What is a symbol 1. symbol n something that represents or stands for something else, usually by convention or association, especially a material object used to represent something abstract 2. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) an object, person, idea, etc., used in a literary work, film, etc., to stand for or suggest something else with which it is associated either explicitly or in some more subtle way 3. (Mathematics) a letter, figure, or sign used in mathematics, science, music, etc. to represent a quantity, phenomenon, operation, function, etc.
Symbolism in Art Artists have used symbolism over thousands of years Ancient art such as hieroglyphics Paintings from the Early Renaissance Arnolfini Marriage Jan van Eyck 1434
Surrealism movement Persistence of Memory Dali 1931 Contemporary Art God Bless America II Peter Max 2001
Symbolism in Culture & Religion Astrology World Religions
Symbolism in everyday life Traffic Signs & Symbols Hazard Symbols