Unlocking the power of symbols and their meanings: From ancient icons to modern designs.

Common symbols and their meanings.

Certain symbols are quite widespread in many societies, and help us to instantly recognise and understand a concept. In fact, they are such an important form of collective human experience, that they can mean the same thing to many, many different people. Here are five symbols and their meanings that we often see in everyday design:

Heart

A heart is the universal symbol of love around much of the globe. A deeply romantic icon, it is particularly popular for Valentine’s Day cards and occasions such as anniversaries. It can also represent connection, fertility, compassion, and kindness.

Dove

A dove is a widely recognised symbol of peace. The dove can also denote feelings of freedom and divinity, hope, renewal, and transformation. Doves often play a part in wedding traditions too, as they are often seen to represent love.

Rose

This flower is typically associated with love and romance, and red roses are a popular choice to send on Valentine’s Day. Roses also have significance on historic crests – white and red roses being associated with the English heritage of Yorkshire and Lancaster respectively; a tradition dating back to the so-called ‘War of the Roses’ in the mid to late 1400s.

Tree

Trees play a pivotal role in many mythologies and religions. They are a popular symbol representing life, fertility, wisdom and family. In some ancient traditions, a tree is the symbol of life itself.

Skulls

Skulls are universally used as a warning symbol, and are often found on harmful or poisonous substances to alert the user to be careful. The image of a skull can denote feelings of dread, dismay and danger.

Celtic symbols.

Celtic symbols have a rich history spanning centuries. Here are five of the most well-known symbols and their meanings:

Celtic Tree of Life

The interwoven branches form the Celtic symbol of strength, wisdom, and longevity. It symbolises rebirth and is often linked with Druids, who acted as leaders in Celtic culture. You may use it to represent the continuity of life, and celebration of new beginnings – from celebrating a birth, to congratulations on a major life change.

Dara Celtic Knot

The Dara knot is the Celtic symbol for inner strength. In fact, the name Dara comes from the Irish word for ‘Doire’, meaning ‘oak tree’. The knot features an interwoven design, symbolising the root of an oak tree and can represent power, endurance and wisdom.

Ailm

The Ailm is another Celtic embodiment of strength, and comes from the first letter of the Celtic Ogham alphabet. It represents resilience and endurance and is often used alongside depictions of Celtic Gods and Goddesses. The Ailm represents healing, purification and fertility.

The Triskele

The Triskele is an Irish Celtic symbol, embodying the body, mind and spirit.

Greek symbols & letters.

The Greek alphabet dates to the 8^th and 9^th centuries, and was the first alphabet to include vowels and consonants. Still in use today, it boasts 24 letters; seven vowels and 17 consonants. What’s more, the letters themselves are incredibly eye-catching and interesting. Here are a few well-known Greek symbols and meanings:

Alpha

The Alpha Greek symbol is associated with certain key phenomena in medicine and mathematics, and can sometimes be used to mean ‘number 1’

Delta

Delta indicates ‘variation’ in chemistry and physics. In astrology, it also describes the brightness of a star.

Pi

This Greek symbol will be familiar to most schoolkids, as it is used in mathematics to find the circumference and area of a circle.

Hinduism symbols.

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, dating back more than 4,000 years. Here are a few of the most common Hinduism symbols and their meanings:

Om (Aum)

The Om is the most important symbol of Hinduism, and is often seen as the emblem of the faith. It represents the universe and ultimate reality, and is found at shrines and Hindu temples.

Hands in prayer

Hands in prayer is another important Hinduism symbol. It’s also sometimes known as the ‘Namaste’ gesture, which translates to ‘I bow to you’.

Lotus

In Hindu tradition, lotuses represent chakras – the energy centres in the body. Each petal of the lotus flower represents a different chakra (root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye and crown). Lotuses embody beauty, fertility, purity and eternity.

Cow

Cows are another important Hinduism symbol. They represent Mother Earth and the religion celebrates them as a form of goodness, as their milk provides nourishment.

Deepa/lamp

The Deepa is a symbol of light, hope and prosperity. The flame of the lamp represents fire, which embodies purity.