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DATE OF SUBMISSION: 8.07.2014
SUBMITTED TO
PROF. Rashida Israt Nasir
DEPT. OF SOCIOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF DHAKA
Submitted By
Nadia Ayman
Roll: 67
3rd year 5th Semester
Dept. of Sociology
University of Dhaka
AN ASSIGNMENT ON
“SYMBOLISM”
COURSE TITLE- Social Beliefs and Rituals
COURSE NO. - 353B

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

Contents
1. Introduction………………………………………………3
2. Definition of Symbolism…………………………………3
3. Quotes about Symbolism…………………………............4
4. Roles & Significance of Symbolism…………………....4-5
5. Characteristics of Symbols……………………………...5-6
6. The Social Function of Symbolism……………………. 6-8
7. Necessity of Symbolism………………………………......8
8. The Enlistment of Symbolic Activities………………...8-39
9. Reference……………………………………………...40-44


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INTRODUCTION:
By 50,000 years ago, the effects of a ‘symbolic explosion’ – an efflorescence of
human art, song, dance and ritual – were rippling across the globe. Applied to
archaeological evidence, standard neo-Darwinian theory offers new
understandings of this improbable event. Symbolism is an enunciation activity: it
assigns names, denominations and defines relations between various elements
(actors, actions, goals, means, objects, values) articulated within a narrative. In
this sense, symbolism aims at providing a meaning to reality, constructing reality
(Bourdieu, 1977). There are pedagogical narratives, economic narratives, political
narratives, and so on.
The present article defines ‘Symbolism’, models quasi-ritual behavior in late
archaic Homo sapiens, extends the argument to the emergence of anatomically
modern humans.
Definition of Symbolism:
Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them
symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense.
Symbolism can take different forms. Generally, it is an object representing
another to give it an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and more
significant. Sometimes, however, an action, an event or a word spoken by
someone may have a symbolic value. For instance, “smile” is a symbol of
friendship. Similarly, the action of someone smiling at you may stand as a symbol
of the feeling of affection which that person has for you.
Symbolism is to express mystical or abstract ideas through the symbolic use of
images. It is the practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things
with a symbolic meaning or character.

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Some Quotes about Symbolism:
 “Symbolism exists to adorn and enrich, not to create an artificial sense of
profundity.”
― Stephen King, (On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft)
 “A religion is a system of symbols which acts to establish powerful,
pervasive, and long-lasting moods in men by formulating conceptions of a
general order of existence and clothing those conceptions with such an aura
of factuality that the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic.”
― Clifford Geertz, (culture, religion, society, symbolism, symbol)
 “We are all but symbols of some greater thing—totems of ourselves--
subject to change and growth. When we forget that metaphoric sense of
ourselves, we lose sight of the overall path.”
― S. Kelley Harrell, (Gift of the Dreamtime - Reader's Companion)
 “Far more powerful than religion, far more powerful than money, or even
land or violence, are symbols. Symbols are stories. Symbols are pictures, or
items, or ideas that represent something else. Human beings attach such
meaning and importance to symbols that they can inspire hope, stand in for
gods, or convince someone that he or she is dying. These symbols are
everywhere around you.”
― Lia Habel, (Dearly, Departed)
ROLE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF SYMBOLISM:
From time immemorial, symbolism has played a significant role in the life of men.
In fact it will not be far-fetched to say that man has grown with the symbols. Since
‘mind’ is the prime quality of homo-sapiens, it acquires some distinct features of
its own and the role of symbols fills the bill perfectly as one of them.

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Dr. Nandkumar states it nicely, “the symbol, it would appear then, is a natural
starting point of a journey of discovery and realization: the starting point, the face
set towards the goal, the ardour of the journey, all are somehow implied in the
symbol”.
With the development of thought process, there was also a progressive
development in the usage and application of symbols by men. Toys become
symbols for the children. Now, the world has come to such a state, that it has
become well-nigh impossible to dissociate symbols from any field of work and
profession. The media savvy and high tech world uses symbols in all their
ramifications. Institutions have grown up because of their symbols. Life Insurance
Corporation of India is synonymous with the two hands protecting a burning
lamp. State Bank of India‘s symbol of a key hole in a circle will tell even an
uneducated in the rural area that it is a bank. There are religious symbols, like
‘swastik, AUM, Cross or the crescent moon to name a few. Buddhism is very
symbolic. There are healing symbols in Reiki for good health, and Feng shui
symbols for better quality of living. In terms of colours red warns of danger. Green
is for prosperity. There are safety symbols in industries and for roads and other
means of transport.
Characteristics of Symbols:
The English word ‘Symbol’ owes its origin to the Greek word, ‘Symbolon’ meaning
‘a sign’ by which one knows or infers a thing. Swami Swahananda, in one of his
articles states that, “a symbol, typifies, represents or recalls something by
possession of analogous qualities or by association in the fact or thought”. Human
beings use symbols so much so that it has become an innate tendency in them.
In due course, symbols began to be used to interpret more and more abstract
things, thoughts, human virtues, beliefs, and faiths and so on. Naturally, artists,
poets and writers took to symbols as fish take to water. While artists including
painters and sculptors used symbols to depict variety of moods and thoughts in

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their colouring schemes and models respectively, poets with their rich
imagination weaved tapestries of scenarios in words with rhymes and rhythms,
which came to be called as poems, sonnets etc.
Another significant characteristic of symbols is its concurrence with religion. Since
religion itself is based on a belief in the supernatural power or God, symbolism
started playing a significant role in trying to explain the different aspects of their
respective reavatarligions. To quote once again, Swahananda, “religious truth
being intangible, has given rise to symbology. Every religion has its own body of
symbols which suggests the ultimate reality, the deity and other spiritual truths.”
Major Characteristics of Symbolism:
1. Symbolism is understood as well as believed.
2. It holds a comprehensive view and carries the value of the whole.
3. It translates the abstract to concrete. [e.g. red light.]
4. Symbol translates the complex to simple.
5. It is frontless to front.
6. Symbol introduces unknown to familiar.
7. It unveils from mysterious to understanding.
8. It stands for both good and bad.
9. It provides models to guide.
The Social Function of Symbolism:
The symbol may play in the mental life of the individual, and further that,
whether they deal with the individual life, or with the influence of symbols upon

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social activities, they should be largely preoccupied with problems of
interpretation. When we have learned what a symbol stands for, however, even
more important questions concerning what it actually does, both within the
personality and within the group remain to be considered. It is obvious that nearly
all social products-fashions, folk tales, customs of all kinds, institutions and
traditions-are apt to contain much symbolism.
 The first of the functions of the social symbol is to facilitate the transmission
of culture from group to group.
 The second great function of the social symbol is to facilitate the preservation
of groups. In all social regressions symbols are apt to play a very great part.
 The third great social function of the symbol is, then, to promote the
harmony of the group.
There are two important things: their double or multiple significance, and their
close relation to the development of sentiments that give to them some of their
most important social functions.
Firstly, Symbols must be distinguished from mere signs. Anything that stands for
something else is a sign, but a symbol must possess at one and the same time a
double or multiple significance. All symbols possess both a "face" and a "hidden"
value, and it is one of the great achievements of psychology to have shown how
the "hidden" value is generally, from the point of view of function, the more
important.
A flag, for example, is a very common symbol. Whenever we see a flag we see it in
a particular perceptual setting, and this contributes a part of its face significance
or value, the rest coming from other circumstances of the moment, and from a
more or less vaguely realised relationship between the coloured buntings that we
see and certain ideas concerning group ascendancy or peculiar group functions.

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Secondly, it is important to notice that the hidden values of symbols constantly
tend to become less and less capable of exact definition. There is a natural history
of symbols. Its starting-point is when certain material of cognition appeals at one
and the same moment to more than one reaction tendency.
Necessity of Symbolism:
There are four important social functions which are possessed by symbols. They
all spring directly from those two outstanding psychological characteristics of the
symbol that were considered as the basis of symbolism in some concrete event or
situation of which it is a picture, and from the duality or multiplicity of
signification which gives to symbols their enduring influence, and renders them at
once apparently definite and clear, and yet abstract to a considerable degree. For
the symbol is tied on the one hand to the concrete and particular image, and on
the other to the more general sentiment and ideal.
There are no doubt many other ways in which symbols influence the nature and
development of social organization and the growth of culture. These four,
however, all alike affect the social character of the group considered as a whole:
1. Symbolism acts as a medium for the transmission of culture;
2. It secures the preservation of the group;
3. It promotes social harmony, and social discord;
4. Prevents those social sentiments and ideals which are at the basis of
organized group life from becoming vague and lifeless abstractions.
It is no wonder that there is hardly any social structure, hardly any department of
social activity which does not contain abundant traces of the symbolic element.

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Enlistment of Symbolic Activities:
Everywhere we look in society we see forms of symbolic representation which
identify and illustrate our cultural ethos. Symbols that we use, as distinct from
signs, carry multiple meanings depending on the context and culture in which
they appear. A symbol can be a gesture, an object or a ritual that informs,
solidifies and influences our social interactions. There are some major symbolic
uses discussed in below:
Religious Symbolism:
Religious symbolism is the use of symbols, including archetypes, acts, artwork,
events, or natural phenomena, by a religion. Religion view religious texts, rituals,
and works of art as symbols of compelling ideas or ideals. Symbols help create a
resonant mythos expressing the moral values of the society or the teachings of
the religion.
Symbolism in Muslim World:
The name "Allah” is very important in Islam. Certain words in Arabic script or
characters can be regarded as visually representing Islam, such as "Allah." When
used as a symbol, the script appears decorated.

