by Deborah Stewart

Created on: November 21, 2008

Symbols are the earliest form of language. Before the spoken word, human beings identified with various symbols. Since ancient times, the value and importance of tangible, physical symbols cannot be overrated. In early travels, certain landmarks became symbols which pointed the way to well-worn roads or paths. Mountains, rivers and even misshapen trees-dead or alive-were important symbols which often found their way upon rudimentary maps.

Before religion, symbols served the purpose of navigation and identification of areas. The sun itself was a symbol to many; as were the moon and stars. Upon these were based the incredibly accurate charts and predictions of later cultures. The Mayans, for example, have even predicted the day that the world will end based upon the lately interpreted symbols found in their ancient ruins. The accuracy of the predictions by the Mayans is astounding!

The hieroglyphs found in Egypt were created entirely of symbols and drawings; which illustrates clearly that the early symbols merely evolved into various languages which are a fascinating study today.

An avid linguist will often use the words "letters" and "symbols" interchangeably. After all, are not all the world's languages but symbols to one who does not know a particular language?

Let's move forward in time to the entrance of religion. The first thing that a given, established religion creates is a symbol with which to identify itself and distinguish it from all of the many others. As a symbol of faith; we have the cross, the moon, the sun, Native American symbols, the Star of David, the hand, various other stars, the pagoda and many others.

From the power of religion, symbols took the form of another kind of power. The power of freedom. And the power of might. Which of our countries is not recognized by the symbol on our country's flag? Are they not used as a symbol of both power and might?

So ingrained in our culture are symbols that many have them permanently tattooed on their face and body.

It is inconceivable to say that there is a human being alive who has not been strongly affected by one symbol or another. What is sign language, but universally understood symbols?

Yes. From before our beginnings, until our end, symbols will be an irreplaceable and indispensable part of our lives.

Conclusive tests have proven that visual contact with certain symbols instantly creates marked changes in our blood pressure, heart rate, pupil dilation and chemical composition in our brains.

It would literally be impossible to go through a day without consciously or subconsciously identifying, interpreting, and responding both physically and emotionally to the countless symbols all around us.

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