Wooden chakra engraving in flower of life (11cm)

A symbol is a sign where there is no natural relationship between the representation of the sign and the meaning it expresses. A symbol is a bearer of meaning; it has a form or representation on the one hand, and a meaning on the other. The meaning of a symbol is conventional; it is usually based on agreements made by the users of the symbol or (as in the language) the users of the system of which the symbol is part. In addition to the symbol, semiotics distinguishes two other kinds of signs: the index and the icon. Symbols appear in many places in our daily lives. They determine our streetscape with flags, trademarks, logos and billboards. In traffic we come across countless images that tell us what we can or cannot do or that warn us about dangerous situations. Religions around the world use symbols that can represent the complete concept of that religion, but also for concepts that play a role within that religion. For example, signs can have a symbolic function. A religious symbol can also take the form of a writing (also written as a symbolum, such as the Apostles' Creed (Symbolum Apostolicum), which functions as a (recognition) sign for the unity of a religious community. A sign always has only one meaning, one symbol has multiple meanings. A symbol makes one think about the main issues in life. Human, animal, semi-human or superhuman figures also sometimes have a very specific meaning within religions. Examples of symbols play an important role in religion and spirituality: