Symbolism

Definition:

A symbol is a pattern with an association.

Etymology:

The word “symbol” traces its origins back to the Greek word “symbolon,” which referred to a token or sign of identification, such as a seal or a coin, used in ancient Greece and Rome. The term “symbolon” was derived from the verb “symballein,” meaning “to throw together” or “to compare.” In its original sense, a symbol was something that could be broken into two parts, with each party keeping one part as a form of proof or identification. Over time, the meaning of “symbol” expanded to encompass a broader range of concepts, including a sign, representation, or emblem that conveys a deeper meaning or idea beyond its literal interpretation.

Description:

There are many words that mean exactly the same as the word “symbol,” such as the most obvious words sign and signal, but also the more subtle words such as synonym, analogy, metaphor and association.

To symbolize means to make up that two or more different or similar objects or ideas have the same meaning. In other words: to symbolize means to say that something is the same as something else.

It is very important to understand that symbolism is only imagination. We just use our imagination when we say that one thing is the same as another thing. Absolutely anything can symbolize anything, there are no objective rules. But the more the patterns of two things resemble each other, the easier it becomes to associate one thing with the other.

The greatest spreaders of symbolism have always been the great religions. If one is looking for an answer to what a symbol means, the religious holy books will usually all be a go-to.

Symbolism is imagination. One does not use scientific methods to figure out symbolism; intuition is required to detect symbolism.

The vast majority of people think that symbolism is only for the superstitious or the particularly interested. On the contrary; symbolism is everywhere. The earth is full of symbolism. Once you notice it, you will never overlook it again.

Articles:

Symbolism:

The mathematical symbol for symbolizing is the equality sign (=).

Religion:

In the Bible, in Colossians, chapter 2, verse 17 (ESV), Paul says: “These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” In this passage, the apostle Paul is addressing the Colossian Christians and cautioning them against being captivated by false teachings and religious practices. He refers to various religious regulations and observances as mere shadows, meaning far from the full picture. These practices were symbolic representations pointing forward to the coming of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Paul emphasizes that the substance or reality belongs to Christ, indicating that the true significance of these symbols is found when following Jesus. What Paul is saying is a lie, as religion is all about lying. If you wish to learn the actual meaning of symbols, just keep in mind that what religion teach you about symbolism is always a lie, as reading lies is the very point of symbolism.

In the Bible, in Mark, chapter 4, verse 11 (ESV), Jesus says: “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables.” In this passage, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the purpose of his teachings, which he often presented in parables. Jesus explains that he shares the secrets of the kingdom of God with his followers, but he uses parables when speaking to the crowds. Parables are stories with symbolic meanings that convey lies, or as the religious would say “spiritual truths,” which actually means “fictional truths.” Jesus suggests that those who are receptive to his message and seek understanding will grasp the symbolic meanings embedded within his teachings, while others may fail to perceive their deeper significance.

In the Quran, in Surah Al ‘Imran, chapter 3, verse 190, it says: “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.” This is a verse which can easily be interpreted in two opposite ways. Muslims interpret this as the universe being so complex and ordered that it itself is evidence of God’s existence. While nonbelievers who know a lot about how the nature actually behave can interpret this as the universe being som chaotic as evidence that God does not exist.

In the Quran, in Surah Al-Rum, chapter 30, verse 58: it says: “And We have certainly presented to the people in this Qur’an from every [kind of] example. But, [O Muhammad], if you should bring them a sign, the disbelievers will surely say, “You [believers] are but falsifiers.”” This is the oldest trick in the book: lie about seeing signs of the future, then claim that when a nonbeliever points out that it’s a lie, you have already predicted that nonbelievers will point out that it’s a lie, hence you predicted the future, meaning you are a truth teller.