through color imagery. 

Animal symbolism

Certain animals are considered symbolic, such as a dove symbolizing peace or a rat symbolizing disease. Whether a species deserves certain cultural associations or not, that association can be a powerful symbolic tool. You might come across lion imagery to suggest royalty or snake imagery to suggest deceptiveness. 

Examples:  

• Butterfly = transformation
• Lion = royalty, strength
• Swan = grace
• Owl = knowledge, wisdom

Symbolism of common objects

We’ve referenced this kind of symbolism a few times already in this post, so here are a few more common symbols: 

• Apple = temptation
• Chains = imprisonment
• Crown = power
• Ring = eternity
• Scales = justice, the law
• Skull and crossbones = danger, poison
• Suitcase = travel, a journey

One thing to keep in mind about symbolism is that certain images are culture-specific. For example, the color yellow is associated with fun, joy, and playfulness in the United States. In Japan, it’s associated with courage. So while dressing a character in yellow might clearly tell Japanese readers that the character is brave, this symbol could go right over American readers’ heads—or just make them think the character is a fun, joyful person. 

How to use symbolism

Sometimes, symbolism is obvious. If you’re familiar with the Game of Thrones tagline “Winter is coming,” you’ve encountered obvious symbolism. Sometimes, symbolism is so obvious that it feels hamfisted and detracts from the story. 

And other times, symbolism is so subtle that you don’t even realize it’s there. That’s not effective, either—the whole point of symbolism is for it to communicate with readers at a level beyond the literal, acting almost like a form of subliminal messaging. 

So how can you hit that symbolism sweet spot and craft images that connect with readers without being too blatant? First, ask yourself what you want to communicate through symbolism. Do you want to subtly suggest that your main character’s friend is someone the reader shouldn’t trust? Maybe you want to express that your personal essay about baking pies with your little sister is about something much bigger than getting your ingredient ratios right. Is your goal to make a profound statement about how certain things we take for granted can have unexpected, far-reaching results? 

These are all tasks symbolism can accomplish. 

You can use symbolism in the allusions you make, like alluding to “going down the rabbit hole” in a personal essay by suggesting that you’re late for a very important date. You can also use it in any personification you employ, like demonstrating a character’s love of nature by personifying the trees that surround their home. 

False symbolism

When an image in a work seems symbolic, but actually doesn’t symbolize anything, it’s known as false symbolism. 

One famous example of false symbolism is the assumption that the Lord of the Rings books are an allegory for World War II. Tolkien publicly stated that this is not the case, but despite this, people have made this connection over and over again throughout the decades since the books were initially published. 

As an author, you can’t prevent readers from making assumptions about what you meant to communicate in your work. You can certainly discuss your work and communicate what you wanted to depict through symbolism, but once your work is published and available to the public, you lose some control over how it’s interpreted. 

Symbolism examples

Symbolism isn’t just something you find in literature; it’s found in architecture, city planning, historical events, and just about every other area of life. For example, NASA’s Apollo missions, the series of missions that landed the first humans on the moon, were named for the Greek god Apollo. These missions were instrumental in enlightening humanity about what lies beyond our planet. They were given that name because in Greek mythology, Apollo rides his chariot across the sun. This became a symbol for the monumental scale and importance of the program’s vision. 

Other examples of symbolism in history, literature, and the physical world:

• Fitzgerald’s use of the color green throughout The Great Gatsby to illustrate the wealth and money as a lifeblood among his characters
• The Church of the Light in Ibaraki-Shi, Japan, which has a cross shape cut out of the wall, allowing in light that symbolizes attendees’ faith 
• Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan, which has an unconventional shape symbolizing the nation and its culture’s emergence and readiness to overcome obstacles
• The concept of memento mori , where small objects and pieces of art remind the viewer of their own mortality
• Dutch iconography , an art movement that incorporated various pieces of symbolism to communicate concepts like temptation, national pride, and gluttony (among many other things)
• Water as a symbol of life in Virgina Woolf’s essay “The Waves”

Symbolism FAQs 

What is symbolism.

Symbolism is the use of words or images to symbolize specific concepts, people, objects, or events. The key here is that the symbols used aren’t literal representations, but figurative or implied ones. For example, starting a personal essay about transformation with imagery of a butterfly. 

How does symbolism work?

Symbolism works by substituting one distinct image for another concept. It works by showing, rather than telling. For example, instead of stating that challenging economic times were starting to arise, an author might state that the weather was becoming increasingly stormy. At the literal level, the reader interprets this as dark clouds, rain, and thunder. At the figurative level, they interpret it as a symbol of the general turmoil affecting the character’s fortunes. 

What are some examples of symbolism?

• Red roses symbolize love
• A rainbow symbolizes hope
• A dove symbolizes peace

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40 Common Symbols and Meanings (& How to Use Them)

Written by: Samantha Lile

Some of the most common symbols are the:

• Heart symbol
• Dove symbol
• Raven symbol
• Tree symbol

In this list, you’ll find some of the most prominent symbols as well as learn about what each of them means.

You can check out our visual summary below or skip ahead to read a detailed description of each symbol and its origins.

Why Are Symbols Important in Graphic Design?

Symbolism , or semiotics as it’s known in technical circles, plays such a large part in human communication because people are constantly looking for deeper meaning. Whether it’s in the stars, drawn on a cave wall or in the newest visual content, we add such meaning to our communication through the use and interpretation of signs.

Because we look for meaning in everything around us, anything can become a symbol as long as people interpret it to mean something other than its literal definition. Some symbols, however, have become so ingrained within our cultural sphere that they carry an almost universal meaning. After all, who doesn't immediately associate an owl with wisdom, a dove with peace or a red rose with romance?

Whether you're a designer, a web design company , a filmmaker or a writer, all communicators must resort to symbolism to communicate a message. To help you create meaningful content that triggers the right associations in your audience, here are 40 symbols all storytellers should be familiar with.

20 Common Symbols and Meanings

The narrative poem “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe is one of the most notorious examples of the use of this mysterious and macabre bird, which is often associated with its cousin, the crow.

As an animal that feeds on dead bodies, the raven has cemented itself as a sign of death and doom in the human psyche. The symbolism of ravens is so common that modern audiences identify it with a bad omen.

Visual communicators of all types can use the symbol to foreshadow death and disaster or create an atmosphere of doom and gloom.

The dove is often associated with peace, tranquility and grace. Its meaning has become so universal that major world religions such as Christianity and Judaism have used the symbol as the truest representation of peace, grace and divinity.

In modern times, it has also become synonymous with pacifism and the end of a conflict. Its progression from a religious to a political symbol is evidenced in its adoption as the symbol of anti-violence campaigns and the Olympic games, which has become a means to promote international cooperation and peace.

