symbols

What are the first few things that come to your mind when you think of Valentine's Day ? Cupids, flowers, candies, doves or hearts ? Well it is only normal to associate these with Valentine's Day as they pretty much are the most popular Valentine's Day symbols. There are various symbols related to Valentine's Day, and these Valentine s Day symbols often feature in the gifts and other tokens of love given out on February 14 or Valentine's Day. Cupid is numero uno when it comes to Valentine s Day symbols, but there are many other symbols of Valentine's Day which you may be interested to check out. So read on.

Red Rose

The red rose is as big a symbol of Valentine's Day as the turkey is of Thanksgiving ! Roses symbolize love, compassion, peace, friendship and romance. But when it comes to red roses, they sure stand for one thing the intensity of your love and passion for that special someone. Now this would be interesting to note that if you rearrange the letters in the word rose , you get Eros the God of love (or Cupid). So rose is one of the leading Valentine s Day symbols that rule hearts every February 14. And apart from the color red, roses of other colors are also sent out on Valentine's Day to convey different messages.

Hearts

Then the heart is the warmest Valentine s Day symbol because it represents love in its purest form. Giving someone your heart means giving him/ her the thing that is most precious and vital to you. In a nutshell, a heart symbolizes life !

Birds

Have you and your beloved ever been called love-birds ? Well, love-birds is a word often used to indicate couples deeply in love. Birds are an important Valentine s Day symbol as it is widely believed that birds find their mates on Valentine's Day. The Herricks have come to symbolize undying love. Doves on the other hand, are symbols of purity, humbleness and virtue. Pigeons and doves, it is said, mate for life and so are symbols of fidelity.

Ribbons and Frills

Ribbons and frills are the Valentine's Day symbols since the days of knighthood. It is said that maidens would give their beloveds (kings or soldiers) ribbons and frills before the latter went to war. The men used to keep the ribbons and frills with them while they fought.

Lace

Lace is also traditionally associated with love. How, you ask ? Well, in the past, if a woman liked a man, she dropped her lace handkerchief to send a signal to the man, and if the man picked it up for her, the feelings were thought to be mutual. Apart from lace, another well-known Valentine's Day symbol is the love-knot. Love knots have a series of intertwining and meandering knots without any beginning or end. These are the symbols of endless and eternal love.

Cupid

Think of Valentine s Day and images of cute fat cupids and throbbing red hearts of various sizes are sure to dance in your mind. Why, you ask? Well, the cupids and hearts are the most powerful Valentine's Day symbols as you perhaps already know. The associations are so strong and deep-rooted that even a child will know it s time for Valentine s Day when he/ she spots cupids and hearts hanging in shop-windows and greeting card stores. The chubby cherubic being and that plush crimson riot of hearts sweep people off their feet irrespective of age and location. Such is the potential of these two Valentine's Day symbols the god of love, Cupid and the indispensable pulsating organ within us, the heart. They create an instant connection without any medium of speech and they symbolize Valentine s Day the day of love !

Cupid is the son of the Roman goddess Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Cupid consequently became the popular god of love and it is believed that whoever Cupid strikes with his arrow, instantly falls madly in love. It is for this that the Cupid has come to be associated with Valentine s Day and has become the most cherished Valentine's Day symbol. For those who don t know, the Cupid looks like a little child with an innocent face, golden curls and blue eyes. He has a pair of wings and always carries a bow an arrow with him. So watch out for the Cupid Valentine's Day is here and he may strike you any moment !

Now there you have the various symbols associated with Valentine's Day. So next time you pick a red rose for your beloved, or wrap a candy heart with a ribbon, do remember their symbolic connotations. That would ad more meaningfulness to your Valentine s Day celebration, wouldn t it ? And Valentine's Day would not have been half as special without the Cupids, roses, ribbons, laces, and decorated hearts around. So celebrate Valentine's Day with all the lovely Valentine's Day symbols and have a simply fabulous time !

We often see symbols depicted on the front of headstones, many of which have a meaning. We have compiled a list of symbols and their common meanings to help you.

Angels

Angels are regularly seen on headstones and symbolise God and spirituality. Commonly these Angels are Michael, who has a sword and Gabriel, who is shown with a horn.

Books

Books can depict that the headstone, grave or tombstone is a document holding information on the life of the deceased. An open book is often seen as a biography of ones life and a closed book depicts the ending of the story of the deceased.

Butterfly

A butterfly is often associated with the resurrection and rebirth of Christ.

Candles

Candles often represent spirit or the soul in a religious context. The Christian faith associate candles with Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. In Catholic burials candles are often left by the grave to represent the ongoing prayers for the deceased.

Cross

A key symbol of Christianity, symbolises faith, hope and charity.

Doves

A popular symbol used on headstones represents peace and also the Holy Spirit.

Hearts

Hearts often display love and affection from the living to the deceased, 2 joint hearts can represent marriage.

The Scroll

A scroll depicts the life and times of the deceased as if it unfolded from the rolled ends with the past and future not on display. If a hand it holding the scroll this can depict the life being held by Angels.

The Chinese have a very rich traditional and cultural heritage, which goes back to faraway times. It is recorded in the annals of history that the Chinese ethos has its origins in the most ancient and the most multifaceted civilizations ever seen by humanity.

During the Chinese festivities associated with their New Year, a countless number of things exist, which the Chinese avail of, to bring fortune and joy for the coming year. With regard to the gala surrounding the spring festival, an extensive variety of foods are available that are recognized as happiness symbols.

