The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols - 1000s of Signs and Symbols From Around the World %28DK eBook%29

The Illustrated Book of

o Horseshoe

Centaur uellect

vs.

Symbol of Good Luck

y

Instinct

Tortoise Symbol of Long

TAROT

Life

^S

lard of Decision

Thousands of Signs and Symbols from Around the World Miranda Bruce-Mitford

CADUCEUS Tiblem of Medicine

Freemasonry Compass and Square

The Illustrated Book of

Symbols The essential reference for decoding signs and symbols The world around us is filled with signs and symbols. Those we have chosen to create, such as alphabets and

flags, are universally

recognizable, but others, of uncertain and ancient origin,

mean

Why,

different things to different peoples.

for example,

love, or a snake a

West and

a sign

a red rose the flower

is

symbol of

of wisdom

in

of

evil in the

China? Find the

answers to these questions and thousands of others in this comprehensive and stimulating visual guide

of signs and symbols. Specially

commissioned

illustrations

and photographs,

including artifacts, famous paintings, and sculptures, provide a

much-needed

visual

key to this mysterious language.

The ultimate visual catalog Showing thousands of

signs

symbols from East and West, The Book ofSigns

and Illustrated

& Symbols not only gives the

meanings of each, but also explores the symbols' origins in art, religion, literature, psychology, folklore.

and

For ease of reference the signs and

symbols are grouped by category, from flowers

and

religious

symbols to shapes and numbers, and

a clear cross-referencing system directs the reader

to related signs and symbols. to

waders of

into

ir>n

all

ages, this

Designed to appeal

book

is

a rich source

of

and an indispensable reference book

for interpreting

and understanding signs and

symbols

Do Azt

in

everyday

life.

eaded Serpent Associated with -ivingRain

re

$24.95

The

Illustrated

Book of

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The

Illustrated

Book of

Miranda Bruce-Mitford

ALLSTON BRANCH LIBRARY

n

>««««««.%«•%

AL BR

REF AZ108 B78 1996x

A DK PUBLISHING BOOK

Emma

Senior Editor

US Editor Camela I

Foa

Decaire

Senior Art Editor Sarah Ponder

iJREDTODK

Shamrock

Managing Editor Anna Kruger Managing Art Editor

Peter Bailey

Art Editors Joanna Pocock, Martin Wilson Editor Shirin Pahi Assistant Designer Ali Cobb

DTP

Designer Nicola Studdart

Picture Research Sharon Southren

Production Katy Holmes Index

& Glossary

First

Joanna Lane

American Edition,

I

468 10^75 Published b)

DK

m

the

I

I'M M1STR1

nited States

Publishing

in.

York 1001(1

Vk it

us on the

Copyright

©

All rights reserved

Egyptun funerary stela

(detail)

Conventions. in a retnc,

Wot Id Wide Web Imp //www

1996 Dorling Kinderslej

I

ilk

com

muted, London

under International and Pan American Copyright ublication ma) be reproduced, stored transmitted in any form 01 b) an) means,

No pan

electronic, mechanical, phot>

rding, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of tl pyright ownei Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersle) imited. I

A CIP I

catalog record for this

bi

liable

from the Librar

Congress.

ISBN 0-7894-1000-1 Islamic

Colour reproduction by Colourscan, Singapore Pnnted and bound in Spain by Artes Graficas Toledo, S.A. 1)1. TO 1192- 1999

Shiva,

1

1

>rd 01

mi dani

i

Contents Introduction

Tools

6

Weapons

iSr

90

Mythologies

& Religions

& Mourning

Death

92

12

Architecture

Ancient Deities

94

H

l:\er\da\ Objects

Judaism

96

16 Christianity

Symbol Systems

18

Hinduism 20 Buddhism 22 Islam

24 Ancestor

& Nature Spirits

Sea Creatures

Picture Writing

Numbers

& Others

Insects

56 Reptiles & Amphibians 58

102

Shapes

60

Mythical Beasts

Birds

28

64

& Patterns 104

Color 106

Mammals

26

00

J

54

Alchemy 108

Freemason r\

Nature Sun

32

& Moon

Sex

& Sk\

Divination

&

34 Earth

70

\\2

72

Heraldic Emblems 114

Dance

& Theater 76

Magic

& Charms

40

78

Gardens 42

Musical Instruments

Trees

^strolog)

Human Body

38 Precious Stones

no

Fertility

36 Precious Matter

109

People 68

International Signs

116

Symbolic Gestures 118

80 Love

&

Marriage

(

rloSSCU

44

82

120

Plants

Clothing

Index

4d

84

111

Natures Foods

Jewelr)

48

86

I

lowers

50

Royalt)

88

\

urthei Reading

I

117 \

(

bicw ledgments IS l

Signs

&

Symbols

Introduction tO A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF HUMAN" NATURE not Onlv J survive and reproduce, but also to seek explanations for the mysteries of life. Because these mysteries are in

T

IS

nTTTBTTTTl SMTUGQ



2SS

Sky Goddess, Ni

ensuring the

growth of crops, which sprang from his flesh. He was later restored to life and became a symbol of resurrection, as well as the god of the

helper of the dead and protector of Osiris, ruler of the underworld.

a personification of

? flF\

moon,

time,

originally

valley,

baboon uhe two

Artemis and son of Zeus, was the sun god, and caused the fruits

Anubis JLl

Originally the jackalheaded god of the

dead. Anubis was supplanted by Osiris He was nevertheless the protector of the

i

Nut was the sky goddess of Egyptian mythology and she is often depicted touching the earth with her toes and fingers. The arch of her body represents the arc of heaven. The stars on her body denote the Milky Way, and she is sometimes surrounded by astrological signs.

dead and was often carved on rock lombs. ,

14

to the

Romans

DON

Cupid, Eros was a symbol ol earthly love. He was the son of Aphrodite, and carried a bow and arrows with which he pierced the

uhe Roman NeptUl was symbolic ol the power of the waters. He

hearts of his victims,

carried a trident,

causing them to

of creation,

as

passionately

in

fall

love

POSl

I

Brother ol Zeus and god ol the sea, Poseidon

protect

i

symbol

and could

hose

at sea.

s

Roman

Celtic

The Romans absorbed elements ol all the cultures they came into contact with. They adopted the Greek gods as well as those of other peoples they conquered, and had hundreds of different gods, goddesses, demigods, and spirits - each ol which

Although the pre-Roman Europe and the British Isles adopted some of the gods ol the conquering Remans they had

related to virtually every aspect of

I

their

beliefs in a creatoi trio

.

life.

They honored and worshiped the gods order to safeguard themselves - in this hie and the next

own

mother goddess, and nature ol mothei 01 fertility godd< s» sometimes presented together

-

are

in

Mini

r\

\

he warlike Minerva often wears am ike her Greek I

I

counterpart Athena, she represents the arts wisdom, and teaming.

M \Ks The son

ol

|up

Mars was much-respected god war He is usually depicted with in

a

one hand and

spear a

The

shield in the other

month

March

ol

ol

ci

Irom his name.

Merc

i ry. Jt im m r. Jl no. Apoi lo Mercury was the god ol commerce He appeared late in the pantheon, at a time when trade flourished He is sometimes equated with the Greek god Hermes, messenger of the gods Here he weighs Trojan against creek to decide the i

the Trojan

Jupiter

i

War With him

are

Greek Zeus); |uno, wife and goddess of light, marriage, and childbirth, and Apollo, son of Jupiter

the

ol lupiter

Cerm nnos emunnos is found throughout Mere he is shown with antl surrounded by animals In his [eft hand he holds The horned god the

Flora

Bacc

Flora was the goddess

l

of spring, the vine, flowers,

and

grain,

she symbolized i

estivals in her

fruit,

and

fertilit)

honor

were otten wild events

in sualh depicted as beautiful south. nis was ''

a

(

eltk lands

ram-headed serpent, symbol

ol fertility

a

wine, and his worship leatured much

drunken

(

Norse I

revelry

he Nordic people,

who

lived in a harsh

climate, worshiped gods ol the elements

and nature

The birth of Aphroditi /Venus name Aphrodite means myth the goddess was said

The em

ni a

scallop shell.

B) respecting

the gods, they

bom

from the loam, and in Creek appeared from the The image captured the imagination

hoped

and honoring some

to exert

control over the fierceness ol the weather

to have

and painters through the ages English poel Alfred Tennyson wrote ol Aphrodite beautiful hesh a\phrodite symbolized love and beaut) Hei Roman equivalent, Venus, is equalh famous Below in Bottieelli s painting, the god ol the West \\ ind is gently blowing the beautiful Venus toward the shore, where a nymph awaits read) to cloak her ets

I

hen.

Odin,

l

hor,

I

un Si

i

\LSO

i

Oon

I

ght:

HOI

i

>

binh

»»*»%.»%.%,%

&

Mythologies

Religions

Judaism Judaism emerged

in

about the 14th century bc and has

evolved into a strongly monotheistic religion based on a dialogue

between God, or Yahweh, and

people, the Jews.

The

chosen

his

patriarchs of Judaism are the

ancient leaders Abraham, his son

and grandson Jacob, whose

Isaac,

M

11 deeds are recorded in Genesis, ,-

i

i

Jk

book of Bible. Today

the

first

the

Jews are scattered throughout the world, but

inked by

are

all

a culture

centered on Jewish

and

history, law,

family

life.

Jerusai

Star of David Allied to Jewish

d to light the

mysticism, the star of David

is

\i

i

|udaism, Islam.

\\o\\ to

and

(

hristianit)

Jerusalem was the

A.

made up

capital ol the ancient

two triangles, the upward-pointing being the sun, fire, and ol

kingdom and

Jewish

site

the second temple,

ol

000 years ago To Jew- the

buih

masculine energy; the

>

c

downward-pointing the moon, water, and

ii

to symbolizi

ie

[ewish nation

female energy.

Aspects of pram

r

H Wl KKAH Tin- 8-armed is

Pram menorah

used to celebrate

Hanukkah,

the festival

of light- Candles are lit

on 8 consecutive

and

-

More time

supply of sacramci oil lasting 8 days, when

celebrating a

boy

starts

liberation

from I

age

ollu

1,1

o

at

thirteen.

r) and Jewish

slavi

a

s

coming

he

sabbath marks the Israelites

the eternal light in the

temple of Jerusalem was relit in 164 u

I

BOOK

probably a Bar Mitzvah gift,

the sabbath

sunset on Frida)

R

In- silvei prayei

book was

lews say

ill

on

which at

in

home

at

ferveni |ews pray three

rs

nights to mark the miracle of a da

[udaism both

pari in

the

I

i

BOO!

nation.

SlIOl \K

The shofar horn Rosh Hashanah,

Mezuzah

Jewish

si{

Boy at prayer

the

New Year, and

I

Ins bo) has the

i

on the Jews

Traditionally the

calls

mezuzah

repent their sins bi the Day ol Atonement.

is

positioned

by the front door. It contains a tiny scroll, >:cma, with words

from the Bible. This calls on God's people

him totally, and sums up the heart to love

of the Jewnsh faith

The shofar

is

to

made

horn as a reminder of the animal

KlPPAH

God

Male lews wear

Abraham

to sacrifice in

place of Isaac

around his arm and on his forehead he wearingol God's words" m this way is I

of

a ram's

gave to

strapped

ritual telillm

\\

l

s|

This

iuh

the

is i/i

ToKAIl MANTL1 Torah

covenant, with them His Ten Commandments to the Jews were written in lire on tablets ol stone and set out a moral and religious code duct for his chosen people

-.re

traditionally

often

an

t

embroidered mantle, which both protects them and reinforo their aura ol p

Sukkot

Passover '

The

>mmemorates

:

Passover

the

meah

Jus ol the |ews Irom Egypt, when the angel ol death the Israelites sparing their lives At thi ler, or ritual

eaten

in

lamb

da I

at the

Si

The

meal, all the foods symbolic of that journey

KKOl '

koi

commem

in the

wilderness on

S\l IU VII k

A

dish of saltwater

shed

by

:mg

th-

in

their

Hou

captn

\kk

\/M>

Si/ I

I

1

V*

\| M/VII \l\i flat,

ned

Passovi

k

n

I

\ii Hill III

th.

;h

un

which the

l

in the

HI

1

1

WISH

|

.

form and

ide in the ol Ri

d air.

clarified butter. Ritual

i

sprinkling rose water and scent, burning ir other n inc<

St

SHAW

\l

I

K

This ivor) sunt shaker is shaped like the

Om This

is

perfumed symbol ol

a sacred

syllable thought to

lotus,

shaped \si Bl R\l R The incense Inc

and future

exist

is

a ate

Sensuous nymphs like this are found on temple walls. They

shrine in a

symbolic

sacred to Hindus, and even the

Swastika

as a symbol of well-being.

specimen must not be harmed. Valued for us milk and its dung, which is used as fuel, the low

Count ere lock v.

probably represents

swastikas are

Mother

In India the swastika

is

an auspicious mark

worn as jewelry or marked on objects

lowliest

purification

''/JJtillx.

The

Hindu temple The central tower represents mouniatntop, because mountains are the sacred abodes ol the g The image ol the god is in

architecture ol a

Wheels is

the

.1

iky-chariol qj

tnbolic

.

thai this

personify rain clouds and mists and are associated with

is

i

around a

Temple

Apsaras

The cow

used to

sprinkle

gods with sweet smells.

Sacred cow

like

a flower,

i

burner is waved back and forth in the shrine. Wafting the aroma around welcomes

The sound, pronounced A-U-M, is thought to be the one eternal syllable, in which the past.

the sun

god

and growth.

fertility

k

sprinkler.

creation

be the seed" of all mantras, divine and powerful words or sounds

present,

KOSE-W \n M'RINKI ER The »

headily

the cavelike inner

sanctum, the earthy or

womb cnamb ibolism

Earth.

sometimes considered inauspicious The symbol, which predates Hinduism, is associated with the sun and the wheel of birth and rebirth, and is f

•

an emblem of Vishnu

Shrine

DrvALi The fall

The household shrine

Divali, the festival of

is

an important focus

light, is

festival ol

celebrated in

(.

WGES

honor of Lakshmi. consort of Vishnu and goddess of abundance and good fortune It

The

also celebrates the

to visit holy sues,

of fresh flowers, fruit,

return Irom exile of

and cooked food

the hero

Benares, birthp lliva [*o she on the banks ol the

of daily pu)a. or I

worship This is where the gods are invited. welcomed, and worshiped Offerings are-

placed before an image and ino may be burned

of the god,

.

iv.it. ir

.'I

Rama

Himalayas, home sonified by the goddes!

:

Pilgrims

.111

Vishnu,

lamps were

holiest of the rivers ol India, the

rises in the

when

come

Ganges and ashes

relit all

over the kingdom

to

llo.it ,iw.i\

to the

(

ol the

*

gods h

ranges

such as

hav on

its

the best ol deaths for a

current

is

Hindu

Vncieni

II

Sm

M illy

\\^\> This

MAM

tain

suJK

I

1

i

1

KJUSHNA

a fol

t •

Smi\

i \

milL

Ihenu, the

Sw IMIk

n his >l

later life is 10 live

r

as

indicated by the horizontal lines on his ind the buffal

Brmimv Ganesh

\/s

•

in

1

Him!

•nan

2

1

the

\ IMIV

I

•

>

I

&

Mythologies

Religions

Buddhism Buddhism

is

based

ox nonviolence, compassion, and

chanty.

Its

goal

is

Enlightenment, which ends the cycle of birth and rebirth and leads to

blowing out, or absorption into the cosmos. Buddhism developed from the teachings of Gautama Buddha, born Prince Siddhartha in northeastern India in the mid-6th century bc. He renounced his worldly Nirvana,

literally,

life

in search of

an existence

free of suffering.

When

Siddhartha achieved this goal, through meditation and asceticism, he

was

called the

Buddha, or the Enlightened. Rays

on elephant

Bodhi tree

enlightenment

oj

Wang

n \ and Lao Tzv, Shu-Ku, 18th century

Three Great Truths The Mara and

Footprint

Folding book

The Footprint of the Buddha is marked with 108 auspicious

In

signs.

These include

the swastika; the mace,

symbol of the

force

Burma books

that fold up, called parabaiks,

tell

troops dejeated

the story of the

Buddha

with words and pictures From left to right, this parabaik depicts the Buddha on his way to the Bodhi tree where he attained enlightenment; the Buddha meditating and worshiped by the gods; the approach of Mara, the evil spirit, on an elephant, and his defeat; the Buddha radiating enlightenment and being worshiped by gods and creatures.

great Chinese sages Confucius and Lao Tzu, founder of Taoism, welcome in their midst the

infant Buddha, symbolically representing the acceptance of Buddhism in China dunng the 4th century. Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism are known as the Three Great Truths, and together have molded »Chinese thought over v thousands of years.

^-^^3k

that breaks lust; fish, for

freedom from

all

restraint; the flower

vase, for

supreme

intelligence; the conch, for the voice of the

Buddha; the wheel of law or life; and the crown of Brahma, for Buddha's supremacy

Aspects of Buddha '

Buddhists do not worship the Buddha but pay homage to his teachings and example in front of his effigies. These portray various postures, or asanas,

with a

number

gestures.

They

of mudras, or all

hand

The great snake Muchalinda protecting the

S»

•

Buddha

"^

have a particular

significance, appropriate for teaching,

meditation, or blessing.

Reclining Buddha

Laughing Buddha

After a lifetime of teaching, the

Buddha

died and entered Nirvana, never to be rebom. This is usually symbolized by the parinirvana asana, in

Wheel of law With his first sermon, the Buddha is said to have set the wheel of dharma, or law, in motion. The wheel,

r

which the Buddha

is

reclining

nght

shown on his

Mi Lo Fo

is

the future

a form of Maitreya,

Buddha The name

means Friendly One who laughs at fate and whose obesity contains the wisdom

Dhyana mudra,

(he

gesture of meditation

of the universe

side.

Marble reclining Buddha, Burmese, 19th century

Buddha Muchalinda

therefore, represents

While the Buddha was engaged in deep meditation there was a violent storm and torrential rain. The great serpent Muchalinda raised the Holy One onto his coils and protected him from the rain with his many hoods.

the teachings of

Buddha, and the eight spokes the Eightfold Path that leads to

enlightenment.

22

)

Buddhism l'

%s%-

Shrine This Buddhist shnne

shows Buddha images surrounded by candles and incense, both part of the act of devotion in

Buddhism, as

in

other religions The light

produced

the

is

light of the doctrine

and the smoke from the incense wafts the truth of the doctnne toward the devotees, carrying Shrine at Blddhist Temple. Wimbledon.

London

their devotions into

the heavens.

.../inml

Terraces symbolize

CMS

stages oj spiritual

enlightenment

development

Shwe Zigon Pagoda. Pagan,

Bi rma.

1

1th

^

in

Chorten

BURMESE PAGODA

A

Pagodas are stupas, which were originally bunal mounds erected over the remains of important men in India After the Buddha's death his ashes were divided and placed within stupas, and later his few possessions were similarly enshnned Stupas act as a symbol of the Buddha's entry into Nirvana and a reminder to all of the possibility of enlightenment In Burma, as in China, the stupa is known as a pagoda

this

miniature shnne, Tibetan silver box with mystic symbols is

worn

keep

to

spirits at

a tablet

bay

evil It

holds a

molded from

V

the ashes of a lama

1

BODHISATTVA

Buddhist monks Buddha established the The sangha. or monastic order,

so that people could devote

t

KOYASAN MONK This monk from

M

Japan holds the traditional alms

themselves to his teachings. *fLjfl The majority of Buddhists Irfa \c:lr f. think that enlightenment Lan only be attained by following ~~ the monastic, meditative life -

bowl

in

which

people place food as an act

^^^|

free

to one school of Buddhism, Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who put off Nirvana to assist others to enlightenment - the ultimate act of compassion Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion, is shown here with eleven heads and a thousand arms, so he can reach out to all conscious beings. Each hand holds an object that symbolizes an attribute of

According

The

of merit

bowl

from distractions - on the

a

path to complete awareness

is

the

Buddha

thus

Prayer wheel

symbolic

Mantras, or sacred verses, are inscribed on prayer wheels I-ach rotation of the cylinder stands for one recitation

receptacle for

gathering good

deeds

Thai monk A Thai monk

probably studying texts that

V

mantra Some wheels are powered by windmills of the

sits in

the

of a monastic building

iZSnvT

surras,

window He is

large

Buddhist

young monks have

See also

to master Hi

DOHA «4

B ;

Till

*

GREAI DlPARIt

Rl

Ml

Confucius

Pnnce Siddhartha. the future Buddha, leaves the palace (left), having renounced worldly life and determined on a life of meditation and asceticism This Burmese boy right symbolically reenacts the momentous scene before donning monk's robes and entenng a monastery as a novice monk

I

TREE

i

w

ootpmni or 1

21, 105;

Brahma 20

I

I

v.N

PRAYER «

ioism

w

t

Mythologies

&

Religions

Islam Islam

is

the faith of about one-fifth of the worlds population.

It is

based

on the revelations uttered by the Prophet Mohammed who lived in Arabia (c. ad 570-632). These were later recorded in the volume called the Koran. Followers of Islam are Muslims. Like Jews and Christians, they worship one god, whom they call Allah, and they see their faith as an act of surrender to the will of Allah. Actions of devout Muslims are dictated by the Five Pillars, which call upon the faithful to declare their faith publicly, pray of

five

times a day give alms,

Ramadan, and make

a

fast

&

®

during the month

pilgrimage to Mecca.

Prayer rug A Muslim usually

performs salat, or prays, on a prayer rug. This 16th-century Ottoman example has Islamic pillars woven into the design.

I

Star

.,;

& Crescent

Thought originally to have signified the waxing moon, and once associated with the goddess Diana, the crescent was adopted as a symbol of Islam in the 14th century. The star, a symbol of sovereignty and divinity, was added later.

ASCE.VT OF PROPHI

Hand of God

Mi IHAMJ

1

I

'

I

Known

I

Muslims at prayer

as the

Hand of Fatima. after Mohammed's daughter, this represents the Five hilars of Islam.

The Night Journey In a dream Mohammed was

led to heaven by the Archangel Gabriel. His face is veiled, according to Muslim convention, and he rides the hall-

human

steed Al Borak,

symbol of

light

and

truth.

Adult males pray side by side in the mosque. As they kneel, fa< ing Mecca, they touch their foreheads to the ground and intone the words Allah is great." their actions symbolically mirroring their spiritual submission to God.

The

i

ubelike shrine

around

huh

the sa< red stone,

probabl)

meteorite

./

Ka'bah The Ka'bah

Mecca

in

is

the

which

central shrine of Islam, to

the faithful

must turn

wherever they are

Thus

it

in pr.r

world.

in the

acts as a point of

communion between God and man. Muslims are enjoined

make

the pilgrimage henleast

once

to

al

in a lifetime if

they arc able, and

symbolically circle the shrine seven times,

each circuit signifying an attribute ol God.

:

24

BAH, Mi

i

I

[SLAM Ornamental border

Verses from the Koran

(o dccorati

Compass Since Muslims need to

Mecca when they pray, they often use a qiWah, or special compass, to find the direction.

lamps indicates the

Many modem

prayer mats have integral

Mosque lamp The interior of a mosque is lit up by lamps. The light of the

compasses,

with an image of the Ka'bah at the center.

presence of the divine within the mosque. It is wisdom and truth and lightens the

darkness of ignorance.

Koran Some

Islamic countries reject the portrayal ol living

thought to challenge the word itself has been immortalized in art in the form of Koranic texts. Exquisite examples of calligraphy have been produced, one of Islam's greatest

creatures in art because perfection of Allah.

Calligraphy Beautifully inscribed

Koranic verses are used to decorate any number of objects - a symbolic and constant reminder

i Prayer beads An Islamic rosary is made up of 99 beads

of the

word

of

God,

in this steel plaque.

as

As

it is

a result, the

lo

prayer from lop of the

minaret

contributions to an. They are usually in Arabic, the language of Islam. These texts, often surrounded by beautiful borders and scrollwork, illustrate the authority

and truth of the word

of

God.

This is because they stand for 99 of the Divine Names The

hundredth, the

.n calls

Muslims

Ceramic

Minaret

Name

The minaret is attached to the mosque, and from its summit

of the Essence, can

only be found in Paradise

the muezzin, or crier, calls the faithful to prayer five times a day.

Muslims believe

dawn

that

one morning

prayer will be called by the Angel of the Resurrection the

The

tile

mbol

-i

of divinity

and

supremacy

in Islam Islamic decoration is characterized by the

use of ornamented tiles,

many

ol

them

star-shaped.

Dome heu

See also DOMI

01

Koran

mi

R.

i

\r85.

i

Mohammi ii Paradisi

Prayer

I)M! Ol

nil

i

Roc K

The

vhere the Temple ilcm.

making

the

sil '

ihru-l foi

to

Solomon on and Muslims which Mohammed was hroughl of

heaven

li

bed nind

ri

i

it.

one symbolically passes into anothei

si \k ,mi

c

kim ist tr

:

Mythologies

&

Religions

& Nature Spirits

Ancestor

In every part of the world, at one time or another, there has been a belief that everything in nature possesses a soul or spirit. In spirits of the trees,

mountains, crops,

rivers,

such

and rocks

a belief, the

are ever present,

honored so that man and nature can exist in harmony. Ancestral spirits, too, have been central to the faiths of many people, believing that when someone dies, they join the ancestors and watch over the community's links with the past. Some spints have a protective character and serve to guard a community or individual in times of danger. They may appear on the prow of a boat or on a weapon, and may be very fierce looking in order to frighten away evil or an enemy in battle.

and

are

'"iY'*!*."

1

Totem pole

A

The totem pole symbolizes the relationship between a tribe or clan and its ancestors. Human and

Punng

animal ancestoi figures

of

with the clan,

weai

power

an< estors

represent

Kuba

among

the spirits

from one

spiritual

and natural order

ol all

existence the Dreaming, or

Dreamtime.

It covers all time, and includes stories ol ancestors who

created

human and animal

Australian Aboriginals

with nature, and

and

spirit

life.

one music

feel al

ritual

expressions of the

art are vital

essences of the Dreamtime.

Bark painting Paintings of ancestors are filled in with markings known as nink.

Australian Aborignals believe these patterns reated by Dreamtime i

spirits,

Wmjara

can release

SP1RI

,

\\

\

' I

i

fertility.

i

20n

Uluru Named

Avers Rock by European Uluru is sacred to Australian .Aboriginals, who imbue such sites with p& ial powers Ihey perform rites to ttlers,

ai

quire this powei and also to

w

Ancestor figure

War god

male ancestor figure from Papua NewGuinea, painted in

This Hawaiian war god, with his threatening and

sacred colors, stands for a clan father.

would protect

terrifying

rice,

a

panicular group

in

war

2 6

it.

for

represents ugliness.

Australian Aboriginals call the

ancestor.

life

The sacred

ancestor.

The Dreaming

whom are descended

rituals.

are symbolized by stylized features. This elephant spirit mask from Nigeria

and all

brought to the

spirit

During ceremonies young boys symbolically meet this ol Zaire.

initiation

shaman would assume the

ol

this,

the spirits ol the

his to

i

Elephant

African masks represent sacred spirits

such as

mask

divination

rituals a

caned on the pole and offerings are made to these sacred figures. This shows solidarit)

MASK

\SK.\N

represents the essences ol various beings.

arc

respect fori he ancestors

I

This Alaskan

Zairean mask Grass-skirted masks,

powers

Ancestor

&

Nature Spirits

Shinto which means Way of the Kami," is the oldest religion in Japan. According to Shinto belief the world is populated by millions of Kami, spirits that inhabit am Shinto,

^P

.*%

person, place, or object that possesses strange qualities. may dwell in rivers, rocks, trees, and animals, and a

Spirits

%

nature is regarded with awe and respect. In the sixth century Shinto blended with Buddhist philosophy to produce a vast pantheon of gods, including a mixture of

-

nature

spirits,

guardian deities, and Buddha incarnations.

Gateway The

torn

God

of wealth

d of abundance and thus Daikoku grants a good

fertility.

harvest

is

the gateway to a Shinto

Some

shrines ma) be approached through more than one torn. The ends of the honzontal bars reach toward heaven. shrine.

and bnngs prospenty

Mount Inari The white fox is the messenger and symbol of Inari, the Japanese

god of crops and

\\ kus Ama Terasu,

wealth. Otfenngs of soybean curd, believed

Si

goddess of the sun, is the supreme Shinto god, and Japan's emperors claim descent from her. Legend says that, angered by the Storm God, she hid in a cave. The other gods tned to lure her out with jewels and a mirror, hung on a tree outside. Fascinated by her own reflection, she emerged toward it. symbolizing the daily emergence of dawn alter night.

to be his favorite food,

are

made

to

him, and

his bib signifies thanks for prayers

answered

Fuji

The unpredictable nature of volcanoes has evoked feelings of fear and worship in many countries. The many volcanoes of Japan figure in its religion and shrines are often built on their slopes. Japan's Mount Fup is said to be the most beautiful mountain in the world It combines the symbolism of heaven, earth fire and thus inspires the feelings of awe. danger, and yet peace elicited by nature. Mount Fuji embodies the spirit of Japan and is

a place of pilgrimage.

Confucius Confucius, who lived in the 6th century BC, remains a great teacher for the Chinese. He propounded a doctnne based on loyalty and duty to parents, clan, and • state. By stressing loyalty to clan, he underlined the importance of the ancestors and strengthened ancestral cults, already popular in China. Images of Confucius can be

found

in

many

traditional

hold shrine-,

especially

among

the

overs t

f

hitii

ClllMSI l,\NOS<

•ing

the popular

resp

U'l

he innei serenm ol faoist philosoph expressed in landscape paintings Such

See also

I

(

h

to

him

Monarch of

tinj

made

'he to

human

him temple

I

\ 1

\1\-kv

Shim I

in

POSTV

*-%^m^*-i

17

15

i.i

Dwi wiisc.

i

hta

* c

II

figures are placed within the

landscape, stressing both the insignifican man against nature and his place within the universe Both raoist philosophy and nfucianism have influenced modem hinese though) raoism stresses the spiritual ordei within nature, and fucianism the nnu.il unlet within society

tl

the

\M>->

paintings portra) not just the features ol ihe land, but the very essence ol nature Often

rded

Ocean monaju

HINESI

I

I

I

Hav

i.-

&

Mythologies

Religions

is+S%s%s+^^^s%s+s*s^*^s*S^ls^%S*S%^^%S%s^

Mythical Beasts Many fabulous

creatures originated in the valleys of the Tigris and the

moved both

uh \\ isdom, and offer protection against enchantments. Sprigs freshh gathered from the sea, such as the one hanging above the Madonna in this picture, are deemed the most powerful. To this da) many people give children coral jewelry to protect them from hai m the 16th century

i

hild's

it

bracelet with I

was

its

hand clasp dt signi

.1

to

\ard the

IN

>YSTER SHELL

Peari Prized in East and West alike, the pearl is a universal symbol oi beauty and perfection. It

is

linked to the realm ot the feminine - the moon, chastity, patience, and purity, Chinese dragons are usually portrayed clasping a pearl,

wisdom, immortality, and once thought

to

light. Pearls

symbol of were

be the tears of the gods.

Amber MOTHER-OF-PEAR]

With

he shells symbolism

I

is

clear

- u

from

its

name

mother oi the much-prized pearl and as such represents fertility and birth lis is

the

luster .\nd iridescence

make

it

perfeel for

honoring the gods 1

[ere, tiny casts

amber was

thought to be congealed sunlight; in ancient tiieeee n was sacred to the sun god, Apollo.

Norse and Greek myth amber was thought to be tears In

Vikings

lor the

have

bright golden

its

sheen,

been placed into the

Svipdag, .uu\

shell of this pearl

Creeks

mussel images

ol

to

(

it

loi

was

i

In'

tears

shed over the death Phaeton

reate

oi the

was

it

Freya's tears for

Buddha.

Ivory \\

hen

contact

in direct

Virgin; n

to ll

1

496

38

I

or purit)

symbol and so is

is

material

a

was loi

c

a

ol

favored

rue ifbees

also assoi iated

could protect against

Ivory

poisons, illnesses, anil

with moral strength. An ivory tower represents detachment from the world, possibly through

In the jet

Nth

became

associated with death ITS

ol its color,

assot iated with the

storms century

,

ause

and soul and

safeguard the wearei

CORAI

Be<

with the skin, jet was believed to become a part of a person's body

and mourning, and was worn as a symbol ol love loi a losi hiend

,u

is

rogani

e

or piiismts

inlellei lu.il

Preciol

Matter

s

Gold Regarded as the most precious of metals, gold

is

a

symbol of

all

that has the highest value or is die hardest to attain. The ultimate prize-winners are gold medalists, perfect times are"

known

S \ lR Linked to the 1

weight

moon

of

as color.

but also

silver is bright,

vicing turns the corruptible side ol

human

which

nature,

Olympic cold Awarded lor excellence

needs cleansing. In

in a given held, the gold

China

medal

silver

is

the

lunar, feminine yin. in Christianity chastity,

it

is

punty.

and eloquence

in

is

gold

light, lire,

radiant

and treasured items as worth their most cultures gold is linked to the sun, giver and life. The sun god Apollo, symbol of all that is

as "golden eras,

1

and

In

beautiful, rode a chariot of gold across the skies. The

EMBI

oj the King's

XIV,

the most highly

sun's

powei

In the

TH! S

i

k

a<

as positive

.ell

symbolism, representing the sins of idolatry and gi eed - as in the legend of King Midas.

lifestyle.

the

\

thousands ol fortune hunters panned riverbeds for gold. Gold's power to corrupt lends it a negative

St N KING Louis \1Y of France was known for his extravagant

Nicknamed

i

the American continent as

achievement

and opulent

i

1850s and

"gold fever" spread

K

sought alter pi symbol ol exceptional

Gold

symbolize the extent :

Sun King

sun god Ap he adopted the golden

alter the

Copper The power

of copper to conduct has made it symbolic oi connection In alchemy it is in the sphere ol Venus, and

.inked to warmth and femininity Among

emblem

of

the sun to

symbolize his power

and

his

imponance

in the world.

North American u copper denoted status

fft

U

Golden offering

MW-SIZEDJAR

In Thailand worshipers

This Chinese ornamental jar. made ol beaten gold, is as tall as a woman The detailed scenes depicted on lt^. surface took a team ol goldsmiths more than a year to complete

\n

Lead's cheapness made il for pilgrims

honor Buddha by pressing tmi leaves of pure gold onto h image Over the years, th layers of gold render

Buddha

lorm almost unrecognizable

mmemorating

Crystal

shnne As the hea\ metal, lead

symbolizes purity. clarity, and also the >all represents the mind. In Christians a Jsare widely world ol the light o alian thought to have magical pow real aboriginals a rystal is a symbol spun Crystal ball of the future, and wearing a rystal is thought to promote health

symbo

il

well as a in or a rx

burdened by

sin

<

<

LODI lis

MOM

magnetic properties

S/l

imbued lodestone with

Iron

quasi-sexual pow< In ancient ility .

man

rule with

be

R(K K and

In the Bib:

igth

the «.\mhol ol In

the ru

ting

and

from the Greek

r.

unih. •ted

wife s faithfulness In plaintone under hei pillow while the

ti

ish a

huge

that a

word

is>

*

I

h

Pi Mtl

'

i

In Sanskrit lor

li

meai i

ILSO

\|

GOLOH

could ensure his

she slept

S

ms!

(

was believed

and

C

hinese the

J in

word

Si \ kin.

i

Nature -*ije'i***di-**?*?**?^fc>*^*'*******-%^

Precious Stones and talismans have played an important part in ever)' culture and continue to do Diamond, symbol of so to this day. From the early Egyptian and South power and wealth American civilizations to the oldest cultures in the East, people have imbued stones with supernatural powers. There are stones to control the elements, calm the winds, and still rough seas, and others to work directly on the body, stimulating vital organs or creating a sense of well-being. There are stones for particular days of the week, and stones for the different months. Stones that capture and reflect light, such as moonstones and star sapphires, are deemed to bring good luck. Agates, Fetishes, amulets,

Bt'FFALO FETISH

with central wTiite rings carved into watchful "guardian eyes," can neutralize the

power

At one time, Native

Americans used

fetishes to

help control the lorces of nature and to tackle problems in their even-day lives. The fetish did not contain any innate power; its spirit force was given to a by us owner.

of the evil eye.

The meaning of gemstones The symbolism of stones varies depending on their color, their form, and the use to which they arc put. For example, cut and faceted gemstones symbolize the soul set free from ihe base exterior of the

human

body.

Lapis lazuli In Mesopotamia

blue stone symbolized the heavens and so was used to decorate the tellings of temples In

:OND v

CADUCEUS BROOCH

this

Wings transcend)

pi

11

was used

adorn statues M<

r<

v

1113

's

bnnj>

ol the

from

it

was viewed as a cure for melancholy and level In China symbolized vision, and was used to

wit

han

strife

Amethyst

lake lapis lazuli,

This

sapphire symbolizes the blue ol the heavens

humility, peace of mind,

and also the heavenly attributes ol truth, chastity,

to

gods, while in Europe

Twin snakes of good and evil _

Sapphire

11

diseases of the eye.

and

contemplation. The star sapphire is a powerful good-luck i

harm

three shafts

Its

ol light are

represent

thought to hope,

faith,

and destiny.

is

the stone of

and resignation. was associated with Bacchus, god ol wine, and was thought to piety, It

cure drunkenness. It became a symbol of sobriety, possibly because water in an

amethyst jug looked like

wine, but had no

intoxicating effect

i f

Ruby

Emerald

In India this

of stones

is

and

the king

is

generally associated zeal,

Topaz

Legend has it that emeralds are found

royalty, dignity,

Diamond brock

and power. In rubies were

The most prized

h

as well

I

the nests ol griffins

poor

Revered and powerful stones, emeralds are thought to enhance the memory, sharpen the

to Si

Burma

as the hardest stone, the

thought to confer invulnerab especial!;.- if they were

diamond

with incorruptibility

wits, and,

and

under the tongue, help

embedded

transparency and

in the teeth or flesh so that they

ame

a part of the

allegedly

wounding by

ward and

1

associated

invincibility. Its

purity

make

it

also a

symbol of constancy and sincerity. Here,

diamond snakes

pi

swords, or guns as jewelr

is

Worn may

entwine a staff of emeralds in a winged caduceus, symbol of medicine as the healing union of opposites.

his stone was also widely believed to cure

in

when placed

had to place a topaz m wine for a period of three days. lien, on going to bed, he had to rub his eyes I

the moistened

The emerald

sti

has been used as an antidote for poison and a treatment of eye disease, dysentery, and leprosy.

Due

color, the

ti

me

century topaz was thought to heal plague sores.

A Roman

physic ian

claimed man)' successes is

Ql

to effect a cure.

open sores with a stone thai had longed to two popes.

a

ing

symbol of spring, of fertility, and of ram.

li'

40

I

:>

In the 15th

1

emerald

According

llildegard, the

patient

in predicting the

future.

vision.

l/AU OAU. \M> EAR™

Aztec turquoise mask Turquoise was highly valued in Mesoamcru a and was often used in representations ol gods, or

weapons

to ensure accurac y lie Aztec s stone of the gods In ancient Egypl turquoise was thought to lie protective Ihe stone is symbolic ol courage, fulfillment, and success. tied to

(ailed

it

the

I

Precious Stones

Agate

Opal The opal

is

the national

stone ol Australia, as

symbolized by this brooch Shakespeare

Wearing one's birthstone

is

viewed the opal as a symbol of inconstancy. although its Christian

thought to be lucky These are the most

common

birthstones:

associations are fidelity,

January - Gamet February - Amethyst March - Aquamarine April - Diamond May - Emerald

Sjrayer,

and

children"*,

June - Pearl

- Ruby ..List - Peridot September - Sapphire October - Opal November - Topaz December - Turquoise

July

although

this

belief almost certainly

comes from

the fact

Wu

Jade In

were carried as

stands for courage,

Mesoamencan

and prosperity. red for long life and

the

it,

and

their misgivings turned

into popular

myth

ove. Jade

vigor,

Maori lucky charm, that keeps fail spirits away

spiritual love.

little

it.

The

Crucifix Large and small crosses ensure

mbract

Chnstian symbols Contains spices to

safeguard

infection

power* against magic

spell*

Muldihifr lozenge I'cn to help spirits at

Cornelian

Moonstone

Red stones were

So named because

thought to be

captures the sheen of the moon, this stone is sacred in India and is Widely believed to bring good fortune. Legend has it that a person who places a

stimulating to the

Pamandei

of coral

bed

who adorn

gods with

to dispel the

against

tern

Indians,

of their

and magic

by her patron saint

(

masks

is

Spanish amquistadores believed it healed hip and kidney complaints.

hel tiki amulet,

Patron saint The child is safeguarded

.1

their fiancees jade

magic properties of stones.

a host of

let with

the most precious

similarly valued by

the evil eye. Black agate

working with

is

butterflies to represent their eternal

of salvation

Spng

this

Bridegrooms give

guardian spirits to counter the effects of

Jewelers began to include pectoral crosses and rock crystal reliquaries in their range, and it was not uncommon in Spain and Italy to festoon children with protective jewelry. This Spanish child is armed with an allpowerful red spng of coral, a protective

and

China

stone, symbolizing purity, perfection, andirnmortalit)

that opal breaks very

The nse of Christianity did

fist,

Year dragons

emblems of good luck

easily Jewelers disliked

Religion, superstition, belief in the

religious

error It is generally held to be unlucky (except lor October's

Agate has been thought to cure insomnia, to ensure pleasant dreams, to protect the wearer from danger, and to endow a person with a bold heart. Its popularity has been widespread. In Sudan, agate amulets - black with a white circle to look like an eye -

them

circulator)-

system and

was

the cornelian

deemed

particularly

valuable to those timid in speech or weak of voice. In the West it is viewed as a stone of

see into the

it is

fist

the

will

futi

symbolic

It is

moon, and ol

*

moon

be able to

is full

and health

In the East

in his

mouth when

self-confidence, courage

thought to protect the wearer from other people's envj

I

moonstone

it

ol the

tenderness,

ol

lovers

gainst

See also \/lli

II

RCM Ols|

MVskli

Diamond bkocx

i

BlOODSTONE I

his stone

was

thought to contain the blood ol |eSUS Mis' be magical

li

allegedly cause thunder, lightning, i

m

\/l

I

I

I'mi 101

STONI

s

i

a practical level,

and hemorrhaging

mwmum

Mis

and tempests

bloodstone was used to stem nosebleeds

w^>~/*^rvvy:

1

could

When made

u

jewelry,

symbolic

it

is

Rlin. ion

\Mi MACII

si 1

PERSTTTION, I

peace and understanding

r

ol

% •%-%'%^^'*--%^%^%^ 4

I

k-^,'%^%-

i

Nature

Gardens The literature of Europe, full

the Middle East,

and Asia

is

of the imagery of the garden: the garden represents

Paradise and the abode of the soul. Chinese and

Vietnamese emperors had tombs built in exquisite, tranquil gardens,

which they

visited

during their

lives

and where they were eventually buried. The biblical Garden of Eden symbolized the state of perfection from which Adam and Eve fell, while the walled garden with a narrow opening was a visual representation of the wall of purity that surrounded the Virgin Mary.

Walled gardens medieval walled garden was a -a mbol The-

of the

womb

and the

feminine, protective principle.

It

symbolized

and The walled garden had powerful religiou> symbolism, privacy, secrecy,

virginit)

representing spiritual

enlightenment Chinese and Roman tomb gardens were the earthly counterparts of the gardens of heaven In medieval literature

was an allegory foi courtly love (as here), with symbols of lo\ beauty, and other

e

pleasu

15

ry

French mam

s<

rim

Gardens of Spain I

\rabs living

"i

desert, a garden

the

the

in

was

arthly symbol oi

i

uni Paradise, des< ribed in the Koran as a place oi spreading

shade, "I

with

fountains

gushing watei he .ii n was a symbol I

i

everlasting

life he ourtyard, garden with a lountain i

fi

'I

'Hi

fold

oi

I

(

in the center spread with the Moors to 1> n southern Spain 1

The Garden' of Earthly Df

i

some

;

1510

This

panel from a triptych, a three-paneled painting, by the Flemish painter

Hieronymus Bosch depicts the biblical Garden of Eden. Here, the first humans. Adam and lived in harmony with nature and the animals in a state of natural innocence until they were banished from Parad right

he Fall. is

nature

a detail rur.

On

showing

the

i

of the lowliest

examples can be seen in the grounds ol the Alhambra at Granada.

Grotto In

ancient Greece

sacred

rites

conducted

Fountains

were in grottoes,

and so grottoes were created in (..reek and

In Babylonian tradition, four rivers

Roman gardens

watered Paradise, and

artifu

i.il

as

ta\es in

in the Bible, the

reinforce the magical

Fountain of Life is source of the rivers.

between tin garden and nature

This symbolism is d in lormal

the grotto

'ink In

-pean gardens in which four paths lead

Renaissance times,

was

reintroduced as an essential elemeni ol lassical garden design

to a central fountain

(

42

Gardens Formal

irdens

through

itOtUS c>/

the

ordering

I:

I

LOVl KNOTS

needlework designs. Knots, representing and binding, are

links

symbols of love and matrimony. They also symbolize fate and

ward

off evil

I

Fi.

Versailles have a SlLXTR BAY

TREE

political significance.

Known

as the Sun King. Loin- wanted to

show

his supremacy by conquering and

century, and reflected

contemporary-

nature

The Orangery at Versailles,

s VERSAI1 The formal grandeur of Louis XI V's paku c and gardens at

Kn

Knot gardens are made up o( interlaced bands of shrubbery, each with a central motif. They were popular in England in the 16th

oj

Bai tree The evergreen bay tree is a symbol of immortality and victory. Small bay trees are

irking the natural

landscape so that his surroundings reflected

own

his

WlSHlNC, Will

The

status.

\

symbol

ol the

feminine, life-giving

cultivated in pots as a

grand scale of Versailles was a conscious

symbol of honor and

symbol of the power

often been believed to

longevity.

of absolute

principle, the

monarchy

have magical properties A ^oin tossed into its

depths could make a wish come true

Ornaments A garden

an be seen as a symbol of the natural world, and <

Is I

considered

honu kinds

all

lbbot's

Garden of

1

from the

thesi

Zen garden Beautiful, bare rock

gardens are i reated in Zen Buddhist monasteries in |apan

'.! !

I

has

irdens

only since the

m

r The columns thai Man enclo "./(. or court) B(

it

hoed

m

gnome

ol

elik origin

c

See

microcosm Some have

aj s

Hour

a

garden with r*.-li overhung with t

I

I

Bonsai

pebbli

he Japanese an

ol

growing minial

and

provii

1

irney

,ii.

womb;

ration, thi

th<

mbol

this

4

5

ol immortalit)

in

(,\kl>l\

islands I

his illusion

intended

from generatioi the

ite

EOEl

.'F

miniature the unpi

symb

mastery ovei natui

nto red

nid

Kyoti

•

t

I

evil

I

raked sand, the Dr) andscape garden in I

alment

humb *

to represeni the universe in

i

and

gods Koine to the

I

ni

ultimate truth, and h is an aid to

meditation

I

1>\I

kSl'l

I

is

MAZI

I

\iKs\im I

i

'

Nature

Trees fu#£

The tree has symbolic

throughout the world.

It

significance in cultures

represents the Great

in her nourishing, sheltering form.

Rooted

Mother

in the earth,

it

draws water from the ground and reaches up to the heavens Ouve branches: and eternity, acting as a world axis. It is closely linked to the symbols of peace symbolism of the pillar and the mountain. Individual trees, types of trees, and groups of trees all have particular associations. For example, evergreen trees symbolize immortality, whereas fruit-bearing

Willow n the Weste weeping willow is associated with death and mourning, and it the

is

trees

often depicted in

China and Japan however, it is a symbol oi spring, funerary

are often seen as trees of

life,

and

forests or groves

tend to be magical places

where mysterious or momentous events occur.

In

art.

Palm As an important food source the palm was equated with the tree oi

life

in the

Near

In ancient Egypt

the fertility of the

and

crops. In

Taoism

the willow, pliable in strong winds,

represents strength.

was

sacred to the sun god, Re, and represented

of feminine beauty, grace. In

East.

it

an

Judaism

it is

emblem

of Judea; in Christianity of Christ's entry into Jerusalem

Cherry Sycamori maim

In

i

cherry

form ol the sky goddess, Nut Its leaves provide shade, which svmbolized peace and

blossom

1

tree, a

Tree of

km mi

-

edge

rest in the afterlife

Symbol of temptation, the tree of knowledge grows in Paradise and bears the fruit of good and evil. As Adam succumbs to Eve's enticements and takes a bite of the apple, he defies the will of God, signif) ing both his loss of innocence and his downfall - Adam falls from grace and "mankind is doomed. In this Spanish painting. Eve blames the serpent, her tempter and itself a symbol of evil

China and |apan the

To ancienl gyptians, this was a celestial

fruit yields a

the

milky

substance, and so was associated with fertility

and nourishment

is

a national

emblem and

its

symbol ol spring, femininity, and is

a

youth. In English lore a cherry nee planted near the house brings luck,

and the

luckiest

lovers are those

who

meet for the first time under a cherry nee

Laurel Sacred to Apollo and a

symbol of immortality and victory, the laurel was said by Greeks and Romans to be physically and spiniually cleansing, and to repel lightning

Worn

as a wreath,

it

symbolized the poet

and excellence in the sciences and arts.