Communicators of all types can use the symbol to communicate serenity , harmony , unity and the absence of violence .

3 Butterfly

All over the world, in both myth and art, the butterfly is seen as a symbol of transformation and change, thanks to its metamorphosis from a wormy caterpillar to a stunning insect with vividly colored wings.

In certain cultures, this conspicuous insect is a representation of the soul and is used in tales and myths to signal a visit from someone who passed away or signal the possibility of life after death. For example, in the movie “Titanic,” the decorative butterflies on Rose’s hair comb were used to represent her freedom from the “cocoon” of her engagement to a man she did not love.

Communicators of all types can use this symbol to visually represent any type of change or transformation , both internal and external.

Across the globe, the cross is associated with Christianity , spirituality , forgiveness , resurrection and healing . More specifically, it represents the story of Jesus’ including his death on the cross.

A red cross is commonly used as a symbol for medical and humanitarian relief workers in war zones and at the sites of natural disasters. It is also widely used to designate first aid and medical supplies, apart from its use by the International Red Cross, the American Red Cross and other organizations.

Water historically represents life to a community since it’s a requirement for human survival. Thus, symbols for water were especially common throughout time, representing birth , fertility , and refreshment . In fact, water is often viewed as the source of life itself, as we see evidence in countless creation myths in which life emerges from primordial waters.

Just as we use water to wash away dirt, sweat and soil, water cleanses a canvas. But  it also becomes a symbol of obstacles, such as a river or ocean to cross. Either way, water can be a symbol of power in visual stories, with the ability to claim audiences and characters, as well as free them.

Want to use symbols in your own visuals?

• Access over 6,000 vector icons
• Edit colors and adjust the size
• Use them in your presentations, printables, social graphics and any other type of visual content.

The use of the owl as a symbol is as popular today as it ever was: You see them everywhere, from accessories and clothing to interior design and home décor. But the symbol’s popularity is nothing new.

Its historical popularity as a symbol is also due to the fact that an owl always accompanied Athena, the Greek goddess of learning. In Native American cultures, the owl is seen as a creature of the night, and so is associated with the supernatural and even death.

Because they are usually nocturnal, owls have often been seen as mysterious and even magical creatures that dwell in and emerge from the darkness. Europeans in the Medieval Ages even believed the creatures might be sorcerers in disguise. Likewise, West African and Aboriginal Australian cultures viewed the owl as a messenger of secrets and a companion of sorcerers.

In a visual message such as a logo or design, an owl can be used to represent wisdom , intelligence or a lesson that needs to be learned.

Who doesn’t associate a red rose with love and romance ? After all, it is widely used in film, art and literature as representations of these concepts. And nothing says, “I love you,” like a gift of a single red rose. The connection is nothing new, either. Romans venerated the flower as the symbol of their love goddess, Venus, and Greeks associated the symbol with the goddess of love, Aphrodite.

Roses can also signify other things, depending on the context. To Catholics, the rose represents the Virgin Mary and the rosary . In the War of the Roses, a series of battles between two families aspiring to the throne, the symbol represents the nation of England.

As a crucial element in the development of civilization in the history of mankind, fire is widely seen as a symbol with multiple meanings: a flame can signify wisdom and knowledge , while a raging fire is often used to symbolize fear , pain , anger , punishment , destruction and even death. Such associations likely hearken back to earliest days of mankind.

After all,  before humans found ways to properly harness this element, fire was a force that quickly could demolish early settlements. Therefore, fire commanded fear. Still today, drought-ridden regions are consumed by fires that can’t be adequately controlled. Even now, we witness the struggle in the western United States.

On the other hand, fire can also represent rebirth and renewal, as in the example of the phoenix, a mythical bird that ignites itself and emerges from its own ashes. It can also symbolize passion combusting from within.

A caveat to those who are thinking of using the symbol in any type of content: Keep in mind the context when crafting your visual message. For example, while a candle flame may be seen as representative of knowledge, a raging fire may be interpreted as destruction, judgment and danger. Poking smoldering coals to reignite a flame, on the other hand, more accurately describes an igniting passion or lust from within the soul.

This symbol may bring to mind bows and arrows, like the kind used by Robin Hood and his merry men, but they are also ubiquitous in the modern world: Think of the cursor on your screen or the arrows you see on websites to draw attention to certain elements on the screen. You also see them on highways, where they serve to direct your gaze and steer you in the right direction.

In logos, arrows often signify movement , progress , ambition and direction . Arrows can even be used as a symbol that only our subconscious minds immediately recognize. Examine the famous FedEx logo, for example. Hidden in the white space between the E and the X is an arrow pointing to the right. Since we read from left to right, pointing right signifies moving forward, and the arrow is speed.

RELATED: The Meaning of Shapes and How to Use Them Creatively in Your Designs

Flags can carry a variety of meanings, depending on the context, symbols and colors used. For example, the rainbow flag is commonly associated with the LGBT movement. Meanwhile, national flags are commonly used to evoke a sense of pride and patriotism in citizens.

The colors used in a banner can symbolize all sorts of concepts, which is why most countries have designed their own flag with the meanings of colors in mind. For example, red can represent blood loss, valor and revolution, while white usually stands for nonviolence and harmony. Blue, on the other hand, symbolizes freedom, yellow stands for wealth and green commonly represents agriculture and fertility. It’s no coincidence then that the most common color combinations on country flags are blue, red and white; and yellow, red and green.

Based on an audience’s country of origin, it will interpret the colors of its national flag as a symbol of patriotism. In the United States, for example,  the colors red, white and blue are a symbol of national pride. An Italian audience, however, would react similarly to red, green and white.

11 Rain/Storms

Rain is usually associated with sadness and depression. It’s easy to understand why: Gloomy weather often produces feelings of dreariness , loneliness and pessimism . Consider rain’s role in Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities.” Anytime an eventful scene occurs, it just happens to be storming. The rain tells the reader that trouble is approaching.

And although it most commonly denotes sadness and melancholy, the potential of rain’s symbolism is far from limited. In movies, rain has been used to create a sense of fearful apprehension and even represent a person crying.

Rain can also symbolize purification as it washes away dirt and destruction. It can even symbolize the cleansing of the human soul. Just imagine a character walking through a rainstorm as he or she undergoes a mental transformation.

12 Peace sign

While a variety of peace symbols, such as the dove and the olive branch, have been used in an assortment of ways across cultures and contexts, the " peace sign ", we know today was designed in the 1950s as the logo for the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

A combination of the semaphore signals for the letters "N" and "D", standing for "nuclear disarmament,” the peace symbol was later adopted by a variety of anti-war movements.

Although the symbol instantly brings to mind the hippie movement of the 1960s, it returned to its roots in the 1980s with its adoption as the symbol of the anti-nuclear movement .

