Symbols are the most international and timeless language. We see them every day and we know roughly what they mean. However, symbols in the course of their thousand-year history could change their meaning to the opposite.
Yin Yang
Time of appearance: According to the famous Russian orientalist, Doctor of Historical Sciences Alexei Maslov, the yin-yang symbolism may have been borrowed by Taoists from Buddhists in the 1st-3rd centuries: “they were attracted by Buddhist hand-drawn symbols - and Taoism had its own“ mandala ”: the famous black and white“ fish "Yin and yang".
Where was used: The concept of Yin-Yang is key to Taoism and Confucianism, the doctrine of Yin-Yang is one of the foundations of traditional Chinese medicine.
The values: In The Book of Changes, yang and yin served to express light and dark, hard and soft. During the development of Chinese philosophy, yang and yin increasingly symbolized the interaction of extreme opposites: light and darkness, day and night, sun and moon, sky and earth, heat and cold, positive and negative, even and odd, and so on.
Originally "yin" meant "northern, shadow", and "yang" - "southern, sunny side of the mountain." Later, "yin" was perceived as negative, cold, dark and feminine, and "yang" - as positive, light, warm and masculine.
As the basic (fundamental) model of all that exists, the concept of yin-yang reveals two provisions explaining the nature of Tao. First, things are constantly changing. Secondly, opposites complement each other (there can be no black without white, and vice versa). The goal of human existence, therefore, is the balance and harmony of opposites. There can be no "final victory", for there is nothing final, there is no end as such
Magen David
Time of appearance: It is reliably known that the hexagram was widely used in the Bronze Age (late IV-early III millennium BC) over a vast territory: from India to the Middle East.
Where was used: In ancient India, the hexagram was called Anahata or Anahata chakra. The six-pointed star was known in the ancient Near and Middle East. In the Islamic tradition, in Mecca, the main Muslim shrine - the Kaaba - is traditionally covered with a silk veil, which depicts hexagonal stars.
It was only in the Middle Ages that the six-pointed star was associated with Jewry, and in medieval Arabic books the hexagram is found much more often than in Jewish mystical works, and for the first time images of the hexagram appear in the Jewish holy books in Muslim countries, only in the 13th century they reached Germany. The six-pointed star is found on the flags of the Muslim states of Karaman and Kandar.
There is an assumption according to which the hexagram was the family symbol of the family of David al-Roi, who lived in Iran, one of the contenders for the role of the Mashiach. This is sometimes used to explain the origin of the accepted name of the hexagram: Magen David, or "the shield of David".
The Rothschild family, having received the title of nobility, included Magen David in their family coat of arms. Heinrich Heine put a hexagram instead of a signature under his newspaper articles. It was subsequently adopted as a symbol of the Zionist movement.
The values: In India, the hexagram Anahata symbolized the attic chakra, the reversal of the male (Shiva) and female (Shakti) principles. In the Middle and Near East, the hexagram was a symbol of the goddess Astarte. The six-pointed star is included in the symbolism of Kabbalah: two superimposed triangles are considered as a visual symbol of the Sefirot.
In the twenties of the twentieth century, Franz Rosenzweig interpreted Magen David as a symbolic expression of his philosophical ideas about the meaning of Judaism and the relationship between Gd, man and the universe.
The connection of the six-pointed star with the Jews was finally established as a result of Nazi policy in Germany. Yellow Magen David has become a symbol of the Holocaust.
Caduceus
Time of appearance: The exact time of the appearance of the caduceus is unknown. Obviously this is a very ancient symbol. It is also found on the monuments of Ancient India and Ancient Egypt, Phenicia and Sumer, Ancient Greece, Iran, Rome and even Mesoamerica.
Where was used: Caduceus - and today one of the most common symbols in heraldry. In the form of a caduceus, there was a rod of heralds among the Greeks and Romans (the rod of Hermes). When they were sent to the enemy camp, the caduceus was the guarantee of their immunity.
In occultism, the caduceus is considered a symbol of the key that opens the border between darkness and light, good and evil, life and death.
Since the 19th century, the image of the caduceus has often been used in several countries (for example, in the USA) as a symbol of medicine, which is the result of a common mistake due to its resemblance to the staff of Asclepius.
The image of the caduceus as an attribute of the god of trade is traditionally used in the symbols of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of a number of countries around the world, including Russia.
Before the revolution and in several periods after it, the crossed caduceus was used as a customs emblem.
Today, a caduceus crossed with a torch is included in the emblem of the Federal Customs Service and is one of the heraldic symbols of arbitration courts, the Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation and the State Tax Service of Ukraine. Since September 2007, the caduceus has been used in the emblem of the Russian Federal Compulsory Health Insurance Fund.
In heraldry, the caduceus was used in the historical coats of arms of the following cities Russian Empire: Balty, Verkhneudinsk, Yeniseisk, Irbit, Nezhin, Taganrog, Telshev, Tiflis, Ulan-Ude, Feodosia, Kharkov, Berdichev, Talny.
Value: The rod of the caduceus is symbolically associated with the tree of life, the axis of the world, and the snake - with the cyclical rebirth of Nature, with the restoration of the universal Order when it is violated.
The snakes on the caduceus indicate the hidden dynamics in what is outwardly stable, symbolize two oppositely directed streams (up and down), the connection between heaven and earth, God and man (the wings on the caduceus also indicate the union of heaven and earth, spiritual and material) - everything that is born on earth comes from heaven and, after passing the path of trials and suffering, gains life experience, must ascend to heaven.
It is said about Mercury that with his staff - which has since been considered a symbol of peace, harmony - he separated two fighting snakes. Fighting snakes are disorder, chaos, they must be separated, that is, to distinguish, see opposites and unite, overcome them. Then, having united, they will balance the Axis of the world, and around it from Chaos the Cosmos, harmony will be created. Truth is one, and in order to come to it, you need to follow a straight path, which is symbolized by the axis of the caduceus.
The caduceus in the Vedic tradition is also interpreted as a symbol of the Serpent Fire, or Kundalini. Winding around the central axis, the snakes are connected at seven points, they are connected with the chakras. Kundalini, Serpent Fire, sleeps in the base chakra, and when it wakes up as a result of evolution, it ascends along the spine along three paths: the central one, Shushumna, and two lateral paths, which form two intersecting spirals - Pingale (this is the right, male and active, spiral) and Ida (left, feminine and passive).
Chrism
Time of appearance: It is not known for certain, but researchers suggest that even during the life of the apostles, that is, in the 1st century. In Christian tombs, this symbol has been found since the 3rd century A.D.
Where was used: The most famous use of the symbol is on the labarum, the national banner of imperial Rome. The symbol was first introduced by Emperor Constantine the Great after, on the eve of the battle at the Mulvian Bridge (312), he saw the sign of the cross in the sky.
The labarum of Constantine had chrismas at the end of the shaft, and on the cloth itself the inscription: lat "Hoc vince" (glorious "By this conquer", lit. "By this conquer"). The first mention of labarum is contained in Lactantius (d. About 320).
The values: Chrism is a monogram of the name of Christ, which consists of two initial Greek letters of the name (Greek ΧΡΙΣΤΌΣ) - Χ (chi) and Ρ (ro), crossed with each other. At the edges of the monogram is often placed greek letters α and ω. They go back to the text of the Apocalypse: "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, says the Lord, who is and was and is to come, the Almighty."
A number of later researchers saw in the letters P and X, enclosed in a circle, the ancient pagan symbol of the Sun. For this reason, Protestants generally do not recognize the Labarum as a primordial Christian symbol.
Time of appearance: The symbol itself appeared during the formation of the syllabic alphabet of the Devanagari letter ("divine city letter"), that is, in the VIII-XII centuries.
Where was used: "Om" as a symbol for the sacred sound "Om" is used in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Shaivism, Vishnuism, yogic practices. Currently, "Om" has already become a part of pop culture, it is applied as a print on clothes, and tattoos are made. "Om" is featured on George Harrison's albums, the mantra "Om" is featured in the chorus of The Beatles' Across the Universe and on the Matrix soundtrack in Juno Reactor's composition Navras
The values: In the Hindu and Vedic traditions, "Om" is a sacred sound, the original mantra, "word of power." Often interpreted as a symbol of the divine triad of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
In Hinduism, "Om" symbolizes the three sacred texts of the Vedas: Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Samaveda, itself is a sacred mantra initially, symbolizing Brahman. Its three components (A, U, M) traditionally symbolize Creation, Maintenance and Destruction - the categories of the cosmogony of the Vedas and Hinduism.
In Buddhism, the three sounds of the word "Om" can personify the Body, Speech and Mind of the Buddha, the Three Bodies of the Buddha (Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, Nirmanakaya) and three jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha). However, the Buddhist Yevgeny Torchinov noted that the syllable "Om" and similar syllables ("hum", "ah", "hri", "e-ma-ho") "have no dictionary meaning" and pointed out that these syllables, in contrast from other syllables of mantras represent in the Mahayana tradition "sacred untranslatable".
Ichthis
Time and place of origin: Images of the acronym ΙΧΘΥΣ (from the Greek Jesus Christ the Son of God the Savior) or the fish symbolizing it first appear in the Roman catacombs in the II century. The widespread use of this symbol is evidenced by the mention of it in Tertullian at the beginning of the 3rd century: “We are small fish, led by our ikhthus, we are born in water and can only be saved by being in water”.
Where was used: The early Christians began to use the acronym Ichthys, since the images of Christ were unacceptable due to persecution.
The values: The symbolism of fish was associated in the New Testament with the preaching of the apostles, some of whom were fishermen. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Christ called his disciples "fishers of men", and likened the Kingdom of Heaven to "a net cast into the sea and captured fish of every kind." Ichthis was also associated with Alpha from the words of Jesus Christ: "I Am Alpha and Omega, beginning and end, first and last."
At the end of the 20th century, ichthis became a popular symbol among Protestants in different countries, and opponents of creationism began to parody this sign, sticking a fish sign on their cars with the word "Darwin" and small legs.
Bowl of Hygea
Time and place of origin: Ancient Greece. III-I millennium BC
Where was used: Hygea in Greek mythology was the goddess of health, the daughter or wife of the god of healing Asclepius. From her name comes the word "hygiene". She was often depicted as a young woman feeding a snake from a phial bowl. In Greek mythology, the snake was also a symbol of the goddess Athena, who was often depicted as Hygea and vice versa.
The values: In ancient Greece, Hygea personified the principle of a just war for health as light and harmony on all planes. And if Asclepius began to act when the order was violated, then Hygieia maintained the order-law that originally reigned.
The snake in ancient traditions symbolized death and immortality, good and evil. They were personified by her forked tongue, and the venomousness of her bites along with the healing effect of poison, and the ability to hypnotize small animals and birds.
The snake was depicted on the first aid kit of a Roman military doctor. In the Middle Ages, the combination of images of a snake and a bowl on the emblem was used by pharmacists in the Italian city of Padua, and only later this private pharmaceutical symbol became a generally accepted medical sign.
A bowl with a snake is still considered a symbol of medicine and pharmacy in our time. However, in the history of medicine in different countries, a snake, which coiled around a staff, was often considered the emblem of healing. This image was taken in the middle of WHO at the UN at the First World Assembly in Geneva in 1948. Then the international emblem of health care was approved, in the center of which is a staff entwined with a snake.
wind rose
Date of occurrence: The first mention is in 1300 AD, but scientists are sure that the symbol is older.
Where was used: The wind rose was originally used by sailors in the Northern Hemisphere.
Value: Wind rose is a vector symbol invented in the Middle Ages to help sailors. The wind rose or compass rose also symbolizes the four cardinal directions along with the intermediate directions. Thus, she shares the symbolic meaning of the circle, center, cross and rays of the sun wheel. In the 18th - 20th centuries, sailors filled tattoos depicting a wind rose as a talisman. They believed that such a talisman would help them return home. Nowadays, the wind rose is perceived as a symbol of a guiding star.
8-spoke wheel
Date of occurrence: around 2000 BC
Where was used: Egypt, Middle East, Asia.
Value: The wheel is a symbol of the sun, a symbol of cosmic energy. In almost all pagan cults, the wheel was an attribute of the sun gods, it symbolized life cycle, constant rebirth and renewal.
In modern Hinduism, the wheel means infinite perfect completion. In Buddhism, the wheel symbolizes the eightfold path of salvation, space, the wheel of samsara, the symmetry and perfection of dharma, the dynamics of peaceful change, time and destiny.
There is also the concept of "wheel of fortune", which means a series of ups and downs, the unpredictability of fate. In Germany in the Middle Ages, an 8-spoke wheel was associated with Achtven, a magic rune spell. At the time of Dante, the Wheel of Fortune was depicted with 8 spokes of opposite sides of human life, periodically repeating: poverty-wealth, war-peace, obscurity-glory, patience-passion. The Wheel of Fortune enters the Major Arcana of the Tarot, often along with ascending and falling figures, like the wheel described by Boethius. The Wheel of Fortune Tarot card continues to depict these figures.
Ouroboros
Date of occurrence: The first images of the uroboros date back to 4200 BC, but historians believe that the symbol itself appeared much earlier.
Where was used: Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Mesoamerica, Scandinavia, India, China.
Value: Ouroboros is a snake devouring its own tail, a symbol of eternity and infinity, as well as the cyclical nature of life, alternation of life and death. This is how the uroboros was perceived in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece.
In Christianity, the symbol has changed its meaning, since in the Old Testament the serpent symbolized evil. Thus, the ancient Jews established an equal sign between the Ouroboros and the serpent from the Bible. In Gnosticism, the ouroboros personifies both good and evil.
Hammer and sickle
Date of occurrence: in state heraldry - 1918.
Where was used: USSR and various communist parties the world
Value: The hammer has been a craft emblem since the Middle Ages. In the second half of the 19th century, the hammer became a symbol of the European proletariat. In Russian heraldry, the sickle meant harvest and harvest, and was often used in the coats of arms of various cities. But since 1918, these two signs have been combined into one, acquiring a new meaning. The hammer and sickle became a symbol of the ruling working class, the union of workers and peasants.
The moment when the symbol was created was described by Sergei Gerasimov, the author of the famous painting “Mother of the Partisan”: “Standing next to me, Evgeny Kamzolkin, thinking, said: - What if we try such symbolism? - At the same time, he began to walk on the canvas. - This is how to portray the sickle - it will be the peasantry, and inside the hammer - it will be the working class.
The hammer and sickle were sent from Zamoskvorechye to the Moscow City Council on the same day, and there they rejected all the other sketches: a hammer with an anvil, a plow with a sword, a scythe with a wrench. Further, this symbol was transferred to the state emblem Soviet Union, and the artist's name was forgotten for many years. They remembered about him only in the post-war period. Evgeny Kamzolkin lived a quiet life in Pushkino and did not claim royalties for such a quoted symbol.
Lily
Date of occurrence: in heraldry, the lily has been used since 496 AD.
Where was used: European countries, especially France.
Value: According to legend, the angel gave a golden lily to the king of the Franks Clovis after he converted to Christianity. But lilies became objects of worship much earlier. The Egyptians considered them to be a symbol of purity and innocence. In Germany, it was believed that the lily symbolized the afterlife and the atonement for sins. In Europe, before the Renaissance, the lily was a sign of mercy, justice and compassion. She was considered a royal flower. Today the lily is an established sign in heraldry.
Recent research has shown that the heraldic lily, in its classic form, is in fact a stylized representation of the iris.
Crescent
Date of occurrenceAround 3500 BC
Where was used: the crescent sickle was an attribute of almost all lunar deities. It was widespread in Egypt, Greece, Sumer, India, Byzantium. After the conquest of Constantinople by the Muslims, the crescent moon became firmly associated with Islam.
Value: In many religions, the crescent moon symbolizes constant rebirth and immortality. Christians revered the crescent moon as a sign of the Virgin Mary, and in western Asia they believed that the crescent moon was a sign of cosmic forces. In Hinduism, the crescent moon was considered a symbol of control over the mind, and in Islam - divine protection, growth and rebirth. A crescent moon with a star meant heaven.
Double headed eagle
Date of occurrence: 4000-3000 BC
Where was used: Sumer, Hittite Kingdom, Eurasia.
Value: In Sumer, the two-headed eagle had a religious meaning. He was a solar symbol - one of the images of the sun. From about the XIII century BC. e. the double-headed eagle was used by various countries and principalities as a coat of arms. The double-headed eagle was minted on the coins of the Golden Horde; in Byzantium it was a symbol of the Palaeologus dynasty, which ruled from 1261 to 1453. The double-headed eagle was depicted on the coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire. To this day, this symbol is the central image of the coats of arms of many countries, including Russia.
Pentacle
Date of occurrence: the first images date back to 3500 BC.
Where was used: Since the ancient Sumerians, almost every civilization has used this sign
Value: A five-pointed star is considered a protection mark. The Babylonians used it as a talisman against thieves, the Jews associated the five-pointed star with five wounds on the body of Christ, and the magicians of medieval Europe knew the pentacle as the "seal of King Solomon." The star is still actively used both in religion and in the symbolism of different countries.
Swastika
Date of occurrence: The first images date back to 8000 BC.
Where was used: In Eastern Europe, Western Siberia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, in pre-Columbian America. Exceptionally rare among the Egyptians. Among the ancient monuments of Phenicia, Arabia, Syria, Assyria, Babylon, Sumer, Australia, Oceania, the swastika was not found.
Value: The word "swastika" can be translated from Sanskrit as a greeting and a wish of good luck. The meanings of the swastika, like a symbol, are great, but the most ancient of them are movement, life, the Sun, light, well-being.
Due to the fact that the swastika was used in Nazi Germany, this symbol began to be firmly associated with Nazism, despite the original symbol of the sign.
All-seeing eye
Date of occurrence: 1510-1515 AD, but in pagan religions, a symbol similar to the all-seeing eye appeared much earlier.
Where was used: Europe, Asia, Oceania, Ancient Egypt.
Value: The all-seeing eye is the sign of the all-seeing and all-knowing god who observes humanity. In Ancient Egypt, the analogue of the All-Seeing Eye was Wadget (the eye of Horus or the eye of Ra), which symbolized various aspects of the divine structure of the world. The all-seeing eye, inscribed in a triangle, was a symbol of Freemasonry. The free stonemakers revered the number three as a symbol of the trinity, and the eye located in the center of the triangle symbolized the hidden truth.
Cross
Date of occurrence: approx. 4000 BC
Where was used: Egypt, Babylon, India, Syria, Persia, Egypt, North and South America. After the birth of Christianity, the cross spread throughout the world.
Value: In ancient Egypt, the cross was considered a divine sign and symbolized life. In Assyria, a cross enclosed in a ring was a symbol of the sun god. Residents of South America believed that the cross wards off evil spirits.
Christians adopted the cross from the 4th century, and its meaning changed somewhat. IN modern world the cross is associated with death and resurrection, as well as salvation and eternal life.
Anarchy
The combination "A in a circle" was used back in the 16th century by European alchemists under the influence of Kabbalistic magic as the first letters of the words: "Alpha and Omega", beginning and end.
In modern tradition, it was first used in the Spanish section of the 1st International as a designation catch phrase the famous anarchist J. Proudhon "Anarchy is the mother of order" in capital letters "l'anarchie" and "l'ordre".
Pacific
The famous symbol was developed in 1958 in Britain at the height of the movement against nuclear war as a combination of the semaphore alphabet "N" and "D" (the first letters of the phrase "nuclear disarmament" - nuclear disarmament). Later it began to be used as a symbol of universal reconciliation and the unity of mankind.
Card suits
In the classic (and most modern) French deck, the suit symbols were four signs - hearts, spades, diamonds, clubs, in the form in which they were widely used.
The oldest European deck - the Italian-Spanish, which came directly from the Arabs, depicted coins instead of tambourines, instead of a pike - a sword, instead of a red heart - a cup, and instead of a clover - a club.
The signs of suits came to the modern form by means of a gradual euphemization. So, tambourines designated money as metal rattles (earlier tambourines were rhombic), clover was previously an acorn, the shape of the peak resembled leaves, which was reflected in the German deck, and the goblet underwent a complex evolution from the image of a rose to a heart. Each suit symbolized the feudal estates: merchants, peasants, knights and clergy, respectively.
16. Anchor
Time of appearance: the first centuries of our era.
Where was used: Everyone knows the anchor symbol as a nautical emblem. However, in the first centuries new era the anchor was closely associated with Christianity. For the early Christians, who saw in it the hidden shape of the cross, the anchor personified the hope of salvation with caution, safety and strength.
In Christian iconography, the anchor as an emblem of security is the main attribute of St. Nicholas of Mirlikisky - the patron saint of sailors. A different meaning should be attributed to the anchor of the semi-legendary Pope Clement (88? -97?). According to church tradition, during the period of persecution against Christians, the pagans hung an anchor around the Pope's neck and drowned him in the sea. However, the waves of the sea soon parted, revealing the temple of God at the bottom. In this mythical underwater temple, the body of the holy champion of the faith was allegedly discovered.
The values: There are several meanings of the anchor. The anchor is a sacred object to which sacrifices were made, because it was often the only salvation for sailors. On the coins of Greece, Syria, Carthage, Phenicia and Rome, the anchor was most often depicted as a symbol of hope.
In the art of Ancient Rome, the anchor symbolized the joy of returning home after a long journey. On the graves of the 1st century, the image of the anchor was associated with the image of the church as a ship that carries souls along the stormy sea of \u200b\u200blife.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Hebrews, compared hope to a safe and strong anchor. The Greek word “ankura” (anchor) was associated with the Latin expression “en kurio”, that is, “in the Lord.
In the visual arts of the Renaissance, anchor also signifies an attribute of hope. The allegorical emblem, which depicts a dolphin with an anchor, was especially popular in Renaissance painting. The dolphin symbolized speed, and the anchor symbolized restraint. At the bottom of the emblem was the inscription: "hurry slowly"
Olympic rings
Time of appearance: The Olympic emblem was first introduced in 1920 at the eighth Summer Olympics in Antwerp.
Where is used: One of the most recognizable symbols in the whole world consists of five rings, the uniqueness of the emblem lies in the simplicity of execution. The rings are arranged in a W-pattern, the colors are in strict order: blue, black, red, yellow and green.
What were the meanings: There are several theories of the origin and interpretation of the emblem of the Olympic Games. The first and main version says that the Olympic rings symbolically depict the unity of the five continents, which was invented by Baron Pierre de Coubertin in 1913.
Until 1951, there was a belief that each color corresponds to a different continent. Europe was indicated in blue, Africa in black, America in red, Asia in yellow, green in Australia, but in 1951 they decided to move away from such a distribution of colors in order to move away from racial discrimination.
Another version says that the idea of \u200b\u200bfive multi-colored rings was taken from Carl Jung. During the period of fascination with Chinese philosophy, he connected the circle (a symbol of greatness and vital energy) with five colors, reflecting the types of energies (water, wood, fire, earth and metal).
In 1912, the psychologist introduced a new image of the Olympic competition, because in his opinion, each participant in the Olympic Games had to master each of the five sports - swimming (water - blue), fencing (fire - red), cross-country running (ground - yellow), equestrian sports (wood - green) and shooting (metal - black)
The five rings emblem hides deep meaningthat reveals the essence of sport. It contains the idea of \u200b\u200bpopularizing the Olympic movement, equality of each participating country, fair treatment of an athlete, and healthy competition.
Compass and Square
Time of appearance: Henry Wilson Coyle, in The Masonic Encyclopedia, claims that the Compass and the Square weave appeared on the seal of the Aberdeen Lodge in 1762.
Where is used: Using a compass and a square, you can draw a circle inscribed in a square, and this is a reference to the seventh problem of Euclid, squaring the circle. But you should not assume that the Compass and the Square necessarily refer you to a mathematical problem, rather they symbolize a person's striving to achieve harmony between spiritual and physical nature.
The values: In this emblem, the Compass represents the vault of heaven, and the Square represents the Earth. The sky is symbolically associated with the place where the Great Builder of the Universe draws his plan, and the Earth is the place where man does his work. The compass combined with the Square is one of the most common symbols of Freemasonry.
If the name is clear, the origin of the $ icon is still a mystery. The following version is considered the most similar to the truth: the Spanish abbreviation "P" s ", which once stood for the currency of Spain, peso. Presumably, a vertical line remained from the letter P. This allowed to increase the writing speed, and the letter S remained unchanged. There is also a conspiracy theory, along which two lines are the Pillars of Hercules.
Mars and Venus
Time of appearance: Famous sign Mars ♂and Venus ♀, borrowed from astrology, was introduced by the botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1751 to designate the sex of plants. Since then, these two symbols are called gender.
Where is used: The Venus symbol ♀ denotes the feminine and is used to denote a woman, female. Accordingly, the symbol of Mars ♂ personifies the masculine principle.
What are the values: The first symbols of Mars and Venus appeared in antiquity. The female sign of Venus is depicted as a circle with a cross pointing down. It is called the "Mirror of Venus", this sign symbolizes femininity, beauty and love. The male sign of Mars is depicted as a circle with an arrow pointing up and to the right. Mars means the power of the god of war, this symbol is also called “shield and spear of Mars” The combined symbols of Venus and Mars mean heterosexuality, love between representatives of different sexes.
Modern symbols can tell about a person, a group of people, an organization or even a religion and political ideology more than a thousand words. Sometimes one gesture is enough to express your emotions and attitude to the subject. However, most recognizable symbols and gestures have lost their original meaning, and today not everyone knows about it.
1. Raised fist
Nowadays, a raised fist symbolizes solidarity and socialism, as well as unity, strength and disobedience. The symbol dates back to ancient Assyria, where it represented resistance to violent action.
2. Mistletoe
Every December, many people around the world decorate their homes with mistletoe sprigs and kiss underneath. The plant's original meaning, however, had nothing to do with kissing or hugging. In Old Norse myth, where mistletoe was originally mentioned, it was considered a symbol of ritual castration.
3. Infinity sign
In modern times, the infinity symbol has become a common mathematical sign for the infinity of numbers, time or space, but its original meaning has nothing to do with its modern use. In ancient India and Tibet, he represented perfection, dualism and union between man and woman.
4. Ankh
The ankh became popular in the West when it was used by mystical New Age groups in the sixties and seventies, but the symbol has existed for thousands of years. It comes from ancient egyptwhere he was a hieroglyph for life. In other sources, it is considered the key to the Nile.
5. Trident
The origin of the symbol, also known as the "devil's pitchfork", has nothing to do with Satan. It originally appeared in ancient Greece, where the trident was considered a sacred symbol and weapon of Poseidon, the god of the sea.
6. Mudras (gestures)
While this may sound ridiculous, many people in the United States today believe that some of the mudras originated in the American ghetto and represent symbols of certain gangs. Of course, the original mudras have nothing to do with violence or gangs and originated in India, where they symbolized peace, harmony, good mental health and other good things.
7. Lightning
Another symbol that many people mistakenly associate exclusively with Nazism is the double lightning bolt, which was the official symbol of the Waffen-SS. The history of lightning, however, dates back to ancient Greece, where people considered it to be a symbol of divine power and Zeus's punishment of those who defied the gods or offended others.
8. Two-finger salute
The two-finger salute should not be confused with the V (victory) sign. Although it is not the most popular way to greet someone today, some people still use it, mostly on an instinct basis. Regardless of how this symbol is viewed today, the fireworks go back to ancient Rome, where defeated gladiators used it to ask for favors from the audience.
9. Phoenix
Also known as the Reichsadler, or "imperial eagle", this symbol comes from the eagle standard used by the Roman emperors. Nowadays, the symbol is almost exclusively associated with Nazi ideology, Hitler and the Third Reich.
10. Double-headed eagle
The double-headed eagle is a symbol that most people mistakenly associate with Russia, when in fact its origins date back to the Byzantine Empire. Used as the dynastic emblem of the Greek Palaeologus dynasty (the last emperors of Byzantium), the double-headed eagle became a symbol of Greek Orthodoxy. Later, it was borrowed by other Orthodox peoples (for example, Russia).
11. Iron cross
The Iron Cross was originally a military order in Prussia, but during World War I it became a popular symbol in Germany and appeared on almost every German fighter plane and tank. A few years later, he became a symbol of fascism in France and then in Portugal.
12. Caduceus
Today people associate caduceus with medicine. In origin, however, the caduceus, which depicts two serpents coiling around a winged staff, is the traditional symbol of the Greek god Hermes, the messenger god.
13. Horns of the devil or "goat"
Most people think of rock music when they see the devil's horn gesture, but the history of this symbol began in ancient India. There, he was considered a gesture by which the Buddha cast out demons and eliminated diseases or negative thoughts.
14. Barber sign
Almost no one is aware of the fact that the colors of the old-fashioned, almost iconic hairdressing sign (which is used throughout the West) were not chosen by chance. They symbolize the bloody legacy of the medieval period, when people went to hairdressers not only to get their hair cut or shave, but also to bleed and other medical procedures. In the Middle Ages, bloodletting was a common treatment for a wide range of diseases.
15. Skull and crossbones
The skull and crossbones are mainly used today as a warning sign of danger (usually associated with toxic and deadly chemicals). This symbol dates back to the Middle Ages, where it was used as a symbol of absolute death.
16. Star of David
Since 1897, when this star was chosen as the central flag symbol at the First Zionist Congress, the Star of David has represented the Jewish and Zionist communities around the world. However, in the third to fourth centuries AD, it was only a decorative architectural symbol in synagogues.
17. All-seeing eye
When most people see this symbol, they automatically think of the Masonic fraternity and its secret program to achieve world domination. The origin of the symbol is completely innocent: it was the eye of God that was supposed to watch over humanity and protect it.
18. Ichthis (Jesus fish)
The name "ichthys" comes from the Greek word for "fish" and the symbol consists of two intersecting arcs that look like a fish in profile. Many people associate ichthys with early Christianity, because in Greek this word is an abbreviation for "Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our Savior." In fact, the symbol was originally sacred among the pagans. The Greeks and Romans, before the Christians appropriated this symbol, considered ichtis to be the ancient symbol of the sea goddess Atargatis.
19. Peace sign
The sign that everyone knows as an international symbol of peace was designed in 1958 by a British designer and artist named Gerald Holt. It was originally the logo of the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).
20. Image of the heart
Heart symbol.
The heart shape is a symbol today strongly associated with love, romance, and Valentine's Day, but in ancient Greece, hearts had nothing to do with these things. It was a symbol of sylphia, a species of giant fennel that once grew on the coast of North Africa near the Greek colony of Cyrene. The ancient Greeks first used sylphium for flavoring food and as a medicine, and later became the most popular form of birth control.
21. Gesture V (victory)
V is a gesture that people are widely used nowadays to show their peaceful intentions or to express victory. The origin of this sign, however, has nothing to do with peace or victory. It dates back to the Hundred Years War (1337-1453), when English archers used it to taunt their French enemies. In retaliation, whenever the French caught an English archer, they cut off the index and middle fingers of his right hand.
22. Pentagram
The pentagram is a simple, regular, star-shaped polygon and was considered an example of the golden ratio and architectural excellence in ancient Greece. Currently, unfortunately, most people believe that the pentagram is an evil symbol and is used only in black magic.
23. Thumb
Although the meaning of the “thumb up” symbol is still debated by historians, some sources claim that it is descended from Roman gladiators. The Roman crowds used this hand gesture (raised their thumbs up or lowered them down) at the end of the battle, pronounce their verdict: will the defeated gladiator live or he needs to die.
24. Middle finger
There is probably not the slightest need to explain the meaning of this gesture. The origin of this symbol dates back to ancient Greece. Although the gesture was not perceived as offensive or hostile as it is today, it was associated with intercourse and fertility as it represented the phallus (a sacred object that looked like an erect penis).
25. Swastika
In most Western countries, the swastika is synonymous with Nazism, fascism and racism, but in reality it is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The swastika has been a sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eurasian religions for the past twelve thousand years.
There are many magical signs. Every nation and religion has signs that give energy, protect against dark forces and diseases. These magical symbols are used to this day as amulets and talismans.
This article contains the main ancient signs of various peoples and information on their meaning and application.
Solomon's Star
Hebrew magic symbol meaning harmony (this is indicated by the two equilateral triangles that make up the Star of Solomon). This symbol is considered the emblem of Judaism.
This sign is used as protection from damage, the evil eye and disease, and also helps to overcome life's difficulties. For several hundred years, Jews have invested the strength and energy of their people in this symbol.
Pyramid with an eye
This symbol is considered Masonic and means the all-seeing eye. This is a sign of the Supreme Reason. He is able to develop intuition and magical abilities. Also, many believe that the pyramid with an eye at the top personifies the hierarchical structure of society, which means that the owner of such a magical sign becomes imperious over everyone.
Pentagram
This is the most common sign in the occult. This symbol is most often associated with Satanism and devilry. But it is not so. It is this magical sign that exorcises the devil. It is used to protect against dark forces.
Christian symbol of the Trinity
This magic symbol brings good luck in all matters. Indeed, with the owner of this amulet, good forces are always present. Those wearing this sign go through life without barriers and disappointments.
Perun's sign
This Slavic pagan symbol bestows victory, success and courage, brings prosperity to the home and health. Recommended for men.
Lao Tzu's seal
This Chinese sign brings wealth, happiness and good luck to those with good thoughts and pure intentions. Wearing this talisman can also improve your health and gain authority.
Eye of Horus
Egyptian symbol that helps to develop intuition, open the third eye, find peace of mind and wisdom. Also, this sign is designed to protect from higher-ranking people, influential officials, envy and revenge.
All these symbols can become excellent talismans of good luck and amulets from negative energy. Good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and
16.12.2014 09:18
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The signs of the zodiac are named for the constellations that they corresponded to in ancient times. In the process of the formation of the science of astrology, it became clear that for the convenience of work, special symbols or designations of the signs of the zodiac are needed. It is about them that I will tell in the article.
I received a question in my mail:
Daria, Saratov
Hello Svetlana. Long time to find out what the signs of the zodiac signs mean? Where did they come from? For example, I am Rybka, but I don't fully understand the icon of my sign. Thank you in advance for your response.
Aries
Aries traditionally opens the zodiac - it is here that the vernal equinox is located, when day becomes equal to night. By the way, the word "ram" means a ram older than one year.
The graphic symbol of the zodiac sign Aries is somewhat reminiscent of the Latin letter "V". It is believed to be a representation of the horns of a ram. Isn't there a similarity?
There is another version, according to which the Aries icon represents an image of a sunrise or an explosion.
People born under this constellation have exactly this character: they are impulsive, impetuous, brave and strive to be the first in all areas of life.
calf
The sign of the zodiac sign Taurus is a circle with an arc above it. This is a schematic representation of a bull's head.
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The circle in this icon reflects the Sun (Human Spirit), and the arc reflects the Moon (Soul). Since the icon of the soul is on top here, it becomes clear that closeness to the Earth and nature, and not to the Cosmos and God, plays a leading role in the life of Taurus.
The character of this sign is in many ways reminiscent of the traits of a bull - it is stubbornness, some slowness, power and great natural strength.
Twins
The symbol of the zodiac sign Gemini is a Roman numeral 2. It is not difficult to guess where this image came from. The very word "twins" refers to two people - brothers or sisters.
There is also duality in the nature of those born under this constellation. Such people are changeable, as if two dissimilar people live side by side in their personality.
By the way, pay attention to the arcs above and below in the Gemini designation. They symbolize the waxing and waning moon.
Connecting, they indicate the path of development from the past to the future.
Cancer
The first time you see the symbol of the zodiac sign Cancer, you will immediately understand who it is about. The two "commas" in this icon are very similar to the claws of a cancer, which is supposedly covered by them from an outside observer.
This sign really does not like to be in sight, prefers to stay in its closed and cozy world, where no one will disturb him. Cancers love their home, which can be compared to a sink.
The Cancer symbol also reminds us of the infinity sign. Indeed, the emotions of representatives of the Cancer sign are so deep that this depth seems endless. And one more decryption is the fusion of Yin and Yang, male and female principles, as a result of which pregnancy occurs. Cancer is associated with motherhood.
a lion
The symbol of the zodiac sign Leo is a curl with a circle at the end. It is somewhat similar to a lion's mane, creating a vivid and noticeable image of this majestic animal in nature. Those born under this constellation also often have luxurious, not very manageable hair.
The circle in the symbol points us to the Sun, which is the patron saint of the zodiac sign Leo. It reflects Spirit and inner core, strength of character and bright creativity.
The Leo symbol may resemble a sperm. Before us is a "male" sign, which, like Cancer, participates in the act of creating a new life.
Therefore, both of these zodiac representatives are recognized as excellent educators and very caring parents.
Virgo
The designation of the Virgo zodiac sign is ambiguous. Some argue that this symbol depicts 3 spikelets of wheat, carefully tied together. Representatives of this sign are really close to the earth and hardworking.
There is another - a historically substantiated explanation of the symbol of Virgo. The badge is a monogram of the letters "MV" composed of the initials Maria Virgo, that is, the Virgin Mary.
Virgo represents purity and integrity. And if we speak of purity in the physical sense of the word, then purity is meant rather spiritual.
Libra
The symbol of the zodiac sign Libra is exactly what its name is. It reflects the ideas of justice and balance. As if on a scale, different points of view are weighed here, as a result of which you can see the truth and judge people.
Libra representatives are endowed with a sense of proportion and beauty. They strive for balance and harmony in all spheres of life, including looking for balance in relationships, do not like conflicts.
Another meaning of Libra symbolism is the depiction of sunset, as opposed to Aries, which represents the sunrise. Sunset is a wonderful, romantic time of day, isn't it?
Scorpio
The image of the zodiac sign Scorpio is the Latin letter "m". There are two versions of the meaning of the arrow at the end of a symbol:
- it denotes the poisonous sting of the Scorpion;
- indicates the tail of this animal.
In any case, the presence of an arrow indicates that Scorpio is committed to action - he does not stop on the way to the desired goal. Scorpio's sting hints at his vengefulness. By the way, you may be interested in the material about.
Sagittarius
The sign of the zodiac sign Sagittarius is the arrow that the centaur shot from the bow. The arrow is not accidentally directed forward and up. The Sagittarius is aiming at the future, he is striving for high goals.
Representatives of this sign will not dwell on the past. Their gaze is directed into the distance, somewhere where the guiding star shines. This star is the ideal that inspires the centaur.
Sagittarius is also a sign of travel and expanding horizons. He shoots his arrows in different parts of the world, making amazing discoveries far from home.
Capricorn
The Capricorn zodiac sign symbol is ambiguous. There are two options for decoding it:
- in the first case, they talk about the image of intricate horns and the tail of a mountain goat, personifying this zodiac sign;
- in the second case, it is assumed that the Greek letters are encrypted in the symbol - "tau" and "ro" - the first two letters in the word tragos, which means "goat".
The mountain goat is endowed with qualities such as endurance, resilience, determination and courage. From birth he has to climb mountain slopes in search of pastures, avoiding ravines and gorges. As a result, Capricorn reaches mountain peaks.
Aquarius
The sign of the zodiac Aquarius is represented by two broken lines. They symbolize ocean waves that rise from the wind. Wind, like Aquarius itself, belongs to the Air element.
Representatives of this zodiac sign always strive to be in the stream. They are sociable, outgoing, friendly. Their minds, like waves, are constantly busy with any ideas or concepts.