What is Symbolism?

Posted on March 25, 2008
Filed Under Awareness, Symbolism |

Put in very simple terms, symbolism is language. It is a way of conveying meaning through the use of imagery, ideas, sound or metaphor by way of association. As such all languages are symbolic. In the modern age, symbolism is heavily used by commercial interests to associate meaning with product brands. For example the Coca-Cola brand has one of the most recognizable logos in the world. In fact the brand is so deeply ingrained into most peoples minds that it can instantly be recognized from just a small portion of the logo.

Coca-Cola Logo - Most Recognized

The word logo is from the Greek word Logos and in general terms means ‘to carry meaning’ or to say or speak. It is also the root of the word logic, and can also be applied to all forms of reasoning, thought and meaning. In the Christian Bible, the term “The Word” is a translation of Logos. To understand symbolism it is important to realize the connection with Logos.

Returning to the Coca-Cola logo for a moment; the logo itself carries meaning because it is instantly associated with the drink - the mind automatically makes this connection without even thinking about it. For many people the brand will also carry other meaning, such as refreshing, cool, and thirsty. Such is the power of this logo that it can have you reaching for a drink before you even realize it. This itself hints at the power of other symbolism, such as national or religious symbols.

Of course product branding by way of symbolism is a relatively new phenomena. Institutions, monarchs, empires and governments on the other hand have been using symbolism for millennia - one of the most well know being the Cross. The Cross is a symbol which carries many different meanings for a lot of different people.

Reversal of Meaning

There is an inherent problem with symbols which have been in existence for hundreds or even thousands of years. With passing centuries a sort of ‘drift of meaning’ affects symbols, and causes their original meaning to become lost or buried, to be replaced with new meanings in the form of mass-consensus. That is, the new meanings hold weight because it is the meaning which the majority of people apply to a specific symbol.

One of the best examples of this, is the swastika - often referred to as the ‘Nazi Swastika’. This specific symbol is over 3,000 years old and has roots in ancient India. The original Sanskrit meaning of the word swastika is ‘to be good‘. Before the Nazis adopted the symbol, it was often used to represent life, the sun and good will.

It is reasonable to say that - historically speaking - the swastika still carries the same meaning today as it has for the last 3,000 years. After all the fact the Nazis used this symbol doesn’t change its use in ancient history. However what it has done is change the meaning within peoples minds. For the modern person - especially those who lived through the 1940’s - the symbol carries a very different meaning; specifically death, hate and evil.

The reversal of the meaning of symbols is very common in history. This then, is one of the most important factors to remember when interpreting symbolism. The meaning a symbol carries today may not be the original meaning of said symbol.

What is Symbolism?

With the above in mind, symbolism is a language which is used to convey meaning through the use of symbols. These symbols can be product logos, or national or religious symbols. Symbolism isn’t just limited to imagery though, when used in context specific words, ideas or objects are also symbolic. Within religion for example, the word ‘crucifiction’ carries symbolical meaning. At certain times of the year specific objects will carry symbolical meaning, such as the egg, mistletoe, or the May Pole.

Symbolism then, is also interpreting the original meaning of these symbols and the story they tell from their context and their place in history. It is a form of ‘hidden’ language, which when used, uncovers knowledge and truths which have long fallen from the minds of humanity. Once you start to understand symbolism and untangle the many reversal of meanings which have occurred, it is possible to uncover a world history very different different from that which is officially recognized.