Symbols have always held powerful meanings for those who use them. In an instant they can conjure up strong emotions within the beholder. They can strike fear into the hearts of many. They can rouse entire armies to reckless courage. They can comfort us or give us hope. Symbols accomplish in an instant what words alone can only hope to achieve. Many of the symbols that we see around us have been around for a very long time, but interestingly enough, they probably mean something different to us now than they meant to those who first created them.
One of the symbols that has endured throughout time is the Triquetra (also known as the Trinity Knot). The earliest version of this symbol was found on Germanic coins dating back to ~ 500 AD probably referencing the Norse god Odin. The symbol was later used by pagan Celtics to represent the three forces of nature (earth, air and water) or the threefold nature of the Goddess (virgin, mother and crone). This same symbol was later adopted by Christians to represent the Godhead (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost). In modern-day Ireland, the Trinity Knot is often engraved on the bride’s wedding ring, symbolizing the groom’s commitment to the three promises of a relationship (to love, honor and protect).
One of the most widely disputed symbols of all time is the swastika. The word derives from the Sanskrit svastika which means “good fortune” or “well-being.” The swastika is still used in Hindu and Buddhist cultures as a sign of good luck. However the Western world regards the swastika with disdain after Germany’s Hitler used it in World War II. For many in the Western world, the swastika represents the evil crimes committed by Hitler against humanity and will never be publicly accepted because of the powerful emotions of fear and hate that it stir within them. Hitler is one that was able to completely redefine an ancient symbol for his own purposes.
When guest speaker Andi Pitcher Davis came to our class, she talked about using her bread to redefine some of the sayings that she heard daily. After passing though Vegas and reading the phrase “All of the pleasure without the meaning” she decided to print that statement on a loaf of bread, completely changing the meaning. The same can be done with ancient symbols. They can be changed and manipulated to suit our current needs and ideas.
Every day, new symbols are being defined by rock bands, political leaders, and manufacturing companies who recognize the power behind them. In a way, the meanings that these symbols hold is folk knowledge. It's not something that's written in a book, rather something that we learn from those around us. It's something that we feel rather than consciously know. Because of that, the meanings evolve with time, changing as quickly as the seasons sometimes. For many, the here and now is all they will ever know and that will be taught to them by their peers and their experiences. No matter how many times we explain that the swastika originally represented good luck, we will never be able to convince this generation of it's goodness because of the life they have lived and the experiences that they've shared. As we come to recognize the power of symbols in our lives, we can better control their influence over us and also learn to use them effectively to further our cause among the masses.
It's kinda crazy to think how surrounded we are by symbols every day. Even just walking around campus, the fliers or advertisements on the side will have the BYU seal/symbol. I don't know if people even realize the impact a simple picture has on them. Some people go so far as not purchasing clothes unless a certain symbol is on it. Insane..
ReplyDeleteAwesome post!
Obviously symbols have taken on a new character since the advent of mass media, and they probably work differently for those who are literate than those who are not. I think symbols derive their power by being associated with a given institution, so maybe we should think of them as emblematic of the power of institutions (or perhaps cultures, nations, empires, or corporations). Think of the power of the cross as a Christian symbol, or the star of David for Judaism.
ReplyDeleteSymbols are really interesting just think about the symbol of this nation. Now did you think of the flag or an eagle. Its so weird to think that one thing can have many symbols. Also like you said Jake symbols are always changing and becoming something new and interesting. There are so many ways to look at different symbols.
ReplyDeleteNice job Jake! The point you made about the swastika and its entirely different meaning depending on what culture you are apart of got me thinking... Professor Burton mentioned the star of David as the representation of power for the Jewish faith, which to a Jew would conjure up feelings of pride and honor and religious fervor. However to the average Arab it would symbolize their oldest enemy, their conflict with Israel, and the hatred that those thoughts entail. So the interesting thing about symbols is they rely entirely on perspective.
ReplyDeleteExactly Tanner! Your interpretation of the symbol depends entirely on your perspective. That's why I believe the interpretation of symbols to be a kind of folk knowledge. It's definitely something learned from your community/family and not from a textbook.
ReplyDeleteGideon also made an excellent point. Symbols gain their power from the institution/idea/etc. that they represent, but perhaps don't have much power in and of themselves. This is easily seen when we examine just how easily the meaning of a symbol can change with time.
It's definitely an interesting thing to have a means of communication just through a symbol. So much can be said, understood, or portrayed through the use of symbols. Of course the interpretation and perspective is all determined by the viewer, it is still an amazing means of communication between people.
ReplyDeleteJust like popular phrases, (Example: Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. - Thomas S. Monson) symbols can have an equal effect and power.