Description
A symbol is a sign in which there is no natural relationship between its representation and the meaning it expresses. A symbol is a bearer of meaning; on the one hand, it has a form or representation, and on the other, a meaning. The meaning of a symbol is conventional; it is usually based on agreements made by the users of the symbol or (as in language) by the users of the system of which the symbol is a part. Semiotics distinguishes two other types of signs besides the symbol: the index and the icon. In our daily lives, symbols appear in all sorts of places. They define our streetscape with flags, trademarks, logos, and billboards. In traffic, we encounter countless images that tell us what we should or should not do or that warn us of dangerous situations. Religions around the world use symbols, which can represent the entire concept of that religion, but also concepts that play a role within that religion. In this way, signs can have a symbolic function. A religious symbol can also take the form of a text (also written as a symbolum, such as the Apostles' Creed (Symbolum Apostolicum)), which serves as a (recognition) sign for the unity of a religious community. A sign always has only one meaning, a symbol multiple meanings. A symbol encourages reflection on the essentials of life. Human, animal, semi-human, or superhuman figures also sometimes have very specific meanings within religions. Examples of symbols play an important role in religion and spirituality:
