| An emblem is a visual representation that defines | | | | cross on a white flag. This symbol is identified |
| an idea, thought, or an entity. It's synonymous | | | | with the American red cross. The red cross is a |
| with the words symbol and sign.They are written | | | | symbol that stands for the spirit of humanity.The |
| everywhere in our daily lives. Around the world, it | | | | star of David, is most commonly recognized as |
| is universally accepted that the symbol of a heart | | | | the symbol for Judaism. It is also referred to as |
| represents love; or that a peace sign tattooed on | | | | Magen David, or shield of David. The skull, the |
| an arm or posted on a wall is a visual reminder of | | | | symbol of death and the transient state of the |
| the pronouncement of peace.An emblem crosses | | | | human life.A skull and crossbones, this emblem |
| boundaries and cultural barriers. It speaks without | | | | stands for poison. Whenever this appears on a |
| speaking. It is probably the first mode of visual | | | | product, it warns us that we are in the presence |
| communication known to man. Its more popular | | | | of a potentially harmful, or even deadly substance. |
| use dates back to the time of the conception of | | | | This appears often on cleaning solution and |
| the Egyptian hieroglyphics.Now let us take a look | | | | insecticide sprays.That is why it is very important |
| back at the history of the emblem and try to | | | | to know what certain emblems mean because in |
| decipher what lies behind the surface of these | | | | our society emblems have become permanent |
| symbols. Later we'll take a look at the more | | | | fixtures, and not knowing what they stand for |
| renowned emblems that have now become a | | | | could be detrimental to our daily lives.Just go to |
| part of the visual landscape of our culture.To | | | | any mall and you will see that these symbols are |
| have a better understanding of their more | | | | everywhere. Whether it takes shape in the form |
| profound meaning, let us trace back their origin | | | | of a man or a woman posted on the lavatory to |
| and study the ideas that were rooted behind | | | | indicate if it is a male or female bathroom.You will |
| these colorful signs.The word emblem first began | | | | also see them while travelling on the highways. |
| to surface within the confines of the argot of | | | | Multi-directional arrows that are posted on |
| architecture during the 15th century. They meant | | | | billboards alongside the names of the place they |
| a sculptural illustration of an idea or concept | | | | are pointing towards. This tells you which direction |
| pertaining to the structure of houses.Emblems | | | | you are heading. It functions as a guide so you will |
| also became identified with the esoteric and iconic | | | | not get lost. It also keeps road transportation |
| language of the Egyptian hieroglyphics.The first | | | | organized.They are inescapable these emblems |
| emblem book was published in 1531 in Augsburg. | | | | that decorate our everyday lives. It is part of our |
| The book was entitled the Emblata. It was | | | | human consciousness, a part of our history, a |
| authored by Andrea Alciato, who was an Italian | | | | part of our mode of communication. That is why |
| jurist who came from the city of Milan, but | | | | it is best if each and everyone of us get better |
| resided in France during the early 16th century.In | | | | acquainted with the more vital symbols that are |
| our century arguably the most notorious of all | | | | now in use in our society.After all, to know more |
| emblems is the swastika, whose most renowned | | | | about the things around you enhances your |
| identification lies with the affiliation with the Nazi | | | | consciousness and experience of life. Plus, these |
| movement. Interesting to note that originally the | | | | symbols will also warn us against the hazards that |
| swastika was a holy symbol in Buddhism, Hinduism | | | | are part of our environment.Remember that |
| and Jainism.Its earliest use can be traced back | | | | emblems are not just a visual display. They are |
| with the early dwellers of Eurasia. This emblem | | | | part of a more serious, profound, and bigger |
| was also adopted in the culture of Native | | | | truth. You just have to learn to look beyond the |
| Americans with a seemingly independent usage.In | | | | surface to know the message they are trying to |
| India the swastika is universally used in | | | | convey. Emblems exist for a reason, it is up to |
| celebrations, festivals and weddings. Many Indian | | | | you to read the signs.James Monahan is the |
| temples are decorated with swastikas. During the | | | | owner and Senior Editor of |
| early 20th century, it gained the recognition of an | | | | and writes expert |
| emblem that stands for good luck and | | | | articles about emblems. |
| prosperity.Other notable emblems are: the red | | | | |