13 Occult symbols

Meaning “ unknown ” or “ hidden ,” the occult refers to supernatural phenomena and the paranormal; in essence, all that transcends the limits of human reason. Religions such as Wiccanism and NeoPaganism consider occultism as fundamental to a spiritual experience.

Occult symbols can range from those used in witchcraft, satanism, Kabbalah or other mystical ideologies.

Common symbols such as an inverted pentagram, ankh and the all-seeing eye play an important role in ceremonies and ritual.

One of the most widely recognized symbols is the heart. While it still means “love,” it can carry much more subtle meanings, and it has many variants that have evolved through time. For example, some of the early versions of the symbols were more realistic and rounded, while newer representations are simplified renditions in the form of pictograms.

The first known use of the heart symbol is found in a 13th-century miniature representing a suitor offering his heart to the woman he is courting. The heart symbol also has been a common feature on coats of arms. In such uses, the symbol can stand for many of the ideas we associate with hearts today, including love , valor , loyalty and kindness . Hearts can also carry a religious connotation, such as when they’re depicted surrounded by flames or thorns.

Just like symbols, colors have also been assigned meanings, depending on the context.

Blue, for example, may symbolize disparate ideas, such as calmness and melancholy, at the same time. Another example is the color red. While it is often used to signify danger, it is also frequently associated with romance and love.

Color symbolism can vary greatly because meanings are assigned to different symbols and colors at an individual , cultural and international level.

Marketers can gain a better understanding of how to correctly leverage color symbolism by understanding their context-specific meanings .

Whenever we see the skull and bones symbol, a few things come to mind: warning labels on poisonous substances , pirate ships , Halloween , death and mortality .

In fact, skulls are the most identifiable bone in the human body, but almost always foster feelings of dread and dismay. After all, any time we see a skull, it means its owner has died.

Graphics featuring a pair of bones crossing below human skull have symbolized death since the Middle Ages. The symbol was engraved on the head of the earliest tombstones in Boston and the rest of New England, and skulls are also the primary symbol of Mexico’s annual Day of the Dead.

As with other symbols, context is key. The popularity of the symbol in modern culture has some fearing that children enthralled by piratery imagery might be attracted instead of repelled by warning labels incorporating the symbol.

Want to communicate visually with symbols?

17 crescent.

Just as the cross is associated with Christianity and the star of David is a universal symbol of Judaism, a crescent symbolizes another major world religion. But the use of the crescent moon as a symbol predates Islam by several thousand years. In fact, the symbol was in use by ancient cultures in Central Asia and Siberia in their worship of the sun, moon and sky gods.

Because it’s literally a drawing of the second lunar phase, the crescent, also referred to as the sickle, is the astrological sign representing the moon. Since the crescent moon literally means to grow and increase, the shape often symbolizes new beginnings and the making of dreams into reality . It can even be connected to rebirth and immortality .

An ancient symbol with many uses, the star can take on different meaning based on both its context and its number of points . Because they are some of the most distant bodies we can see with the naked eye, stars can symbolize physical distance, such as a journey, or emotional distance, such as a misunderstanding.

Before advancements in science were made that allowed humans to understand the nature of our galaxy and its celestial bodies, stars were seen as a symbol of the struggle between light and darkness, between the spiritual and material worlds.

Stars are also commonly associated with magic. Thus, wizards and magicians are often seen with stars on their clothes, and the act of magic can be visually depicted with stars and starbursts. A shooting star is associated with wishes , hope and dreams .

Light is used by many cultures to symbolize illumination in the metaphoric state. It can symbolize purity , goodness , clarity , insight and knowledge .

Light is the symbol of joy and of life-giving power, as darkness is of death and destruction. Therefore, in religion, light is often associated with immortality and a higher power. For example, in the Jewish Holy of Holies,  a cloud of light symbolized of the presence of Yahweh.

In our physical world we see things through the medium of light. In the symbolic world, we see not with light but with wisdom. Therefore, light is often associated with enlightenment.

20 Darkness

The foil of the goodness and knowledge associated with light, darkness epitomizes evil , the unknown and negativity . Just as yin is to yang, darkness and light represent two opposing forces of nature, whether good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, love and hate or happiness and despair.

Therefore, visual storytellers can use this symbol to represent any of the following: death or the transition to the afterlife; the lack of a clear vision; the evils and mysteries of the night; the darkness of the human soul.

Bonus Visual Symbols and Meanings

Known as the "king of the jungle," the lion is a symbol of strength, royalty and authority. In religion, it is used to represent Christ as king.

A representation of grace, balance and beauty in ancient Greece, the swan is also associated with love, poetry and music.

A symbol of mystery and growth, spiders can also represent the power to construct reality through our decisions.

The wolf is often used as a representation of loyalty, guardianship, strength, independence and freedom.

Although the Old Norse word means "pirate" or "raider," it can also be associated with concepts such as power, magic and strength.

A mythological bird, the phoenix is known to emerge from its own ashes. Thus, it signifies rebirth, renewal and immortality.

27 Triangle

The triangle is associated with concepts such as power, stability, the Holy Trinity and, in ancient times, female reproduction.

Often seen after a rain, the rainbow signifies new beginnings, hope, the fulfillment of a dream and the promise of prosperity. It's also associated with diversity and the LGBTQ+ community.

Circles represent wholeness and a natural sense of completion. They can signify eternity and constant movement.

One of the most revered symbols in Asian culture, the dragon represents strength, power, wisdom, luck and magic.

Recognized in religion as messengers from God, angels represent guardianship, divinity, protection and goodness.

Symbolic of our internal struggles, demons represent base desires, addictions, or weaknesses or defects you try to hide from others.

A beautiful and ostentatious bird, the peacock is often associated with grace, awakening, royalty, self-expression and confidence.

A universal symbol, the egg is associated with new life, birth, fertility, resurrection and the potential for growth.

A well-known symbol, witches represent magic, spells, witchcraft and the supernatural world. For some, it can represent a way of life or fond fictional characters such as Harry Potter or Gandalf.

A gentle and cuddly animal, the rabbit is often associated with concepts such as warmth, comfort, vulnerability and fertility.

37 Trees and forests

While a tree may symbolize fertility and life, a forest is a symbol of entering the mysteries of the unconscious and the unknown.

In astrology, each planet represents something. For example, Venus symbolizes love, beauty and art, and Mercury represents intellect and reason.

The star around which the Earth and other planets orbit, the sun represents the self, life, power, glory, foresight and vision.

A body that orbits the Earth, the moon represents femininity, the rhythm of time, eternity and the dark side of nature.

Were any of the above symbolic meanings a surprise? Which symbol have you most often used in your visual designs?

