List of symbols facts for kids
Symbols are like special pictures or signs that stand for something else. They help us communicate ideas, warnings, or information quickly without using a lot of words. You see symbols everywhere, from the signs on the road to the icons on your phone. They are a universal language that many people can understand, no matter what spoken language they use.
Some symbols are part of writing systems, like the letters in the alphabet. But many other symbols are not letters at all. This article will explore different kinds of symbols we use every day, from simple communication to complex scientific or religious meanings.
Contents
Symbols for Daily Communication
These are symbols we often see that help us understand things quickly.
- ⃠ — This is a "No" symbol. It means something is forbidden or not allowed, like "no smoking" or "no entry."
- Arrows — Arrows point the way or show direction.
- Emojis — These are small pictures used in digital messages to show feelings or ideas, like a happy face (☺) or a sad face.
- ✓ — A checkmark (or "tick" in the UK) means something is correct, done, or approved.
- Stars (☆) — Stars can mean many things, like quality, importance, or just a decorative shape.
- Zero (0) — Sometimes, a zero or an empty box can mean there's nothing there, or no signal.
Science and Engineering Symbols
Scientists and engineers use many symbols to represent complex ideas, measurements, or parts in diagrams.
- Alchemical symbols — These were used in ancient times to represent elements like gold or silver, or processes like heating.
- Astronomical symbols — These symbols stand for planets, stars, and other objects in space. For example, ♁ is the symbol for Earth.
- Chemical symbols — Each chemical element has a symbol, like O for oxygen or H for hydrogen.
- Electronic symbols — These are used in circuit diagrams to show different electronic parts, like batteries or resistors.
- Hazard symbols — These warn us about dangers, like a skull and crossbones for poison or a flame for fire risk.
- Rod of Asclepius — This symbol, a snake wrapped around a staff, is often used to represent medicine and healthcare.
Consumer Symbols
These symbols help us understand products, packaging, and services we use every day.
These symbols help us find our way or understand rules in public places.
- Traffic signs — Road signs use many symbols to give drivers and pedestrians important information and warnings.
- Exit signs — These signs show where to leave a building, often with a running person symbol.
- Gender symbols — These are used to show which public toilets are for men or women.
- Map symbols — Maps use special symbols to show things like hospitals, parks, or roads.
- Access symbol — This symbol shows that a place is accessible for people using wheelchairs.
Food Symbols
Symbols on food products tell us about their safety, origin, or special dietary information.
- Health marks — These symbols on animal products in Europe show they are safe to eat.
- Food safe symbol — This symbol means a container or material is safe to use with food.
- Kosher symbols — Symbols like the Star-K or OK Kosher Certification show that food follows Jewish dietary laws.
General Product Symbols
These symbols are found on many different products and their packaging.
- Recycling symbols — These symbols, often three arrows forming a triangle, tell us if a product or its packaging can be recycled.
- Laundry symbols — These symbols on clothing labels tell you how to wash, dry, and iron your clothes without damaging them.
- Period-after-opening (PAO) symbol — On cosmetics, this symbol (like "12M") tells you how many months the product is good for after you open it.
- ⛒ or ☔ — These symbols mean "keep dry" and are often found on shipping boxes.
- Barcodes and QR codes — These are patterns of lines or squares that can be scanned to get information about a product, like its price or where it came from.
- Shipping symbols — These symbols on boxes tell people how to handle them. For example:
- "Fragile": A broken wine glass means handle with care.
- "This end up": Arrows pointing up show which way the box should be kept.
- "Keep dry": An umbrella with rain means protect from water.
Property and Pricing Symbols
These symbols relate to ownership, branding, and legal rights.
- ™ (TRADE MARK SIGN) — This means a word, phrase, or logo is a trademark, used by a company to identify its products.
- ® (REGISTERED SIGN) — This means a trademark is officially registered with the government.
- Logos — These are unique designs or symbols used by companies to represent their brand.
Technology Symbols
Many symbols are used in technology, from your computer to your phone.
- Media control symbols — These are the familiar symbols for play (▶), pause (⏸), stop (⏹), fast forward (⏩), and rewind (⏪) on your devices.
- Power symbol — This symbol (⏻) is often found on power buttons to turn devices on or off.
- Computer icons — These small pictures on your computer or phone screen represent apps, files, or functions.
Symbols are very important at sea for communication and identification.
- Jolly Roger — This famous flag, with a skull and crossbones, is historically associated with pirates.
- Maritime signal flags — Ships use colorful flags to send messages to each other, with each flag representing a letter or a specific message.
Religious and Mystical Symbols
Many religions and spiritual beliefs use symbols to represent their ideas, gods, or important stories. These symbols help people connect with their faith and traditions.
- Ankh — An ancient Egyptian symbol of life.
- Christian cross — A central symbol in Christianity, representing the crucifixion of Jesus.
- Dharmacakra — The "wheel of dharma" is a symbol in Buddhism, representing the teachings of Buddha.
- Star of David — A six-pointed star, a widely recognized symbol of Judaism.
- Yin and Yang — A Chinese symbol (☯) representing balance and harmony between opposite forces.
- Lotus flower — In many Eastern religions, the lotus symbolizes purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening.
- Om (ॐ) — A sacred sound and symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe.
- Hamsa — A hand-shaped symbol found in Middle Eastern cultures, believed to bring good luck and protection.
Heraldic Symbols
Heraldry is the study of coats of arms and other symbols used by families, towns, or countries, often seen on shields or flags.
- Coats of arms — These unique designs identify a family, organization, or country. They often feature animals, objects, or patterns.
- Flags — Flags are powerful symbols that represent nations, states, or groups. Each color and design on a flag often has a special meaning.
- Monograms — These are designs made by combining two or more letters, usually initials, to create a unique symbol.
Historical Symbols
Some symbols have been used for a long time and represent historical groups or traditions.
- House marks — These were simple symbols used by families in medieval times to mark their property or goods.
- Tamga — These are abstract seals or stamps used by nomadic peoples in Eurasia to mark their property, livestock, or graves.
Sports and Games Symbols
Sports and games often have their own unique symbols.
- Chess symbols — In chess, specific symbols represent each piece, like ♔ for the king or ♙ for a pawn.
- Olympic symbols — The five interlocking rings are the most famous Olympic symbol, representing the unity of the five continents.
- Paralympic symbols — The Agitos symbol, three curved lines, represents the Paralympic movement.
Political Symbols
Political symbols are used by governments, political parties, or movements to represent their ideas, beliefs, or power.
- National symbols — Every country has symbols that represent it, like a national flag, animal, or flower.
- Cockade — A knot of ribbons worn on a hat, used to show support for a political party or nation.
- Roundel — A circular emblem, often used as a national symbol on military aircraft.
Other Interesting Symbols
Symbols are used in many other areas of life too.
- Color symbolism — Different colors can have different meanings in various cultures. For example, red might mean danger or love.
- Esperanto symbols — The international language Esperanto has its own symbols, like the green star.
- Musical symbols — Notes, clefs, and rests are all symbols that tell musicians how to play music.
- Plant symbolism — Many plants have symbolic meanings. For example, a rose often symbolizes love, and a shamrock is a symbol of Ireland.
See also
- Cultural icon
- Iconography
- Notation
- Pictogram
- Sign
- Typography
