Symbolism Examples

Here are some good examples of symbolism in every day life.

Symbolic Expressions

Time is money. This is symbolic because it warns you that when you spend your time, you are giving up the opportunity to be doing something else with that time (like making money) (just as when you spend your money, you give up your chance to do something else with the money). Further, like money, time is not infinite.

Life is a roller-coaster. This is symbolic because it indicates that there will be ups and downs in life that you have to weather.

He is solid as a rock. This is symbolic because it signifies that a person is strong and dependable.

Love is like a jewel. This is symbolic because it suggests that love is rare and precious.

The Symbolism of Colors

Symbolism is also used with colors. We have a whole section on the symbolism of colors, but here are a few colors and their meanings anyway.

• Black is used to represent death or evil.
• White stands for purity, innocence, and life.
• Red can symbolize blood, war, passion, and danger.
• Purple symbolizes royalty.

Objects Used As Symbols

Objects are often used as symbols. Here are some basic examples of objects that can have symbolic meanings.

• A chain can symbolize the coming together of two things or people.
• A ladder can represent the relationship between heaven and earth or it can symbolize ascension.
• The key is an object symbolic of opening and closing powers. It represents knowledge, mystery, initiation, and curiosity.
• Four leaf clover - According to superstition, this plant brings good luck to their finders. If someone finds it accidentally, it is said to have even more good luck. This is because only about 1 in every 10,000 clovers has four leaves.
• The sun symbolizes God in a Christian perspective. It can also represent a king or emperor. It is sometimes used in Christianity to symbolize resurrection. The sun represents life and giving to life.
• In literature, roses often symbolize love and beauty. Roses are a frequently used flower symbol. From a Christian perspective, a rose is a symbol of heaven and harmony in the world. Furthermore, the rose is considered the flower of the Virgin Mary.
• In literature, symbolism is when some aspect of the story, like a person, object, or location, actually represents something else. The road Robert Frost travels in the woods is symbolic of the journey of life.

Popular Symbols for Tattoos

Symbols are also used in tattoos, people who get a tattoo often want an image that symbolizes something or someone. Here are some good examples of tattoos that some people get and their symbolic meanings.

Angel Tattoo Symbol

An angel tattoo can be intended as a figure of guidance and protection.

An angel is often used as the centerpiece of a tattoo that is intended as a memorial. The angel is also symbolic of devotion and faith.

 

Celtic Knot Symbol

Here are a couple of popular celtic knot tattoos that people get to symbolize something.

Celtic knots are an Irish symbol you'll find everywhere from designer jewelery to tattoos.

Many people have attributed several symbolic meanings to many of the celtic knots, whether these symbolic meanings are actually from the celts or are more modern meanings is not clear to this day.

One interesting meaning attributed to celtic knots is "eternal, or never-ending", this is due to many celtic knots having a never ending line in their design.

 

The Anchor Symbol

Another popular tattoo symbol that has been used for many years is the anchor. The earliest forms of an anchor being used as a symbol goes back all the way back to the early Christians. Early Christians would often use the anchor as a hidden symbol for the cross. This was often used to show that they were Christian while escaping persecution from the Greeks. The anchor tattoo design has become a symbol for stability and a strong foundation.

 

Chinese "I Love You" Symbol

Many people also like to get tattoos in other languages, like this tattoo symbol which means "I Love You" in Chinese.

 

Lotus Flower Symbol

The lotus flower is a popular choice for a tattoo because it is both artistic and symbolic.

The lotus flower is a powerful spiritual symbol, which represents our ability to rise above any obstacles and flourish.