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What does this represent?. And this?. What about traffic lights? Green =?, Yellow = ?, Red = ?. Non-symbolic signs represent something other than their physical reality. All symbols are signs, but non-symbolic signs are not symbols . Symbols are signs with a PLUS. +1.
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What about traffic lights? Green =?, Yellow = ?, Red = ?
Non-symbolic signs represent something other than their physical reality.
All symbols are signs, but non-symbolic signs are not symbols. Symbols are signs with a PLUS.
+1 Symbols have more than one meaning.
+2 What symbolsstand for is connected to their physical reality.
Water is a symbol for survival, BECAUSE we depend on water to survive.
Water is a symbol for cleanliness, BECAUSE water is used to clean things (like dogs).
+3 Symbols evoke more than one kind of response from us.
Brightness of the holiday season! The Coming of Jesus as the light of the world! Light and warmth symbolize the love of the Christ child in the manger. It reminds us of friends, and friends brighten up our life!
Cultural vs. Universal Symbols
Cultural symbols change depending on time or place. The meaning of a cultural symbol is dependent upon…well, culture.
Universal symbols are not tied to a specific group, time, or place. Sometimes, universal symbols have contradictory meanings.
Horses wear blinders so they can only concentrate on a single point or path. Horses wear blinders because they’re easily frightened.
We are not horses. We don’t wear blinders.
…but when we only think literally, we’re missing the big picture. Take a SECOND look to become sacramentally aware. Sacramental awareness is also about shifting from literal to symbolic thinking.
They are avenues to deeper realities that give us an experience of God.