Symbolism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- "Symbolic" redirects here. For other uses, see Symbolism (disambiguation) and Symbolic (disambiguation).
Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent things such as ideas and emotions. It contrasts with representationalism. Language is highly symbolic, but symbolism refers specifically to totemic symbols that stand on their own.
In Psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung envisioned symbols as being not of the mind, but rather the mind's capacity to hold information.[citation needed] The mind uses symbols to form free association, organization, and connections between symbols. Jung and Freud diverged on the issue of common cognitive symbol systems and whether they exist within the individual mind or among other minds, whether cognitive symbolism was innate or defined by the environment.
Symbolism is important to religion. Religious oracles divine by interpreting symbols. Max Weber described religion as a system of sacred religious symbolism.
Contents |
[edit] Symbolic Confusion
 |
This section may stray from the topic of the article. Please help improve this section or discuss this issue on the talk page. (June 2009) |
A symbol's meaning is based upon factors including mass usage, history, and contextual intent.
[edit] Historical meaning
This history of a symbol is one of many factors in determining a particular symbol's apparent meaning. Old symbols become reinterpreted, due perhaps to environmental changes. Consequently, symbols with emotive power carry problems analogous to false etymologies.
For example, the Irish and Scottish American elements of design in the Rebel Flag of the American South predate the American Civil War. An early variant of the crossed bars can be seen on the Scottish Flag. Following the American Civil War, the KKK, founded in part by Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest, became notorious in the American South for conducting racially-motivated attacks. Its members associated themselves with the Confederate flag.[citation needed] This lead to a subsequent dispute over whether or not the flag has racist connotations.
Another example is the superficial resemblance between the Christian cross, an execution device, and the Ancient Egyptian Ankh, signifying life. The cross derives from the Roman Empire's use of large wooden crosses to crucify alleged criminals.
[edit] Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition further complicates the matter. Alone, the cross is a symbol of Christianity. However, a cross set on fire on a lawn is a distinct, racist symbol of the KKK, even though the original cross lacks racist implications.