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Kaaba in the city of Mecca is the ritual cornerstone of the Muslim world.
The Black Stone inside Kaaba, the cubical structure at the heart of Islam to which
all Muslims must pray and visit once in their lifetime.
The colour green has a special place in Islam. It is used in the decoration of
mosques, bindings of Qur'ans, the silken covers for the graves of Sufi saints, and
in the flags of various Muslim countries. Green has been associated with Islam for
many centuries. The colour green was the colour used by Muhammad’s tribe on
their flags. According to Muslims the colour green symbolizes nature and life. In
the Qur'an (Surah 76:21), it is said that the inhabitants of paradise will wear green
garments of fine silk.

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Star and Crescent is the best-known symbol used to represent Islam. It features
prominently on the flags of many countries in the Islamic world.
Islamic architecture may also incorporate such symbols in the decoration of
religious edifices such as mosques, khanqahs, and dargahs.
Symbolism in Hinduism:
“Aum”, also spelled "Om," in Hindu thought this image represents a sacred
sound.
Linga, this is the symbol of the god, Shiva.

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The lotus flower represents beauty in Hinduism, and can also carry other
meanings.
Pratik, this symbol combines two triangels, a rising sun, and a swastika
Swastika, the connotations of the swastika in the Western world isn’t the same as
those in the East.

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Tilak, like a bindi, a tilak is a mark on the forehead.
Trisula, also spelled "Trishula," this trident is an important symbol in Hinduism.
Some Symbolic Words in Rig Veda: (Hinduism)
Agni: It is the cosmic power of heat and light and the will-power united with
Wisdom. Human will-power or Aspiration is also symbolised by the fire.
Indra: Lord of the Divine Mind and Action. He battles the evil forces on behalf of
the human.
Vayu: He is the lord of all life energies.
Aswhinis: The Lords of bliss and divine physicians who cure the human body of
diseases and makes it fit to receive the Divine.
Mitra: The Lord of Love and Harmony
Varuna: The Lord of infinity and who abhors restrictive thinking
Soorya: The source of supreme Light and Force.
Go: cow; but also a particular form of knowledge.
Ashwa: Horse; source of vital energy
Adr: power of ignorance.

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Christian Symbolism:
The Crucifix, a cross with corpus, a symbol used by the Catholic Church, in
Lutheranism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism, in contrast with some
Protestant denominations, which use only a bare Cross.
The Chi Rho is one of the earliest cruciform symbols used by Christians. It is
formed by superimposing the first two letters of the word "Christ" in Greek, chi =
ch and rho = r.
Ichthys or chthus (ikh-thoos) is the Greek word simply meaning “fish”. The English
translation is IXOYE. The five Greek letters stand for the words meaning, “Jesus
Christ, Son of God, Savior.”
Dove the symbol of the Holy Ghost and used especially in representations of our
Lord's Baptism and the Pentecos.

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Confucianism Symbolism:
The yin yang symbol is common in many kinds of Chinese thought. It is especially
prominent in Taoism, but it is also used in Confucianism. There are variations to
its meaning depending on which school of Chinese thought is using it. In general,
the circle represents a whole, while the halves and dots depict opposites,
interactions, or balance.
Jewish Symbolism:
Star of David, also known as "the Shield of David," this hexagram has been used
as a symbol in Judaism since the 17th century. The symbol may have derived from
the use of protective amulets that pre-date the 17th century. A blue-colored Star
of David is presently displayed on the flag of Israel.
Religion in national symbols:
Religion in national symbols can often be found in national anthems or flags. This
has led to controversy in some countries in regard to the separation of church and
state, when the national symbol is officially sanctioned by a government.

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ISLAM
Flag Country Religious characteristics
Saudi Arabia Shahada (Muslim creed) on green, a color traditionally
associated with Islam
Iran The word "Allah" ("God"), the phrase "Allahu Akbar" is
repeated on the edges of the red and green bands
Iraq The phrase "Allah Akbar" ("God is Great")
Pakistan The dark green field symbolizes the Muslim majority of
Pakistan
Maldives White crescent moon symbolizes Islam
Afghanistan Shahadah and a mosque, green may represent Islam
Algeria Star and crescent, green color symbolizes Islam
Jordan The seven-pointed star represents the seven verses of the
Quran's first sura
Turkey Star and Crescent
Christianity
Flag Country Religious characteristics
Denmark Nordic Cross Flag
United Kingdom Crosses of St. George, St. Andrew and St. Patrick
Ireland The green symbolizes the Catholic population. The
orange symbolizes the Protestants
Norway Nordic Cross Flag
Colombia blue represents the equality of all races and social
classes before God and the law
Greece the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy

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Judaism
Flag Country Religious characteristics
Israel The basic design is based on a Jewish prayer
shawl, the Star of David is a symbol of Judaism
Buddhism/Hinduism
Bhutan The orange half signifies Buddhist spiritual
tradition
India The Ashok Chakra represents the Laws of Dharma
(righteousness)
Sri Lanka The four bo leaves symbolize four Buddhist
metaphysical concepts
Thailand white for Theravada Buddhism
National anthems which incorporate religion:
 Afghanistan Milli Tharana (Islam)
 Canada O Canada (Christianity)
 Cambodia Nokoreach (Royal Kingdom) (Buddhism)
 Bahrain Bahrainona (Our Bahrain) (Islam)
 Egypt Bilady, Bilady, Bilady (Islam)
 France La Marseillaise (The Song from Marseille) (Christianity)
 India Jana Gana Mana (Thou Art the Ruler of the Minds of All People)
(Hinduism/Sikhism/Islam/Christianity/Jainism)
 Malaysia Negaraku (My Country) (Islam)
 Nepal Sayaun Thunga Phool Ka (We are Hundreds of Flowers)
(Hinduism/Buddhism)
 Nigeria Arise, O Compatriots (Islam/Christianity)
 Sierra Leone High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free (Islam/Christianity)

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 Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Matha (Mother Sri Lanka) (Buddhism/Hinduism)
Political Symbolism:
Political symbolism is symbolism that is used to represent a political standpoint.
The symbolism can occur in various media including banners, acronyms, pictures,
flags, mottos, and countless more.
For example, Red flags have traditionally been flown by socialists, left-wing
radicals, and communist groups to represent the "blood of the workers". Many
groups use the political colour associated with their political philosophy, for
example blue, particularly dark blue, is often associated with Conservative parties.
This is a partial list of symbols and labels used by political parties and groups
around the world. Some symbols are associated with a worldwide ideology or
movement, and used by many different parties that support that ideology. Others
are country-specific.
Political colour [Worldwide]
Black — anarchism, fascism, Catholicism, Christian democracy, blacks
Blue — conservatism, Judaism, men, monarchism, liberalism, libertarianism
Brown — Nazism, fascism, Hispanics
Gold — capitalism, liberalism, libertarianism
Green — environmentalism, Islam, capitalism, agrarianism
Lavender — homosexuality
Orange — Christian democracy, populism
Pink — homosexuality, feminism, women, social democracy

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Purple — centrism, monarchism
Red — social democracy, democratic socialism, socialism, communism
White — monarchism, pacifism, whites, anti-communism, Italian democracy
Yellow — liberalism, libertarianism
Political Symbols/Logos in Bangladesh:
The Bangladesh Awami League (বাাংলাদেশ আওযামী লীগ) is one of the two largest
political parties of Bangladesh. It is the country's current governing party, after
winning a majority at the 2014 parliamentary elections. The Awami League was
founded in Dhaka, the former capital of the Pakistani province of East Bengal, in
1949. The party was under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the
founding father of Bangladesh. His daughter and also the incumbent Prime
Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has been heading the party since 1981.
The Bangladesh Awami League styles itself as the leader of the "pro-liberation"
forces in Bangladesh, promoting secular and social democratic sections of the
political establishment in the country. The party constitution states, and in two
cases defines the reason for, four fundamental principles in guiding its philosophy
and policies: Democracy, Socialism, Secularism and Nationalism.

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The Bangladesh Nationalist Party ( বাাংলাদেশ জাতীযতাবােী েল), often abbreviated
as BNP, is one of the two the largest political parties of Bangladesh. The BNP was
founded as a centre-right liberal democratic party. It was established on
September 1, 1978 during the regime of Ziaur Rahman. It has ruled Bangladesh
for a total of 14 years and three terms since its birth (1978–1982, 1991–1996,
2001–2006). The BNP has been led by Khaleda Zia since 1983, the widow of Ziaur
Rahman. The party has professed Bangladesh Nationalism, based on democratic
rights, freedom of speech and free market. BNP promotes a center-right policy
combining elements of moderate religious freedom, social conservatism,
economic liberalism and nationalism.
The Jatiya Party (National Party) is a political party in Bangladesh established by
President Hussain Mohammad Ershad on 1 January 1986. The Army Chief
Lieutenant General Hussain Muhammad Ershad had usurped the state power by a
coup d'état on 24 March 1982, and ruled the country as chief martial law
administrator till December 1983.

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The Socialist Party of Bangladesh (SPB) (বাাংলাদেদশর সমাজতান্ত্রিক েল — বাসে) is a
proletarian revolutionary party in Bangladesh based on an ever-developing
understanding of Marxism-Leninism. It is one of the largest communist parties in
the country. The party was founded by Khalequzzaman on 7 November 1980.
Ideology: Communism, Marxism–Leninism—Maoism.
The Jatiyo Samajtantrik Dal (জাতীয সমাজতান্ত্রিক েল, 'National Socialist Party',
'জাসে', Jasod) is a political party in Bangladesh. The party founded in 1972
through the merger of socialist political activists and military officers. It was
founded under the leadership of Major (Retired) Abdul Jalil.
Political Logos in the United States:
Democratic Party:

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Like the graphic designs of many parties, the American Democratic Party uses a
familiar red, white, and blue color palette to show their patriotism. The
commonly recognized donkey symbol is used, but between the red and blue there
is a swoosh of white going through the graphic, a shape that connotes movement
and flexibility. The donkey is kicking up its back legs, which suggests freedom and
even a little rebellion against the established system. It is easy to see this party’s
intended image through their use of symbolism.
Republican Party:
The American Republic Party also uses red, white, and blue, along with the
familiar elephant symbol that has been a figurehead for the party for more than
one-hundred years. However, the animal of these graphic designs is shaped into a
roughly square shape, showing the authoritative policies of this party. The stars
are a symbol not just of the United States, but also of reaching for higher ideals,
making this a very appropriate logo for the image that this party is trying to
portray.

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Libertarian Party:
In the United States, the Libertarian Party prides itself on its focus on social and
civil liberties. Because of this, the use of the Statue of Liberty in its graphic designs
is very appropriate. The gold and dark blue color scheme is patriotic without
being cliché, while the circular shape makes people feel included. The familiar
stars are also present.
Green Party:
The American Green Party focuses mainly on efforts to save the planet and
reduce the carbon footprint of the United States. Their logo is very reflective of
the aim, with a green on green color scheme. A planet is shown blooming within a
flower, giving the idea of birth and growth while incorporating the Earth, all
common graphic designs used in environmentalism. The font uses serifs and
blocky shapes to make this party seem like an authority.

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Constitution Party:
This religiously based conservative party focuses using on the Constitution as the
center of all policy and regulations. Because of this traditionalism, it is significant
that the Constitution Party uses several longtime American symbols in their logo
and other graphic designs, including the bald eagle, the American flag, and stars.
The rectangular shape suggests an authoritarian attitude, while a newsy font with
serifs gives a bit of gravitas to the image.
Socialist Party USA
The Socialist Party USA is a socially and fiscally liberal group that focuses on civil
rights and a socialist economic structure. Their logo is as different from other
mainstream political parties as it possibly could be. The recognizable inclusive
circular shape of many political graphic designs is used, showing the clasped
hands of people from two different ethnicities to show the organization’s goals of
social unity and equity. The planet is prominently displayed, but not centered on

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the United States. It is easy to sense the party’s goals from its logo, making it both
effective and accurate as a symbol.
Political symbol in the India [Lok Sabha Elections 2014]:
The Indian National Congress: The Congress party has one of the most
recognisable symbols in the country. 'The hand' by the Congress has been praised,
revered, mocked and shunned. Congress has seen both good and bad days. The
initial symbol of two bullocks and a plough was discarded by Indira Gandhi, when
the Congress party was split during the Emergency. Gandhi adopted the symbol of
a right hand, with the palm facing front. The fingers of the hand are pressed
together. The hand is a connotation for strength, energy and unity. The party
speaks of secularism and the hand is a reflection of the same. The symbol is
drawn against the backdrop of the Indian tricolor.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The Bharatiya Janata Party follows a right wing,
Hindu nationalist agenda. A majority member of the National Democratic Alliance,
the BJP is currently vying for the vote of the Hindu majority under prominent
leader Narendra Modi. The BJP symbol is the lotus against a saffron and green bi-

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coloured background. The symbol holds many prominent connotations with
respect to Hindu sentiments. The Lotus is the national flower of the country and a
symbol of the Hindu Goddess Saraswati, Goddess of Learning. The color Saffron
in the backdrop, as represented in the Indian tri-color stands for courage and
sacrifice and the color green portrays faith and prosperity. Thus the symbol
broadly stand for the growth and prosperity of its electorate.
Samajwadi Party (SP):The Samajwadi Party, one of the few parties formed after
the split of major faction Janata Dal; believes in creating a socialist and
democratic society. It is a regional political party of India formed in 1992 in
Lucknow. The party symbol is a bicycle drawn against a background of red and
green bi-colored flag. Whereas red stand for struggle, green refers to the humble
and rooted moralities of the party. The bicycle is again a humble mode of
transport, something frequently used by the general masses of the country. Thus
the symbol and flag of the party, stands as a direct connotation of the party's
principles.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): This Dalit national political party started by Kanshi
Ram in 1984 chose the elephant as their symbol. The elephant facing left denotes
will power and physical strength. The party has this as their symbol in all the
states except Asssam and Sikkim, where BSP must choose another symbol.
The Communist Party of India (CPM): The leading communist party in the
country, the CPI (Marxist), formed in the year 1964. The symbol of the party
consists of a sickle and hammer, intersecting each other against a red flag in the
background. The red color of the flag signifies the communist color of struggle
whereas the sickle and hammer signify the agricultural community in the country.
Nationalist Cngress Party (NCP): NCP adopted the clock as their symbol. The aqua
colored clock strikes 10:10. A clock generally denotes timeliness, punctuality,
truthfulness (to time) and a fighter’s spirit. The party tries hard to emulate the
leaders who sought us Independence, thus adopting a symbol which shows their
will to work 'round the clock' for the society, seems like a safe bet.

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Political symbol in the Pakistan:
Communist party:
The hammer and sickle are a traditional symbol of the working class representing
urban industry and rural agriculture. A communist party is a political party that
advocates the application of the social and economic principles of communism
through state policy. The name originates from the 1848 tract Manifesto of the
Communist Party by Karl Marx and Friedric Engels. A symbol featuring a hammer
and a sickle, overlapping each other (☭) in order to symbolize the unity, has
become a part of communist symbolism. Its usage indicates an association with
communism, a communist party, or a socialist state.

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Nazi Party:
The swastika was the main symbol of Nazism and remains strongly associated
with it in the Western world. The National Socialist German Workers' Party
(German: About this sound Nationalsozialistische, abbreviated NSDAP), commonly
known in English as the Nazi Party, was a political party in Germany active
between 1920 and 1945. In 1933, Adolf Hitler assumed power of the German
government, usage of the term Nazi diminished in Germany.
Economic Symbolism:
Economic symbolism is symbolism that is used to represent a economical
standpoint. This symbolism can occur in various media including Stock exchange,
Money and Currency, Gold and Petroleum, Life insurance, Banking, Budget etc.

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Different Economical symbols:
 Q - output
 Y - income
 r - interest rate
 π - abnormal profit (micro),
inflation rate (macro)
 L - labour
 Ln - land
 K - capital
 T - taxes
 G - government expenditure
 X - exports
 M – imports
 PED - price elasticity of demand
 YED - income elasticity of demand
 XED - cross elasticity of demand
 W – wages
 C - consumption
 I - investment
 MPC - marginal propensity to
consume
 MPS - marginal propensity to
save
 GDP - gross domestic product
 GDI - gross domestic income
 TC - (average) total cost
 AC - average cost
 MC - marginal cost
 MR - marginal revenue
 AR - average revenue

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Money and Currency:
Country and Currency Currency
Code
Graphic
Image
America (USA), Dollars
Australia, Dollars
USD $
AUD $
Belgium, Francs
Brazil, Reais
Britain (UK), Pounds
China, Yuan
Euro
Holland (Netherlands)
Hong Kong, Dollars
India, Rupees
Japan, Yen
Korea , Won
Nigeria, Nairas
Saudi Arabia, Riyals
BEF ₣
BRL R$
GBP £
CNY
EUR €
NLG ƒ
HKD
INR ₨
JYP ¥
KPW ₩
NGN ₦
SAR

31. 31
Social Symbols:
A social symbol is a perceived visible, external denotation of one's social position
and perceived indicator of economic or social status. Many luxury goods are often
considered status symbols. Status symbol is also a sociological term – as part of
social and sociological symbolic interactionism – relating to how individuals and
groups interact and interpret various cultural symbols.
Clothing and possessions: In a commercial society, having money or wealth and
things that can be bought by wealth, such as cars, houses, or fine clothing, are
considered status symbols. Compare the foreman with a horse and high hat with
the inquilino in picture. Image from 19th century rural Chile.
Societal recognition: A uniform symbolizes membership in an organization, and
may display additional symbols of rank, specialty, tenure and other details of the
wearer's status within the organization. A state decoration can show that the
wearer has heroic or official status, and diverse visual markers of marital status
are widely used. For Example: Military symbol of excellence-

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Material possessions: Possessions typically perceived as status symbols may
include a mansion or penthouse apartment, a trophy wife, haute couture
fashionable clothes, jewelry or a luxury vehicle.
Symbols of Love: The heart symbol or "heart shape" (♥) is an ideograph used to
express the idea of the "heart" in its metaphorical or symbolic sense as the center
of emotion, including affection and love.
Symbols of Peace: A number of peace symbols have been used many ways in
various cultures and contexts. The dove and olive branch were used symbolically
by Jews and early Christians and then eventually became a secular peace symbol,
popularized by Pablo Picasso after the Second World War.

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In the 1950s the "peace sign", as it is known today, was designed as the logo for
the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and adopted by anti-war and
counterculture activists in the United States and elsewhere.
Symbol of Victory: This sign is thought to have begun in Europe during World
War II when a V for victory was painted on walls as a symbol of freedom from
occupying forces. The sign was very widely used by peace movements in the
1960s and 70s as a symbol of victory for peace and truth.
Symbols of Friendship: In many countries Handshake and Yellow rose are
symbolize the bond of friendship.

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Symbols of Marriage and Wedding:In some country, Butterfly is the sign of
marrige. Wedding rings are signs of wedding couple as well.
Symbolism in Everyday Life:
Our language contains an immense number of symbols whose intended meaning
or significance is well-known and accepted by the majority. Of course, many of
these do wind up in books, magazines, stories, and other written works.
Symbolism is found in colors:
•Black is used to represent death or evil.
•White stands for life and purity.
•Red can symbolize blood, passion, danger, or immoral character.
•Purple is a royal color.
•Yellow stands for violence or decay.
•Blue represents peacefulness and calm.
Symbolic Objects:
•A chain can symbolize the coming together of two things.
•A ladder can represent the relationship between heaven and earth or ascension.
•A mirror can denote the sun but when it is broken, it can represent an unhappy
union or a separation.

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Symbol of Good luck and Fortune:
.
Symbols of Health and Safety:
Skull and crossbones (poison), a warning symbol of poisonous substances and
danger.
BE CAREFUL – Warning. To warn staff and public of the potential dangers in and
around the workplace
Prohibition (Do Not Smoke); To convey prohibited actions, reduce the risk of fire.
and prevent personal injury.

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SAFE emergency escape route or first aid. To show the way to medical assistance,
to show the way to an area of safety and to indicate that a course of action is safe
to take.
First aid Cross symbol. To show the way to medical assistance and to indicate the
location of equipment.
Road Traffic sign- Safe for crossing walk slowly.
Security and Safety symbol- Prohibition, Security and Safe Guard.

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Traffic Warning Signals in Road. Red for Stop or prohibition, Yellow for wait for
Green signels and Green is for permission to go.
Road works- Construction area, road is under construction.
Symbols in Astrology:

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Symbols of Environmental Hazards:
Infectious Subsistence- Harmful for health, Health Hazard.
Energy Star logo; it means that the energy consumption of an appliance is below
an agreed level in ‘stand-by’ mode. The logo appears on some types of office
equipment, such as computers, monitors, printers and fax machines.
LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) logo. It is one of the approaches to farm
management that gives you the choice to buy affordable food produced by
farmers who are committed to improving the environment for the benefit of
wildlife and the countryside.

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Recycle symbol reminds consumers to recycle glass jars and bottles, either at
bottle banks or, where available, through kerbside collection schemes. Most glass
containers are recyclable.
This symbol is called the Tidyman. It and variations of it can regularly be found on
packages in the UK as a reminder to people to put their rubbish in a rubbish bin.
Conclusion:
This simple observation confirmed that symbols, symbolism, symbolization and
symbology play a very significant role in our scheme of things. They are an
important and integral element in understanding culture. They reinforce our
norms, values and provide an operative in which we can manifest our meanings.
Symbols can also evoke emotional responses from us. The brief overview
presented in this essay is just the tip of an iceberg whereas glaciers still remain
there to be trodden upon.

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Reference:
1) "Two decades of Gono Forum". Probenews. 2012-02-04. Retrieved 2012-
12-22.
2) "The Daily Star Web Edition Vol. 5 Num 35". Thedailystar.net. 2004-06-30.
Retrieved 2012-12-23.
3) Cf. E. Jones: The Theory of Symbolism, Brit. Journ. of Psychol, Vol. 9, pp.
181-229.
4) Cf. my Symbolism and Folk Love: Proceedings of the VIIth International
Congress of Psychology. Cambridge, 1924. p. 284.
5) R. B. Cunningham Grahame: The Conquest of New Granada: 1922. Footnote
p.97.
6) An excellent illustration of this occurs in E. M. Forster's recent book, A
Passage to India (London, 1924) p. 24.
7) Atkinson and Clarke: Cambridge described and illustrated, London, 1897: p.
128.
8) Quoted by Atkinson and Clarke, l.c.
9) Atkinson and Clarke: op. cit. p. 460.
10) Valentine Chirol: Indian Unrest, London, 1910, p. 44. A reference to the
plays performed, one of which is summarised on pp. 337-9 of Mr. Chirol's book,
will show clearly the important place accorded by them 'to symbols.
11) The Counterplot. 1924: pp. 5-6.
12) Bartlett, F.C. (1925). 'The social functions of symbols', Astralasian Journal of
Psychology and Philosophy 3: 1-11.
13) "Bangladesh Election Commission - Home page". Ecs.gov.bd. Retrieved
2012-12-23.

41. 41
14) (12)"Two decades of Gono Forum". Probenews. 2012-02-04. Retrieved
2012-12-22.
15) (13)
16) "The Daily Star Web Edition Vol. 5 Num 35". Thedailystar.net. 2004-06-30.
Retrieved 2012-12-23.
17) "Bangladesh Election Commission - Home page". Ecs.gov.bd. Retrieved
2012-12-23.
18) Balakian, Anna, The Symbolist Movement: a critical appraisal. Random
House, 1967, ch. 2
19) Balakian, supra; see also Houston, introduction
20) L'Album zutique
21) Jean Moreas, Le Manifeste du Symbolisme, Le Figaro, 1886
22) Conway Morris, Roderick The Elusive Symbolist movement article -
International Herald Tribune, March 17, 2007.
23) Untermeyer, Louis, Preface to Modern American Poetry Harcourt Brace &
Co New York 1950
24) Balakian, Anna, The Symbolist Movement: a critical appraisal. Random
House, 1967
25) Delvaille, Bernard, La poésie symboliste: anthologie. ISBN 2-221-50161-6
26) 26.Vastu-Silpa Kosha, Encyclopedia of Hindu Temple architecture
27) 27.Vastu/S.K.Ramachandara Rao, Delhi, Devine Books, (Lala Murari Lal
Chharia Oriental Jansen, Eva Rudy (1993). The book of Hindu Imagery: Gods,
Manifestations and Their Meaning.
28) Nicholas Ridley, A Treatise on the Worship of Images, written before 1555.

