Symbols constitute objects, pictures, written words, sounds or something else and signify ideas, thoughts, notions, beliefs and feelings. Some of them are very common, such as a white rectangle on the red background standing for “Stop”, others have special significance and provoke deep feelings. The examples of such symbols are the crucifix in Christianity or the Star or David in Judaism.
We are surrounded by symbols. Every day we're faced with something that has a symbolic sense. You'll see symbols on money, in books, commercials, music compositions, politics etc. To realize the significance of a symbol a viewer has to know what this symbol signifies. For instance, the Chinese symbol of "yin" and "yang" seems a funny picture with white and black colors for people that don't know the secret sense of the sign. They can enjoy its design and aesthetic side, but they do not see more than that. On the contrary, in case a person understands the origin of the symbol he or she sees not a simple picture, but an idea of deep interdependence of things in our lives.
During the whole history of humanity symbols were widely used in art. So, one object on a painting can tell volumes about the situation, the concepts of the painter, his view on life and aspirations. To understand the secret meaning of a music composition or a book we have to pay special attention to symbols. Now and then we need to read critics on a definite piece of art in order to understand the idea of the author. This is because the symbols language is rather complicated.
So what are the most popular symbols in art and what do they stand for?
Among the most common symbols used in pieces of art are a book, a candle, clocks and a mirror. A book generally stands for transmitting of knowledge and learning. If you see a burning candle on a picture it's for the most part a symbol of faith in God or time passing. From the other side, an extinguished candle represents mourning and death. A clock refers to the passing of time. On this point the well-known painting of Salvador Dali known as “Melting clocks” implies an idea that nothing in our living is in keeping with some rules. And finally, a mirror refers to attempts to get the truth, but in some situations it just stands for the vanity.
Thus, symbols are everywhere in our world. We just need to be a little more attentive to details to see them.
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