Symbols and Symbolism Quiz

Symbols and Symbolism

• A symbol is an object, word, or action that stands for something else, without a natural relationship, that is culturally defined.
• Symbolism is when something represents abstract ideas or concepts.

Types of Symbols

• Cultural Symbols: manifestation that signifies the ideology of a particular culture that has meaning within that culture.
• Social Symbols: relating to human societies and their models of organization.
• Political Symbols: used to represent a political standpoint; seen in various media and forms.
• Economic Symbols: used in production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Functions of Symbols and Symbolism

• Social Symbols are used to transfer culture, ideologies, or beliefs from one group to another.
• Symbols are used to preserve traditions or beliefs of a certain group of people.
• Create movements, spread ideas, and share advocates.

Cultural Symbols and Practices

• Examples: objects, figures, sounds, and colors.
• Facial expressions, word interpretations, gestures, victory signs, and peace signs.
• Religious symbols: Islam, Christianity, Judaism.
• Cultural symbols in the Philippines: Jeepney, National Hymn, Philippine Flag, Philippine Eagle.

Cultural Practices

• Examples: religious and spiritual practices, medical treatment, culinary practices, child-rearing practices.
• Traditional medical practices in the Philippines: belief in "albularyo", herbal medicines, alternative medicines, and other home remedies.
• Religious practices in the Philippines: Obando Festival in Bulacan for Fertility, Panaad sa Camiguin as an act of Penance and Pilgrim.
• Culinary practices in the Philippines: famous Filipino foods, adobo, rice cakes, sinigang, famous Filipino snacks, balut, street foods.
• Child-rearing practices in the Philippines: mano, ninong/ninang, family meal time, use of belt.

Social Symbols and Practices

• Examples: clothing and possessions, societal recognition, material possessions.
• Status symbols: generally an object meant to signify its owner's high social and economic standing.
• Common color symbols: red, purple, white, yellow, blue, black.

Political Symbols and Practices

• Related to practices done in administration, distribution, and attainment of power, bureaucratic composition, etc.
• Common political symbols: colors, flags, mottos, etc.
• Political symbols in the Philippines: Executive, Legislative, Judiciary.
• Common political practices in the Philippines: voting, elections, etc.

Economic Symbols

• Represent economic standpoints which may be seen in various media such as Stock exchange, Money and Currency, Gold and Petroleum, Life Insurance, Banking, etc.