The Christmas tree Widespread

throughout Europe and North America the Christmas tree is a symbol of Christ as redeemer ol original sin he ornaments on its branches represent the apples from the tree in the Garden of Eden The custom of decorating an evergreen tree goes back to the pre-Christian period ol taw nights" (December 25 to January 6), when people would hang green brain lies m their houses and light candles to keep evil spirits

17k candles an- symbolit

1

Beech Associated with death, the beech is sacred to Hades and Cybele, the mother of Zeus, and represents prosperity, divination,

PlNl As an evergreen the pine symbolizes immortality. In Japan it has come to signify strength of

character and

and

immortality. Because of its leather)'

leaves

and

bark the beech durance, and the Freemason's i

hammer

made of beech wood. The beech

is

tree is the

emblem

of

vital

lue to its

Denmark.

.ithstand

strong winds. In both East a

the

pinec

and

an Greek god Bacchus, and an emblem of Jup Venus, and Diana. ft

attribute oi the

is

at

Yew The yew

bay

has poisonous seeds and needles and so represents death. It has become symboln. ol tree

mourning and found

is

often

in English

Holly In Roman

churchyards; however, as an evergreen it also symbolizes immortality

and was grown

times holly was

part of the Saturnalia festival

in

Celtic sacred groves. In

the Middle Ages it was used as an antidote to

celebrated in mid-December In Christian lore it symbolizes both the crown thorns, due to its spiked leaves and bloodi

'I

red berries,

enchantment

44

and the joy of Christmas

oj Jesus, the

light o] the

world"

Trees -%^%^%^%^%^*^%^

Sacred trees A

reverence For trees, and even tree worship, is widespread thoughout

Main life -

a tree that

the central point

and pivot

the world. ol a tree

of

traditions speak is

of the world. This tree links

OR

L.IM1

I

IND1 N

Europe the lime, or

In

linden, tree represents

beauty, and

sacred to the ancient

German) and Scandinavia was femininity

In

it

believed to repel lightning and to cure

touched by someone w ho was sick. ase

Ac \CTA With its red and white (lowers, the acacia was

it

Egyptians, symbolizing

and death Thengods were said to hawbeen born beneath an birth

The sacred wood ol the Hebrew tabernacle was that of acacia tree.

the "shittah," or acacia tree. In

Europe

it

symbolizes immortality

heaven and earth since it is rooted in the underworld, but its branches reach up to the heavens, symbolizing man's striving for perfection

The Scandinavians have Yggdrasil, Buddhists have

and Muslims kneel on carpets embroidered with trees of life when praying toward Mecca. Christ is sometimes shown crucified on the tree of knowldge in the Garden the bodhi tree,

of Eden, symbolizing

redemption.

Ml This

BERR^

I

Mali vol

tree's berries

npen

nt

serpent

attach the roots

in three stages white-

represents youth, red

gorous middle and black the npeness ol wisdom, age, and death This tree symbolizes the sun

Yggdrasil

years,

and

is

a tree of

life

in

China. In Greek myth it is a tree of misfortune.

Pi

l

Yggdrasil is the evergreen ash tree that, in its mythological form, represents the entuc world lis trunk represents th<

M plur

ie

and from beneath its roots bubble the rivers - the waters ol wisdom.

central axis ol the universe,

wit an emblem ol winter In Japan the tree l

represents the fleeting joy and innocence youth, its beautilul

:hl. 01

'"(in, eru irele

blossom a symbol ol spring triumphing over winter, and virtue and courage triumphing

Buddha's

bod")

Pr.NA

I

R

HANGING

difficulties.

In this 19th-

century example stylized tree ol is

a

life

intricately

woven

into the

design.

Muslim

prayei rugs often

Buddha under

a bodhi tree

todhi tree, a type ol

Buddha

ol the

s

fig, is

depict this

powerful symbol

symbolic

Enlightenment,

ol asceni and salvation The

which he attained while meditating hes Bodhi trees are monaster) grounds as remindei ol this event

faithful kneel

in<

often

grown a

(

ypu

ss

M\Rll

d with Pluto. death. !

|

I

immortality

n in

hina it h but 'he feminine ilm

peace

eel

and

iii

to the

(

the earth elik

m

god Donai

In

i

in

th since

mam

ii

is.i

In

dreams

signit a rijx-

ol

(

hrisi s

while

cull

ludaism the gods

hristians

i

symbol

ol the

it

ii

is

divine

a

4 3

m

symbol

:

irope the oak ism stand

rity

old

i

ILSO

Beei

'

ii

wind and

in the

so bi

.md

Si

luno, lupiter, lima n represents

d

it

and

a tree ol lite

Often associated with the thunder gods, the oak

ol

ne, happiness,

(

on

and

prayers

theii

Oak

ish bridal

immortal,'

In

.

(

d ie Venus and to the Egyptian godd< Hathor, myrtle brii luck to lovers and

mhol

Is

in

t>I Ml R Iki

As the seed ol the mighty oak. the acorn videspread symbol ol

H

i

!>R\

\(

ndina\

lit'

is s.u

red 10 ol ol

life,

I

hoi,

Palm SVI

i

UMOU

'

ia

and

fertilii

and immonalit)

>....Hk\s|| I*

'.

Nature *-***^

Plants Plants echo the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. They were closely

connected with the mother goddesses of many cultures and with

Myths from around the world often

feature a

human

into a plant, or a plant sprouting from the dead

body

fertility

If

or a god changing

of a god.

Wheat and

grew from the body of the Egyptian god Osins. Often the symbolism of plants is more direct, based on their shape, color, smell, or herbs, for instance,

habitat.

The

fact that ivy for

A:

many old university term "ivy-league" now symbolizes a respected

buildings has meant that the

and long-established place of

./ '

example, covers

f Acanthus

learning.

This thistlelike plant has large, thorny leaves and takes

its

name from

the

Greek

meaning

akc,

sharp point. The distinctive leaves, caned in stone or marble, are commonly seen on classical buildings, particularly capitals (.shown above).

on Corinthian Acanthus

leaves signify the arts, or a love of the arts,

while in Christianity the thorns symbolize pain

and punishment

Reeds

Bamboo

Rushes and reeds symbolize flexibility because they sway in the wind. Pan's pipes were made of reeds.

mbol of pliability, and strength because it bends in the wind but does not grace,

break,

bamboo

Shamrock Once an Arabian The pi.

is

central to the cultures

of the Far East.

shoots are green,

it

As

its

'hcaddi the mart

alv.

Christians.

Bamboo's stem

Trinity: Father, Son,

straight, jointed

and Holy

symbolizes the path

plant

and the steps toward

Ireland

Mandrake's odd-shaped

Also

in paintings.

roots gi\c the

bernes. the fruits of this plant look edible, yet

Symbolic of

are highly poisonous.

fertility

symbol of deception and

growth

a

is

Spirit

the

and

of

leaved clover to

bnng the

The

emblem its

saint, St. Patrick. is

of

patron

A

four-

thought

finder luck.

impression of a man's bods

and I

It is

Its three-

leaves signify the Holy

enlightenment in Chinese philosophy, and it is often depicted

\m\ nightshade known as devil's

religious symbol, the shamrock, or clover, was also adopted by

form th

symbo

longevity.

Di

for sin.

.

FROM

12TH-1 ENTURY

,

MEDICAL

TR!

danger.

\es

dog's bach

on a

-

to the met!

uprooting

Wheat For the ancient Greeks wheat was the symbol of the goddess Demeter, while the Egyptians associated it with the resurrection

Ivy Like most evergreens, ivy is associated with Lmmortalit) but it is ,

M

also a plant of death,

\N DRAKE

This plant, with

its

human-shaped

god Osiris. Ears of wheat motifs in

roots, has been considered magical since the time of the ancient Egyptians. When uprooted, it was said

Christian churches

to utter a shriek that killed

of the slain

signify Christ's

and

body

also his rebirth.

it

^s

dog was used to carry out symbol of enchantment,

anyone

the task. fertility,

46

in earshot,

so a

Mandrake is a and prosperity.

drawing vital moisture from trees. Sacred to Dionysus, the Greek god of wmc shown above trailing ivy), it was thought to cure drunkenness when i

1

wom

as a garland

\NTS

Pi

Mistletoe

Thistle

Europe tnisdetoe, once considered

The

In

I

l

Gourd

\\ll

In old herbals, fennel

he gourd, with

1

d was thought to improve eyesight and

abundance

to cause

ol fertility. In

snakes to shed

their skin

symbol

was thus a clarit) and li

ol

.

ol

renewal

and

revival

ol seeds.

to

is

widespread symbol

a

is

China

it

associated with long

while

life,

now linked Christmas To stand

magical,

its

is

the idea that mistletoe

power

womb.

from

lives

of

Hyssop

plant causes pain but

This scented herb was used as a purgative and so represents

and

so symbolizes both e\ il and protection It also

is to nunc a kiss. The custom may stem from

in Africa the

emblem

al>o repels enemies,

beneath the mistletoe

gourd represents the

national

Scotland, this prickly

represents ChriM suffering

s

appear

people

s

and may

in paintings at

the foot of the cross.

restrictions.

and

purification

regained innocence. ssop grows on poor, stony ground,

it

a plant ol humility.

is

The language of herbs •

Although

to

many people herbs

are simply plants to use in

cooking, they have long been an indispensable source of medicine. Their effects can be powerfully healing or harmful, so many acquired magical or sacred powers, while others became associated with evil and suffering. Shapes and scents can be important factors in determining a plant's symbolic meaning.

Ginger According

to

i

hmese

superstition, eating this

M

Sage

whi pregnant was harmful and could produce a fingerlike root

This popular garden herb was so highly prized for its healing powers that regular use was reputed to bestow immortality In medieval Christian

Bl III In southeast Asia the betel nut is associated with love and marriage Betel shavings are I

paintings, sage

is

a

symbol

six

fingered child

ol

the Virgin Mar)'.

Fungus

traditionally

chewed with

In the Far East fungus

lime

is

doves, and other mild

an important symbol

longe> it) and in the Taoist religion fungus ol

I

sedative

is

.

the food ol the

immortals h

is

therefore a sacred plant,

and caned

Fungus decorations can n on precious ts sikh as the antique |apani

boxwood scepter shown above

Sm

lisp

(.i\si\..

I

t

HING 111

HlKI

(||\S| \(, his herb.

(

(i \KI

iinseng's fori

P\KM

fidelil

included

in bridal

r

tapping with it

woul

membrance n planted

I

>

herb is so slow n> germinate that people imagined its went down to the devil Parsley w symbol "I death lor the andeni creeks, who I

his

i

:

sprigs in

w

re. litis

iidered a

life

giving herb Ginseng's l hinese name means

man

rool

and

masculine reputed unliiv Rk

i

Rice

is

Corn

*

The language of the rose More than an) other How or.

the rose

and

its

symbolism have

has it entered the human consciousness. come to represent youth, purity, perfection, earthly love, and rebirth. It is the flower ol courtship, ol marriage, and even of In different cultures

death.

Its

essence has been distilled into love potions,

and medicinal remedies In the West there was a custom that a rose suspended over the dinner table meant that all confidences were to be held sacred, hence the central ceiling rose ol Victorian architecture, ami the white rose as a symbol oi secrecy. The rose is also intricately linked to Catholieism - the rosar) was originally made of rose hips strung together. perfumes, cosmetics,

teas,

Pi

I

Rl D ROSl

Keel roses

to

like

.less

and beaut)

- archetypal symbols I

ol love

today these associari

veil

make

face packs in the banishing wrinkles; -is ai banquets dropped petals into (hen wine to stave off drunkenness, and victorious armies return streets strewn with petals. to

hope

sacred ^H^ W^^ Venus and were - the

ials

Roman

times rose petaU were a valuable rency ad them in

ol

continue, roses being considered the messengers ol love In Christian

grew from blood and the Madonna is sometimes deputed with a red rose in her hand. Also associated with war. the red rose was adopted by the tradition the red rose

drops

ol Christ's

.!

Lancastrians in the English Wars of the Roses.

point oj the

Madonna and

The

L

Virgin Mary. \\

Fr.\

White rose sidered the flower ol the moon or ol the light, the white rose symbolizes

punty. virginity, charm, and secrecy. red rose

York

It

in the

It

in contrast to the lire ol the

r

was the emblem

Wars

ol the

ol the

House of

Roses.

The

rose

ROSl WINDOW window, so named because

adorn

ol its

human

wholeness and coherence and the realization ol those same desires Rose windows, which lust appeaietl m Jth-centi Fram be s\ mbols ol etemit) he) have been likened to mandalas - Eastern objects ol meditation - for then perfection ol geometry and he main paths thai lead to the eniet are ol form like the paths that lead to enlightenment aspii

this

>m hei

petallike shapes ol glass, represents both the

hat to the

Tht carnation

behind

(Ins

on hei ,

IS

thai

1

I

<

I

I

rhis

i

I

DOR ROSl

mi

embroidered with a K

he udoi rose With Us red outer petals and white inm mbolized the union ol the two royal hou he white rose and ancastei (the red rose Henr) ud his standard when he adopted tin married lizabeth "I V

and

thi

a-,

did

tted

vora< ious eating habits ,uu\

death, th

to strip

1

symbolizi is

In the Bible

tried

in)

ILSO

VN

1

s.

\U

-

I

1

Spidi

Ancient rshiped

*

i i

Sii.mii. \s.

1

Ol BEESI

kel in the

tl

an instru

plag

i

turned

II

ind

lion

Mie 1

pion

punishmi life

.1

.

i

ated

widi

with calan

is

'

Si

with

USI

desti

Mind

ORPION

evil, destruclii

linked the

in

ah Chinese repn vim.

S(

\\ idi

lis

mi

inity :

M 'I

communil However, an<

within

i

repres

1

1" the

proteel tes

Ml

01

IHANSITOM v Ml III!

1

'

HI

t +

1

Nature k-%--v%-

Reptiles

& Amphibians

Amphibious creatures, animals that

on the symbolic associations

take

both on land and in the water,

of water, the source of

are mostly associated with the earth

symbolism of the

live

all life.

and therefore assume the

earth, although their

Reptiles

fertility

appearance often inspires fear and

*

disgust. Reptiles that hold a special place in the

\

dinosaurs, ancient inhabitants of the

popular imagination are

symbolism is mixed they are both giant monsters, terrifying to behold, and among the most fascinating of all the earth. Their

creatures

known

Tyrannosaurus A formidable 47ft

t.

is

certainly the best

The newt

Crocodile The crocodile has long been both feared and revered. Living on land and in water it carries

to us.

Kl \ 1

the

5rr0 high. T

known and most

feared of the dinosaurs.

popularized in films,

It

far

in

is

has been

are false tears,

from the

fiction.

and children's cartoons, and although a symbol of extinction,

symbolism

ol each, thus very powerful ( rocodile

and

rex

beliel that

generally

was

its

reputation that

Macbeth, Shakespeare listed "eye ol newt as one ol the ingredients in the witches' brew in

designed

conjure up

to

evil spirits that

would

reveal the future.

weep while

odiles

devouring

is

thought ol as an evil, harmful creature. Such

their victims.

Japanese symbol

is

from extinct people's minds.

Frogs and toads Frogs and

toads are both associated with water and the therefore with fertility and the feminine realm. Both undergo the process of metamorphosis, from tadpole to frog, and so are symbolic of resurrection. The frog was an emblem ol Aphrodite, and Heket. Egyptian goddc birth, took the form ol a

moon, and

id,

Tortoise or turtle

howc

ated with

and with -mister symbolism. witchcraft

a

more

(

Ql\(. ROG In China the

frog represents

the lunar yin principle

and the frog

Zuni bowl

Frog bow

spirit

evered a and bring

i

The frogs modeled around this Southwestern bowl indicate the high

Maid

k

They

wil

l

l

ON

rit)

changing color symbolizes inconstancy

is

and changing fortunes. It-- eyes, which can see in different

directions,

see into both the past

and

future. In parts of

viewed as magical and hung- rain

Africa

regard given to frogs in the Americas.

II

The chameleon's

I

it

is

Linked to the moon and water, the tortoise and turtle symbolize fertility and long life. Various world myths speak ol a tortoise supporting the world, and in linduism a I

man-tortoise was the ancestOT ol mankind.

Ac-op-

In

Fables the

tortoise represents

-teach determination.

are

esteemed as harbingers of rain, and for their cleansing and purifying

powers.

\\\SAZI FROG The widespread association of the frog with fertility v particularly strong

among

Native American peoples The ancient Anasazi people who lived on the borci

:

1/

See also

\RD

sun-seeking habit symbolizes the soul's search awareness. The Romans believed that the lizard hibernated, and so it represented death and resurrection o Native Americans, lizards have magic pow

ma and i

ornan

I

The

lizard's

fi

and

g the

impor

I

KlK.s

Rod

i>i

Ss\ki

\ist

i

u-n

I

S i I

I

58

VM> rOAD

I

III

I

Ml

t

-

I

!

I

S 1

Rett

1

1

r -

&

Amphibians

Snakes probably the most \\ idel) revered of all creatures because it embodies so many forces. Its underground lair allies it with the underworld and it is associated with the primal waters from which all life was created. The serpent symbol was widespread

The snake, or serpent,

in agricultural societies

the

is

where

fertility

it

was used

of the

to represent

soil.

Sn \ke stick

Among

the Pueblo peoples ol America, the snake is associated with

19TH-i ENTURY

L

Sri

thunder and lightning Snake sticks such as the one above were used in annual rituals to call

that

down

& ladders

Snakes

represents

the rain

lile's

journey. Ladders are

a good The snake were

ensured

mbols of

harvest

positive

sticks

success and

S)

achievement,

themselves

symbols

game

This childhood

kes

ol

represenl the

lightning

slip]

misfortune. ifces

banish e\

il

that

spirits

SNAKl

Egypt In ancient

I

a

Egypt the

serpent was feared

1)1

his Sri

Naga m,

1

MON

\l

\SK

ankan mask

ol

Rassa, or snake is

worn

in

and worshiped spirits causn \agas, or sacred snakes, have the powei ti both pn mil

Several deities are depicted in the form of

a snake - in this tomb painting a worshiper is

destructive

seen kneeling betore the serpent goddess Meretseger the guardian of the Valley ol the k

Tin Fall The ol

fall

\il.iiu

from grace and Eve is

inextricablj linked

I

with the serpent. It was a serpent, here in female form, thai tempted Eve to tasi forbidden fruil ol the tree he serpent is then loir viewed

.is

.1

symbol ol smooth-tongued and deceitfulness, and as

evil

embodimi

the

ptation

Rod

Ol

\i

m

i

i

sin

M'li s

Mi

ind a rod was •

and

mblem and symb I

Di s\

With

o|

ol

writhing

ion with healw she.

hideous

ng il

d

ind •ion

In

alchemy

stone

a serpi

the

In

ai

thai all I

ii-

1

who

tumi

addition to being she

embodied enchantment and cunnii

19

1

t

.

Nature •*s%s^*s%^>^%s%s^%.

Mammals

Egyptian cat Egypt cats were revered, and was an emblem of the sun god. Cats were also sacred to the goddess Bastet who had the head of a cat and who represented the power of the sun to ripen crops. So valued were eats that thousands were mummified after they died and buried in special graveyards in honor In ancient

the male cat

Because of their complex and often intimate relationships with humans, animals have always played a prominent part in our imagination and in our mythology, literature, and

art.

Manx;

been worshiped and credited with protective powers. Names of animals were given to the constellations, and people even claimed descent from these especially predatory species, have

powerful creatures. Certain animals have been paired in

conflict -

the lion

and the unicorn,

,

of Basic

traditionally

for instance,

Black cat

which

Being largely nocturnal.

^^

are associated with the

sun and the

the cat

associated

is

with the moon. It is also credited with supernatural powers, both good and evil,

moon. This may represent a balance between the opposing forces in nature.

and

is

companion

the

witches. In Norse

of

legend, U a black cat crossed your path it

was a sign that Satan was thinking about you

Hari

Moi

A

In

nocturnal animal, the hare is widely associated with the moon, and also with lust and fertility. To Name Americans the Great Hare represents opposing characters: part clown and part god. creator and transformer of our animal nature. In China it is yin, symbol ol the feminine principle. The hart. ation with lemhty probably accounts for the Easter Bunny. representing spring and the growth ol new life.

51

Western mythology,

the

In

America, a

black cat crossing your path brings bad luck.

but in England and

|apan this

iated

ii

is

omen

with the powers ol darkness The Bible considers u unclean

pattern o\

and devilish Elsewl however, ihe mous viewed as orderly and methodical

Ass OR DONKEY lurden the ass, or donkey, is a symbol of poverty ol stupidity, and also ol lemhty Creek ni loolishness, and writers used the ass ,

lly a

us, the

wild ass

I

"i

the an< ieni

some

ol the desert

is

blessed

it

humble

ass

bore Mat I"

\

shape

its

and

Jesus into

the be<

in

order to

I

the fox can

ast,

ome

a beautiful

trouble Also, like the I

woll

DOG, PROTECTOR VNDLOYA1 FRIEND

in little

//(>0(/,

irberus was the three-headed dog that guarded the he dead and acted as a spirit guide. In Judaic and considered unclean, while in Zoroastnanism

symbol of dience. The dog l

has

maiden who creates

lerusalem.

Edwin

it

de< eive, lor instance in

to

ililehem

traditions

the powei to transform

bolized loneliness and isolation In Christianit) the

Fox The fox universally represents cunning and deception. In

most

pitiful

and "

rable

Romai is

the Chinese zodiac

Brayp.

^%^%^%^

60

Red Riding

sometimes

dresses in the clothes

ill-stai

quadrupeds,

a fox

ol a

m

trustworthy person

ordfii to

eaten

me

pre)

s,,

tribes

and

unwary

Native .Americans have fox (

lans.

\\

% %

»-%-*. -%.-%-%

^MMALS

%^%s-%.-<

Rwi The ram embodies

virility

and

creative energy.

It

is

associated with many gods and is a common sacrificial animal, its blood symbolically

Horses speed, grace and The horse represents both solar lunar

soil

fertility to

The Hebrew

the s)

ritual

the feast of Rosh Hashanah, is made from a ram's horn

at

(

hariots oi Apollo

BlCKINC. BRONCO and Canada men

Hedgehog

In parts ol the I IS

compete

In antiquity the

lect grap'.

at

riding untrained horses,

the goal being to complete a

hedgehog was reputed

itching

mbol: the heavenly

and the Indian sun god Surya were drawn by lier\ or white horses, as was Neptune's ocean chanot.

horn, the shojar, blown

rolling over

and

a

It is

lilit)

returning

round

without being thrown This challenge emphasizes the horse's reputation as a wild and noble creature.

s

them and them on us

spikes Christianity ciates it with the

iped

Devil and with evil, as

was

this practice

herald the Jubilee

likened to stealing people - souls. The

Hands feepl draw bow while '

hedgehog sometimes symbolizes witchcraft, were thought to assume the - to form ol dnnk milk from cows as witches

1

"ibol of

Baccl

drunken revelry

MONGOl In

IAN HORsi \| \\ Mongolia herdsmen had expert

when

they raced without harness This custom probably originated their warlike ancestors rode horses into

battle

and had

cavalr) skills

and

reins.

to

keep

their

hands

tree to tight

L,0\[ Because

ol

and urge

ol the ox has much in common with and the buffalo While clearl) symbolizing male power and strength, all three animals, because ol their

The symbolism

us agility

thai ol the bull

to climb, the

symbol

ol the

seeking quest for

S

truth

However, the

now-

mount

ind

human,

and the

and

Acre

femlir

is

how

'K.

and d in '.

ilh

er

umals.

and

ir.

itv

it

is link.

**

1

%^%^%.-v--%-^

1

is

iding an ox to represent the

laming

often

depicted with the horns

and

in

ol the

shown

h

devil

The bull is the Hindu god Shiva .101-111 the sage Lao Tzu

attributes

rue

urwli

half

crescent-shaped horns, also have lunai hence feminine,

».'%.-%•

v-w^

oi th<

.

Nature

Lion, king of beasts The

lion

most parts of the world. Its mane, and great strength associate it with the sun

the king of the beasts in

is

golden color,

fiery

although the lioness

moon and

may also be

linked with

mother goddess figures. Lions have often been carved into thrones and are also sculpted at entrances, where the

1

N FAMILY,

13th-century Arab manuscript

great

r ,-C/j

*

TW\

.^H

they act as guardians.

Oriental lions In antiquity lions were tound

not just in Africa, but also in the Middle East and India. They were kept by kings as a symbol of royal power and were used in hunting. The lion is also a symbol of the wisdom of

Ik. IK.

SI

1

5m

CENTURY

Tiger

the Buddha.

Like the lion, the tiger

symbolizes royalty, courage, and strength.

HERA! DIC ion

is

1

ION

the mosi importanl

animal

because wished to be

ibabl)

associated with

its

valor

and strength. is

*

It

shown

"ramp standing on us hind tegs, or

\RDl\\

l

beasts

where

In il

is

hina,

i

emblem

the

West, il a tiger devours a man. thai man's soul becomes

and upon other men

the tigers slaw

preys

sejant,

Jackal The head

lion's image is often placed on bulk perhaps to add protection. As a gargoyle it carries water away from the roof, its solar nature combining with water as a symbol

Egyptian god Anubis is that of a jackal |ackals were thought to haunt graveyards and were reputed to see both by day and night. Clear-sighted Anubis was a pathfinder, guiding spirits to the next world. ( anopic jars, which contained embalmed organs, had Anubis-shaped stoppers.

jant" position, seated with

one pa* raised

fertility.

i

replaces

it

ol the

ION

St. Jeromi and hi ion There are several stones of a fierce lion helped by a devout man whom it then befriends. Like Androcles in Aesop's Fables, St. Jerome is said to have extracted a thorn from a lion's paw. In return the lion renounced its fierce nature and lived peaceably with him. This symbolizes man's mastery of his own animal nature.

Far

in the

where

the lion as king ol

A

of

particularly

seated

draining m

Cil

is

East,

in heraldii

nobility

It

important

ol the

i

horn

AlKR AN MASK.

Leopard symbol

ol

"fj

age cruelt)

and untamed instincts, the leopard is

greatl) revered in '

where

it

also represents the light ol the

eopard skins denote royalty and are worn to ward oil (.Linger Because its markings reseml the leopard is times known as the ( ,ivat Watchei ing sun

I

i

f>2

M.wi

\i

»»»**»%....,,

•%^»^i

Si u. ociated with

hunting, the stag

is

\lo\ki

rhe swift-running

The monke)

gazelle

.i

is

symbol

a

beaut) and

animal and an

ar

enemy

Gazelle

ol the serpent.

ol

ol

The shape

ol its antlers

literature

recalls the

Tree

be used as a metaphoi lor the beloved In

ol Life,

and because the antlers are renewed each year, the stag

It

is

a

In European and Asian mythology stag hunts

gazelle

is

it

is ai

represents mischiel and

it

Hanuman

can also

monke)

-

Hinduism

highl) regarded in

is

rom

I

ll-known motil

Monkeys, which and speak no evil.

the three Mystic

when the shown fleeing

Al

figure,

n

inquisitiveness, but the

hear no

Christianity,

regeneration.

kjI ol

rally

particularl) in Arabic

some West

sacred to

is

whom

foi

-

the soul.

i

evil,

see

>l

no

evil,

from an animal ol prey such as a panther ,

or lion,

it

represents

often lead to a super-

the soul fleeing from

natural encounter

earthly passions

Bl \R In

northern

king

.'I

-

the beasts

the bear replaces the lion as

was an ancestor

It

ol

the

apps,

I

Because n hibernates, the spring, it symbolizes

andfathei

and then wakes

KANGAROO Amcx

Australian

Aboriginals the kangaroo is an ana spirit that protects

in

The bear

resurrection.

also represents

power, and

to the Celts, warfare

the national

emblem

ol

It

-jw»^- 'V

is

^fi^_J~ =3* '

Russia

-

and

guides them and plays

major part in their myths fia^h Aboriginal

a

Eleph

wi

bulk and strength, the elephant symbol ol power It also signifies patience, wisdom, and chastity - probabl) use ol

animal ancestor and i

kinship with that

species •or

he kangaroo

1

left

man)

Bl

umey the tin

at

ition,

today in featui landscape

*

its

nerally a

\\

I

K

According to Native American myth, the beaver brought

mud

Irom the ocean bed to create land There are man\ beaver clans and the beaver

€. «*->

is

because, according to Aristotle, a bull elephant remained celibate during the two-year long gestation period ol his mate The Hindu god Ganesha has an elephant's head and. with his

and

iresents p

benevolence The white elephant ol royalty

and

is

is a symbol associated with the Buddha.

-

Watei

In

/'/.nil

denoting habitat

symbol

oul

ersal Spiril

i

ire

I

tdi

i

'I

1

1

B)

battle

ruined himsell with thi n and strength eagl god. »i

Egypl the ibis was a symbol ol the was sacred to the lunai denies [sis and [hoth, and represented the moon (with the hawk

In ancienl

'

1

1

as the sun

lowevei the ibis also had a solar seen in battle with serpents, emblems ol the watei In In nan an the ibis . mbolizes devotion and perseveram I

significance

I

when

(

i

i

66

Birds » % » »

Ow LS ancient Greece the owl was sacred to Athena, goddess ol wisdom and night. and came to symbolize the city named alter her, as well as wisdom. The owl was then incorporated into the design ol Creek c and was so popular that countries such as

In

PB

i

Bl

NtGHIlNt.M

ACKB1RD

The much-lowd blackbird was sacred

1

tal) I

to

he song

song, but because thi>

particularly meaningful

The dodo, which was

where u was seen a?- a symbol of love, longing, and pain Because its song heralds the dawn, it is said by Christians to

hunted

is

also a

symbol of

some

In

flesh

was

plaintive,

in Persia,

the temptations ol ihe

Christian

writings the black

plumage makes the blackbird a symbol

to extinction in

the 17th century, has

become final

symbol of

a

death, hence the

phrase dead as a

do

sent the soul's

yearning lor Christ.

of evil

coil

Dodo

and

bird

and Turkey issued similar

gypt,

nightingale, both sweel

the i.rcck- Fot us sweet

alluring the

I

ol the

Bird Ol mi NIGHT Because of its association with the night, the owl is widely seen as a bird of ill omen with a cry that heralds death and misfortune. To the Celts the owl was a night h linked to corpses In parts ol Africa it was associated with magic, and its head was used in preparing spells

30

Wri n Although killing a wren is considered unlucky, it was not always so. In England and France it

Robin The robin

is

symbol

a

•mpassion.

Its

red

-aid to be the

scorching when it carried water to the parched souls in result of

hell

pan

ince a

of

Christmas ntes to hunt and kill wrens, burying them in the churchyard as a symbol of the ending of the old year.

Alternatively, the

robin was pricked when trying to remove nails

from Christ's cross.

Hawk This predatory bird

one of the great

is

solar

birds, with similar

Albatross

associations to the eagle

Because of

To Greeks and Romans

fly

and the

falcon.

it

was the messenger of Apollo. The god Horus was also depicted with the head ol a hawk In Native American myth the

hawk helped

the sun

and

fire

recreate

the world after the

Flood. The eagle hawk is a deity and totem for Australian Aboriginals.

M« i)POE

**

nown

journeys. When it circles a ship it is thought to herald the

widely believed to have magical powers and to bring good luck. It was Mars, Roman god of war, and was seen as a symfo

weather. In the West is an ancient

there

belief that the albatross

embodied

as

is and in Arab literature messenger of love However, it it

in

Europe

it

is

a

It

is

ii

nt

the soul of a

Marinei

ostrich

The woodpecker was

it

one, as reflected in Colendge's Rim. qj the

alive associations

and

Woodpecker

advent of a storm and mbolic of rough

medieval limes the was reputed to leave its eggs to hatch In

symbol of the sea and long ocean

kill

tor bird,

Ostrich

is

extremely unlucky to

In

ribed as a

to

a

sailor and so was considered

conflicting

symbolism

water, the albatross

dead

The hoopoe -

its ability

great distances over

lightning and

lire

by

Germanic peoples. The Ainu of Japan viewed it as evil, but also believed that the

in the heat ol the sun.

In some cultures this was seen as a sign ol

crueltv to its young; in others as a symbol of

power of The

belie! in the

the heavens

ostrich

nis

ai

those who hide Irom the truth, owing to its . it ion for burying

woodpecker was sent iod to show them bj

An

how

symbol

(

to hollow out tree trunks to make boats.

its

head

in the

ostri< h

.

-and

i

ol rebirth

said to betr.n

symbol

of the devil

and of witchcraft

Ql \n In Russian lore the

quail symbolizes the

sun. with ihe hare as the mi ion The quail

was Ml RON The heron, like the stork and the

also a

the izars.

symbol

To

ol

the

Chinese, as to the

mbol

Down

H

t*

presents both the sun

and water and

in battle,

although

when 1

_ht to predict

ii

eather In

mat

'he

hen m was and il

the annual return ol

I!

»ul

symbolized imprisoned

Vl

I

It

Kl

gyptian

in

IN

d<

the vultun

the b ited

with

.

luck and ihe spring, and MI tO

Peuc<

maternal instinct, as vultures were supposed to Iced then young with their own blood '

ite

purifiers left

amorous nam: nrdahi'

Rvu

i

i

ROOSTEBI Vulture

a

H

are is

appetite

^%-

People ncient societies believed that our very

\

bodies were microcosms of the universe,

A- and

that our actions, particularly in

ritual, reflected Still

today,

much

our relationship with nature. oj our behavior can be seen as

symbolic, from donning ceremonial

gowns and

dressing baby girls in pink to participating in the

complex

lituals

surrounding birth and marriage.

Sex

&

Fertility

For many people nowadays,

fertility

of the earth,

fertility

Fishoj

ft

fertility

I KV\

charms

Silver

^

the earth's bounty.

garland

lis

flowers are silver keys, a

ol

pomegranates, grapes, and

Fl Rill 11V DOLLS Dolls siuh as these were

young

LlNGA AND YONI of Shiva,

god

its

as the

phallus-shaped

pillar

male creative principle. Here fertility

symbol

it is

and

creation.

PlNl APPLE QUI This American bridal quilt is ornamented with pineapples, symbols of life I

fertility,

with

and

worn by women and enhance

variously

their fertility.

com

ol

ol fertility

set

Sex symbols

The

symbolism

and

meadow

also

lilies

"I

sex

from

itl)

\

<

ulture to

and Western world classic sex symbols tend ind glamorous, and are often him stars or music ians )bjec is that symbolize male sexuality lend to be assoc iated with a phallic shape and with powei whereas female sexuality is related to rounded shapes. nd abundance culti

and

made

to

fish,

tambourine.

representing the

into the voni, the vulva-shaped feminine element.

Together they represent

Angola

a festive

cubs or forked ks and beeswax - the corn cob being Usell a

sin.

most commonly worshiped form

girls in

he) are

I

linga is the

ios

i

irding to

lifest) u

;oi

ial

etiquette,

In the

<

which

tulips,

nbolize love. Quilts are traditionally

made

Marilyn

Elvis

as part of a

Known

bride's trousseau

when

she marries, and are often

as

pelvis," the

n

designed to

roll

muc

promote

Elvis the

Idolized by millions,

kmgol

Marilyn Monroe was Lassie lollywood sex symbol,

was revered

roc k

as

b for his gyrating

hips and simmei ing good looks as his voice

"fruitfulness."

1

i

j

doomed

ki

"the roi kei

is a

<

il

In

accentuating

lassie

shape and an ibjec gn ai powei and thrusl

phallic i

i

addition

il

•

"'he

what is essentially a male urge to conquei man-the-hunter sets oui to

oi

trate the in mtiei

70

levels

il

the leg, thereby

I

ultimate new

- space

1

a

Western symbol ol

femininit)

and

its

spiky

heel suggests

domination

elongates

to

die young.

he high-heeled shoe operates

I

on two

I

.

1

Stiletto shoe

Roc

I.)

womanhood This richly decorated waist ornament includes many items connected with fertility and mav have been a gift to a young bride. Hanging from

qj

The

US]

a

is

and thus the continuation of the species, was the greatest preoccupation of humankind. All societies have had fertility gods and goddesses. And there are countless images imbued with sexual symbolism, which thus essentially have to do with fertility. Many arc straightforward sex symbols and relate to the union ol man and woman; others have to do with Three stripes along with

'A

qj

(ruitjulness

especially city dwellers, the fertility of soil

rather remote concept. But for thousands of years the

human

Brazilian \ranat

&

Sex

Fi

rtilitv

Sprout-.-

Birth

nty

Giving

birth

is

the ultimate

symbol ol creation, and such is mythologized throughout the world- In the West babies often appear as tl b\ miracle, snatched by storks from the cosmic waters In other parts ol the world the process is more dire - resulting From the blessed as

union of

man and woman Birth plate commemorative

plate a stork delivers a baby to us crib. In this

In folklore storks

became

asscx iated with birth because of

then renowned devotion to

young.

their

Peruvian childbirth A

single act of creation mirroring the whole ol creation, childbirth is seen as a moment

.Mill

CATHEDRA:

Grej\ m

w

The

head has continued

foliate

to be a

symbol

ol hie

and

I

tertihtv

from pre

ecological

symbol

for preserving

and

ol spiritual vulnerability

Christian times well into this century In church architecture it stands toi the regenerative force of Christ More recently it has been adopted as an

often

accompanied by

is

ritual

The umbilical cord is treated with respect as a link between worlds and sometimes, as m

and protecting nature

Peru,

*!•>

may be

preserved

by the family

Goddess

01

fertility This gold

figure -cnts Astarte, the

Pl\l ( ONI This vast bronze pinecone is pan of an

tree

it

Roman

fountain

A

the pine

corn

a

is

symbol

I

it

ol love

a

well-known

ol the fertility

and ol growth and abundance

with Venus,

and

it

emblems

of her

is

of the earth

The Romans

associated

goddess

and

sheaf

sheaf of wheat or

symbol

powerful

ol life

fertility

rie

goddess

Wheat

fruit of

ancient

As the

Canaanue

It

represents the

fruitful union of the sun and the soil

CORM

symbol ol

Icmlity.

-

ol

vegetation

bi

Although highly

and the gods

Its

The

loth century bc. stylized, with a

ol fertility

an attribute

ol

and dates from the

OP1 \ The cornucopia i> the horn of plenty, spilling over with fruit. It is a (

pubic triangle set within a largei one, the sexual organs an

shape,

-

a hollow horn - is both female and male

clearly defined

ks

>-\i

;

This Japanese print

pubu

is

an illustration from an lMth-ccntury "pill rolic

paint

WSi>

S/(

ting

i

the union ol male

Km

and

female The union >..m a purely

I

I

i

H

u III

I

i

It

«

SYMBOLS

the

male and

combined mholk j

principle

cnil

ig their

u

men

I'M

pleasure

highlv popular time

at

the

1

Mil!

s*

Villi

'i

I

People

Human Body The human body is seen by many people as a microcosm of the universe In some parts of the world buildings are laid out with this symbolism in

mind.

A

correspond

most

Southeast Asian house, for example, has sections that to the

human

head, body, and

sacred. In other parts of the

"temple of the soul."

Composed

frequently appear in

made man

in his

own

the

world the body

metaphorically

head area being the referred to as the

is

of the four

elements,

it

and linking gods and humans. Gods, in human form, and the Bible tells us that "God

can be seen as representing fact,

feet,

life,

image."

Eyes The eye symbolizes

Skull

the sun, the all-seeing eye ol

God, and

power of evil. It is the oi the soul and the light of the body. The eyes on Buddhist shrines symbolize wisdom and omniscience, whereas the widespread belief m an e\ eye" - and the

eternal watchfulness, as well as the

window

In this famous scene from Shakespeare's play. the prince holds the skull of Yonck, a former servant The scene stresses the impermanence of life and the pointless vanity of worldly matters, both symbolized by the skull.

il

Sklll-andcrossbones

consequent need for a "luck\ eye' - reflect the tear that curses can be transmitted with a single glance.

In the L600s,

variations of the

Lunar

eyi

skull-and-crossbones

Egypt the eye of Horus, the

emblem were

In ancient right

adopted by pirates warning

sky god. was his solar eye, and the left eye his wadjel e of the moon. This wadjet mbolizes the powi f

as a sinister

ol their evil intentions

.

he

1

emblem

hlled sailors with dread,

signaled death lo

all

who saw

and

it.

.

light

and was one of the most sacred and

powerful protective amulets

in Eg) ptian

magic

All-seeing shrim Four pairs of eyes mark

this Buddhist stupa in Nepal. These represent the eyes of the all-seeing Buddha, gazing out in all directions. The question-mark-like

nose is a symbol of unity, and slightly above each pair of eyes is a third which represents the Buddha's clairvoyant powers.

Eyi 01 wisdom This 15th-century eye

is an Islamic illustration based on an almond-shaped mandahi li

represents the spiritual the soul and to ultima'

Eye oj sea monster wards

thai leads to

ind wisdom.

Within the soul- outei in le smaller, hum which stands foi a prison's

off evil

(

i

Prow of boat The prow

of this

Portuguese fishing boat is painted with oculi,

Eyi idoi This alabastei

or great eyes,

which see the dangers that lie ahead and ward off evil. The eyes cause the boat to

fi

ized eyes

'0-3000 BC) is thousands ol similar such idols found at the Eye Temple ai i

ol

Tell Brak, in pre

i

ni

day Syria. The temple derived its name from its cat he

look like a great sea monster, thus deceiving the dangerous spirits of the ocean into keeping away.

ol

visionary figures.

I

ON(,l

1

The tongue is likened to a flame because ol its color and qui< k movements can be a fertility symbol and also represents the voice ol the deity li

some churches, devotees speak in tongues Here the Indian goddess Kalis protuding tongue is a symbol ol her reative and aestru< tive energy In

i

72

Human Body

Ears n the East, large earrings were once

worn

and The Buddha usually shown with b) kings

princes.

is

long ears, perhaps stretched by such earrings during his youth as a prince

Long

ear lobes thus

signify

and

both royalty

spiritual authorit)

Nosi he nose may signif) arrogance it it is raised or wrinkled In

Ti

I

In

i

in

many

parts ol the

world teeth are ritually filed at puberty as a

literature

is often it linked to the phallus its size used as a \

sign of beauty. In the

animal world baring

<

reference to male

the teeth

prowess. In the story big nose symbolizes dishonest) since the puppet s nose grew with every lie that he told

defence

is

oi

a sign of

but

threal

in the well-kni

story ol Dracula the

fangs of the vampire

draw blood from innocent victims.

Brain The brain with the

is

equated

intellect

gives the head \\

and

location in the skull

its

its

cstern connotation

as being the seat ol the intelligence.

^P

Head

The head is widely seen as the within us and so as the most sacred

seat ol the

life

Force

body Head which was equated

part ol the

hunters sought to capture this life force, with fertility and power. People in authorit) are known as the head of an organization, and in Japan heads are bowed in greeting as a sign of respect. This golden head is thai ol an in Ashanti king killed in battle.

Mm I

he

the

III

mouth gives judgment and so symbolizes word can represent the all-devourii It

n into the realm ol the unconscious. The demon above, from a Baroque Italian garden, unites passers-b) into his cavernous mouth

earth

Hair

Hair as

DR] \m ot ks

and energ) ol the both In popular ol spiritual powei Iree spirit, even wantonness

is

often seen as holding the strength

it

grows from the head,

seat

worn loose denotes a although in Christianity it represents p» saints ( Uten when hair is covered n is a sign "I respeel ( hristian nuns cut their hair short to symbolize th« ii stones, hair

>rn

\utl\ to

show hip in the

rgin

Rastafa foi

i

communit) which, though

renunciation ol worldl) vanity

ni.

to the ancient

Swiso\

\\|)

In the Bible,

Ml Samson performs |)|

I

trength that his .

s

culture ol

||

ng nid mai

teats ol

Delilah dis< ovi

powei lies in his long hail and him to his enemies by lilting (

I

thii

hair

the it

long

norms .ion

oil

while he sleeps, thus

rendering turn as weak

and vulnerabl

SlIWI N In

III

M>s

many Buddhist

sects

monks and

en head;

othei

ll

is

nhiaicd

7

5

long hail a lik

when

he

ism

\ f \

1

Nature *-*--%--V*-»-1

,

Spleen In

The heart

European and Arab countries the spleen

is

the seat of the humors: laughter, anger.

ill-humor, and

To Christians the heart is the source of love, joy, sorrow, and compassion. Many Christian saints hold a heart as an vs or crowned attribute, sometimes pierced by arrows art was the A with thorns. In ancient Greece, the heart

melancholy. To be "splenetic'' is to be melancholy.

center of thought, feeling, and will, while in Islam, it is the spiritual center.

Liver In

China the

liver is

^

Sacred heart

^, This French greeting card

Jesus within a stylized crucifix. It .

v

*-

filial

Love

combines a

is the classic symbol of love: Cupid's arrow pierces a heart and his victim is struck by the

unexpected pleasure and pain of desire.

is

As symbol of fertility the male sexual organ

to

be cowardly.

represents the generative

Intestines The twisting

the Creator

nature ol the

the art of

intestines gives

countries as a powerful symbol of regeneration and renewal. This English chalk figure

ihein the

phallus

ii

symbolic relationship with the labyrinth ol life In

of

thoms with other

some places the intestines are associated with compassion

Christian imagery

180ft

Playing cards

Skeleton The personification the skeleton

ol

often

is

and erect

depicted in

many

is

(55m) high.

Death,

shown

carrying a scythe or an hourglass as a reminder of the speedy passing of time.

Ribs n the Bible, after created .Adam, he

Him

\\ sacrifice Mesoamerica, human

was ntually practiced

communion re

is

An

from Cerne Abbas

Hearts are one of the four suits in a standard pack of playing cards. 1 represent warmth and the heart of the world. The queen of hearts stands for love. The king is more powerful than her, but the ace is generally even more so, and to be "ace" is thus to be best.

In

halk man, England

forces of nature

flaming heart

own

<

Phallus

duty

"lily-livered"

surrounded by :

Early

and

Elsewhere, to be

This

depicts the sacred heart ot

£*

linked

to courage

needed

as a form of

le

therefore caused

to fall into a deep sleep and, according

cosmic order. For the Aztecs

took out one of Adam's nbs and fashioned it

to Genesis,

was the center of life force, and it was this that had to

the heart

into a

be offered to the gods to ensure the

companion,

a

nm

with the gods; the deities

periodically fed to maintain

the

Adam

de< ided thai sacrifice

God

I

fertility

and the renewal of crops.

woman

-

The rib is thus a symbol of wife, born from the body ol man. \

e

Navel The ancient Greeks placed this huge stone carving in

Breasts Nowadays

the sacred city of Delphi to

mark

the center of the

erotic.

world They believed that

two birds

breasts are

often seen as simply-

However,

the past, and

many

flying

still

in in

cultures, they

from opposite ends of would meet

have primarily symbolized

here, and so erected the omphalos, or navel, to physically represent the center of the world, from which all creation

motherhood and abundant Fertility goddesses thousands of years

the earth

i

old arc depicted as Large-breasted women. sometimes in the acl

rounded symbol of the

originated.

Its

top was a point of connection between the realms of the gods, of humans, and of the dead.

giving birth, making the link with treat ion fear 7

In

)

a special

fifty-pence piece

was minted

^Tjy\ o^s%'^

to

commemorate

Britain

joining the European

Economic Community

Hand

oi

mi

1

1

rum

9-14-29

This Roman hand was used in divination It bears

"•

h features a series of

hands clasped continuous

symbols such as a roost* head and a pinecone, which were linked to the cult of Bacchus and the visions ol

in a

circle of

friendship.

Handprints of the stars in

H \nd of God

the future that arose out of

Hollywood film stars leave then handprints wet cement as a lasting testament to thentame Thousands ol tans tr\ out the impressions

drunken

lo see

This Jewish symbol of strength and power is worn as a good-luck charm.

