Universal Principles of Art

90 SYMBOLS

BROADLY ACCEPTED REFERENTS

A symbol is a visual element that stands for something else. It may depict the thing that it represents, but this is not a requirement. It is merely necessary that there is an understanding within the culture in which it is produced as to the meaning of the symbol. Almost anything can be symbolized, including ideas, the elements, danger, groups, or nations. For example, a yellow triangle often symbolizes a road hazard, a linear representation of a fish symbolizes Christianity, and a hammer and sickle together symbolize Communism. Religious symbols, such as the cross or the Star of David, readily communicate their meaning to a wide audience, while national symbols, in the form of flags, are used throughout ...