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representation

Definition of representation

Examples of representation in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'representation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing representation

• proportional representation
• self - representation

Dictionary Entries Near representation

representant

representationalism

Cite this Entry

“Representation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/representation. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.

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Kids definition of representation, legal definition, legal definition of representation, more from merriam-webster on representation.

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[ sim -b uh l ]

• something used for or regarded as representing something else; a material object representing something, often something immaterial; emblem, token, or sign.

the algebraic symbol x; the chemical symbol Au.

• (especially in semiotics) a word, phrase, image, or the like having a complex of associated meanings and perceived as having inherent value separable from that which is symbolized, as being part of that which is symbolized, and as performing its normal function of standing for or representing that which is symbolized: usually conceived as deriving its meaning chiefly from the structure in which it appears, and generally distinguished from a sign.

verb (used with object)

• to use symbols; symbolize .

/ ˈsɪmbəl /

• something that represents or stands for something else, usually by convention or association, esp a material object used to represent something abstract
• an object, person, idea, etc, used in a literary work, film, etc, to stand for or suggest something else with which it is associated either explicitly or in some more subtle way
• a letter, figure, or sign used in mathematics, science, music, etc to represent a quantity, phenomenon, operation, function, etc

the symbols of dreams

• psychol any mental process that represents some feature of external reality
• tr another word for symbolize

/ sĭm ′ bəl /

• A conventional, printed or written figure used to represent an operation, element, quantity, relation, unit of measurement, phenomenon, or descriptor.
• Also called sign
• Something that represents or suggests something else. Symbols often take the form of words, visual images, or gestures that are used to convey ideas and beliefs. All human cultures use symbols to express the underlying structure of their social systems, to represent ideal cultural characteristics, such as beauty, and to ensure that the culture is passed on to new generations. Symbolic relationships are learned rather than biologically or naturally determined, and each culture has its own symbols.
• An object or name that stands for something else, especially a material thing that stands for something that is not material. The bald eagle is a symbol of the United States of America. The cross is a symbol of Christianity . The Star of David is a symbol of Judaism .

Word History and Origins

Origin of symbol 1

Idioms and Phrases

Example sentences.

In the debates over how Britain should handle its departure from the EU, fishing morphed into a symbol of Britain’s potential independence.

QAnon, a dangerous once-fringe collection of conspiracy theories, was well-represented in January’s deadly Capitol riot and many photos from the day show the prevalence of QAnon symbols and sayings.

Some have turned masks into a symbol of government overreach.

In March, its northern city of Bergamo, then the site of the world’s deadliest Covid-19 outbreak, became a global symbol of the pandemic, as the number of dead forced army trucks to transport them to other cities for cremation.

Its journey from provincial beginnings to global fashion symbol traces Britain’s history as it became a financial powerhouse.

We see detoxing as a path to transcendence, a symbol of modern urban virtue and self-transformation through abstinence.

It is now possible the building can be a symbol for progress.

Conservative Muslim women in Turkey hailed Esme as a martyr and a symbol of female strength and resistance.

Sherlock Holmes is a new millennium sex symbol with books, movies, and TV episodes introducing him to a new generation of fans.

In Wicca, the female goddess is represented by the Moon, a symbol of Mother Earth and fertility.

Light, the symbol of life's joy, seems to be the first language in which the spirit of beauty speaks to a child.

This method of concealing the face, together with the wearing of the immense hat, was a symbol of mourning.

The mayorʼs symbol of office is a cane with a silver knob, plated ferrule, and black cord and tassels.

The olive, too, was sacred to Minerva, and as the symbol of peace was woven into the victors crown.

The symbol of the heaven-bound ship— —is mentioned by Clement of Alexandria as being in vogue in the second century.

Related Words

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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Other forms: symbols; symbolling

A symbol can be an object, shape, sign, or character used to represent something else. A flag is a symbol of a country. English teachers never tire of talking about symbols in literature.

A pink ribbon is a symbol of breast-cancer awareness, and a yellow ribbon is a symbol of support for U.S. troops. In literature, authors use many symbols. A character doing even a small thing, like eating a cheeseburger, might symbolize something larger about that character. Something you need to be rich to have — like a limousine — is called a "status symbol ." Anytime one thing seems to represent a deeper meaning, it's probably a symbol.

• noun something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible “the eagle is a symbol of the United States” synonyms: symbolic representation , symbolisation , symbolization see more see less types: show 23 types... hide 23 types... crossbones two crossed bones (or a representation of two crossed bones) used as a symbol danger or death cornucopia , horn of plenty a goat's horn filled with grain and flowers and fruit symbolizing prosperity death's head a human skull (or a representation of a human skull) used as a symbol of death oriflamme an inspiring symbol or ideal that serves as a rallying point in a struggle white feather a symbol of cowardice allegory , emblem a visible symbol representing an abstract idea scarlet letter the letter A in red; Puritans required adulterers to wear it cupid a symbol for love in the form of a cherubic naked boy with wings and a bow and arrow donkey the symbol of the Democratic Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874 dove an emblem of peace eagle an emblem representing power elephant the symbol of the Republican Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874 fasces bundle of rods containing an axe with the blade protruding; in ancient Rome it was a symbol of a magistrate's power; in modern Italy it is a symbol of fascism ensign , national flag an emblem flown as a symbol of nationality hammer and sickle the emblem on the flag of the Soviet Union red flag the emblem of socialist revolution Magen David , Mogen David , Shield of David , Solomon's seal , Star of David a six-pointed star formed from two equilateral triangles; an emblem symbolizing Judaism badge an emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.) Agnus Dei , Paschal Lamb figure of a lamb; emblematic of Christ maple-leaf the emblem of Canada medallion an emblem indicating that a taxicab is registered spread eagle an emblem (an eagle with wings and legs spread) on the obverse of the Great Seal of the United States Hakenkreuz , swastika the official emblem of the Nazi Party and the Third Reich; a cross with the arms bent at right angles in a clockwise direction type of: representational process any basic cognitive process in which some entity comes to stand for or represent something else
• noun an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance see more see less types: show 68 types... hide 68 types... stock symbol the letters used to identify listed companies on the securities exchanges where they are traded accolade , award , honor , honour , laurels a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction brand , mark , stain , stigma a symbol of disgrace or infamy item , token an individual instance of a type of symbol type all of the tokens of the same symbol nose a symbol of inquisitiveness number , numeral a symbol used to represent a number symbolism a system of symbols and symbolic representations lingam the Hindu phallic symbol of Siva pound , pound sign a symbol for a unit of currency (especially for the pound sterling in Great Britain) printed symbol , written symbol a written or printed symbol dollar , dollar mark , dollar sign a symbol of commercialism or greed monogram a graphic symbol consisting of 2 or more letters combined (usually your initials); printed on stationery or embroidered on clothing impression , stamp a symbol that is the result of printing or engraving mantle the cloak as a symbol of authority Crown the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy staff a rod carried as a symbol icon (computer science) a graphic symbol (usually a simple picture) that denotes a program or a command or a data file or a concept in a graphical user interface insignia , mark , marker , marking a distinguishing symbol identifier a symbol that establishes the identity of the one bearing it variable a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity glyph a small, often stylized graphic symbol prize , trophy something given as a token of victory aliyah (Judaism) the honor of being called up to the reading desk in the synagogue to read from the Torah academic degree , degree an award conferred by a college or university signifying that the recipient has satisfactorily completed a course of study crown , pennant the award given to the champion cachet , seal , seal of approval an indication of approved or superior status citation , commendation an official award (as for bravery or service) usually given as formal public statement honorable mention , mention an official recognition of merit letter , varsity letter an award earned by participation in a school sport decoration , laurel wreath , medal , medallion , palm , ribbon an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event trophy an award for success in war or hunting demerit a mark against a person for misconduct or failure; usually given in school or armed forces bar sinister , bend sinister a mark of bastardy; lines from top right to bottom left earmark identification mark on the ear of a domestic animal brand identification mark on skin, made by burning cloven foot , cloven hoof the mark of Satan postage , postage stamp , stamp a small adhesive token stuck on a letter or package to indicate that that postal fees have been paid trading stamp a token resembling a stamp given by a retailer to a buyer; the token is redeemable for articles on a special list Arabic numeral , Hindu numeral , Hindu-Arabic numeral one of the symbols 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0 Roman numeral a symbol in the old Roman notation; I,V,X,L,C,D,M represent 1,5,10,50,100,500,1000 respectively in Arabic notation antilog , antilogarithm the number of which a given number is the logarithm mark a written or printed symbol (as for punctuation) character , grapheme , graphic symbol a written symbol that is used to represent speech phonogram any written symbol standing for a sound or syllable or morpheme or word trademark a formally registered symbol identifying the manufacturer or distributor of a product assay-mark , authentication , hallmark a mark on an article of trade to indicate its origin and authenticity embossment , imprint an impression produced by pressure or printing seal a stamp affixed to a document (as to attest to its authenticity or to seal it) crosier , crozier a staff surmounted by a crook or cross carried by bishops as a symbol of pastoral office mace a ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of office or authority scepter , sceptre , verge , wand a ceremonial or emblematic staff tipstaff staff with a metal tip carried as a sign of office by e.g. a bailiff or constable Emmy an annual award by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for outstanding achievements in television Nobel prize an annual award for outstanding contributions to chemistry or physics or physiology and medicine or literature or economics or peace Academy Award , Oscar an annual award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for achievements in motion picture production and performance Prix de Rome an annual prize awarded by the French government in a competition of painters and artists and sculptors and musicians and architects; the winner in each category receives support for a period of study in Rome Prix Goncourt an award given annually for contributions to French literature postmark a cancellation mark stamped on mail by postal officials; indicates the post office and date of mailing watermark a distinguishing mark impressed on paper during manufacture; visible when paper is held up to the light broad arrow an arrowhead mark identifying British government property milepost , milestone stone post at side of a road to show distances placeholder a symbol in a logical or mathematical expression that can be replaced by the name of any member of specified set unknown , unknown quantity a variable whose values are solutions of an equation peg , pin small markers inserted into a surface to mark scores or define locations etc. pip , spot a mark on a die or on a playing card (shape depending on the suit) label an identifying or descriptive marker that is attached to an object cairn a mound of stones piled up as a memorial or to mark a boundary or path type of: sign , signal , signaling any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

Vocabulary lists containing symbol

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Symbolic Interactionism: Understanding Symbols

Table of Contents

What is symbolic interactionism, the nature of symbols, the role of symbols in social interaction, the process of meaning-making.

• The Fluidity of Symbols

Symbolic Interactionism is one of the major theoretical frameworks in sociology that focuses on the way individuals interact with one another and how they create, interpret, and maintain meaning through symbols. Central to this theory is the concept of the “symbol,” which plays a crucial role in understanding human behavior and social interaction. In this article, we will explore what symbols are, their significance in social interaction, and how they are used in everyday life to create and interpret meaning.

Symbolic Interactionism is a sociological perspective that examines how individuals use symbols to communicate and create social reality. Founded by sociologists like George Herbert Mead and Charles Horton Cooley , the theory focuses on micro-level interactions between individuals, emphasizing the importance of symbols in these exchanges. Unlike other sociological perspectives that focus on larger structures, Symbolic Interactionism looks at how individual actions shape social structures through meaning-making processes.

This theoretical framework suggests that individuals act based on the meanings they ascribe to objects, people, and situations. These meanings, in turn, are constructed and modified through social interactions. Symbols—such as language, gestures, and objects—are central to this process, as they provide the medium through which individuals understand and interpret the social world.

A symbol, in the context of Symbolic Interactionism, is anything that carries meaning beyond its literal form. It could be a word, gesture, object, or even a social role. Symbols are not inherently meaningful; rather, their meanings are socially constructed and learned through interaction. For example, a handshake is not just a physical act but a symbol of greeting, agreement, or friendship in many cultures.

Symbols have three key characteristics:

• Arbitrariness : Symbols are arbitrary, meaning there is no inherent connection between the symbol and what it represents. For instance, the word “tree” has no natural connection to the object it describes, yet we all understand its meaning because we have been socialized into the language.
• Shared Understanding : For symbols to function effectively, there must be a shared understanding among individuals. The meaning of a symbol is not determined by one person but by the collective group. This is why cultural context is important when interpreting symbols, as what might be a positive gesture in one culture could be offensive in another.
• Dynamic Nature : The meaning of symbols can change over time as social norms and contexts shift. For example, the rainbow symbol has historically held various meanings—from a biblical reference to Noah’s Ark to its modern association with LGBTQ+ pride.

Symbols are essential for human communication and interaction. They allow individuals to convey complex ideas, emotions, and intentions in a way that is understood by others. Language, for instance, is a system of symbols that allows people to communicate abstract concepts like love, justice, and freedom. Without symbols, human interaction would be limited to immediate, tangible experiences.

Symbols and Identity

One of the most important ways symbols function in social interaction is through the construction of identity. Individuals use symbols to express who they are and how they relate to the world around them. Clothing, for instance, is not just a practical necessity but a symbol of identity. The clothes one wears can signal their profession, social status, or even personal beliefs. For example, a doctor’s white coat symbolizes medical authority, while a business suit might symbolize professionalism.

Symbols and Social Roles

Social roles themselves are symbolic. When a person occupies a certain role—such as a parent, teacher, or police officer—they are expected to behave in accordance with the symbolic expectations tied to that role. These roles are recognized and understood by others in society, allowing for predictable patterns of interaction. A police uniform, for example, symbolizes law enforcement, and people adjust their behavior accordingly when they see someone wearing it.

Symbols and Social Norms

Symbols also help to enforce social norms. A stop sign , for instance, is a symbol that communicates the social rule of stopping at an intersection. The red color, octagonal shape, and word “STOP” combine to create a symbol that tells drivers how to behave. Breaking this norm—by running a stop sign—results in social consequences, such as a fine or disapproval from others.

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Mr Edwards has a PhD in sociology and 10 years of experience in sociological knowledge

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Meaning of symbol in English

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• For many people the horseshoe is a symbol of good luck .
• The Berlin Wall was a potent symbol of the Cold War.
• The red cross symbol was painted on each side of the vehicle .
• He described sports as a symbol of peace and a means of promoting fraternity between nations .
• The symbol © shows that something is protected by copyright .
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Blog Graphic Design Common Symbols and Meanings: How to Use Them in Design

Common Symbols and Meanings: How to Use Them in Design

Written by: Midori Nediger Nov 19, 2019

Symbols are a powerful way to communicate ideas and emotions quickly and clearly.

In design, using the right symbols can make your work more engaging and effective. Whether they are universally understood or specific to a culture, symbols can add depth and meaning to your designs.

This article explores common symbols, their meanings, and how to use them to enhance your design projects.

For a seamless design experience, try using Venngage’s Infographic Maker and professionally designed infographic templates to incorporate these symbols into your own infographics and visual content.

This guide to common symbols and meanings in design will cover:

Why are symbols used in graphic design.

• Universal symbols and meanings: shapes and lines 

How to use shapes and lines in design

Useful symbols and meanings for infographics, presentations, and reports, how to use symbols and icons in infographics and creative designs, how to use symbols and icons in professional documents, how to use symbols and icons in web design, where to get symbols, icons, and illustrations for your designs.

Designers use symbols and icons to:

• Add a touch of creativity to infographics 
• Make presentations more memorable and engaging
• Break up text content in dense reports 
• Help users navigate websites

You are probably familiar with many of these symbols already.

Some of the most popular symbols are:

• Heart symbol:  this represents love, compassion and health.
• Dove symbol:  this represents peace, love, and calm.
• Raven symbol:  this represents death and doom.
• Tree symbol:  this represents growth, nature, stability, and eternal life.
• Owl symbol:  this represents wisdom and intelligence.
• Dragon symbol:  this represents power, wisdom, strength, and mysticism.
• Butterfly symbol:  this represents rebirth, beauty, and transformation.
• Dog symbol:  this represents loyalty, protection, and companionship.
• Lion symbol:  this represents courage, leadership, and royalty.
• Fox symbol:  this represents slyness and cleverness.

But let’s face it: while we all know that a heart represents love, and a dove represents peace, we often need to visualize more practical concepts like “business growth”, “meeting agenda”, or “status update”. 

This in-depth guide dives deep into symbols and meanings that are  actually useful  (for all of your graphic design needs).

First, let’s talk about why symbols are so central to graphic design.

It’s always better to show than tell.

Symbols, used in combination with text and images, can make messages more meaningful and memorable than text alone and have been used throughout the history of marketing and design.

They have the power to cross language barriers, and can help you engage with your audience on a deeper level than is possible with just words.

Symbols can even be combined like words in a phrase to tell a powerful story, as seen in this creative flyer design :

Common symbols used in graphic design (and the real world) are:

• Arrow symbols: used to represent directions
• Cloud, rain, snow and sun symbols: used to represent weather
• Power, disk, wifi and bluetooth symbols: used to represent tech
• Wheelchair, information, bathroom and no-smoking symbols: used on different signs found in public places

Universal symbols like these are so commonplace that they’ve become so second-nature to us. We understand them immediately and intuitively…there’s simply no need for explanation!

Design Pro Tip: Find these symbols in the Venngage icon library under the following categories: “Arrows & Directions”, “Weather”, “Technology”, and “Signs”.

When used in graphic design, symbols and icons can help break up dense passages of text, making it easier to digest.

But symbols and icons are not just communication tools. Designers use stylized, illustrated icons to add flair to things like infographics and presentations for a custom-made feel. 

For example, the icon-focused presentation template shown below is a pretty creative presentation idea , with illustration-style icons dominating each slide:

Whether you’re creating an infographic, a presentation, a logo, or a website, visual symbolism can take your design to the next level.

Universal symbols and meanings: shapes and lines

Geometric shapes are the most basic symbols that carry meaning. 

While designers typically combine basic geometric shapes to create more complex, meaningful symbols, geometric shapes still hold meaning on their own.

Understanding the meaning of basic shapes is foundational to logo design and other forms of graphic design.

Related Reading:  Logo Design Tips to Take Your Brand to the Next Level

Here the 10 basic shapes and lines and their meanings:

• Circle: Completeness, cycles, continuation, playfulness
• Square: Stability, tradition, security, straightforward
• Triangle : Transformation, movement, balance
• Intersecting lines: Relationships, connectedness
• Spiral: Growth, evolution, transformation
• Five-pointed star: Excellence
• Arrow: Direction, movement, force
• Curved lines: Movement, connection, fluidity
• Diagonal lines: Tension, excitement
• Zigzag: Path, confusion

Curved lines and shapes tend to provide a sense of movement, fluidity, continuity, and informality. 

Shapes with hard corners and straight lines, in contrast, typically suggest stability and groundedness. 

Graphic designers use basic shapes and lines to:

• Organize information through grouping and separation
• Highlight important information
• Add texture and depth
• Create structure

Like in the infographic template below, the symmetry of geometric shapes is perfect for creating a sense of order and structure in a design.

Large structural background shapes (like the circle above) add subtle complexity. Background shapes can also convey something about the relationships within the content of the design–creating groups or suggesting separation between topics.

Shapes like circles and squares can also be added behind other icons and symbols, emphasizing important information and creating a sense of repetition and depth in a design.

In the list infographic below, layered borders and ovals make the icons a focal point. They feel like they’re popping out of the page, demanding your attention:

The type of shape used impacts the overall feel of the design. Comparing the mind map examples below, curved circles and lines create a playful, creative feel, while the stability of squares and rectangles make the design feel more traditional and professional.

Geometric shapes and lines are particularly critical in logo design, where basic shapes often form the essence of the logo. The logo below, for example, is a simple yet effective play on a rotated triangle:

If you take a look around you, you’ll likely notice many logo designs, like these ones from adidas, Google Drive, and Mitsubishi, that are based on simple geometric shapes.

Read our in-depth guide for more logo design tips .

Geometric shapes are just the start with it comes to visual symbolism. There are a great deal of common symbols with widely accepted meanings…everything from a dog representing loyalty to a raised first representing activism.

But when you’re designing a presentation, infographic, or report, you probably don’t often need symbols for such abstract concepts. 

Read on for some concrete symbol examples that should be helpful for designing documents for the workplace.

Symbols to represent communication, collaboration:

• Speech bubble symbol: used to represent speech and communication.
• People symbol: used to represent teamwork and collaboration.
• Mail/email symbol: used to represent messages and communication.
• Presentation symbol: used to represent learning and teaching.
• Handshake symbol: used to represent agreement and cooperation.

Communication is traditionally represented with speech bubbles or email symbols, but there is so much more room for creativity here.

One way to branch out is to find symbols that represent the specific mode of communication that you’re discussing, as seen in this project management plan :

Or, as seen in the communication symbol examples below, you can add a ton of variety to the mix by focusing on the human side of communication and showing the connections between collaborators.

Design Pro Tip: Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library: “communication”, “message”, “speech”, “work”, “teamwork”, “team”.

Symbols to represent business growth

Business growth is something you might need to visualize in a business growth proposal , a marketing plan , or a startup pitch deck . 

But because business growth means different things in different businesses, there isn’t one best way to represent business growth visually.

Common symbols used to represent business growth are:

• Plant symbol: used to represent growth, change, value, and positivity.
• Rocketship symbol: used to represent rapid growth or product launches.
• Up arrow: used to represent positive change.
• Graph symbol: used to represent trends.
• Dollar sign: used to represent money or revenue.

The slide template below, for example, uses four different symbols to represent a few different facets of business growth, including revenue, clients, and employees.

If you’re focused on increasing recurring revenue, you may wish to visualize business growth with cash symbols. If you care more about improving other metrics, you might use icons showing data trending upward.

Or you could take a metaphoric approach to showing business growth, like some of the business growth symbol examples below:

Design Pro Tip: Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library: “work”, “data”, “growth”, “incline”, “success”, “money”.

Symbols to represent design, art, creativity:

• Pencil symbol: used to represent drawing, sketching, and ideation.
• Shape symbols: used to represent abstraction, creativity, and graphic design.
• Browser symbol: used to represent user interface design.
• Color palette symbol: used to represent graphic design, art, and interior design.
• Lightbulb or brain symbol: used to represent brainstorming, creativity, and ideas.

When talking about design, there’s a bit of pressure for your design to be unique. This is the perfect place to think outside the box when it comes to symbolism.

A clever symbolism example is the use of an empty box icon to represent whitespace in the logo design-themed infographic below:

Talking about creativity is also the perfect time to branch out into funkier illustrated icon styles. Illustrations were all the rage 2019, and we think they’ll continue as a graphic design trend in 2020 , too.

Here are a few fun illustration-style design symbol examples from the Venngage icon library:

Design Pro Tip: Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library:    “design”, “website”, “color”, “paint”, “draw”.

Symbols to represent safety, security:

• Hard-hat symbol: used to represent safety in the workplace.
• Lock symbol: used to represent data security in browsers and other digital products.
• Pylon symbol: used to represent physical safety and caution.
• Shield symbol: used to represent both physical and digital security.
• Umbrella symbol: used to represent protection.

One way to find unique symbols is to take the meaning you’re trying to convey from one context and use it in another context.

For example, using symbols for construction safety (like the ones below) in the context of tech security, or home security.

Or just stick to the traditional symbols for safety like the locks and shields seen in the security symbol examples below.

Design Pro Tip: Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library:  “construction”, “safety”, “lock”, “shield”, “security”.

Symbols to represent alert, attention:

• Exclamation mark symbol: used to show emphasis, importance.
• Loudspeaker symbol: used to represent an announcement or alert.
• Hand symbol: used to indicate that stopping is required.
• Bell symbol: used to represent an alert or notification.

The classic symbol for attention is a triangle or diamond shape with an exclamation mark inside.

Other more unique attention-grabbing alert symbol examples are bells, alarms, red lights, loudspeakers, or even a simple circle with an exclamation point. Anything that screams “look at me” works well for this application.

Design Pro Tip: Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library:   “priority”, “announce”, “alert”, “caution”, “warning”.

Symbols to represent metrics, research:

• Magnifying glass symbol: used to represent research and analysis.
• Graph symbol: used to represent trends and associations.
• Target symbol: used to represent goals.
• Microscope symbol: used to represent research and discovery.
• Gear symbol: used to represent work or progress.

When it comes to symbolizing metrics and data, the options are practically limitless. You could stick with the standard visuals showing charts and trends, but there is so much more out there.

Some of my favourites are the more intricate illustrated icons that combine magnifying glasses with data to show analysis in action, as seen in this advertising plan design:

Here’s just a small taste of the possibilities for symbols for metrics and research:

Design Pro Tip: Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library:    “analysis”,“report”, “data”.

Symbols to represent goals, strategy:

• Target symbol: used to represent a goal or a success.
• Path symbol: used to represent a plan or procedure.
• Mind map symbol: used to represent planning, connections, or strategy.
• Checklist symbol: used to represent planning or strategy.

The tried and true way to symbolize goals is to use a target icon. Which is great, and all…but we can do better.

You could show progress to a goal with a partially completed checklist, like the one featured in the infographic below:

When it comes to visualizing strategy, consider using icons that show many connecting parts or a winding path to some target, as seen in these strategy symbol examples:

Design Pro Tip: Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library:  “target”, “goal”, “objective”, “trend”, “strategy”.

Symbols to represent information, ideas, insight:

• Lightbulb symbol: used to represent invention, ideas, and creativity.
• Spreadsheet symbol: used to represent information and organization.
• Lightning bolt symbol: used to represent insight, clarity, and inspiration.
• Document symbol: used to represent knowledge and communication.

We have been using a lightbulb to represent ideas for ages. It’s effective, but probably a bit overused.

Some alternatives? Use sparks to represent flashes of insight, like the design below, use branched, connecting lines to show creativity, or combine the lightbulb with other symbols to create a scene.

Here are some more idea and information symbol examples with some variations on the simple lightbulb:

Design Pro Tip: Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library:  “mindmap”, “mind”, “idea”, “list”, “about”.

Symbols to represent change, progress:

• Gear symbol: used to represent progress, work, and innovation.
• Curved arrow symbol: used to represent cyclicity or process.
• Checkmark symbol: used to represent success or show that goals have been met.

Outside of the business world, symbols to represent change are related to rebirth, renewal and transformation…symbols like the sun, the moon, and water.

The key to visualizing change in a professional context is to go way more concrete. Find symbols that show a beginning state and ending state, suggest movement, or show a path from one place to another.

Here are a few change and progress symbol examples to get you thinking:

Design Pro Tip: Try the following search terms to find these symbols in the Venngage icon library:   “sync”, “transition”, “change”, “progress”.

