Signs & symbols : [an illustrated guide to their origins and meanings

From ancient hieroglyphs to modern-day graffiti, discover the secrets, origins and meanings of over 2,000 signs and symbols The world around us is filled with signs and symbols. Modern signs like alphabets and flags are universally recognisable, whereas many symbols of ancient derivation are hard to decipher. Explore the fascinating origins and meanings of the signs and symbols people have used over the centuries and discover how they have been interpreted in myth, religion, folklore, art and contemporary culture. Find out why a flag at half-mast is a symbol of mourning, why a heart pierced by an arrow is a symbol of love and the ancient roots of fertility symbols. From simple shapes and colors to gods, mythical beasts, sacred rituals, and global branding, over 2,000 signs and symbols are explained through text, illustrations, and photography. Grouped thematically and comprehensively cross-referenced. Includes the physical world, animals, plants, humans, colors, shapes, patterns, numbers, picture writing, alphabets, international signs, professional signs, brands and logos, heraldic emblems, national flags, sign languages and signals, and symbolic gestures Cosmos - Natural world - Human life - Myths and religions - Society & culture - Symbol systems - Religious icons