The Fascinating World of Signs and Symbol Images

A sign is something used to represent something else. It could be a sound, word, number, photo, illustration, and so on. Most relevant here is when a sign functions as a visual representation of something else. “Sign” is essentially the umbrella term under which symbols and icons fall as they are both types of signs. An icon physically resembles the thing that it represents. The airport sign of a plane taking off as a way to signify Departures is such an example. A symbol does not physically resemble that which it represents. Its meaning must be learned. A national sign such as a flag is a symbol in that it does not actually look like the land it represents yet people know it stands for a given country all the same.

While this is ultimately subjective, one could argue that religious symbols are some of the most powerful. They are well known by many around the world and have been used for centuries to signify hope, faith, and a higher power. The cross is one such symbol. Dating back centuries, the cross has been a powerful symbol for people throughout the ages. From the ankh cross of ancient Egypt to the Celtic Cross said to have originated with St. Patrick, the cross has played a role in a number of cultures and religions around the world and throughout time. Beyond Christianity, other religions have their own meaningful symbols. The Jewish people adopted the six-pointed Star of David in the 19th century as a symbol of Judaism. Believe it or not, the hooked cross of the Swastika symbol that many today associate with Adolf Hitler, Nazis, and the Holocaust, was originally a sacred symbol. In fact, the word itself comes from the Sanskrit svastika, which means “well-being.” Despite its negative connotation in much of the world, the swastika remains sacred in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Symbols related to life and death often have a powerful effect on the viewer. A white dove has come to symbolize peace and love. Such doves are sometimes released at ceremonies and celebrations such as weddings as a way to lift the eyes of the audience to the sky and inspire a sense of hope. At the opposite end of the spectrum, there is the skull and crossbones. While many may think of a pirate’s Jolly Roger flag, these days the symbol is used to indicate hazardous materials that may result in poisoning or death.

- A red heart signifies romantic love. - A gold five-pointed star tends to represent excellence and high marks. - In most countries around the world, the traffic sign for “Stop” is a red octagon. - The international radiation symbol is a danger sign used to warn of ionizing radiation. - When it comes to packaging symbols, three chasing arrows are used universally to signify that a material is recyclable. - The WiFi symbol, also known, as a stair-step icon, lets tech users know that a wireless internet connection is available.

The Red Cross is an internationally recognizable medical symbol. It signifies nonpartisan medical services for those in need of medical attention. The icon of a briefcase with a small cross inside symbolizes a doctor’s bag and may be used to signify that a doctor is working in a given location. In the United States, the Caduceus is one of the most popular medical symbols. The official insignia of the United States Medical Corps and Public Health Service, the caduceus symbol is a winged staff with two serpents twisting up it. Surprisingly, this symbol came into widespread usage in the United States due to a misunderstanding. There is another similar symbol, that of the Rod of Asclepius, in which a single serpent twists around a rod, that is the intended symbol of medicine. This is fitting, as Asclepius was the ancient Greek god of healing. The Caduceus, on the other hand, is actually the symbol of Hermes, the Greek herald of the gods.

Because signs and symbols come with their own easily recognizable meanings, they are excellent tools to incorporate into your designs. Crafting a new logo? Ask yourself what your company is all about. Then come up with a list of existing signs and symbols that represent your company’s core values. To be truly innovative, try blending two such symbols to create something new. This is how many now well-known symbols are born. The peace symbol, for example, came about when Gerald Holtom combined the semaphore signals for the letters D and N within a circle. With a little ingenuity, you might just have the next peace symbol on your hands.