In

revelry

how

they match up to their idols

1

(,S

I

The three-legged symbol has various

Arms

meanings U represents

signify supplication or

the swift-footed sun as

prayer The)

rises, sets,

it

each da) i

It

and ebbs is a symbol

z,ood luck, like the

'I

swastika, symbolizing

and regeneration continuous cycle ol footsteps, and it is also the chosen emblem ol Sicil) and ferulit)

with

the

mi is

its

Man The the Me ol Man

Isle ol 'ii'

i

"I

Quocunque Stabit - whichevei way is thrown, /•

it

it

will

stand

It

raised, the

arms ma)

may be

raised in battle

(bearing weapon-

or surrendei (openpalmed). Generally, the 1

in

arm symbolizes action. The arm ol justice

common

metaphoi

as

strong arm ol the law In [astern is

the

religious

.inn-

r<

Thus

a

SlMNI I

hi-

I

pillar

g)

pnan

backbone

iconography

presi rtt power man) -armed

djed-

i

ol

symbolizes

c

the

>siris

and

stability

the stability ol the

and that the heaven-, which

Pharaoh

-

rule

deity represents the

ol

man

the pillar supported

I

nature

ol tin

I

he spinal column

the central support the

symbol

I'

ol thi

Sn Eyi

fill In the YA

humihts and p

is

part ol the

I)

pointing

at

pilgrims

1

ING1 KN

\ll

S

In the l^th centir

in

wealth

anolhi

i

Hani

i

ol

implied

in

.\n

In the

M Leosi

i

auspii ious symbols "I the II

f*S\

in

l

,>!

i

sc II

Mean

e

lib

i

tin- belief,

although

often restricting the practice to the hide linger

III

III

1

w..so

\

People

Dance

&

Theater

Dancing is movement, energy, excitement. It is symbol of pleasure and as a ritual of courtship. associated with initiation ceremonies,

a part of

even-day

War dance life

In different cultures

fertility rites,

Native American tnbes of the plains, such as the Hidatsa. were

as a

it is

ram. war, and death.

lormed into military "Dog

It

war rituals to induce a state of frenzy. Many of today's dances have developed from earlier rituals; the maypole dance, for example, has its roots in Greek and Roman rites of spring. Drama, with its more controlled actions and gestures, provides us with a symbolic representation of the world we live in. is

used in harvest

festivals to

improve the crop and

in

Societies."

Dog

Pehriska-Ruhpa

(Two

Ravens), enacts a war

dance

^Stofe^t

V

to enlist

the aid of spirits

jfee&fe

The

dancer,

and

^ to prepare the warrnors for battle.

Lord of the d \nc Encircled by a ring ol lire and on the back ol the dwarl ol ignorance, the Hindu god Shiva dances out the end ol one age and the start ol another. He enacts death and rebirth in one frenzied dance. With his drum. Shiva beats out the pulse of the universe and the pounding of the heart i

Whirling dervishes In their ecstatic dances the whirling dervishes (holy men) of Turkey pace out the turning of the earth on its axis as it orbits the sun. Through the dance, a dervish symbolically brings the spiraling of the universe into being.

The Ganges River in (hi-

o)

Puppets

hair

Shiva

-

hand

drum

Puppets are scaleddown versions of men and women, or the gods they believe in, and their

Sword

performances often concern human behavior.

The design

of the puppets, their clothing, and their

actions are

symbolic.

dan<

i

Dances involving swords occur all over the world They were probably originally used spirits and to t

all

\l\RIOM LIES Burma string

strengthen the power of the sword in batik-

puppets are used to

Some sword dances end with a motion

In

act out epic stories

involving princes and deeds of valor.

These moral fables leave their

audiences with food for thought.

symbolic r. cutting off of a head, suggesting a link with ancient rites of sacrifice. The ribbons form a pai:

around

the

pole

Shadow pi ppet The famous shadowpuppets of Java and Bali enact the great epics of Hinduism.

The

flickering

shadows, projected onto a white screen, create a world of mystery in

which the stones of the gods and heroes are filled with olic

meaning.

•^»--v-%--*^»^-m-«

M VYPOLE DANCE The dance around the maypole has been performed since Greek and Roman times to celebrate

with

spnng.

May Day

It is

often associated

The maypole represents the earth's axis and also acts as a phallic symbol, representing male fertility celebrations.

s%s%s%s%s%s%*

v+s\s±^^s%s%s%s%s%s%s%s%s%s%s\s%s±^s%s*+

76

Greek tragedy In ancieni

Masks

Greece

L drama presented HW a powerfully *

l^ w

Because

-\mbolu

masks dance and drama

behavior and emotions. By resolving huge

gods

issues such as

and incest, such performances enabled the audience to identify with the

characters and overcome anxieties in the

process Thus

drama

often

in

sacred

ancestors In lapanese

theatei the actors are

love,

Noh

masked ami

tl

he danct th moments ol greatest intensit) masks an lized and gefulness. types, or moods su< h as rag l

M [Ml Mime form

i

is

oi

a

symbolic

drama

that

is

enacted without words It uses onh expressions

and gestures to convey meaning, and so can he

healing effect.

01

mam

in

wot

rituals the) aic

I

a

where

.is

human

had

ol tii

portrayal ol

isy,

the) present

read' universally

Thai dancers

Fltirr. .

mboliZC

The costumes of

ami

Thai dancers make them look like heavenly creatures. Their stylized dance

purification

destruction oj .ill'-

movements reinforce this

impression.

Classical Indian dance gestures Hand gestures used in classical Indian dance are also used in modified Form in Southeast Asia.

They represent moods, anions, and

objects or creatures. Every

dancer

is

movement

ol the

symbolic and has meaning.

NOH MASK Noh

Japanese is distnn

lit

theatei ts

i

ol paii

n.isks

'

II

in

Iroquois dancers

iden

!

i

deities,

as w<

\sK

im husks

The masks

repn sent mali groups -

use

M

SK

Nativ

a

i

nidwinter

ra)

when and monsters motions

on

the) call

spirits

harvest

i

SM WM> ll\M>

ORD

I

"I

\t\SK-

Bum

i.lsll HI

im

-

I

DANl

'

I

MAYPOI

I

DANl

»

i

i

!

I

ike othei

dance forms, ballet costume and gestun onvej meaning \ ballerina fluttering in white lulle, foi example

SWORD

i

'%^V%^%^V%-

W

J

com *%•*.•%»

77

ii

»

wan

DAN(

i

i

h

People

Magic

&

Charms

we become aware of the world of magic and ritual at an early age. As adults, many things in life remain mysterious to us what we cannot explain by rational means we may try to explain by magic. Similarly, when we find ourselves powerless to control the forces that affect us, we may look to J magic. Many people still use spells to cure illness, to harm enemies, or to ensnare a lover. Even the skeptical among us may wear lucky charms, avoid Through

fairy tales

1

walking under ladders, and consult fortune

tellers.

Magic

though disparaged by some as superstition, are practiced by many people throughout the world.

and

ritual,

still

Feng Shui compass Feng Shui

an ancient based on living m harmony with one's surroundings. Using this compass,

Witch

Chinese

According to folklore, witches could fly on broomsticks, brew magic potions, and

Feng Shui diviners

Once

they were thought to be in league with the devil and thus were symbols of evil. Women healers cast spells.

is

art

locate the right

combinations ol elements, such as time, wind, and water, whi< determine the best sites for homes, temples, or burial grounds

were often branded as witches. By 1700 more than 200,000 had been put to death.

Serpent

-

'

armed

'

\

with

•

\

-

COIN

5E

SWORD

Egyptian knife Ibis curved knife of animal bone was used in ancient Egypt to

strung

strengthen the covei sword

shape

drawn

FlVE-POINTED SI AR An upside-down fivepointed star was a

against the

relevant area to create

magical protective The various animals and patterns depicted on it endow tlie knife with their collective power. a

barrier.

Money

symbol of evil. Rightside up, as her

CURES Money is

and and was painted on houses to ward off witches.

symbolized

weak

house It would have been parts of a

light

spirituality,

a

symbol of power, and so by extension it tome to be imbued with lias

spiritual, as well as

practical, properties.

In

China

a

sword

made of coins was hung over the bed

ol a

sick person to dispel

,/

Mirror of

the

Mirror

POTJON

i

M

demons

or evil

spirits that

might be

causing the

illness.

Love dolls i,

1903

hese male (right) and female (left* dolls are traditional Native I

The mirror symbolizes divine truth and the wisdom of the universe. This "vision" if a mirror broken, and it is a popular superstition n years' bad is

shattered

is

Whenmagic

unsuccessful lovers often reson to to beguile the object of their desires literature. This could take the form of love all else fails,

in

made from phallic-shaped ingredients mandrake root, ginseng, oi ginger, plus

potions, usually

such as the an appropriate

Many

foods are reputed to be aphrodisiacs or love enhancers, and are used in much the same way as the age-old love potion spell.

will follow.

78

American medicine charms In the

Menominee namt

make

tribe, the dolls

were given the

uple and tied fac ing ea< h other to sure they remained laithlul to one other

In the Potawatomi tribe they were used charms to draw two people togethei

as love

\1

u, IC

&

Charms ~^%S%S%^^^%s-%S%S%S%S%^%S^^%,

1

Magic carpet Riding on a magic carpet is the stufl ol many dreams. Flying symbolizes release ol the spirit

fiO^

and the overcoming ol all physical limitations. king Solomon had a flying carpel that d him, his throne, and both hi- armies wherever he wished.

1

In

I

he 1,001

Nights,

Fot/R-LEAF CLOVER

Horseshoe

Dice

Magic eye

Aladdin also lieu on a

Finding a clover with our raihcr than three

The horseshoe is made of iron, which has power over the Evil

Dice represent

A

carpet

chance - the random

Eye

eaves is so rare that a bur-leaved clover has jecome a widespread symbol ol good luck

Eye

represent fame, wealth, a faithful lover,

brings luck

life's

unpredictability

uppermost, because u will then catch good luck and hold it safely.

cast"

and good health

is

If it is

- all important component.- ol

down,

happiness

will

considered

is

Charms

Thus

after the c rucifixion,

anyone with evil intentions such charms are often

means

soldiers

run out.

that look like

fate

the die

is

that one's

I

has been decided Dice are also a nan symbol:

unlucky - the luck

is

eyes are thought to turn a wax the Evil ye or deflect the look of

the phrase

hung upside it

widespread in the Mediterranean and the Near East.

numbers

pairing ol

symbolizing

it

hung on a door with the open end u

The lour leaves

It

belief in the Evil

threw dice

made

for

of glass to

them seem

Christ's cloak.

make

lifelike.

Power to protect Manx people wear charms to protect themselves from illness and danger. Certain objects and images are also used in healing the sick and are thought

Light cure A

crystal

xxill

refract light in

main

directions.

absorb illness, thus ridding a sick person of disease. Other objects arc thought to give off energy, repel evil, or instill powers.

to be able to

It is

thought that

when

a crystal

is

placed on the body, its energj will be absorbed and have a healing effect.

i

H

\IRY

\>MIVE LEG Gifts are often

promised in return

to

gods

t

favor, such as curing an illness This bronze votive leg, dedicated by a

Roman named

TOO

Caledus, was probably

Fairies

a

symbol of

his

1

UR>

people children's

stones as well as their imaginations Mux have magical powers

gratitude for having

been cured

II

I

ol a

.md are generally symbols ol good godmothers can right the wrongs ol the world leie a tooth fairy guards a lost and colli

m r

infection

I

money

I

ok GOOD

III

\l

The Nte'va people

See \lso

III

( ongo in Wesi Africa one made up ol bone, leather, nuts, and wood, to watch oxer \^k\\ providing protection from illness

use

figures,

little

ol the

such as

u

foi

I

ppei

this

(

loxik

POWI RTO PKOTEl

i

.

Protei

ii\i

i%S%S*S%S%S%S*?%S%'*S%S%S+a

Trumpets The Last Judgment

The trumpet or bugle \vas blown as a call to arms in Roman times and has been associated

Both the Bible and the Koran slate that the trumpet will be sounded on the Last Day, when the dead shall be raised.

with battle or lame ever since traditionally, a trumpet fanfare heralds the arrival of royalty or important persons. Fame

persomhed

often

is

shown

holding a trumpet.

ORPHEl

S'S

LYRE

Orpheus, musician to the gods, enchanted all animals through his playing o! the lyre and even succeeded in calming a storm-tossed ocean. In his hands the music of the lyre calmed all

Popular in Europe from the mid- 15th century, the hue

beings, causing

them to be aware only of him The lyre's seven corresponded to the seven known planetx and its sides to the relationship between heaven and earth.

strings

Lute

an

is

music h is also a symbol of purity and faithfulness In Western art. when shown with a broken attribute of

string

Bugle The bugle trumpet.

Lamps

a valveless

is

sounded

TheL

discord.

M

\i (pftaii V

1536-41

to

play the reveille that heralds the morning

signifies

it

ii

is

In military

Ceremonial trumpet

and taps to mark the end of the da)

masculine and is used at ceremonies and grand occasions in

The trumpet, with

its

authoritative associations,

many

Fit

The shape

countries.

ii

ol the flute gives

u a phallic mas( uline dimension, while in tone

and femil Hinduism Krishna's

gentle

is

In

flute

voice

is

ol all

said to be the

eternity tailing living beings to

More

himsell

the flute

is

generally,

sometimes

iated with

k

anguish

and extremi emotion it

s\

In

t

\

hristianity

mbolizes the soul s longing ti'i iod i

Org

\\

A church instrument, the organ has comi

symbolize the prai si

music

saini ol

.

is

said

io have invented u

dedicated

Shi \(, I

he

in

ol

1

ami

is

S/i

made

7 individual i

H\rp

bamb

tnd iii

nl in

nusii. in

the Bibli

thei

both Judaism and ently

id

bol both

i

the harp

'

^^H

symbol ol the phoenix, which u •nblf he slung

J

i

is

played

and

at

harmony

I

weddii

•h!

i*i

South

em

ol

the)

nature

were

<

In

the

Gn

arried b) the

Hid had the

heard them

I

>-+.-%s%s%s%s%,'%.%^

HI

%s%s\

...

i

s

Played nowadays in

America pan pip

I

is

im

the Andi

lent

the ten

harp

a

Pan

and held mouthpii

dep

'rings in

the

within

1

ord

mouth

originated 1,000 i

up

to the

ol the

hinese

(

it

l)KI

M-

I

Gong Kjushn

I

'

i

\

patron

et ilia,

t

wso

and

People

&

Love A

POPULAR VIEW

life

-

its

IS

Marriage

THAT LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND. Love

force has inspired poets, writers,

the world over. Love binds

man

and

sexual, the powerful attraction of forces

found

emotion

that

sides of love

'rvnisTi wcitv^ i-wite niiT

aa

Central tO

from time immemorial

artists

woman, mother

to

is

The two

to child.

It

can be

opposing and complementary binding

in nature, or platonic, the deep,

forms the fabric of our

society. In a

more

spiritual context, love reflects the longing of the soul for

God

of the souls urge to Lips

transformed

Lips pursed into a kiss are a classic

into doves

symbol of

love or sexual attraction

- the

The sexual act is then an expression merge with the cosmos.

or ultimate truth.

red lipstick kiss

The willow, which shed its

leaves as the

l

ends many a passionate love letter. Lipstick

the collar, though, signals infidelity.

on CHINES!

PATTERN PLATE

Venus and Cupid, Lucas Cranach the Eldi r,1545

This painting shows Cupid at his mother's side, in tears because he has been stung by bees. Venus,

in response, reproves Cupid for

inflicting

Willow This plate see

and

ilrn shows the Chinese

hei low

hang

i

i

I

he

story ol Koonggirl's fat lu

r

Forbids

their marriage, so the lovers flee |ust as the

leaves

and fire

from the willow Soldiers pursue them Chang, so Koong heartbroken, sets

fall

kill

a

i

The lovers are then transformed emblems ol their constancy.

to herself.

into doves,

more

wounds on

pai

painful others than

bee stings. Both Venus and Cupid are gods of love and

Hi

here represent the two sides of love - the pleasure and the pain is

Cupid covered

symbolic of

ini Y< PI

NTS

SWII

I

OMB 01 AND NESS

bees

in

love's sting in

t

tail.

Krishna's love 1

i

Cupid

A

Radh Twin hauls aflame

AND

MINIATURE, i

In this

1785

scene Krishna sits in a with Radha, his

forest glade

I

^

favorite gopi, or

the /mbolso) passional

milkmaid.

All thego/5i.s love Krishna,

embodiment

oi

heavenly love, but Radha is the one who captures his heart.

The

love of

the gopis for Krishna

represents the Valentint

onging of

ling (o its

lination

the soul to

\

merge with

Cod •

love

n\,

dovi

and

fidelity

qj

symbols oj

yea

•

VALENTINE CARD The valentine card

first appeared in the 16th century, with its imagery reaching the height of sentimentality inVi torian times Exchanged on Valentine's Day, February 14, these cards often depict love symbols such is hearts, doves, and cupids. Valentine's Day was originally known as the wedding day" due to an old belief that birds selected theii mates qn y. People then followed suit, and made it a day n de< Uations of love. '

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82

LcU

Mar rial, l

i

Marriage The and

ritual

of marriage

conducted

is

in

traditionally a contract uniting

is

some form

two

in

Families. In

every societ)

some

B

cases

man may marry more than one wife, while occasionally, as in Nepal and Tibet, a woman marries several brothers Whatever form the marriage takes, it is a celebration that symbolizes the union of god and goddess, heaven and earth, man and woman, and the uniting of opposites to form a complete whole.

;v

a

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s. 7v-

Piece of caki The wedding cake has been part ol wedding celebrations since

Bii^ht clothes

first slice

fertility

harmony, and

Chinese legend recounts

moon

the

ties invisible

how

newborn boys and

legs of

the

man

girls

to link their destinies

When

they grow up. they

drawn

are irresistibly

Indian wedding An Indian bride s ted

-":

sexuality

Sharing the cake among

happiness, while the bank notes are symbolic of prosperity

two

is

/

families.

Silvei bells to

I

!)l)l\c,

foi

represents the union of the

inevitable.

\\

stands

sari

Here the bridal couple is iterall) bedecked with good wishes. The fragrant garlands ofroses and tuberoses represent beauty and fertility

the guests

to

each other, and marriage is

united

their

eating of the cake associated with

in

threads around the

thi

together to

symbolize lifelong

Chinesi wedding

m

and united

on

times Bride

and groom must cut the

symbolize luch

and

Roman

/w:,i<

ward of

evil saints

BANDS

itive lace-

i

The custom of giving engagement rings goes

tery

RINGS

is

consid

back to Roman times although the traditional diamond ring- symbol of faithfulness - dates only from the 5th century The plain gold band of the wedding nng symbolizes eternity and the cycle of life.

auspicious

1

wishing a bride

happiness

i^

a

Wien Horst

good

!u< k

Red

roses o) love

and passion

NNAI

III

isslNGS The practice of showering newly manned couples with confetti or rice comes Irom the East, where rice is a symbol of fertility. It is thrown so that the couple might be blessed with many children In Saxon times red and white rose- petals were thrown to represent the union of passion and purity

ll\NDS

Middle East

In the

and India hands are

Bl

hi ides

intricately

painted in red fol good luck The red imes from the dye ol the

A

plant ./

when

tied

appearance would be

particularly

lid';,

henna

bl

Incomplete without

r

See

I

Hi

NY

III

insist

Mils

aj

so

,

.

Krishna's lovi

Sll\l R

|.)<

kl

I

\\ ING! this

Synth although

and

the it

pi

\Ri

ill

symbol

emblem

*

ombines

ol the

heart, representing

al

in

with a

I)

with the character npid or

III

\S

\RI

In the

1

WORD

love

(

New

logo the heart is universally recognized

rful

I

connotations hocolate has i

li

III

\RI

III I

he phi

a

given

Ills |s

into the heart ol

ai

its

way

IPS

i

r

//"

I

Valentine cam

into out !

language The bean

.\\\d una-.

splits in

me;

time

two

the

celebi

ultimate pain ol griel

token ol affection heart-shaped is probabl

oi loss

Valeni

1

has

],

gilt

\l\l

s

\\l>

(II

Spumi

have broken bean do those separated from the ones ihe\

the work ol the devil

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84

purpose, but as everyda)

wear for

both

men and

women

Clot HING ms%s%s^%s±s%s%s%^%s

Headgear In

most cultures the covering or uncovering of the head

Depending on

redolent with meaning.

is

the religion, places of

worship require cow-reel heads or uncovered ones. Hats are a sign of respect as well as an immediate indication of status and occupation.

Corset Corsets

ol

the early

1900s were reinforced with whalebone and were designed to

1/fl

exaggerate the natural

I mil recently, a lady or a gentleman was

have come to symbolize the way

wear gloves

which

ol a

always expected to in

women

in public

To handle with gloves

willingly subject

is

Hi

PRESER\

kid

to treat

someone or something

Ties

Immortalized by the dancer Fred Astaire, the top hat came into fashion in the 1820s and remains the ultimate symbol of male elegance

Given the fairly rigid code of dress that men are expected to conform to, ties are one ol the lew areas of

Worn

self-expression

themselves to pain

Top hat

in

the pursuit of fashion.

with the utmost care.

nowadays, it complements the weddings and other formal occasions.

less often

tailcoat at

The

The relationship between height and

f)

The high lace

circular beret

is

neck

evident in

the classic

from lowly dish washer to respected master chef

mi ike out in

in

other colors, notably red and green, u is a s\ mbol

hats,

",-,.

\i.

ol military

his affiliation to

any number of more individual wa)

symbol of the

French working man.

to

that organization, or

-

associated both with peace and war In navy blue it is

the range of chef's

open

them. A man max choose to wear a club tie or military tie to

Beret Chef's order

is

were presented at investiture ceremonies

woman's body A tiny waist was the ideal, and corsets curves

static

Gloves Originally gloves were a S) mbol of power and

Edw \kdian dress This fashionable figure

courage

shows how Edwardian

and excellence.

dresses distorted the The bust was

pushed forward and in what was known as the S-shape. It was not the hips back

unusual for women to faint from the pressure

on

Diminutnc WOlSl - iashxon fights

their lungs.

nature

See also 18m-( i\n

kt \\K,

were worn by century They were I

a

affluence and

high status.

1

i

CHADAJR Willi

/

This was part ol Turkish national dress until the country became a republic in 1923, and the hat was outlawed

In

M

II

Bn

countries women are veiled outside the

honu

i

Fashions

draw male attention

hi

l

footwi

\k t*

h

i

I

X

i

VP..I \K I.'

It RI1\N

At

1

.1

it

the

Made

dI bright

man idition

(

mil I

the

is

Fig leaf

III

UtBOAKD

in

10

(if

Mom

i

orthodox Muslim

*

nen

I'

on important and (

I'

'us

}

\ H

)

People *%s+4**&&

Jewelry Traditionally jewelry

is

bought as a

gift, usually celebrating the

- from christening presents to 21st birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries - or a particular relationship of love or friendship. Its symbolism lies not so much in its form as in what the item represents; whether it is the plain important stages or events in a persons

life

man and woman together or a locket with a ones photograph. Much of our jewelry has ancient origins -

gold ring that binds a NECKLACE C.1870

loved

a child's

jewelry:

charm bracelet is essentially a modern version of amuletic the charms protect the wearer from harm.

Thai earrings A love of intricacy and

delicacy

visible in these

is

18th-century earrings. Made from gold-painted animal skin, they represent mythical creatures.

Bl \R CLAWS This necklace,

Egyptian coins

made from

Although jewelry

the

claws

ol several

bears,

was

often symbolizes wealth, in many

the

prize possession

cultures the

of a Native

relationship

American

direct

chief.

usually indicate "bridt

actually

nails,

teeth, or tusks, Pink beads

more

is wealth. On marrying, girls are given coin necklaces, headbands,

Like other pieces

made from

is

-jewelry

it

denoted status, panly because of the prow

and even

involved in killing bear to obtain the c laws

the family, the greater the value of the coins.

their

belts as part of

dowry. The wealthier

African beads beads are a form of communication They have particular meanings according to their color and the order In Africa,

as well as decoration.

Fruitfulness

which they are strung. Young girls will make love letter" necklets for their boyfriends to wear. After mamage, girls are allowed to adorn themselves with more and more stnngs to show

m mbols of in the

their heightened status.

different cultures,

in

fertility

abound

jewelry

ol

from Egyptian cowrie-shell amulets to the Spanish higa, 'or clenched fist. The ... •-•••• concern with fertility may be less marked now. but the symbolism still abounds as in the decorative examples of <

fruit

shown

here. \\ll

IHYSI GRAPI

s

This cluster of grapes may well have been a wedding present from

BRi

groom to bride - the grapes are an ancient symbol of fertility. Grapes were associated

Leg ornament In parts of Africa,

jewelry denoted the wealth of a woman,

number of goats or sheep signified that of a man. Leg

just as the

ornaments were prized both for their craftsmanship and their bulk,

•

some

weighing as much as 331b (15kg). This leg ornament shows Islamic

with

Pacific

charm

This 17th-century necklet from the Cook Islands conferred power and protection on its wearer. Although jewelry made from wild beasts was quite common in many-

prefer silver, signifying purity, to gold.

their natural state.

influences, as

Muslims

Vim

the pleasures,

Pomegranate : a

Mycenean

craftsman c. 1 300 bc and would almost certainly have been worn by a young bride.

fertility.

wis

symbols of

The many-seeded pomegranate has

widespread associations with

ii

Dating from about 1850 this gold pendant is covered in grape vines,

This pendant made by

cultures, this piece

unusual. The bones and teeth are carved into talismanic shapes, rather than worn in

all

and excesses,

Bacchus,

god

ol

Roman

wine and revelry

ol

wine

Jewelry ^-m.^%^%^%^^^^%^%^%^%^%-%^%^%^ %,-%.-», ^'%--%^^s%s^%s%s%s^

Mourning jewelry Kneel one is marked by a and symbolic acts People adopt different colors o dress and shed

The death

ol a

series of ritual

I

their everyda) jewelrj in favor of

somber forms

of

that they are in

world, black

RINc, SU.\I Examples of swiveling signet rings date back 10 the "nli century w They were both functional and mark ol status since only a person ol considerable wealth could have his image carved I

more

adornment, demonstrating mourning. In the Western

is

the traditional color of

mourning, and

the classic stone

jet

1

Ring

.1

onto a stone By pressing the ring onto

owner was

the

able to seal

and

damp

In the 17th century,

Tins dove

bean

so

o) a

ih,

heart

low

it can be viewed from both sides. The back hold a lock of hair, symbol o an absent friend.

finger rings such

clay

that

one above would have been handed out to

as the

identify his goods.

Lock oi hair The brooch below swivels

relatives at a

funeral

Undying love became popular during Queen

let

Gloved hand This oi a

brooch

jet

\ ictoria s

jeweln was ai most lashionable

gloved hand a funeral wreath

lolding

Charm Silver

bra< llet

charm

bracelets

are thought to protect

- often a - from harm. This one has a lucky horseshoe, a wishing well, and a wise the wearer

child

CtllM

PADLOCK

si

This lock

traditionally

is

given by a father to his young child in order to evil forces

Irom stealing

it.

l:\o\U

One

Ml \l RI\C,

In so doing they

The custom ol giving engagement rings goes back to Roman times. The rings were often

become

plain iron elides, the

hundred

families

monkey, plus a fish and a frog tor fertility The fashion ol wearing charm bracelets is

contribute toward the purchase ol the lock

relatively recent, a

honorary guardians,

Western. 20ih-ceniury form

bound

child throughout his

amuletic jewelry.

or her

specifically

9£

iock in the child's spirit

and stop

the child's

30

1

1

1

ANNIVERSARY

symbolism

addition to

flowei invi In giving this

brooch., an admi was probably hoping that he would not be forgotten

hands

has long been the jewel

diamonds were thought

the

the

II

king

the pearl

is

diamond

fidelit)

to protect against all

ol |ew els.

the

the forces ol evil

queen

Pearls are the birthol those horn in |une and also the gems hat mark a 50th

Stones

dominance The man gave the piece to a loved one and. in doing up the buckle, she willingl) or unwittingly - acknowledged him as her owner

I

See also

wedding anniversai \l

I

I

I

I

i

M

Ml \l

Mil

i

I'M 01 this 18th-century choker with clasped hands

SYMBCN

hum

lded

and ride:

ry

much

mblem represented

Hands

ol love

in jewelr)

is

are often

and take on

mods I

:

it

ry

touching, lor example a

lisi

insti

is

.mbol

a

talisman against evu;

ol lettilits

l

ashionable

ladies could then

forefingei

I

their children

then he.ul

H7

C\l KINO became

lashionable in the ISth centur) Made ol

interconnecting the)

portraits ol then loved

the position ol the

the

who

u

commissioned miniature enameled

different

hand with thumb and

those

could afford

l

ingle af

Willi Ml Ml \IO

Before the era ol the \l

ol

the particul.it

- were added

to these simple In

is

Jewelry with buckles was popular in ihe 1800s both ind as bracelets What they all represented, however subtly, was an era ol male

ol fidelit)

beauty and

perfection, the pearl ol love

f.let

ol

lowei jewelry takes on the

I

1

life

ORG1 r-ME-NOT

I

shape symbolizing the eyefe ol life and eternity Tth century In the diamonds - emblems

to protect the

A symbol

Victorian buckle brac

reign

when mourning

is

at all til

had hands I

enclose

iivkvi

(

III

IDS

I

MACEU

i

Nc.ua MEN1 KIM.. A t.'

I

I

KK CN

OVI KIM.

hi

thai

Ml llll

I

ISlssW -

togethi a central heaii

Pan ol theit romantic symbolism lies in the that the rings

can

be pulled apart, but can nevet be separated

I

EC

Mm

OKSW1IM

Rsisi.

I

iiwim

I*

People

**t***vw«l

OYALTY The institution of royalty

Crown n

a symbol

iv

of sovereignty and

honor

Many

highly symbolic.

is

Asian courts were laid out as microcosms of the universe with the throne,

at the

center of the palace, representing

mountain at the axis of the world. A king had tour chief queens and four chief ministers, symbolizing North, South, East, and West. The health of the nation and the land depended on his health. In parts of Africa and southern India the king was ritually sacrificed while still strong and virile, so that the shedding of his blood might renew the fertility of the soil and the sacred

Scepter Original!) a magical

symbol, the sceptei signifies the king's

responsibility foi hi> people's

prosperity

Ermine

thus ensure the well-being of his people. Kings have

rhi

tvtntei coal

d/ the weasel,

been widely believed

to rule

some

by divine

and

right,

in

ermine fui

cultures to be semi-divine.

/(

purity

is

a royal

symbolizes

and

incorruptibility

King The king

The king is the ultimate symbol of

ilically

the

his h,.

monarch was

surrounded

b)

who had

courtiers,

same Function

denotes

earthly

king, the

queen

is

associated with a of Heaven.

marks

king

queen represent the perfect union of opposites, two halves of the whole, the sun and moon, and day and night.

of consciousness, the

well as myster)

transformation I centei

d

enthioned

Power games

of chess

the conflict

opposing s in life. The black and white squares represent negative and positive, male and female principles. The pieces, representing the

Ph \raoh

king, his court,

The famous mask found on the mummy of the boy king Tutankhamun

army, carry the symbolism

and

god He was

epoch, and each

intermeci,

an jen

queen

is

Cards Playing cards are divided into lour suns, each ol

which

i-

king, queen, and ack or prince) Packs of cards also include

his

i

two jokers or ]esters, more powerful than their lowly title

more

In man} games the

suggests

powerful than the king. Each is

goal

an

makes

headed by us

own

of their roles,

game

id

are based on the balance power and involve kings, queens, courtiers, and armies. The object oi the game can be to defeat the other players •nquering their court and army, or to build up a royal power base with which to trump one's opponents.

although in the game of chess the

pharaoh. For the ancient Egyptians the pharaoh was more than a monarch, he was a a of

Many games

of

a symbolic

between

s'.

in

heavi

playing out of

Re. the

The

depicted

game

ofai!

Its

the tank of

the ruler

The ancient

the center

and

unci the

I

Chess

reflects the glory of the

the sp

kingdom

ruler over our unconscious urges.

is

protei tion, as

centei of the

power The also a symbol

Together the king and

is

the

is

as the

Queen

counterpart of the

The mantle

The throne

mother goddess or

As the feminine

Mantle

Throne

the

heavenly beings surrounding God. He was thus seen by his subjects as an earthly counterpart of God and a symbolic link between heavenly and

QlEEN

holds

the whole world in

power. Traditionally

build

is

to

up cards

to

complete the suits, s\ mbolicalh -iI.k ing the king in

a

ble choice

his personal courl

heaven an

'%^

elongated, shape, the

lis

phallic

(.

Boh

AR

With

Swords 0*

i

People

Death

&

/»***^^W1

Mourning

The certainty of death unites us all, rich, poor, and of even- culture or faith. The many different rites and rituals surrounding death and mourning illustrate how each society deals with its fear of the unknown. Ancient beliefs speak of the body being reunited with Mother Earth, or the soul rejoining the cosmic ocean or entering heaven. In other words,

life

returning to a state of oneness with nature. In other beliefs

death can be the door into another future that will be favorable

if

the deceased

of great fear

death

is

was devout

and an occasion

for

in this

life.

A

source

both sorrow and

laden with symbolism.

Many

joy,

death rituals

are symbolic enactments to aid the souls journey

into the afterlife

and

to console the bereaved.

Raven Although \newed

many

D V>

1 Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead. Images of Death in the form of .

skeletons are made, and to welcome the dead back to earth candles are lit in the graveyards and offerings of food set out. This is a symbolic

way

in

OF THE DEAD

On November

of maintaining a link with the past.

cultures as an

auspicious symbol

wisdom, fertility, and creation, the of

prophetic raven is seen in the Christian tradition as a bird of ill omen. It heralds evil, warfare, and death This is probably due to its black color, associated with the night. The raven is

thought to haunt graveyards and foretell death and destruction.

BLRV

'.IRAL

Luck for the dead Hi \RSE Dl \!lll\ DANCE The Danse Mai

I

ised to illustrate the concept that death is the procession of figures representing the various classes - from Pope to peasant - each alternating with a skeleton, is led towards a grave showing all are ultimately linked by death. Another popular medii belief, the Dance of Death, held that the dead rose at midnight and danced about in the graveyard. The two themes were often intermingled.

great leveler.

A

.

Blail

magnificent hearse

his

bygone The hearse and the

typical ol a

era.

horses were always black,

symbolic ol mourning, as was the livery. Though

modern funerals are more streamlined, such

and

are

still

some

In the Tarot,

not the

last

Death

is

card but

marks a transition from one state to another. This might '

of

ifytheend-or h - of one phase

life

and the

ning of a newone. Either phase would be accompanied

mer changes. Death 2

is

the

vhich he he living.

the

auspicious squares of colored paper on the funeral pyre to bring good luck to the soul ol the deceased on its journey to the afterlife.

preferred by

napping

for the solace

the ritual and sense of occasion provide.

T\ROT CARD

it

custom for mourners to burn is

old-fashioned formalities

Bklck pipe hat with -inch plumes

is

At Chinese funerals

,

on hearse

& Mourning

Dhath

Grave goods many

In

the to

dead

cultures pre< ious goods are buried with as a sign ol theii prestige in life and also

accompany them on their journey to the afterlife )nce upon a time even slaves were buried alone wuli then dead owner i

R\RV IRN

Ft \I

1913,

II

Aftei a

ashes

cremation the the deceased

ol

GRAVESTONE

are often placed inside

The sue of a Christian burial is marked by a memorial -tone, often

a funerary

impanied by symbolic reminders sueh as a wreath, a Bible, or an angel An angel is an intermediary between heaven and earth and mbolizes the

urn As a round-bodied vessel ol containment, the urn is a symbol ol the feminine The urn with a lid is a goodluck emblem, symbol in Chinese Buddhism ol supreme intelligence that triumphs ovei birth and death. large,

-age of the soul to

the heavenly realm.

Rill

Mot RNING

\l

Mourners at a Taoisi funeral in Gansu province in China are completely covered out ol respect lor the dead The chief mourners wear white and the principal mourner carries a green sash Hessian veils are used, as it would be pectful to use line cloth Mourners will not eat fine food lor the lirst two or three years alter the death

I

VG

I

ll\l

\l

The custom I

hallway up ign

the p ol

M\si

I

ol living

mourning

t>

m

the 17th centurv

left

in I

he

em pi

invisible flag ol death

iiinues

mourning

in The white I

lily,

flower ol the

the

Madonna

litionally

with pui West, ami th i

in the •

xplain

win

I

a

ii

In

the ial

In

poem

the bl

In

t

d to

sdi

\t

lu

I

aj

i

i

\i

Mahal

is

York

SM

''

'

Us.

i

the 1)1

Indian emperoi Shah

ITHI

i

|ahan

IDS,

ime j

world-

a

mbol

the red

lolizes

be

Buifi in th<

was planned most magnificeni

nuu\

ii

memorial on earth symbol ol the emperoi

ril

support

love

foi

llis

disease and

the river,

tl

in h

ure

Foi

Ins wiii-

own tomb

the light against the

mbol is

C(

as the

ol

IPs

Wearing

fields

where poppii

pop;

I

a

I

I

nil

ribbon

I

anadia

|onn In Flanders

return 10

white

flowers stem

M

Ribbon

W'RI Mil 01 Rl I) Red poppies have ne a symbol "I lues losi during the two World W.iis

was

beside

Raven

1

i

Red wreath i» I

ni

finished 1

s

MOt KMS..

\koi

.

I

UID

I

111

h

>s%s%s%s%s%s%^s%s%s%s%s±>\ i)

\

I

Architecture The symbolic meaning of a building and

its

components can be very complex,

may

especially in religious buildings. Stepped terraces

and

levels

a spire points symbolically to heaven, while a

the vaults of heaven

symbolic

represent heavenly

dome

represents

shaped buildings represent differing instance, represent status and achievement

Differently

itself.

ideals: skyscrapers, for

modern, environmentally sensitive buildings symbolize union with nature. Separate elements have their own symbolism: doors and windows, often mark boundaries between worlds.

in the material world, while Angel at top protects church and those w ho

enter

Knocker Door knockers in animal shapes protect a house and keep evil spirits at The ominous knoc k at the door has long been a S) mbol in literature and music - of inexorable

s

Window Just as the eye known as the

is

is

Indian balcony

'window

oi the soul." the

Balcony

window

The balcony represents mystery and ambivalence due to its

the "eye oi the soul,"

symbolic oi consciousness and oi an individual's perception oi the world. A round

window

is

partly concealing,

partly revealing nature,

and

lets

m

or death

its

position,

outside a building. Enclosed balconies add to the mystery. In colder countries bay

light, the

window

also

both inside and

appropriately

called an oculus or oxeye window, since it

bay.

fate

Ocuu

also symbolizes

windows

the light oi truth

and

entering the soul.

as enclosed balconies.

oriel

act

Reach for the sky obsei

Humankind

has always been

fascinated by

tall

buildings

upward to die sky, building diem both for religious reasons and for reasons of power Whether ancient pyramids or modern that reach

skyscrapers, such buildings

hical beasts

represent man's need to reach

symbolically keep evil at I

iUSH

Pyramids For the ancient Egyptians the pyramid stood symbolically as a world axis at the center ol the universe. Its apex represents the highest level ol spiritual attainment. A stepped pyramid sigmlics the stages ol consciousness through which the soul must pass on its ascent.

bay

up

CHURCH DOORWAY, 12TH CEN

to the

heavens and also

to

gain supremacy over his

I

Doorway

surroundings.

The doorway marks the passage between the sacred and profane, between safety and danger. It also symbolizes the transition from one stage of life to another or the passage from life to death. Temple doorways in particular are often carved with guardian spirits and fabulous beasts to dispel evil and offer protection.

::::::::::

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II II II

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SkYSC RAP1 K The Empire State Building in New York was for decades the

I

I

Thf B

Wai A

wall encloses

and protects the sheltering

interior of a building or a garden, suggesting

strength, privacy,

and containment.

In the case

above, it may be divisive, paration of East and V

•Vail,

building in the world Is as an obviously phallic

achu

It

symbol of man's instantly

recognizable to peoplr all over the world.

94

/

B 'm

i

I'h

1

1

r

Bi

i

1

1

-hi l

the Elder

'i"

1

I

Tower of Babel ol Babel was a ziggurat, or stepped pyramid, in Bab) Ionia li is a symbol ol man's arrogance In the Bible the Babylonians were dei> m mud id build such a tower to reach the heavens God divided the speech ol the builders into main languages so thai they Id not understand eac h othei and the tower was nevei completed

The fabled towei

.an

i«

i

it

Architecture Cj\TH'

a

lata

4

bo ^

i

Bridge The bridge i> a s\inbohc link between heaven and eanh It is the passage from life to death, and from death

The

Dome

The Parthenon. Athens

The dome is used as a symbol of the heavens

Classical temple Greek and Roman times were believed to be the houses of gods They could be square, polygonal, or round. Round has been

Religious buildings often incorporate a

considered the perfect form, because the circle

dome

Temples

in

i^srw' Nobles

courtrooms to the

erected in

dunge

the Acropolis in Athens, site of the Parthenon

Arch

Charles d'Orlea\>

original Bridge of Sighs

Venice led from the

in

symbol of the cosmic mind and

a

itself is

nature's perfection. Classical temples were

commanding

positions, tor example,

The arch symbolizes passage from one state another Victorious Roman armies marched through triumphal arches In initiation rites, to pass under an arch is to be reborn.

is the

that

Roof

may

be decorated on the inside with paintings of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as angels.

lo immortality.

The roof symbolizes principle.

Some

the feminine, sheltering

societies

hang treasures and

powerful hunting trophies in the roof space to increase

its

protective

power

Tower of Flemish,

\,

lKi'J

C1650

to

Holding place

cii

'.it to

prevail

A

K

•

i>r

t'v

•

ape

Stairs

A

staircase represents

the steps in spiritual

development. Its holism is related to

r

of the ladder

and

the stepped pyramid.

One can

toward Enlightenment or descend into darkness and ignorance

A

THf

either ascend

spiral staircase,

with

winding su leading towards an unknown and unseen its

end. represents the mysterious

UlY Bl IIDINC.

I

FlNPHORN. SCOTLAND

Earth dwelling In

many

countries people

houses made found around them.

live in

entirely of natural materials

from adobe huts in Africa to igloos in the Arctic. This keeps them, literally, in touch with nature and more in tune with their surroundings A modern earth-integrated house, roofed with turf, represents a return to this more natural way ot hie with its related symbolism of union with nature

Sm

li'UI K \\1) ( \s|| Ihe towei is symbol protection With its castellated to and drawbridgi |

IGHTHOt

I

A

SI

lighthouse provides (il

!

the

eachings of Chi \hich guide th-

othe

MHh

HOUSE

\ss

Mainly

house provides full to the natural elements and all their bolism - a window to the world built ol glass, this

Ihe glass

lels in

and stores heat air

from

il

the I

hi

maximum amount ible

territorial

heraldic

and

(

I

M

IsM.

symbol

in (airy

inside

fresh

(symbo 'he

9

,

I

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Ml

I

I

low IK

I

\S[1

In ordi

d with flowers Mid plants

f

pow

an enchanted place thai

ol light

klso

nd

,i

burden

itual

ol Ignoi

knowledj

M MIS

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People »

Everyday Objects There are many ordinary objects that do not fit easily into obvious categories but which are so much part of our everyday world that they have become imbued with symbolic meaning. These range from different types of container, associated with the feminine, secrecy, or protection, to objects connected with

human

frailty

and the passage of

light are also rich in

time. Items linked to

fire

or

meaning, signifying enlightenment, as are keys,

which unlock

mark

a

secrets or

Fan

coming of age.

The fan is a common symbol of high rank or royalty.

Basket The basket

open and

close.

It

gives access to

another realm, symbolizing wisdom, maturity, or success. Many keys dangling from a key chain symbolize power and status, since they denote the ownership of valued property. Keys are the attnbute of St. Peter as the guardian of the gates of heaven.

an attribute oi the lour seasons and. when full, it symbolizes tcrtilm fruition, and abundance,

spirits,

therefore also

into the

In

Buddhism

also

is

It

thought to ward of is

it

the

I

e\

il

to Taoists

represents the flight

hud and

ol a

1

and

release

world of the

Immortals. In contrast, the fan also has long-

"three baskets' are

the scriptures of the

standing associations with femininity and

Buddhist canon.

flirtation.

Box EGYl

in.

IR1N1

bowls, are symbols ol the receptive, feminine realm. In this Egyptian

he box is a feminine symbol. When closed, it symbolizes the unconscious, and when opened, it may unleash a storm of devastation, disease, and death

example, the lotus

upon

.

!

I

Cup Because they are containers,

pattern

ups, like

t

shows

the world, as did Pandora's box.

the

flower's relationship to

water, and thus adds to

its

links with the

feminine,

(

iold

and

ymbol

silvi

i

i

oir\

q) wi alth

reed

MOW Y

PURSE

purse represents worldly vanity and the ie

Swing

il

The swing is associated with fertility because its movements represent the rhythms of the seasons and the rising and setting of the sun and moon, rhythms oflovt- making. In this '

h -century French painting, the

I

i

1767

its backward and forward nn ion. symbol of amorous flirtation A stone Cupid presides over the sec luded omei ol the

swing, with

.t

n.msuike

is

a playful

i

rden, while the lush vegetation prw ides a fertile backdrop for the ami I

96

(

attribute ol Judas Iscariol tax

<

ollector.

symbol

ol

ol

wealth. In

an a purse is an and ol St. Matthew, the

hristian

Coins spilling out ol a purse are a attai hmeni and greed

worldly

Everyday Objects

\ll VSl Rl\(,

People haw concepi

mam

ol

IMF

!

always been fascinated b) the and have linked the

time,

objects related to

mortalit)

seen as

own

to their

it

bus the aging process may be time marching on, and heart I

problems

as a failure ol the

old ticker."

HOIRGLASS This simple instrument lor measuring time operates on the principle of sand filtering down over a period of an

Watch

hour under the force ol gravity The process has given

a

nse to the notion of life being "ike "sand ebbing awa)

stands

I

ike the clock, the

watch

symbol

a

is

and

the passing hours

remindei

brevity ol

the

ol

life

- "time

no man.

for

still

Sundial The sundial shows the time via the

sun as

shadow cast by the moves through the

it

heavens. This ancient method thus relied on the .

ity ol a

sun god

8

Open book Books are symbols ol

know

ledge

and the wisdom the universe

Mirror

Am

iiok

The anchor of safety

hope

c

is

symbol and

a

stability, hrist

is

often

referred to as an in the sea ol life

anchor

An

anchor depleted with a dolphin is a symbol of Chnst on the eross, and to be anchored means ted

An open book

Since thought

is

Candle

reflection, the

mirror

A candle

is

a

symbol

indicates truth, clarity.

the individual soul

and self-knowledge,

and the flame

as

well as vanity, thu

ol

that

darkness of ignorance It is the sun

lights the

break a mirror brings bad luck because u is a form of harming oneseU To Taoists a mirror is the calm of the sage and the reflection of the

and

I

a

that

spiritual

illumination,

and

of

a

symbol

ol

human

destiny spun In a

I

In

ireek

(

Vriadne gives heseus a ball ol \arn

and an

erogenous zone

high-caste Hindus weal a sa A thread is

mechanism, combines male ami female

hristianity the

lighted candle

una.

represents Christ as the resurrected light ol the

(

« a a «

OMPASS he

I

world

i

I'l

ompass points

out tin lout primary directions, North.

I

Sum

N \M> INK brush used

ike tin-

hine the pen (

in

k

Ivei

spoon

i

SPOON

In Eui

(

Is

:i

(MH

I

I

to I

i

ol

I

time

a bal

ol I

Soul

ind :

the foul

indarydin •hi

and

learning ami the intellect,

and

it

mai

out destin

lank

symbolizes nurture

and

life

Key I

10m

ally the

din

bol, built

with

n in

mouth

dippi

•Mlh the

to

that

^-%^»^». -%--%.

%

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indi.

bom

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into a

n

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life

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Serpens

Sjrua Ihr:

Symbol Systems

Coi

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Certain signs and symbols have evolved

l

X^

over thousands of years. These include scripts, gestures,

often used as instant

means

As technology shrinks these signs

and of

the

VIRGO c

stylized images,

communication.

modern world,

and symbols increasingly transcend other languages.

* O.AL/U

/

Symbol systems

Picture Writing

Ideograms These

Hittite

more

are a

throughout the world, picture writing represents the attempt at setting down words in a non-verbal, non-gestural

In cultures earliest

form of communication. Picture writing

differs

from drawing

in that

ideograms abstract

development of pictograms.

A

picture of

Cm

example, may mean the verb "to walk."

a foot, lor it

Kn G

uses a standardized set of picture signs, or "pictograms." These picture signs

came

to represent particular objects that

were then

y 6^0

easily

recognized by the reader. As the need for more complex forms grew,

word sounds were introduced, and in were combined to create a more complex script.

signs that represent actual

addition, simple signs

Clay tokens

have been unearthed in modem tablets

I'

Some

Iran.

Cameroon,

1,500 different symbols have been decoded,

most of them

c

i

Ox

Great

Bamum

Heart,

and

about

set

eating a written

language

relating

to agricultural

God

-I

These particular pictograms are quite modern, dating from the early 1900s. King Njoya of Bamum, in a remote area of

Seat

i

Large numbers of representational clay

and

h

Pictograms

These Sumerian tablets date from c.3000 bc.

