The Mammoth Dictionary of Symbols

The Mammoth Dictionary of Symbols
Author: Nadia Julien
Publisher: Constable
Total Pages: 536
Release: 1996
Genre: Reference
ISBN:

Since the dawn of time, mankind has used symbols to express thoughts or feelings, and to preserve those truths believed to come from a higher sphere. Every culture, in every age, invests the objects, animals and plants around it with a multitude of different meanings.

The Mammoth Book of Lost Symbols

The Mammoth Book of Lost Symbols
Author: Nadia Julien
Publisher: Robinson
Total Pages: 520
Release: 2012-02-16
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1780335334

Humanity has always used symbols-material objects used to denote difficult, abstract concepts-to describe thoughts and feelings, or to protect secret truths from common knowledge. This concise A-Z guide is a fascinating work of reference that brings to light all the symbols and symbolisms of the world, many aspects of which have been lost to time, including Freemasonry, the Kabbalah, the tarot, astrology, alchemy, Zoroastrianism, and ancient cultures from Egypt to Japan.

The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects

The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects
Author: Barbara G. Walker
Publisher: Harper Collins
Total Pages: 2626
Release: 2013-05-07
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 0062288873

This fascinating guide to the history and mythology of woman-related symbols features: Unique organization by shape of symbol or type of sacred object 21 different sections including Round and Oval Motifs, Sacred Objects, Secular-Sacred Objects, Rituals, Deities' Signs, Supernaturals, Body Parts, Nature, Birds, Plants, Minerals, Stones and Shells, and more Introductory essays for each section 753 entries and 636 illustrations Alphabetical index for easy reference Three-Rayed Sun The sun suspended in heaven by three powers, perhaps the Triple Goddess who gave birth to it (see Three-Way Motifs). Corn Dolly An embodiment of the harvest to be set in the center of the harvest dance, or fed to the cattle to `make them thrive year round' (see Secular-Sacred Objects). Tongue In Asia, the extended tongue was a sign of life-force as the tongue between the lips imitated the sacred lingam-yoni: male within female genital. Sticking out the tongue is still a polite sign of greeting in northern India and Tibet (see Body Parts). Cosmic Egg In ancient times the primeval universe-or the Great Mother-took the form of an egg. It carried all numbers and letters within an ellipse, to show that everything is contained within one form at the beginning (see Round and Oval Motifs).

Thought Signs

Thought Signs
Author: Carl G. Liungman
Publisher: IOS Press
Total Pages: 710
Release: 1995
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 9789051991970

The book is the first comprehensive encyclopedia of Western ideograms ever published, unique in its search systems, that allows the reader to locate a symbol by defining just four of its visual characteristics. It is about our graphic cultural heritage as expressed in subway graffiti, fighter jets' signs and emergency exit symbols. It contains 2,300 symbols, 1,600 articles and streamlined reference functions. Ideogram scarved in mammoth teeth by Cro-Magnon men 25,000 years ago, put on modern household appliances by their manufacturers or sprayed on walls by political activists, are all presented in dictionary form for easy reference. Symbols cover current designs used in advertising, logotyping, architecture, design, decoration, religion, politics and astrology.

Tortoise

Tortoise
Author: Peter Young
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Total Pages: 212
Release: 2004-04-04
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 1861895046

Tortoise is the first cultural history of these long-lived and intriguing creatures, which have existed for more than 200 million years. The book covers tortoises worldwide, in evolution, myth and reality, ranging across paleontology, natural history, myth, folklore, art forms, literature, veterinary medicine and trade regulations. The tortoise has been seen as an Atlas-like creature supporting the world, as the origin of music and as a philosophical paradox. Peter Young examines the tortoise in all these guises, as well as a military tactical formation, its exploitation by mariners and others for food, as ornament (in tortoiseshell), as a motif in art, and in space research. He looks at the movement away from exploitation to conservation and even the uses of the tortoise in advertising. As well as examples of species, illustrations from around the world include monuments, sculptures, coins, stamps, objets d’art, drawings, cartoons, advertisements and X-rays. The book will appeal not only to tortoise lovers but also to readers of cultural histories around the world. "Peter Young’s Tortoise, on the other claw, can be warmly recommended."—Jonathan Bate, The Times

Signs & Symbols of the World

Signs & Symbols of the World
Author: D.R. McElroy
Publisher: Wellfleet Press
Total Pages: 259
Release: 2020-04-21
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 1577151860

This informative and engaging illustrated reference provides the stories behind 1,001 signs and symbols, from ancient hieroglyphs to modern-day political and subculture symbols. What in the world does Ω mean? And what about its meaning might have led my coffee date to tattoo it on his entire forearm? Where did the symbol ∞ originate, and what was its first meaning? How did the ampersand symbol & come about and how was it applied daily in book publishing? And what is the full story behind that staring eye on top of the pyramid on our American dollar bill? This comprehensive guide to signs and symbols explains. Find within: More than 1,000 illustrations An extensive collection of written and cultural symbols, including animals, instruments, stones, shapes, numbers, colors, plants, food, parts of the body, religious and astrological symbols, emojis, and gestures Historical facts culled from a wide variety of sources Learn all about the signs and symbols that surround us and their part in our rich world history.

Symbols in Arts, Religion and Culture

Symbols in Arts, Religion and Culture
Author: Farrin Chwalkowski
Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Total Pages: 620
Release: 2016-12-14
Genre: Art
ISBN: 1443857289

We are a product of nature. Every single cell of our body is made of, and depends, on nature. Our inner soul is heavily influenced by nature. We feel sad if the sun is not shining for a few days, and feel pleasure when drawn to the wonder of flowers and uplifted by the song of birds. We came from nature; we are part of nature. In short, we are nature. Nature has been an intimate part of the human experience from the earliest times. Different religions and cultures, from all corners of the world, have honoured and worshipped nature in art, ritual and literature in their own unique ways. This book shows how we learn about our own human nature, our own sense of identity and how we fit into the larger scheme of life and spirit when we come to better understand how our human ancestors, through art, symbol and myth, expressed their relationship with the natural world.

Signs & Symbols

Signs & Symbols
Author: Clare Gibson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 168
Release: 2001
Genre: Signs and symbols
ISBN: 9780760702178

This wide-ranging compendium traces symbolism to its ancient roots, examining a vast variety of symbolic images.

Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend

Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend
Author: Miranda Jane Aldhouse-Green
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Total Pages: 246
Release: 1997
Genre: Celts
ISBN: 9780500279755

Contains entries on Celtic myth, religion, and folklore in Britain and Europe between 500 BC and 400 AD.