A symbol is something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible. The bulldog is a symbol of the English and Uncle Sam of the United States, for example.
Symbols surround us. They are the visual cues that inform and remind us about the world we live in. They can be product logos. Meaningful colour combinations – like those in the national flag. The symbols remind you what kind of car you are driving and how much fuel is in its tank. What company you are dealing with. What you can expect. Even what kind of experience you are having.
Symbols can have many different meanings for us. The way we know about the symbols is related to what story we are told and how we are made to feel when we are shown the symbols. It is the fundamental of advertising. How do you feel when you see certain symbols like the logo of your bank, your car, the local supermarket, your favourite newspaper or magazine, the soap opera you enjoy watching, the sports teams you support?
Some thoughtformz….
What makes certain symbols more valuable, desireable and powerful than others?
What symbols do you associate with pleasant feelings?
What symbols fill you with a sense of religious awe?
What symbols anger you?
What symbols make you want to eat a burger?
What symbols make you want to go to war?