(42) Mudra Méditation Yoga Pendentif Symbolique. Fait à la main en Inde.

A symbol is a sign where there is no natural relationship between the representation of the sign and the meaning that is expressed with it. A symbol is a signifier; it has on the one hand a form or representation, and on the other hand a meaning. The meaning of a symbol is conventional; it is usually based on agreements that the users of the symbol or (as in the language) have made the users of the system of which the symbol is part. Semiotics distinguishes two other types of signs besides the symbol: the index and the icon. In our daily life symbols come back in all kinds of places. They define our street scene with flags, trademarks, logos and advertising signs. In traffic we come across countless images that tell us what we can or can not do or that warn us about dangerous situations.Gods around the world use symbols that can stand for the complete concept of that religion, but also for concepts that play a role in that religion. For example, characters can have a symbolic function. A religious symbol can also take the form of a scripture (also written as symbolum, such as the Apostolic creed (Symbolum Apostolicum), which serves as a (recognition) sign for the unity of a religious community.) A sign always has a meaning, a symbol symbolizes several meanings: a symbol is used to think about the essentials of life.For human, animal, half-human or superhuman figures, religions sometimes have a very specific meaning.Examples of symbols play an important role in religion and spirituality: