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'''Symbols''' are objects, characters, or other concrete representations of ideas, concepts, or other abstractions.  For example, in the United States and Canada, a red [[octagon]] is a symbol for the traffic sign meaning "STOP".  In more psychological and philosophical terms, every perception is symbolic, and humans often react to symbolism on a subconscious level.   

'''Symbols''' are objects, characters, or other concrete representations of ideas, concepts, or other abstractions.  For example, in the United States and Canada, a red [[octagon]] is a symbol for the traffic sign meaning "STOP".  In more psychological and philosophical terms, every perception is symbolic, and humans often react to symbolism on a subconscious level.   

Common examples of symbols are the symbols used on maps to denote places of interest, such as crossed sabers to indicate a battlefield, and the [[numeral]]s used to represent [[number]]s.  Common psychological symbols are the use of a gun to represent a [[penis]] or a tunnel to represent a [[vagina]]. <ref> David G. Myers, ''Psychology'', Worth Publishers; 7th edition (June 6, 2004) ISBN 0716752514 ISBN-13 978-0716752516, p. 282 </ref> See: [[phallic symbol]] and [[yonic symbol]].

Common examples of symbols are the symbols used on maps to denote places of interest, such as crossed sabers to indicate a battlefield, and the [[numeral]]s used to represent [[number]]s.  Common psychological symbols are the use of a gun to represent a penis or a tunnel to represent a vagina. David G. Myers, ''Psychology'', Worth Publishers; 7th edition ISBN 0716752514 ISBN 978-0716752516, p. 282   

 

All language is made up of symbols.  The word "cat", whether spoken or written, is not a cat, but is a symbol for a cat.  

==The symbolate==

==The symbolate==

For example, a scepter[http://www.british-towns.net/britain/monarchy/orb_and_sceptre.htm], or sceptre, is a symbol of royal power. A scepter is an object which can be picked up and wielded, although it fulfills its symbolic purpose only if wielded by a [[monarch]].

For example, a scepter[https://www.british-towns.net/britain/monarchy/orb_and_sceptre.htm], or sceptre, is a symbol of royal power. A scepter is an object which can be picked up and wielded, although it fulfills its symbolic purpose only if wielded by a [[monarch]].

Objects have chemical and physical properties and behave in certain ways. In practice, a scepter is essentially a rod, with ornamentation; but essentially anything accepted as a scepter is a scepter.

Objects have chemical and physical properties and behave in certain ways. In practice, a scepter is essentially a rod, with ornamentation; but essentially anything accepted as a scepter is a scepter.

==Etymology==

==Etymology==

The word "symbol" came to the [[English language]] by way of [[Middle English]], from [[Old French]], from [[Latin]], from the  [[Greek language|Greek]] σύμβολον (''sýmbolon'') from the root words συν- (''syn-'') meaning "together" and βολή (''bolē'') "a throw", having the approximate meaning of "to throw together", literally a "co-incidence" (''[[:de:Zufall|zu-fall]]''), also  "sign, ticket, or contract". The earliest attestation of the term is in the [[Homeric Hymns|Homeric Hymn]] to [[Hermes]] where Hermes on seeing the [[tortoise]] exclaims ''συμβολον ηδη μοι'' "''symbolon'' [symbol/sign/portent/encounter/chance find?] of joy to me!" before turning it into a [[lyre]].

The word "symbol" came to the [[English]] [[language]] by way of [[Middle English]], from [[Old French]], from [[Latin]], from the  [[Greek language|Greek]] σύμβολον (''sýmbolon'') from the root words συν- (''syn-'') meaning "together" and βολή (''bolē'') "a throw", having the approximate meaning of "to throw together", literally a "co-incidence" (''[[:de:Zufall|zu-fall]]''), also  "sign, ticket, or contract". The earliest attestation of the term is in the [[Homeric Hymns|Homeric Hymn]] to [[Hermes]] where Hermes on seeing the [[tortoise]] exclaims ''συμβολον ηδη μοι'' "''symbolon'' [symbol/sign/portent/encounter/chance find?] of joy to me!" before turning it into a [[lyre]].

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: General Reference]]