Iraq

Sti

for his people has only

words,

single- syllable

commercial matters.

and so each sign

is

picture

also just

one

The meanings he symbols are

syllable.

Stone

'A

i

'I

i

fairly

C

easy to decipher,

Egyptian hieroglyphs Hieroglyphs,

3000

/iins/i

three scripts,

holdei

"sacred writings," originated long before

BC, but were not deciphered until the L9th century,

Rosetta Stone

Lucky eye The "wadjet eye," or Eye of Horus (sky god), was

literally

llll li

when

the

was discovered in Egypt. This had inscriptions m one oi them Creek, which could be translated and

compared with the hieroglyphs. Hieroglyphs are a combination of pictograms - mostly stylized drawings ol animals, plants, and flowers - and "phonograms," or signs representing sounds. This script was therefore a true form of writing in the modern sense.

thought to have ma.

powers 5cribes often included this symbol their writing for

in

good luck

Waiir

Cartolc

III

The names of Egyptian kings and queens were

&&

always enclosed in oval borders, known as cartouches. The cartouche

was

a

symbol of the

Km

ruler's

power, signifying that he

Reading hie stela A hieroglyphic text can

or she reigned over "all that the sun encircles." It

was

a

be read from

French

Egyptologist, Jean-

Francois Champollion, who in 1822 cracked the code of these particular royal hieroglyphs.

left

right, right to left, or

to

bottom

animals or people rhi

owl/

indicali (

2250

(Ion

fit

I

00

>/

/

[l

//Mr

s

tl tailing

thi

thi

om

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•

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ring

oj in

.i

the King

foi

way

notion furu ral

th priest Mi

i

ra

to read

1

I

he symbols lell

hit

ol

h

[ere the faces point

to the right, so the

n

you W

to

top

.ul

1mm

tc.\t

is

to be

righi to

Icli

P

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r

URE

Chinese

Mm vn

The

Mayan script is made up ol compounds ol

hinese script, the oldest script still in use toda) is more than 00 years old The c

!

T

1

N

i

The inscription records the no

.

Chinese characters also

and is a mixture pictograms and phonetic elements it is written in double columns from left to right and top to bottom. The hieroglyphs below are phonetic-syllabic -

include phonetic

they each contain

components and .in added element to characterize the word

several elements and sounds, and yet are

rulers

signs

•

earliest

\V R

ol

i

examples were

inscribed onto tortoise shells or carved into

ox bones Some pictographic elements remain, hut the

still

representational

ER

a/3

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M

-

B

»

Some Chinese words are compounds, hems; the sum of two other «

BlRDES

H

^ X tse

It Q2P

aall

Uttle

SOITH

Dr-

Cherokee Cherokee

script

a B

was

invented in 1821 and

shows the influence the Latin alphabet a phono',. that

is,

ol

It

is

4

stem,

there

is

a clear

relationship between the written symbol and the in

sound shown

y T

here-

phonetic symbols

w (

I

Nl

(x) M

u

w

mor\

This panel comes from the temple of Yaxchilan. Jose to the present border between Mexico and Guatemala It depicts the sacrificial offering

G

ol

blood to bring lorth ancestral spirits ad) Xtx the wife ol ord Shield is gazing up at Yat-Balam, a spirit who has emerged from the jaws a huge double-headed serpent 1

i

Jaguar '

ol

Sm

[FORM

Ml

form

Bird

v

3000 bc

2400 bc

650

(

This

:

tor

of writing

more

thar

throughout the \

cl

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w

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LUCKVEYEa

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£ $ K

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illy

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in th'

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Babylonia It

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with

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Mom

rOCRAMS «»

I*

Symbol Systems

Numbers In

imbued with symbolic meaning. The practice of the study of their influence. Numbers have long been seen

most cultures numbers

numerology

is

Number systems

as expressions of

are

cosmic order, possibly deriving from ancient Babylonian

Devanagari Mosi Western languages use Arabic numerals. These derive from those written in Devanagari. the script used lor Sanskrit, the classical language ?i India.

observations of regular cosmic events, such as night and day, the phases of the

Viewed symbolically numbers represent more than quantities; they also have qualities. To the Greek mathematician Pythagoras, even numbers were feminine, divisible into two equal parts, and were considered passive: odd numbers were masculine, and active.

moon, and



rwo

nikii

15

first letter.

Aftei the tenth

goes up

j

FOUR in)

Others

the Chinese yin and yang of discord

lettei

to

of

pairs as

eft

.

and female,

heaven and

1

.

cultures view the as

1

t

but also the individual

>pposing dualities:

mot SAND

FIV1

1

creation of the myriad

2 world

M

D

C

L

one stands

for the state before the

\

11

to be the best.

is

Many

3

III rilKll

was invented

Represented by a continuous circle, it signifies non-being and eternity. To Pythagoras it

II rwo

t

t IK. Ill

T

t

s|\l\

J t

sl\

mi Trim n

Three geometric shapes coming

Sacred to most religions, the

number

spress the

three

one

istian Trinity,

mbines the numbers one and two and so includes all life and experience. It is birth, life, and death; mind, body, and soul; past, present, and future; man. woman, and child.

God

m

three persi the Father, the Son,

and

the

1

I

I

Thus

Spirii

the

architectural

device Brahma,

Shiva

trefoil

found

Nl I'll \i's IKIDI \| The trident is a symbol

ol the

ol the is

in

often

churches

Roman

god. Neptune, possibl) representing the pasl the

ind the |

The indent ol the Hindu god Shiva future

Hindi trinity In India

sustain,

and

Brahma.

and d

ind Shiva form a ween them they create, in an endless cycle of birth

stands lor his function

5 As

the

in

ei

Satan

also holds a trident.

ol

two,

is many cultures human senses It

are five

and destro]

sum

three, a mas( uline

a

feminine number, and five is importani

numbei a (

symbol )n a

fol

human

man

["here

figure, a line

joining the head to outstretched arms ,u\i\ legs forms a pentagram Muslims pra) Fivetimesa

ind there are five pillars ol piety in Islam

02

N

l

\l

BI

RS

Nine 9 number is

the sacred tin I

multiplied by

itself to

give eternity, fulfiflmenl

cubic

first

perfect c

eight a at

at

life is

ruled h\

eight

months

Juki has milk

it

is

the

numbei

power

6 world

in six

(

iod

c

reatecl the

davs and rested on the seventh

epresents balance, love, health, and also luck, because it is the winning throw of a die.

~\

"I

Originall) the age entitled

countries), 21

in

considered a major landmark in life A symbolic

"I

«

T

3

n

y

which

many is

thi

person is allowed to buy and

at

dnnk

a

alcohol

Af\ Representing T" \J number 40

in ss

'.'.:>. ill

Buddhist wheel ol life has eight spokes, foi the eight-fold path to Enlightenment

1 r\ As the number JLVJihe lingers ten

of

as did that ol Christ in

is

and Noah's ark floated in the Flood foi 40 days and 40 nights ort) the wilderness,

also figures strongly in

the Bible there are ten

I

was aUo

commandments, ten nan plagues, ten

Each of the four phases ol the moon lasts seven days and there are seven days in the week

terms ol \ears the lews spent 40 years in the wilderness, and the reign

David and Solomon lOth 40 y<

ten is symbolic return to unilv

mi

ol the

am

signific

in

:is and ten lepers. According to some theories, in the decimal

four)

the

especiall)

Moses sojoum on Sinai lasted 40 da)

counting systems Ten

and earth (number

is

in the Bible

important

ol divinity

the

was

now lowered

is still

ol

a

three)

the

tizen

gh

countries this

Seven sacred number, 7 Seven union representing (number

«

at

I

the foundation ol most

is

at

5

1

1

procreation The the Bible.

an unlucky

\$

adulthood. In

eight year> he loses

the

J

1

there were

Supper. In Leonardo's fresi |esus has just announced that one ol the disciples will betray him. In ancient south America there weie 3 Mayan heavens and the Aztec calendai was divided into 13-da) periods

teeth;

at twice eight he readies maturity; and at 8 x 8 he loses

B

hristian countries

C

ke) signifies entry into

them;

Thi

In

fateful Last

Z. JL many

powei the nine-storied pagoda is a symbol ol heaven

number

hinese

he Norse

o! celestial

considered the

i-

tuna

i

8 numbei (2x2x2), eig^il

1

O

lj number because

god Odin hung for nine and nine nights on the tree Yggdrasil to win the secret ol the runes Kir mankind. In

wm nsvv> A- the

1

and

pillion

Ml NORAH

cr/"\ This

the

is

The branches candlestick

and celebration It maiks the completion

indicate the

ol

seven da)

and sanities new

of the )ewish

the

week

as the

and

beginnings

as well

live principal

£Lf\

Dv

The three shaped arms represent

wisdom I

I

I

-

I

marks the

his

ol the

:i

minute and hour, and led with time

strength,

and beauty

In

an

pt

it

long Si \|

in ih«

les

sun mi

planets

Will S WITHIN In Hindu phil<

seven

I

I

ile

\ Di \|)M SINS

Sm use

he seven deadly

rwo

i

|

glutton)

sloth.

.

in. lllKI

1 ~\ 1 Zm

lunterparts ol

i

he three il

mcnt

te the

multiple of the mascul -'ill

itual

and

ths ol the veai ;il

night

I

In

:

10

5

1

1 tribes ol

I-;

I

'

SEVI

.

list

2

'12 knights 'uistmas

and

I

catthlv Ol

and

irdinal

I

ind

I

ol the

2 disc iples,

•

1 /

I

Symbol Systems

Shapes Many

shapes

and patterns

&

Patterns

are universal.

For example, similar patterns

may

decorate objects separated by thousands of miles and thousands of years.

Symmetrical shapes appeal to our need for order,

intricate shapes,

such as

puzzles and knots appeal to an urge to unravel mysteries, and labyrinths

can express our need

to find

our true path, despite obstacles. Shapes

may

be mystical symbols. They are also often used symbolically in architecture

-

a

square temple surmounted by a circular dome, for instance, represents

the solidity of the earth topped

by the dome of the

sky.

Yantra or mandala Doors of perception

A

sacred Hindu diagram, the yantra is used as a focus for meditation. Concentrating on the geometric shapes draws the mind into the diagram and beyond, into ultimate reality. Yantras often form the basis for the ground plans of temples. The mandala is a circular yantra, usually enclosing a square.

The tour projections from the middle of each side of

Square within square

the inner square are the

The square represents the earth, solidity, order, and safety. It also represents the four compass directions and the balance of opposites. The immense Grande Arche in Paris seems to embody these qualities by its location, size, and function.

doors" oi the yantra,

through which the mind

may

enter or leave the center

during contemplation.

Where one square

sits inside another, the outer square symbolizes awareness of the physical world, the inner square the unconscious.

Stone circle Certain stone-age peoples haw Lett behind huge standing stones as monuments. The original function of the stone circle at

Stonehenge in England is still a mystery It was probably a lorm of temple, maybe representing the eye of a great goddess.

Star The

symbolizes darkness and wisdom shining through ignorance. To many people stars are the spirits of the dead, star

light in

set in the sky.

To

"reach

lor the stars" is to set

the highest goal. In the

US of

the star

is

a

badge

honor.

t——

r;

;*»;/

Shri Yastra, Nepal,

Circle

signify the unfolding of

meditating on the yantra

1

700

Triangle

The enclosing circles serve to unify the opposing triangles. They are made up oflotus petals to reality as perceive.!

c.

The upward-pointing

triangles

represent the male principle

and the downward-pointing triangles the female

A Am

mm

Ik ^k

'

i[>l'

i

Hk

show

I

hey

interloc k

the creative activity of the cosmos.

to

104

Wheel

Longevity

This wheel, which is one ol twelve from the base of the Sun Temple at Konarak, India, symbolizes samsara, the endless round ol

This

existence.

Buddhism

The wheel in is a symbol

Buddhist law, or doctrine, set in motion

is sJiou,

one of the

three ways of representing the Chinese

symbol

for longevity or immortality. It is often seen with other

symbols ol longevity, such as the pine or the

when

ol the

tortoise

m the Buddha's sermon.

with a peach, it is a wish foi a long and happy marriage

lust

paired

Shapes



In Islam

OR

Green

Yellow Yellow

1

and the sun

gold, light,

Green

golden yellow represents advice, while pale

and i- used warning

the most visible color internationally for

ROl SMI IOW Since the Middle Ages

U

TRl

111

yellow has

come

to

Europe and

agnify, in

bet aval i

color

pring and represents

It

hope and

and watei blue symbolizes calm,

and the

reflection,

is

It

JO)

i

ol the sk\

ol life,

youth.

i

As the

the color

wisdom and good

yellow is deceit and betrayal. In yellow is the color ol envy and disgrace, and in Europe it is associated with cowardice. In China yellow was the coloi ol royalty Yellow is

Bi

is

associated with ecologj

intellect

the concern with

infinite,

preserving the earth s resources However, green also represents deca) and jealous) In

from which

It

%

America

t

Pi RIM

I

West purple signifies royalt) and imperial powe In the

I

did in ancient represents pride and

grandeui

50 |Us!icC

also the

is

and the void all life

develops.

Dll D

I'l

RIM

1

Greece purpli extracted From mollusks, was In ancient

a luxur) that onl) the rich

could afford Thus the now symbolizes wealth

Christianity it is the color ol the Trinity

^

Here judas envelops

treachery |esus

oak

m

his yellow

as he

identities

with a

him Bi

kiss, a

i

symbolism would have been e\ idem to

Renaissance

MOM

I

1st

\MIC GREEN

.

i

ecu Nlam

color,

is

pigment

Mesopotamia

Pi RIM

The

ceilings

s

lor

i

\KI

ington

uaied the

S mil

I

firsi

medal, a heart-shaped badge purple cloth It was revived in 1° 52 as the Purple ol

ci

signified divine favor

Mean, awarded

lor purity

wounded

The crescent became a symbol ol Islam in the 14th century and the star was latei added as a symbol ol sovereignty

viewers.

III

I

In 1782

.

decorating temple

xkred combined

with white

a

highly prized in

Pakistan s Hag declares the nation s faith i

lapis lazuli

produced

priests that they

should attest him. The color

I

Ground

sign to the chiel

to thi

or killed in battle

Pl\K In

Western

traditions, pink

is

the

color ol flesh, and hence sensuality A softer tone ol red,

105-6

it is primarily associated with the feminine.

Bl

t

-skiwi

i

i)

cod

Rama, jn incarnation ol the lindu god I

Baby pink More muted than red. pink suggests sensualit) in a lesssiw was

Vishnu,

CiRI

GO

\ lOR

1

Green

used

is

hma

was

it

it

represents the vastness

heavens

Bill DOMl The blue

lor railroad it

was

dome

ol the

stars,

|

represents

the heavens

I

1

with the

|

I

I

s|

|\

i

m

|

I

emblem

ol the

i

Baby

the

girls

j

often

diesscd m pale pink, in contrast to the traditional

pale blue loi boys

that



N

/ill/./.

I

Thi-. ,,'nn.\ l\ (h t

-

brln.

Sign language Solomon s temple is

polh.i'ljitiifh.

»i(h the three principal

S)

lull ol

mbols with u inding

stairs

representing an internal path the individual musi limb )n eithei side are the t

(

man's secrets and an eai ignifying plent) fhe trowel cements" brotherhood kc\ to

(

itmpuss paints

1

/inul piiinh n/

on tht

/

PUki

UMn

US

OOI

I

\R

HII

I

Si

hlsl

SlGN

Washington, w reemason He adopted I

(

hr< hi >./ pari

mrnl

(to

km

ILSO

1

Wc.l

is,.

v..

I

BOARD

I

a

symb

freemasonr) su< h as the

I

I

pyramid

denote knowlt

•

and wisdom and the I

all

seeing

Aim

I

OK

rican nation

I

S ooi

1

\k

Bll

'

1

1

Symbol Systems \

Divination To

and predict

see into the future

DIVINING >\\

I..

i

AND MICK

the course of events

a desire that

is

has preoccupied humankind from time immemorial. In some countries,

animal entrails and oxen's shoulder blades are

answers

examined

still

and the West the

for signs

to questions, as are the feeding habits of chickens. In

richly symbolic system o{ the Tarot, with

Pendulum A pendulum

pictorial

its

used

representations of situations or states of mind, has

discovering metal

areas of

popularity,

its

human

life,

can be

dowsing -

objects or water

and the medieval art of casting runes has reemerged. The ancient art oi palmistry, in which the lines etched on the human palm stand for

regained

for

beneath the earth's surface. In especially ^killed hands, a

Divination bowl

pendulum can even be

Among

suspended over

continues to flourish everywhere.

a

map

to locate lost items.

Yoruba of bowl is filled with sand and then the

Nigeria, a

tapped with

The

The ouija board is a means of getting in

interpreted by a

While

see this as a

others use

futui.

3T

tp ol

peopli

ther

touching a hette and In their titration call

down it

a spirit thai uses

to spell out

particular

answ ' '

lv

Reading hands A developed mount

the lines ol the

Saturn

reveal a persi is

very old.

As well

Difl

as the lines,

shapes of the fingers and the "mounts" all

is

the

t

In

ol

I

\I.

at

the

Mount

mounts

Jupiter stand

I

I

\

I

EAVES

was on<

It

e

in

'land

have one's lortune told by means of

oj Venus inu,

''all',

kmd-h,

tmay

ti

»/ the

lli.

(o

drunk

i

i.

hand

the traditional

method

of looking

into the futuri '.he

of a

pool

ink

a

palmistry haractet and written in the lines ol tin- hand. The palm contains numerous lim thn which - the head line, the heart line, and the

I

three time

i

life is

liquid thi

line

i

bi fori

mi,

,

i

i

|

Omni in

i

iiirowinc,

si

hinese temples

women one

(

shaking

sin k

i

divination,

poon remained in i

future

a

i.

until jusl

the up he up would then be rotated

mimry

)

into

he

n ated

by

the leaves thai lefl behind formed the basis 1

i

.1

the

n adei

interpretation

I

I

ol

ommi mi "

I

to I

show

to

the world toda)

(

iveness

su

mount

he way they scratched then loud anil ale

divination is still pra< in ed in parts

two

whut

P\t

times sacred

whether or not the gods approved ol a particular plan. A similar form ol

i

for ambition

i\

divination

Roman

was thought

rson's

pi

Arab count

I

coops and observed

•imt oj

tommunuutr

In

DEV1I

I

ability to

Oil

IN

spec ially constructed

he-

reveals a

loped

i

chickens were used as messengers ol the gods. he) were placed in

personality

play a part in the diagnosis.

and

iMAN D

Roman

of

si

hardworking

forms of palmistry appear in ancient Chinese and Jewish texts.

S

€

D

character

rain.

lightly

usually of the future.

hand

the tribe can

seriously

it

have lost or to ask questions about the

"pictures,"

The idea that

i

water

to locate

when

expec

to contact those they

gazes into the

and sees

or

A

lortune telling. ball

where

the spirit world

harmless pastime,

Europe the crystal ball is often used in divination and is now a classic symbol of

medium

diviner to answer questions such as

to

represent contacl with

many

Crystal spheres can concentrate the ra the sun and so have come to represent divine light and celestial powers. In

resulting sand

Formation can be

touch with the dead

and has come

Crystal ball

a stick.

OUIJA BOARD

Wl

1

rELLINGl

Divination MO\|s

Rl INI

Casting nines tor divination originated in Iceland in the Middle Ages and has recend) come back into There arc 24 runes, each with a symbolic

The language of the Tarot

.

Tarot cards probably originated in the East

They entered Europe more than 500 years ago. The cards consisi of 22 major arcana, or trump cards. m\^\ 56 minor arcana, the mi *^ two sets possibl) originating separately They present a picture oi a personality and symbolize die soul's joume) along four parallel paths toward spiritual enlightenment.

meaning, plus a blank one lor ihe unknown The order in which the runes fall dictates their meaning

D

M :

$

The

1

i

XVII. n

l

"

*""*

*

*

*

*JV*

f^k

l>

L'fiTOILE .hild

Du

I

Dice have been thrown in divination since ancient times and arc bols ol

luck or chance In this method ol looking into the future, three dice are

When

thrown

they fall, the numbers that they reveal and the order in which the dice ile of meanings This in turn pi or mterpi of the qu. I

I

\/so

S/l

lll\(.

(

H

iinese divina'

(

kum

IAI

i

i

>ut in

Du n

6

Hi

hfferent

i

I

be M

I'

of

i

Ml

(

1

i

meaning I'm

mi

ii.

's

i

R,.\|\S DIVINATH

I

Ml

Im.'i

I

\M.I i

\,.l

01

I

1MI

Symbol System? Wheel of fortune

Astrology

This astrological wheel shows 12 "houses." each representing one-twelfth of the heavens at the time of birth. The outer

the idea that the movements of the sun. the moon, and the planets through the heavens influence our lives goes

signs; the inner

gave the Jupiter,

five

known

own

deities,

their

to each. Fire signs

the

and

are energetic

water signs are emotional and forceful;

and the Romans

intuitive; air signs are

objective

- Mercury. Venus, Mars, names that we still use today

planets

and Saturn -

shows the

ring

element assigned

gods and goddesses with the power and attributes of the heavenly bodies. The Greeks saw them as representations of their

shows the

ring

back thousands of years. As early as 3000 bc, the ancient Mesopotamian civilizations recorded the movements of these celestial bodies, and endowed

and

logical;

earth signs are practical

and

WHl

reliable.

Everything under the sun Our Sun

sign

is

the astrological sign of the zodiac that

Sun

is passing through at the time of our Using symbolic language, the Sun sign in astrology describes how we express ourselves most naturally. The Moon in astrology is the feminine counterpart of the Sun. It represents our emotional responses and our links with the past

the powerful

birth.

The

S

SPEND-

MONTH

IN

EACH

Z0D1AI

Mar 21-April 20

C\ft I

^

r

Aries Courageous. passionate,

Tauri

"J ^^•^

Those born under this

eanh

assertive, Aries

/T|

s

sign are

said to be practical

people are inclined

reliable, yet with

to rush into things.

a

This

Sensuous Taureans

fire

sign

is

stubborn

and

streak.

associated with spring

have a love of beauty

- a time of renewed growth and energy.

and may have

Ubra Sept 24-Oct 23

Scot

•"% £

Libra The symbol

beautiful voices.

fYJ I w Ir **

scales

'

Leo Jul 23-A

I.

Ol MINI satile

Scorpio Intense and passionate, with a love

tfS

and

/^•^

quick-witted, those born under the sign of the twins can also be changeable. Geminis

home-loving types shell

communicative people and need to know what is going on around them

^

Enthusiastic,

r

direct,

and

need harmony and

stronL

are

up

cord.

when

for their

lally

thr

restless

becomes

likes to

powerful

and

I

I

friendly nature.

2

private, the

practical Yirgoan

pays attention to

and

well prepared.

very close family

i

traveling

and quite

loach a

dramatic.

and

loyal, Leos generous and

20

21-FEB19

Capricorn

Aquarius

Cautious and

Independent and with a

disciplined

i

streak.

mist

Aquarians are

who

-

Cautious

detail

ol the

2

Virgo

I f

personality with a

have

ties.

\W% * X^V

be the center

Warm

C

if life

routine,

many enjoy

Leo

many Cancenans have

apncorn is hardworking and has a marked lire succeed Those born under this sign can hange or be high climb

Sagittarians love to learn. With a

me

The typical

the earthy

Sagittarians can

known

Leo

of attention and can a

:

24—S

water sign is associated with the family, and

adventurous,

great desire for freedom,

moderation, they react

4 have

upset. This

\/lQ y*^t ™^X

Sagittarius

^^

Scorpios are loyal and private people

Charming and

if

-

of mystery and secrets.

diplomatic. Librans

who

will retreat into their

indicates that justice

important to Librans.

WCER sensitive,

and

fairness are

(

Cancenans are said to

are

22

-

/

••

21

^y

/

enthusiastic,

and

M

2

Moon

The

likes to

may

Virgoans

be

take a

special interest in their health

and

diet

-20FtB-2i

P

X

Pisces I

he typical

Pisces

is

imaginative and intuitive and has

rarely subscribe to

very compassionate nature The fish

conventional views

symbolism

individualists

(

nampions

ol

new

a

trie

i

reflec ts

he slipper) hangeable

at

i

causes, their opinions

and

can appear dogmatic

quality ol the sign

i

ASTROL Pi \\I

the ten planets (the

i

common

sign the planet occupies

everyone

to

UNDE1

birth, its

at

OX

ffljl^

Utl

0Sl

every 12 years according to a lunar calendar

I

N central

creative Force in the

zodiac, the

Sun has masculine attributes and is linked with rulers and lathers associated with and its metal

the heart

The Sun _:n ol Leo

ild

rules

^^^

Moon

.^^

Associated with mothers.

j ^ MM

it

thai begins

around January/February The

the body,

%

largest

known planet. Jupiter

represents expansion. exploration, and the

tire, air,

disciplined

metal, and water.

