The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols: 1000s of Signs and Symbols From Around the World

136 Pages·2005·33.69 MB·English

by  Bruce-Mitford M.

o
The Book
of
Illustrated
Horseshoe
Centaur Symbol oyf Good Luck
uellect vs. Instinct
Tortoise
Symbol of Long Life
TAROT
^S
lard of Decision
Thousands of Signs
Freemasonry
and Symbols from Around the World
Compass and Square
Miranda Bruce-Mitford
CADUCEUS
Tiblem of Medicine
The Book of
Illustrated
Symbols
Theessential reference fordecoding
signsandsymbols
The world around us is filled with signs
and symbols. Those we have chosen to create,
such as alphabets and flags, are universally
recognizable, but others, of uncertain and ancient
origin, mean different things to different peoples.
Why, for example, is a red rose the flower of
love, or a snake a symbol of evil in the
West and a sign of wisdom in China? Find the
answers to these questions and thousands of
others in this comprehensive and stimulating
visual guide of signs and symbols. Specially
commissioned illustrations and photographs,
including artifacts, famous paintings, and
sculptures, provide a much-needed visual
key to this mysterious language.
The ultimatevisualcatalog
Showing thousands of signs and
symbols from East and West, The Illustrated
&
Book ofSigns Symbols not only gives the
meanings of each, but also explores the symbols'
origins in art, religion, literature, psychology, and
folklore. For ease of reference the signs and
symbols are grouped by category, from flowers
and religious symbols to shapes and numbers, and
a clear cross-referencing system directs the reader
to related signs and symbols. Designed to appeal
to waders of all ages, this book is a rich source of
into ir>n and an indispensable reference book
for interpreting and understanding signs and
symbols in everyday life.
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The Book
of
Illustrated
Miranda Bruce-Mitford
ALLSTON BRANCH LIBRARY
n
AL BR
REF
AZ108
B78
1996x
A DK PUBLISHING BOOK
Senior Editor Emma Foa
US Editor Camela Decaire
iJREDTODK Senior Art Editor Sarah Ponder Shamrock
I
Managing Editor Anna Kruger
Managing Art Editor Peter Bailey
Art Editors Joanna Pocock, Martin Wilson
Editor Shirin Pahi
Assistant Designer Ali Cobb
DTP Designer Nicola Studdart
Picture Research Sharon Southren
Production Katy Holmes
&
Index Glossary Joanna Lane
First American Edition, I
468 10^75
I'MM1STR1
Published m the I nited States
b) DK Publishing in.
Vk York 1001(1
it uson the WotId Wide Web Imp //www ilk com
Copyright © 1996 Dorling Kinderslej muted, London
I
All rights reserved under International and Pan American Copyright
Egyptun funerarystela(detail) Conventions. No pan ublication ma) be reproduced, stored
in a retnc, transmitted in any form 01 b) an) means,
electronic, mechanical, phot> rding,orotherwise,
without the prior written permission oftl pyrightownei
Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersle) I imited.
A CIPcatalogrecord forthisbi liable fromtheLibrar
I Congress.
ISBN 0-7894-1000-1
Islamic Colour reproduction by Colourscan, Singapore
Pnnted and bound1i)n1.SpTaiOn b1y19A2rt-es19G9r9aficas Toledo,S.A. Shiva, 1 1>rd 01 mi dani i
Contents
Introduction 6 Tools iSr Weapons
90
&
Mythologies Death Mourning
&
92
Religions 12
Architecture
Ancient Deities 94
H
l:\er\da\ Objects
Judaism
96
16
Christianity Symbol Systems
18
Picture Writing
Hinduism Sea Creatures
00
20 54 J
& Numbers
Buddhism Insects Others
102
22 56
&
& Shapes Patterns
Islam Reptiles Amphibians
104
24 58
& Color
Ancestor Nature Spirits Mammals
106
26 60
Alchemy
Mythical Beasts Birds
108
28 64
Freemason
r\
109
Nature 32 People 68
Divination
& &
Sun Moon Sex Fertility no
34 70
^strolog)
&
Earth Sk\ Human Body \\2
36 72
Heraldic Emblems
&
Precious Matter Dance Theater 114
38 76
International Signs
&
Precious Stones Magic Charms 116
40 78
Symbolic Gestures
Gardens Musical Instruments 118
42 80
&
Trees Love Marriage ( rloSSCU \
44 82 120
Plants Clothing Index
4d 84 111
Natures Foods Jewelr) I urthei Reading
48 86 117
I lowers Royalt) \( bicw ledgments
IS
50 88
l
Signs & Symbols
Introduction
T IS A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF HUMAN" NATURE not Onlv tO
J
survive and reproduce, but also to seek explanations <SM^nTTTBTTTTl SMTUGQ /
|JX.
for the mysteries of life. Because these mysteries are in
fact beyond explanation, we use the language of
i
symbolism to represent them. Whether we live in
commercialized societies or communities relatively
unchanged by time, we are surrounded by signs,
images, and ideas that are often highly symbolic.
Most of us are largely unaware of the meaning and significance - even
the presence - of much of this symbolism, and an area of great richness
is closed to us. This book sets out to examine the nature of symbolism
and to present, in
simple terms, both
familiar and
unfamiliar symbols.
Signs or symbols?
A sign is an object or
idea that represents or
points to something else
in a fairly straightforward
way. An advertisement, for
Alcfo kowing the
i
\rabia, the tuple sun. example, reminds us of the
and the m product it is promoting; a
road sign indicates
conditions ahead; and a gesture expresses a mood,
the modem world challenges our sense ol identity
we often adopt signs to define ourselves, for example
by donning badges or brand-name clothing.
A symbol is clearly linked in function to a sign,
and the two words are often used interchangeably,
but symbol generally has a deeper meaning. A
symbol is something that through its nature or
appearance reflects or represents another thing more
profound than itself. A fire, for instance, may symbolize
the flames of the sun. which itself has qualities of
warmth, light, and creative power, and is thus
equated with life force and masculine creative
strength. The creator gods of mythology, who possess
these very qualities, are usually linked to the sun.
On a small scale, objects such as the candle or lamp can
be also related to the imager)- of the sun A symbolic
image is thus linked to many interpretations.
Paul Dehaux's surreal painting seems to be a hymn to
thegoddess within her temple. The moon, night
sea, flowers, and statue-head are all nine
i
realm, and the lamp signifies the divine spark