42. 42
29) James Calfhill, An aunsvvere to the Treatise of the crosse (An answer to
John Martiall's Treatise of the cross) at 1565.
30) Theodore Beza, in his Answer to the Colloquium of Montheliard at 1588,
according to Jaroslav Pelikan, The Christian Tradition: A History of the
Development of Doctrine, Vol. 4, University of Chicago Press 1985, p. 217.
31) Peter Blickle, Macht und Ohnmacht der Bilder.: Reformatorischer
Bildersturm im Kontext der europäischen Geschichte, Oldenbourg Verlag, 2002,
pp. 253-272.
32) Religious Politics in Post-Reformation England: Essays in Honour of Nicholas
Tyacke, Boydell & Brewer, 2006, p. 2
33) Henry Dana Ward, History of the cross, the pagan origin, and idolatrous
adoption and worship of the image, at 1871.
34) Mourant Brock, The cross, heathen and Christian: A fragmentary notice of
its early pagan existence and subsequent Christian adoption, London 1879.
35) John Denham Parsons, The non-Christian cross; an enquiry into the origin
and history of the symbol eventually adopted as that of our religion, at 1896.
36) David Williams, Deformed Discourse: The function of the Monster in
Mediaeval thought and literature, McGill-Queen's Press 1999, p. 161.
37) Christopher R. Fee & David Adams Leeming, Gods, Heroes & Kings: The
battle for mythic Britain, Oxford University Press, 2001, p. 113.
38) Why True Christians Do Not Use the Cross in Worship
39) New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, appendix 5C, page 1577
40) Franz 2007, p. 150
41) Riches, by J.F. Rutherford, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1936, page
27.
42) Hinckley, Gordon B (May 1975). "The Symbol of Christ". Ensign.

43. 43
43) Hinckley, Gordon B (April 2005). "The Symbol of Our Faith". Ensign.
44) Hunter, Howard W. (November 1994). "Exceeding Great and Precious
Promises". Ensign.
45) McKeever, Bill. "Why No Crosses?". Mormonism Research Ministry.
Retrieved 1 April 2013.
46) "General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 117" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-12-
10.
47) "Cross Crosslet". Seiyaku.com. 2008-11-25. Retrieved 2011-12-10.
48) http://www.nmuc.org/OffCentr.htm accessed on 2012-04-21
49) "Dannebrog" by Hans Christian Bjerg, p.12, ISBN 87-7739-906-4.
50) "NSC NETWORK – Analogical review on Saint Thomas Cross- The symbol of
Nasranis-Interpretation of the Inscriptions". Nasrani.net. Retrieved 2011-12-10.
51) hristianity: an introduction by Alister E. McGrath 2006 ISBN 1-4051-0901-7
pages 321-323 [1].
52) John Garnier (1904). The worship of the Dead. p. 226. Retrieved 2011-12-
10.
53) Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, "Cross, Crucify".
See, also, Abram Herbert Lewis, Paganism surviving in Christianity, G.P. Putnam's
sons, 1892, pp 237, 238.
54) Hutado, Larry (2006). "The staurogram in early Christian manuscripts: the
earliest visual reference to the crucified Jesus?". In Kraus, Thomas. New
Testament Manuscripts. Leiden: Brill. pp. 207–26. ISBN 978-90-04-14945-8.
55) Stranger, James (2007). "Archeological evidence of Jewish believers?". In
Skarsaune, Oskar. Jewish Believers in Jesus The Early Centuries. City: Baker
Academic. p. 715. ISBN 9780801047688.
56) "''Octavius''". Ccel.org. 2005-06-01. Retrieved 2011-12-10.

44. 44
57) Minucius Felix speaks of the cross of Jesus in its familiar form, likening it to
objects with a crossbeam or to a man with arms outstretched in prayer (Octavius
of Minucius Felix, chapter XXIX).
58) "Stromata, book VI, chapter XI". Earlychristianwritings.com. 2006-02-02.
Retrieved 2011-12-10.
59) Apology., chapter xvi. In this chapter and elsewhere in the same book,
Tertullian clearly distinguishes between a cross and a stake.
60) Stott, John (2006). The Cross of Christ (20th Anniversary ed.). Downers
Grove: InterVarsity Press. p. 27. ISBN 0-8308-3320-X.
61) "Jewish Encyclopedia". Jewish Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2011-12-10., (see
Apocalypse of Mary, viii., in James, "Texts and Studies," iii. 118).
62) De Corona, chapter 3, written in 204.
63) The perhaps 1st-century Epistle of Barnabas sees the letter T as indicating
the cross of Christ (Chapter 9, 7)

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