Rat

Jupiter The

iiu ster,

signs are further defined by 5 elements,

wood,

The

It is

is based on the year of Each of the 12 animal signs occurs

birth.

makes, eolor the expression ol its energies Below are the main symbols and associations for each planet

and the aspects

position,

>

The Chinese system

M

a satellite) represent basic drives or

characteristics thai arc

The

I

Chinese astrology

Sun and Moon

planets, although technically a

treated

and

> <

\RY RULERS

I

In.noastrology,as star

i

B ° AI

1948) The rat is ambitious, hard-working, and liable to accumulate money. Rats may be reserved and shy

^ttfc. ~"'S bom

1959) under hose the boar tend to be

g

I

soc iable, Loyal,

with

reliable

and

a

passionate nature.

search lor knowledge

and meaning |upiter s associated body part is the liver, and it rules Sagittarius and Pisces.

%

Saturn Once

I^T

s-^- Dog cHl (e.g

19"

(e.g

The intelligent and hard-working ox can

Dogs

affectionate, honest,

and

be stubborn. But once aroused, an ox's leehngs are deep.

m^f >f^

known

The

planet,

are

but can be

inflexible.

J^ ^^

Tiger 1962)

(e.g

They

loyal

objective

the

farthest

I

are intelligent,

RoosiER 1957)

(e.g

Disciplined and good

tiger takes risks,

usually born

and childhood, the

Saturn represents

but

Moon

order, limitation, and

lucky. Tigers have a

the rooster can be

responsibility It is associated with the skeleton and the skin,

sensual nature and

eccentric, but has a

olten act

is

the Sun's

feminine counterpart Linked to the stomach and womb, its metal is silver

The Moon

rules

the sign of Cancer.

and rules Capricorn and Aquarius

k^A*

2 the

i

h\

Fast-

moving

the urge

a

i

\kn 20th CENTURY

"jM^' £ j

pursues a comfortable

time

ol

lifestyle

bf\£

Vft^L

Dragon

^

oXXSP

YEARS

Snvki

V,

g 1940) are strong(e

Shit teg 1943) i'

this sign

easily

unpredictable charat

makes them populai

new

dramatic change. It is the ruler of Aquarius.

and either marry young or stay single

are as

m, Mercury rules Virgo and Gemini

and

^f ™

II 'I'M

icg 1990)

generous, the horse is a popular and rather

to be secretive.

ideas,

settled latei

Freedom-loving, good-

are usually successful,

They

more

humored, and

individual freedom,

fiery.

W^ ~

conceited mon can be promiscuous when young, but is

loving, with a tendency

with the shoulders, arms, and nervous

Dragons and

1992)

leg. 1953) Snakes are pleasure -

willed

They energetic and

self-reliant as

dragons.

tei

Those born under tend to

hun

leel

heii

I

compassionate nature

Mapping the S

The planet of

I

A WHEEL OF

and social unrest, Uranus represents

9Vfai

Z<

HINE5I />'DI\( «*

Hindi ZODIAI

'

i

'

hidden ttina

the the

pio,

with the head

and with

I

beyond out control, .md is nan

Roman

underworld :

with

Pi ini

gi It

IISTRY is

win

ii

n

CM

is«110

.'.

life,

103;

wal,

ll >

I

I

\

"I

^Hl'hi

'

1

1 -)

Symbol Systems

Status symbols

Heraldic Emblems One of the most colorful and There

is

no

attractive uses of

limit to the variety of devices

symbols

in heraldry.

is

used - plants, animals, humans,

Since coats of arms are ultimately granted by the "fount of all honor," the Crown, they have come to represent power and authority

-

royal, inherited, or civic.

grouped in a coat of arms or as a flag to represent a family, business, or nation. The practice of heraldry began in medieval times when symbols were used to identify knights on a battlefield or jousting in tournaments. It soon became a highly complicated system that had to be strictly regulated. This was done by the kings messengers, the heralds, which is why it is called heraldry.

and inscriptions

mythical beings, geometric shapes, colors,

are

Vivid language Heraldic devices are described in a

language called "blazon." It uses terms such as "shield," "charge" (a symbol on the shield), and "supporter" (a figure on

Arms of Henry

VIII

At the time of Henry VIII. the Bntish royal coat of arms bore the English lion and the Welsh dragon. The unicorn of Scotland was not represented since Scotland was then a separate kingdom.

either side of a shield).

Lion

Eagle

The

The double-headed

so-called king of

beasts

is

symbol

a natural

eagle

ot royalt)

is

of Byzantine

Roman)

(late

origin.

Dog

Trappings of chivalry Knights and their horses dressed sumptuously for battle or tournament. They wore their heraldic symbols on their shields, armor, and surcoats. A surcoat was the garment worn over the armor, and from it we get the term 'coat of arms."

Bear

ibol ol faithfulness

In Central

European

and

heraldry the bear, standing for strength, often replaces the lion

loyalty, a

dog may

Minify a Crusader.

Arms or mi Swinton Crested

family

Dating from the 12th century, the Swinton family arms have evolved from a single boar "rampant" (upright) into a herd of six, acquiring along the

eagle Crests were onginally heraldic

way

the mottos

"1

hope" and

"1

think."

symbols mounted on helmets.

An

eagle,

symbol of German power, crowns an early 20thcentury Prussian

i

officer's

helmet.

/

Cadency marks On

English coats of

arms these symbols represent the rank H PLATE, 1

5th century

•ON

a family.

Mixed signals The charges" on this "shield" are a castle, denoting the Spanish city of Castile, and a lion, for the city of Leon. Trie surrounding decc. ation is of ongin, reflecting Spain's Moorish heritage.

3rd son

of each son within

%>

c

LrLn7

4m

-

1

14

-

©

Arms of the City of Liverpool Neptune and

a

merman,

the "supporters," rein

long history as a port, as does the ship The liver bird (similar to a cormorant), is a visual pun, a device in heraldry called "canting to Liverpool's

Herai.dk' Emblems

Asian badges of honor Japan is the only nation that uses a .similar system ol heraldry to thai ol Europe, and u also developed in the 12ih centurj Japanese heraldic

"mons," and are usually circular. The red sun on the lapanese Hag is the mon ol the Land ol the Rising Sun Symbolic patterns were also used on Chinese eourt dress to denote rank.

symbols

are called

I

\A1IYI

HI

R1VATJ

[MP! RIA1

LOWER

I

The chrysanthemum is

Official's drfss ach round pattern on this Chinese coun coat is made up of good luck symbols. The Manchurian crane was a symbol of longevity, and was supposed to

the national flower

|apan and a symbol of long life and ol

I

prosperity. The lopetaled flower is the cresi ol the

emperor.

other imperial males use a 14-petaled mon.

carry the immortals

through the

air.

Whue

cranes were embroidered on the u>uri robes ol civic officials ol the

tourth grade. Here they are encircled

by clouds and tiny bats, the

bats being

i

symbols of

I

happiness.

WHI

Flags Using

range of colors, lorrns. emblems,

a

and designs,

flags represent a

wide variety

of different peoples, hut prohahly the

best-knoun

flags are those ol nation stales

M

South Korea

\\\i

\i

Malawi s flag is taken from the arms ol the formei colon)

moon,

many

Hags,

sometimes

<

representing royalty he rising red sun in I

the top

band

ol

I

ol

Nyasaland

PlRUI

I

i

the vm-vang symbol id the entei represents the two universal opposing - ol faoism he foui trigrams ol the ng represem sun,

The sun appears on

earth,

US

w

But The dragon to those thai

appeared

on Chinese Hags

-

reminder that this Himalayan kingdom in its

language,

own Druli

I

the

and

^

I

loi

added

lawaii, «

I

in

1

\/m>

See

no mere) would be shown to victim The winged hourglass arm and sword, I

signified death

ioi+i

Sri \\k\ The lion emhl'

(

I

w \l)\

maple >m mal

w

Hi (

I

|s|

10

Catherine of Siena

53

74

21

seal

St.

Francis of Assist

seder

19,53

Selket

14

is

93

44 83

ring

83.87

14

67 50

Ro<

Home

quail

15, 20, 44.

serpent

45,59,63 78,86

double-headed 28

St

|ohn the

si

Mark

si

Mar) Magdal

she.il

14 vangelist

sea urchin

shamroi

19

71

roman numerals 102

si

Patrick

Romans

si

Paul

st

Petet

rool

19

90 st

si

|

4

i

salmon 44

,1

marks 'ulei ol

t

14

18

shiti.ih

(a< a<

20

21

i.i

>6

61

Valenti

salamandet

'I

•

1

Shintoism 27 ship

homas Aquinas

41.

card 82

i

90

18

l

is

95

rope 61

116

19

29 55

j

I

sheliu shield

Shiva

6

67

46

46

k

sheng 81

|

108

<

hydra 28

shells

1",

10

101 1

Michael 91

70

66

John the Baptist

si

25

•

lerome 62

19

51

qualit) control

57

Matthew 96

ol the

75. 79 si

80

7

I

si

k.

golden

Qitou

84

St

61 63 65.67.71.

Q

91

55

sea urchin

sheep

locket l >4

10,

19

36

54

St

IS

rice

rock

46

14.

David 49

robin

puis,

Poseidon

seahorse 2° 54

Christophei

Puranas 21

107

of 27

Si

rivet

50,

Monarch

St.

54

29

29

14

54

puppet 76

i/in

pendulum

Catherine

St.

nhs 74

79

qiblah

pen 47 •

)i>

olivi

-

1

pelican f>4 ">4

I

38 4

>

51

45

Odin

6

peai

St.

Greek 14,47,49,

105

peach 48

Makai.i

mermaids/sirens

Cecilia 81

ribbon, red

22

Lghtfold

I

Andrew 90 Augustine 81

St.

resurrection

10,73,89

15

si

Hildegard 40

pyramid

17

Aphrodite

George

purple

passion [lower

14

40.92

St.

15,44, 54

gyptian

74.

34 albatross 67

84

top

St

puja

65

parrot parsle)

75

42 44

rib

112

St

protective figure

J6

sea

see ciKc individual

princess

bird ol

scythe

Sagittarius, sign ol

gods

pansy 50

Paradise

46

ol

47

sage 47

sailor's

Scorpio

emblem

Scotland,

106

rug 24. 45

parabaik 22

Nirvana 22. 121

20

112

ol

57

see also

wheel 23 primrose 53

^>o

sadku saffron

117

Roman 15,49,

prince

.

scorpion

Norse 15

Pandora

88,89

i

human 74

76,88

box 16

Pan pipes 46 81 I

sw pie

sacrifice,

Jewish 16

newt 58

1

25

18,

scent shaker 21

3

Celtic

1

55

Scorpio sign

14-15

78

ibra

1

5,

1

16

religions, ancient

Neptune

New Guinea 54 66 New Zealand 65

Pan 46. 81

(2

106. 115, 117

I

book

i

s

51,56. 66,67 82.

prayer

107

Aries

83, 85, 93, 97,

14, 24. 121

ii/s,>

90

sabbath

1

reeds

61

scales

21, 107, 121

recycling sign

64

satyrs

scarab 35. 56

red 41,45, 48, 50,

50, 93

potion, love

Pakistan, Hag of

Poseidon

Nepiune (planet)

see

pagoda 23

102. 114. 121

nettle

41

Poseidon

Nelertem 52. 121

net

54,

poppy

P

ilso

Polynesia

pomander

ol

36

61

64,67,88, 121

113

emblem

see also

Re, sun-god 44, 52,

109

rule

pomegranate 48, 67

19

44

•

1

110,113

scallop

raven 64, 92

Pluto (planet)

ox 61, 113

74

navel

rat

1 1

106

37. 50

see also

112

80

Saturnalia 44

5

1

16,

Rama

Pluto 45, 121

10

1

owl 67

Narcissus 53 Nativity

ram

plum 45, 48

plumb

1

sapphire 40. 41 Sarasvaii

Saturn

Russia,

rainforest

plow 90

67

ostrich

100

40. 41

runes

rainbow

ornaments, garden 43

oyster

rabbit

cone 71. 75

Ostara 53

Divine 25

Five

pineapple 48, 70

naga 29

Napoleon 66

R

24

orange (color) 107

105, 121

Samurai 54,91, 121

Rosetta Ston<

rub>

Delilah

73

1

21

19

orb 88,89

organ 81

N

108

j

47

mar)

•% *.-i

Samson and

51

window

40,

31

121

quintessence

75. 109

pillar

orchid 50

45

Tudor

rose-water sprinkler

onion 49

orange

66

121

Ophelia 50

16

1

Muslim 24. 25, 45,91

14. 75.

74.88

54,

10,

Quetzalcoatl

88

Olympic games 49 21

% » » » %^%.'» --%.-%.-». -•-»-»%.•%•»»*»»-%»*•.»

ioldi

54

84

28

stiletto

shofat

Salu

shou

samsai

shrine

70

16

104

^%s%^4

*.^%^%^%^%s%^%s-%r'%^ I

2

5

5

5

2

Buddhist 23

six-pointed 104.

Surya 61

household 21

108. 115

sutra

24

Islamic

55

starfish

Shinto 27

stela

see also chorten

sticks, divination

Sicily,

emblem

sickle

90

of 75

emblem

of 91

39,86,97. 116

103 Sioux 66, 121

Mary

38,42,47,48.

106. 121

Swinton family, arms

Torah 17

Virgo, sign of

torch

Vishnu 20. 21. 31.

94

con.

28

112,

6

80,89,90,91.04 symbol, sex 70

T

64

garuda 29, 31

snake 22, 59, 113

58

snakes and ladders 59

Tahiti

goose 65

Taj

Grand Master 109

talisman 40, 72, 86,

Mahal 93

snowflake 37

hawk 67 heron 67

Tane 64

horse 61

Taoism 27. 44. 47.

108

Temple of 25. 109

Solomon

Islands 54

South Korea,

Japan

115

1

5

1

symbol

lion 60,

of former 90, 121

lotus 52

spear 91, 115

orange 48

Sphinx 31

peacock 65

pomegranate 48

spine 75

quail

67

temple 25, 72, 95,

raven 64

104. 109

Spirit,

Holy 18

Re

Hindu 21

14

ring (on cross)

spoon 97

rooster

square 104

spider 57

square and compass

spiral

Lanka, flag of

stairs

star

1 1

62

stag

24, 25 -pointed 78,

102,

18

64

105

63

107,116

sunflower 52

of David

16 115

turtle see tortoise

washing

thorns,

crown of

17

wasp 57

121

70

yoni

York 51

Z

see also sea

17

salt

waterfall

waving

1

weal her

37

Zaire, flag of

18

Zen

37

garden 43

whale 54

zero

unconscious 10

wheat 46

Zeus 14, 15, 31,44,

unicorn 28

wheel 21, 103, 104,

1

1

I

I

Catherine

Uroboros 108

ol

S, flag of

35

115

19

law 22

of hie

22

yel!

throne 88

thunder 37, 90

Chinese 30, 60, I

1

3

Hindu 29. 104

spinning 90

Nepalese

willow

1

1

3

Zoroastrianism 57, 60, 67, 121

44, 50

17

pattern

82

window 94 wine

14, 15,

82 121

^*

swordfish 54

black 35

sky 37

N

sword

60

candle 97

49,

50. 51, 53, 55, 56.

symbol, mathematical

72, 115, 117

18, 28,

top hat 85

tracing board

calendar 35

wreath 44, 93

wren 67

topaz 40. 41

symbol, definition of

64

43

Versailles

swing 96

Apollo 14

bird

72

stick

Virgin

tongue 72. 110

tower 95

-and-crossbones

snail

toad 58. 79

swastika 21. 22. 75,

sycamore 44

Bastet

skeleton 74

Sleipnir

swan 65

amber 38

113

Sisyphus 39

skull

50

star-shaped 25

woodpecker 67

worm 57

1 1

violet

115

(astrology)

29

(planet)

Tlaloc 28

sun 34-35 Terasu 27

Venus

swallow 64

114 81, 101

Aphrodite

see also

28

Tigris tile,

sukkot 17

Ama

seven deadly

siren

23

62. 113

tiger

23

105

Sumenans

simurgh 31 sins,

Stone, Philosopher's

stupa

84

silver

110

stork 65, 67, 71

6

sign, definition of

Sikhs,

100

Symbols

Svipdag 38

108

Siddhartha 22, 23

silk

&

Signs

'VBHt?

3

5

19

witch 60, 78

doctor 70 woli

34

*^S%S*S%S%^S%S%*%*%**s%s*S%s%S%^S%s%S%**S%S%s*S\S%S%*%S%S%S%^S\?^ I

26

Further Reapi ng

Further Reading Ayo, Yvonne.

Guerber, H.A. The Myths

Africa, Eyewitness Guides,

Dover,

Knopf, L995

Baquedano. Elizabeth. Acre. Eyewitness Guides,

& Gombrich,

Hall. James. Subjects

Richard.

Hall,

-

1

Becker. Udo. The Continuum Encyclopedia of

in

Wendy. The

&

HUP, 1992

A

Campbell, Joseph. The Masks

of God, vol

Mythology; vol

4:

Architecture of the

Creative

Dictionary of Symbols,

Japan,

Roman

Mythology,

Scripts,

Dictionary of Symbols, Routledge,

&Co

1993

& Clift. Wallace, Symbols of

Transformation

in

Dreams, Crossroad NY.

Thames and Hudson

J.

C.

& Mythological Animals,

ThorsonsSF, 1992

De

Pantheon Books, 1981

Alchemy, Thames and Hudson

Fberard,

Di<

Inc.,

& Visions,

1988

Routledge

Precious Stones,

& Kegan

& Mystery, DK

1992

1991

.

Philip. The Art

& Bah.

Java

Southeast Asia

oj

Thames and Hudson Spirits,

1990

Inc., 1

Brown,

ittle

1995

Inc.,

the Cat,

1991

& James, A Dictionai

& Hall,

Chapman

1985 olors

c

H. Holt, 1994

Hudson

hristian

(

Art,

Thames and i

1995

Inc.,

t

&

Twining, Louisa, Symbols \u.

Emblems

Gordon

Early

oj

&

1980

Press.

Versluis, Arthur. Native American Traditioi

to

qj Beliefs

Bringers

and

(

Good

oj

olors,

I

uck

\ t

hai

(

Gordon

Press,

1991

1991

Press,

and

lopi did oj

Spells, Talismans,

African

Mascot Booh An

Villiers, Elizabeth. The

Encyt

Bazaz. Buddhism. Facts

On

File,

Wangu, Madhu

Bazaz. Hind

On

File,

is

1991 \\ ernei

N94

I

Dover, \\ ernei

Religions,

Larousse, Kingfisher, Chambers.

Wangu, Madhu 1993

Dover Publications, 1971

Larousse Dictionary

1986

Inc

Thames and

Element, 1994

Mythology and Rehgum. Element, 1993

tumary of Chinese

'ish edition,

Paul.

& Symbol: A Selection of

Kunz, George Frederick. The Curious Ion

Wolfram A

Rawson.

Medieval

Inc.,

Thames and

1985

Inc.,

Philip, Sacred Tibet,

Thomas, Nicholas, Oceanic

1964

Knappert, Jan, The Encyclopedia of Middle Eastern

1972

Hudson

Myths,

oj

1995

.

Philip, Art oj Tantra,

Stuiley. Margaret

Symbols, Doubleday

Myth and Legend, Aquarian

McGraw-

Rawson,

Inc

Thames and Hudson

Knappert, Jan, Indian Mythology, Encyclopedia of

1973

Inc.,

Dreyfuss, Henry, Symbol Sourcebook,

Publishing

Saunders. Nicholas. The Cult of

Mythology, Thorsons SF, 1991

Rola, Stanislas Klossowski, The Secret Art of

Hill.

his

Knappert. Jan, Aquarian Guide

Crossley-Holland, Kevin, The Norse Myths, Gods of the Vikings,

and

1991

Publishing

DK

Theroux, Alexander. The Primary

King, Francis X., Mind, Magic Symbolic

Philip, Neil, The Illustrated Book

Hinduism and Us Symbols, Routledge,

Man and

Amity House

1992

Inc.,

I

Valley,

Kelsey, Morton, Symbols, Dreams

Illustrated Encyclopedia of

Traditional Symbols,

Cooper,

Ai

to the

Writings from C.G.Jung, Princeton University Press,

C, An

Guide

Kathmadu

Jung, Carl G., Psyche

1986 J.

A

Abrams 1992

Inc.,

Nov Complete Astrology, Random

Saunders. Nicholas. Animal

Illustrated Encyclopedia, 2 vols.,

Jung, Carl G.,

Oxford University

.

Cambodia. Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Burma, of Ancient India.

Jean, Georges, Writing, the Story of Alphabets and

Chiron. 1994

Jean

Visual Arts

Kodansha, 1993

Chiron Dictionary of Greek and

Cooper,

An

Parker, Derek.

Rawson,

Shambhala Publications, 1994

ThorsonsSF, 1994

Clift,

994

Abrams, 1991

Hint, Michael. Nepal,

Mythology, Viking, 1959-68

A

1

Weatherhill, 1995

I:

Music

to

1967

Hudson

& Fleming, John,

Huntingdon, Susan, The Art

Primitive Mythology; vol 2: Oriental Mythology;

Cirlot, J.E.,

Symbols

An Odyssey into the Spirit Putnam Pub Group, 1994

of Africa,

History,

l

House Value, 1990

Illustrated Dictionary of

Publications, 1991

Mesopotamia, University of Texas Press, 1992

Chetwynd, Tom,

Harper

Eastern and Western Art, HarperCollins.

Honour, Hugh

Symbols of Ancient

Blurton. Richard. Hindu Art,

vol 3. Occidental

Ait.

in

Herder Symbol Dictionary, The, Chiron

& Green. Anthony.

Gods, Demons

James, The

World

Story oj Painting,

Publishing. Inc., 1993

Black, Jeremy

Symbols

Hall, James, Sangoma:

Symbols, Continuum, 1994

DK

&

then Meaning,

i

Companion

)xford

Press,

and Row. 1974

Hudson

The World of Buddhism, Thames and

Becket, Sister

Concordia (

.

ThorsonsSF, 1992

Becheri. Heinz

.

99

Nordon, Rudolph. Symbols and

} >

Haeffner. Mark, Dictionary of Alchemy

Knopf. 1993

Inc

1

Rome,

-

of*

*

Myths and

(

I

na,

I

I

ed

Karel

&

The Indian

Jyml

\u

i

&

Religion

:

:

i'

Farrant. Sheila. Symbols for Zodiac.

ThorsonsSF.

Ferguson, George, Signs Art.

Oxford

Matnlmeal

V.

1W &

Toronto

Symbols

:

in

Christian

1

o) Signs

&

Publishing, 1993

ontana, David

\1

read

Mgmund

Knopf,

H

mbols,

Hie InterpretaH

I

Diversity of

Egypt.

Williams,

The Tempi

;

I

The Gods

and Syml

Thames and Hudson

An

(

(

ompai

Viking

i

i"

nese Symbolism

A.S., Outlii

Motl

Witkower, Rudoll

rhames and Hudson

.Religions. The, Lion

Yarwood, Doreen,

In

rh<

•

n Publishing

>n File

y^S%s%^l^S%^

and

<

fvilization

1977

.

Encyclopedia of World

Random House

turn*

Inc

SA, 1994

I

Valui

Zimmer, Heinri< h Myths and Symbols

nguin 191

i

Riverdale

bols

Morns Desmond

i

Gordon, Matthi

Art,

19£

Lurkei Manfred

Morgan Hal Symbols I

&

1987

Press,

undquist, |ohn

in Life

Heaven and Earth, Thames and Hudson

961

Foley, John, The Guinness Encyclopedia

I

Leith, James, Symbols

Panthi

Indian

in

i -

1

'4o

&

Signs ^*-***»-"*-*-»^

Symbols »^»^^%^*^>»^»^^»^*^»^»--»,

-'•< S

/



Heraldry Printed

in

Spain

Swinton Family Crest

Rvl BAy Symbol

<

Heraldic Shield

Chinese Chess Pieces

Double-Headed Fagle

Imperial Figures in Courtly Power Struggles

Scallop Shell Emblem

of Venus

Lips

A

Symbol

Kiss of Love