Do symbols always have a real Meaning?

Question

if not what are there actual meaning?

Answer 1

Most have some meaning but not all i would imagine.

Answer 2

Symbols have meaning to those for whom the attributed meaning is understood. Symbols can be extremely powerful talismans. They do contain archetypal energies. Care should be used with some. We each have an avatar and many are symbols. I prefer the pure, loving, healing energy symbols. I have studied the use of symbols a lot in my past as a graphic designer, and still find them fascinating, although most are of the old paradigm of duality, so I only use images that I've created by my own hand....that originate with me.

Answer 3

This question shows that you're thinking quite critically.

The greatest philosophers of the 20th century debated this question with passion. Most nowadays would say that there is no "inherent" meaning to a symbol -- or rather, that the "ultimate meaning" of a symbol is that its meaning isn't fixed -- that it can be changed by people (the people with the power to redefine a symbol's meaning).

Think of it this way: If you wear a "Jesus Saves" shirt to a Baptist church service, people there will find a very positive symbol in your t-shirt. However, if you decide to walk around Iran wearing such a shirt, you'd be inviting trouble upon yourself. The meaning "changes" depending on the context you find yourself in.

That being said, I don't suggest you go to school tomorrow while sporting, say, a Confederate flag t-shirt or a Nazi t-shirt, because people won't understand the philosophical point you're trying to make.

Good question; keep it up.

Answer 4

I symbol by definition represents a 'real' item.

To understand a symbols meaning you must be clear on the context of it's use.

For example in a pirate story X marks the spot for treasure.
In Algebra, X is the value for which you are solving.

A Latin cross in the 1st Century was a symbol of death
A Latin cross in the 21st Century is a symbol of Salvation

Good luck with your search
God Bless

Answer 5

This is an age old philosophical question. Is the meaning in the symbols or the symbols in the meaning?

Answer 6

Symbols always have a meaning. The fact that they are symbols imply that they symbolize something.

Answer 7

what?
I don't think so, alot of movies, like sci fi movies use rediculous symbols as alien writing or stuff, that are all just made up.
if you draw a bunch of scribbles (or lines) on a page, what meaning does that have, any meaning you assign it.
symbols that are recognizable don't have to be approved or registered with a group or authority to attain 'symbol' status .
I don't understand the question.

Answer 8

No.

Pick up a pencil. Make three arcs, consecutively terminal, with no first or second order continuity. Then connect the free ends with a straight line.

Does this glyph you've created have any meaning?

No, it doesn't.

However, if you and I now agree that that glyph means, "the emotion one feels while eating far too much cheese at one sitting," then it now has meaning. Its meaning is real -- but we had to agree on its meaning, before it had any.

Answer 9

No. Any symbol's meaning is only what people agree it is.

Answer 10

There are many symbols that have real meaning.
You can see them at the roadside - gradient, school, etc.
You can see them on your clothing - washing instructions
Lots.
'There' means in another place, not here.
'Their' means belonging to them.
Commas have a purpose.

Answer 11

to be called a symbol they must be symbolic of something