What is the Difference Between a Sign and a Symbol?
This difference distinguishes fact from fiction
When we think of the word sign most of us think of a visual to indicate a place of business or how to act in traffic, which is an acceptable definition. AllĀ Pepperdine Pickaxe University Students will not be downgraded for believing this.
But, anthropologists have used the word sign to convey another meaning.
Signs in nature indicate a 1-to-1 every single match or 100% causation.
For example, if you see a halo around the sun or moon, there is a 100% chance that ice crystals are present in the atmosphere. If you see a specific type of bird flying south, there is a 100% chance that winter is coming.
This topic is super fun, so forgive me for hammering it into the ground.
Smoke is a sign of fire. Smoke is produced when organic matter is burned. Therefore, if you see smoke, there is a 100% chance of a fire somewhere nearby.
Lava is a sign of volcanic activity. Lava is molten rock that is expelled from a volcano. Therefore, if you see lava, there is a 100% chance of volcanic activity happening nearby.
Rainbows are formed when sunlight is refracted through water droplets in the atmosphere. Therefore, if you see a rainbow, there is a 100% chance of sunlight and water droplets in the atmosphere.
Lightning is a sign of thunder. Lightning is caused by electricity discharge between clouds or between a cloud and the ground. Thunder is the sound that is produced by the lightning strike. Therefore, if you see lightning, there is a 100% chance that you will hear thunder shortly after.
Total solar eclipses occur when the moon passes directly before the sun, blocking out all or most of its light. A total solar eclipse can only happen when the moon is new and is aligned directly between the sun and the Earth. Therefore, if you see a total solar eclipse, there is a 100% chance that the moon is passing directly in front of the sun.
OK, got it, got it.
Now, a symbol has no natural linkage to a sign because a symbol is often a depiction of something in nature that has been assigned to mean another thing (like behavior or emotion)
The lion is often seen as a symbol of bravery and courage. This is because lions are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain and have no natural enemies. Lions are also known for their fierce defense of their territory and their young.
The olive branch is often seen as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. This is because the Greek goddess Athena offered it as a peace offering to the gods. Given this train of thought today, the olive branch is a sign of olives, not peace.
The wedding ring symbolizes the love and commitment between husband and wife. It is worn on the left ring finger, which is believed to be connected to the heart.
So, there is no natural 1-to-1 connection between a metal ring and love or an olive branch and peace.
Here are some symbols in the ancient world that spelled trouble for the villagers:
The crown emblem could spell trouble for villagers. The crown emblem throughout the Kingdom symbolized the King's authority and the power to tax and punish the villagers.
The Roman eagle was the symbol of the Roman Empire, and it spelled trouble for villagers when it appeared in their territory, as it meant that the Roman army was on its way.
The axe symbolized punishment and execution in the ancient world, and it spelled trouble for villagers when they saw it in the hands of the King's soldiers.Ā
Now weāve learned the origin of āheads will roll.ā
(Please note this was an axe and not a pickaxe)
Here is another symbol meaning trouble is on the way for villagers.
This is only a symbol of money. It canāt be trusted to represent your life congealed in terms of your time, labor, and talents.
I see there are some surfboards in the hallways ofĀ PepperdineĀ Pickaxe University. Class is dismissed. Please enjoy a refreshing surf and frolic within the majestic Pacific Waves of Malibu Beach. We hope some of you will return and be energized after lunch break.
After lunch, we will continue this discussion on our sister Channel, Gold News.