This just scrapes the surface of how creative you can get with symbolism in graphic design, but hopefully it’s enough to get you started. For more inspiration, check out our infographic icon design guide .

Use icons to reinforce key ideas

A powerful way of using icons in creative designs is to use icons to reinforce points you’d like your audience to latch onto.

Used this way, icons and symbols become visual cues that will guide your audience’s eyes towards important areas of your design. That’s why you’ll often see icons next to list items or infographic section headers, as shown below.

Get inspired by stylized, illustrated icons

An easy way to add character to an infographic (or other informal design) is to use more intricate, illustration-style icons as the core of the design. 

Start the design process by finding an icon style that you like, then simply pull colors from those icons for the rest of your design. This is a pretty foolproof way to create a unique, eye-catching design that’s still cohesive (like the infographic template below).

Use consistent icon styles

It’s critical that all of your icons match throughout any design or multi-page document. 

Combining mismatched icons, even if they look great on their own, is a major design faux-pas that is sure to turn off your readers.

Here is an example of a simple process infographic with a cohesive icon set that lends a clean, polished effect.

Designing formal documents like status reports and project plans requires a different approach than fun, creative designs like infographics. 

Use minimal, monocolor icons for a sleek, professional look

In formal documents it’s usually best to skip over the stylized, illustrated icons in favor of more minimal single-color icons and symbols. 

This will ensure your business proposals and pitch decks hit all the right notes in your next pitch meeting. 

Use symbols and icons to break up long passages of text

Symbols and icons are a useful tool for improving the readability of dense documents. Your readers will thank you if you intersperse some relevant visuals into any longer passages of text, giving them a place for their eyes to rest. 

Symbols and icons are essential to many website interfaces. Used properly, they can help guide users through a site, while saving screen space and making interfaces more visually appealing.

For symbols to be effective in a website interface, they must be:

• Easy to understand
• Unambiguous and universal
• Simple and compact

Users should be able to understand, without thinking, what that symbol means. If they can’t, this can lead to some serious usability issues.

It’s best to stick with glyph-style icons–icons that are ultra-simple and designed for use on the web. They won’t distract from the content of your website and they can be colored to match your brand style (just like InVision does, below).

The Venngage icon library is a go-to resource for all kinds of icons, from basic shapes and symbols to stylized illustrations. 

In the Venngage icon library you can find a wide variety of icons in 4 different icon styles:

• Outline/glyph icons: minimal, modern filled icons perfect for professional designs
• Colored icons: simple, geometric icons with a few colors
• Flat icons: 2D icons made with geometric shapes and bold colors
• Illustrated icons: detailed icons with distinct, illustrated styles

Just use the search function to find icons by keyword, then filter for the icon style of your choice!

The best part?

We’re always updating our icon library to include new icons. Check out our latest font and icon additions .

Get more information on how to work with Venngage icons in our how-to guide .

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Set Symbols

A set is a collection of things, usually numbers. We can list each element (or "member") of a set inside curly brackets like this:

Common Symbols Used in Set Theory

Symbols save time and space when writing. Here are the most common set symbols

In the examples C = {1, 2, 3, 4} and D = {3, 4, 5}

• Olympic Studies Centre
• Olympic Refuge Foundation

Olympic rings - Symbol of the Olympic Movement

The Olympic symbol – widely known throughout the world as the Olympic rings – is the visual ambassador of olympism for billions of people.

Based on a design first created by Pierre de Coubertin , the Olympic rings remain a global representation of the Olympic Movement and its activity.

Definition and meaning

“The Olympic symbol consists of five interlaced rings of equal dimensions (the Olympic rings), used alone, in one or in five different colours. When used in its five-colour version, these colours shall be, from left to right, blue, yellow, black, green and red. The rings are interlaced from left to right; the blue, black and red rings are situated at the top, the yellow and green rings at the bottom in accordance with the following graphic reproduction.”

“The Olympic symbol expresses the activity of the Olympic Movement and represents the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.”

These five rings represent the five parts of the world now won over to the cause of Olympism and ready to accept its fecund rivalries. What is more, the six colors thus combined reproduce those of all nations without exception.

History of the Olympic rings

The Olympic rings were publicly presented for the first time in 1913. In the centre of a white background, five rings interlaced: blue, yellow, black, green and red.

The Olympic flag was created for the Olympic Jubilee Congress in 1914 in Paris in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Olympic Movement.

For the Olympic Games, the Olympic rings, set on the white background of the Olympic flag, made their first appearance at the Games of the VII Olympiad Antwerp 1920.

In 1957, the IOC officially approved a specific version of the Olympic rings, differing only slightly from Coubertin’s original, in which the rings intersect each other.

Although spaces between the Olympic rings had already been seen in their visual presentation, in 1986 the IOC Graphics Standards included a description of how an official version of the rings with spaces should be produced.

As approved in 2010 by the IOC Executive Board, the official version of the Olympic rings returned to its original, seamlessly interlaced design, fulfilling Coubertin’s vision.

Official version of the Olympic rings

Today, there are seven official versions of the Olympic rings.

The full-colour version on its white background is the preferred version of the Olympic rings. Indeed, the full-colour Olympic rings are the embodiment of Pierre de Coubertin’s original vision; “full-colour” refers to the six Olympic colours – blue, yellow, black, green and red on a white background – which symbolise Olympism’s universality.

The monochrome Olympic rings provide an alternative to the full-colour Olympic rings. The Olympic rings may appear in any of the six official Olympic colours when necessary.

Link to Olympic properties

The Olympic rings are a cornerstone of the Olympic properties, which comprise a variety of assets: the Olympic symbol, flag , motto , anthem , identifications (including but not limited to “Olympic Games” and “Games of the Olympiad”), designations, emblems, flame and torches (…) may, for convenience, be collectively or individually referred to as “ Olympic properties ”. ( Olympic Charter )

Use and rights

All rights to the Olympic properties, as well as all rights to the use thereof, belong exclusively to the IOC, including but not limited to the use for any profit-making, commercial or advertising purposes.

The Olympic symbol and the Olympic properties must be used only with the express prior written consent of the IOC.

Guidelines are available to provide direction for the use of the Olympic symbol by the Olympic Movement and its authorised stakeholders. They aim to preserve the integrity and authority of the Olympic symbol while ensuring its visibility and inclusiveness.

For further information on the Olympic rings and the Olympic properties, please refer to the FAQ section on this site.

What the Olympic Rings mean to athletes

More information

How a century of design heritage informed a comprehensive evolution of the Olympic identity.

The three values of Olympism are excellence , respect and friendship . They constitute the foundation on which the Olympic Movement builds its activities to promote sport, culture and education with a view to building a better world.