Symbolism

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"Symbolic" redirects here. For other uses, see Symbolism (disambiguation) and Symbolic (disambiguation).

Symbolism is the applied use of symbols: iconic representations that carry particular meanings.

The term "symbolism" is limited to use in contrast to "representationalism"; defining the general directions of a linear spectrum - where in all symbolic concepts can be viewed in relation, and where changes in context may imply systemic changes to individual and collective definitions of symbols. "Symbolism" may refer to a way of choosing representative symbols in line with abstract rather than literal properties, allowing for the broader interpretation of a carried meaning than more literal concept-representations allow. A religion can be described as a language of concepts related to human spirituality. Symbolism hence is an important aspect of most religions.

The interpretation of abstract symbols has had an important role in religion and psychoanalysis. As envisioned by Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, symbols are not the creations of mind, but rather are distinct capacities within the mind to hold a distinct piece of information.[citation needed] In the mind, the symbol can find free association with any number of other symbols, can be organized in any number of ways, and can hold the connected meanings between symbols as symbols in themselves. Jung and Freud diverged on the issue of common cognitive symbol systems and whether they could exist only within the individual mind or among other minds; whether any cognitive symbolism was defined by innate symbolism or by the influence of the environment around them.

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[edit] Symbolic Representation

The meaning of a symbol is based upon several factors, including pop culture associations, history, and contextual intent.


[edit] Historical meaning

This history of a symbol is one of many factors in determining a particular symbols' apparent meaning. Old symbols often become reinterpreted given time and new historical context.

The Rebel Flag of the American South contains elements of design which predate the American Civil War. These design elements were used by some Irish and Scottish inhabitants of The Americas. 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 often associated themselves with the Confederate flag.[citation needed] This use of the Rebel Flag has resulted its association with racism in the minds of some and a subsequent dispute over whether or not the flag has racist connotations.

It may appear that the Christian cross has its origins in the Ancient Egyptian Ankh, which it greatly resembles. In the case of the cross, however, its modern symbolism derives from the Roman Empire's use of large wooden crosses to crucify criminals, rather than being directly related to the Ankh signifying life.

[edit] Juxtaposition

Symbolism can be complicated via Juxtaposition as well. Alone, the cross has a specific meaning as a symbol of Christianity. However, a cross set on fire on a lawn is a symbol used by the KKK, which has racist implications, even though the original cross may have no such implications.

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