Signs and Symbols: An illustrated Guide to their Origins and Meanings

Material type: Text

TextPublication details: London : Dorling Kindersley, c2019.Edition: Second EditionDescription: 352 pages : colored illustrations ; 24 cmISBN:

9780241387047

Subject(s):

LOC classification:

AZ 108 .S54 2019

Contents:

Prelims -- The Cosmos -- Natural World -- Human Life -- Myths and religions -- Society and culture -- Symbol systems --Glossary -- Further reading -- Index -- Acknowledgments.

Summary: Since when did certain hand gestures become offensive? And why are scales a symbol of justice? For thousands of years, humans have communicated through a language of signs and symbols. From uniforms to body adornment and corporate logos, symbols are everywhere, and this book is your guide to their secret meanings and history. The Sun as well as the night sky with its stars and planets has long been used to symbolize supernatural forces. Learn about this and also how humans have used patterns, numbers, clothing, and more to signal authority, kinship, and status. Signs & Symbols decodes over 2000 emblems, explaining the visual language of architecture, heraldry, religion, and death. It answers questions such as why, for example, Christianity is symbolized by a fish, or how the Chinese use the crane bird to signify longevity. This comprehensive book also explores how certain gemstones or flowers became linked to personal qualities and how the alphabet and national flags came into being. Signs & Symbols will open your eyes to the fascinating world of symbolism that is embedded in every area of our lives.

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Holdings
Item type	Current library	Call number	Materials specified	Status	Date due	Barcode
Books	NU Clark Reference	REF AZ 108 .S54 2019 (Browse shelf(Opens below))		Available		NUCLA000005011

Includes index and references.

Prelims -- The Cosmos -- Natural World -- Human Life -- Myths and religions -- Society and culture -- Symbol systems --Glossary -- Further reading -- Index -- Acknowledgments.

Since when did certain hand gestures become offensive? And why are scales a symbol of justice?

For thousands of years, humans have communicated through a language of signs and symbols. From uniforms to body adornment and corporate logos, symbols are everywhere, and this book is your guide to their secret meanings and history.

The Sun as well as the night sky with its stars and planets has long been used to symbolize supernatural forces. Learn about this and also how humans have used patterns, numbers, clothing, and more to signal authority, kinship, and status. Signs & Symbols decodes over 2000 emblems, explaining the visual language of architecture, heraldry, religion, and death. It answers questions such as why, for example, Christianity is symbolized by a fish, or how the Chinese use the crane bird to signify longevity.

This comprehensive book also explores how certain gemstones or flowers became linked to personal qualities and how the alphabet and national flags came into being.

Signs & Symbols will open your eyes to the fascinating world of symbolism that is embedded in every area of our lives.

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