It is widely acknowledged that this New Year of the Chinese people denotes merriment and is a festivity where all the family comes together and share some good times. To the Chinese, this occasion brings with it joy, fortune and well-being to each family member.

Obviously, the food, which is cooked, should be in harmony with the intention or goal, which the family is directed towards. Following is the list of mandatory food items at the time of the New Year festivity, which symbolize happiness:

1) The Hot Pot

This steaming hot pot, also called Chinese fondue, filled with vegetables, meat, and seafood is compulsory. The hot pot is considered to usher in fortune and growth.

2) The Fish

Especially the fish known as yu is a popular dish, which is regularly served at Chinese New Year festivities. The fish is supposed to represent profusion or excess. Generally, the fish is steamed and served on Chinese New Year eve for the get-together dinner. A further belief that is associated with the fish states that the bones, tail, and head should be retained in one piece when it is served.

3) The Shrimp

Now the shrimp is associated with welfare and joy for the beginning of the New Year of the Chinese people.

4) The Boiled Dumplings

Fashioned like gold bars, boiled dumplings are an essential item of Chinese New Year festivities. The dumplings signify the hour at which the New Year changes over. In the extreme north of China, these dumplings are stuffed with meat and consumed so as to fetch riches and good fortune during the coming year.

Occasionally a coin is inserted into a few dumplings and there is this belief that the individual who sinks his teeth into it will receive riches in the coming New Year. In addition, dumplings and yellow noodles when prepared in combination represent "golden filaments through gold bars". In Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, egg dumplings are attractively served and consumed, as they appear very similar to gold bars.

5) The Oyster

Wonderful tidings are what the oyster signifies. It is a common custom in the southern China, to serve oysters with rice noodles, which are very fine.

6) The Green Vegetables

These green vegetables signify strengthening of intimate family bonds because they denote closeness or intimacy.

7) Sticky Rice Cake

Made from rice flour and topped with red dates, the steamed cake is a sign of getting additional wealth and status for the forthcoming New Year of the Chinese.

8) The Noodles

Chinese noodles are forever linked with prolonged existence.

Is it not true that the Chinese lifestyle revolves around good luck? While some of us are not Chinese by faith or birth, there is no harm in pursuing the custom of serving these eatables as symbols of happiness for New Year. Now happiness cannot be wholly ascribed to fortune. It is just coming up with successful ways to attain happiness. However, you should in no way rely on these foods for finding happiness. They are simply but enrichments.

"Everything in life cannot be grasped by the logic-centered left brain." D.T.Suzuki

Sometimes you need more than your own dynamic self to get your message across. Just standing there and talking is not very creative and not much of a strategy. You might be a great speaker or think you're a great speaker, but don't take any chances that you might miss reaching your audience. Especially if you're giving out complex and/or technical information. To be as effective as possible in your presentation, you will need unique tools to motivate your audience and to implant the desire in them to take the action you desire for them. A highly effective tool in any presentation is the use of SYMBOLS.

A symbol, according to the American Heritage Dictionary, is: "Something that represents something else by association, resemblance or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible." You see a red stop sign. What do you do? You know.

The reason humans created symbols in the first place, according to Carl Jung, was to try to understand human nature beyond language. In his investigation of various, unrelated cultures, Jung found a similarity in the images -- or symbols -- they displayed. Though fewer and less complex than the plethora of symbols we see in today's culture, they nonetheless evoked in those ancient people a universal meaning that resonated in each person.

The symbols -- or familiar images -- of today evoke such a familiar message to most of us, that we all "get" the message as soon as we see them. McDonald's golden arches, for example. And what about the apple on the phones or laptops you're using today? Granted, these are both very commercial symbols, but nonetheless are images most of us can instantly relate to.

So what about symbols in your presentation? Just as stated above, symbols can quickly "cut to the chase" -- making complicated concepts instantly understandable to the audience. Symbols can bridge the chasm between a cutting-edge innovation and a novice audience. Symbols can blaze a pathway deep into the psyche by building upon constructs that already exist in the mind -- things we already know. Symbols grab the attention of your audience and, once you've got them, these images will also help them remember and retain your message.

What makes symbols so resonant anyway?

It's all in the brain. Not just the logical left side, but in the right side of our brain -- the more imaginative side. The right side is the side the brain uses to process symbols. When the right brain is stimulated by the symbols shown during your presentation, the audience wakes up. They quickly grasp the big picture. Symbols plus language (your carefully-thought-out speech which the left brain is busy processing) equal whole-brain understanding from the audience. This simultaneous brain usage generates optimal assimilation of the ideas and message you put forth.

How do you use symbols?

Here's how: When you give a PowerPoint presentation or draw on a flip chart or a white board, try showing images (symbols), not just words. If you already use some non-verbal images, add more. These images will appeal to the right and the left brain and constitute a retentive whole. Adding more visuals to your slides will get and keep your audience's attention. Without having to read slide after slide loaded with words, symbols will cut through the blah blah blah and the audience will "get it" much faster.

So what type of symbols would you use? As an example, what type of symbol do you think would denote success? Success, of course, may have a specific meaning to some of us, but generally speaking, there are universal symbols which would evoke the idea of success. Symbols such as: a pile of money, a rainbow and pot of gold, an audience smiling and vigorously applauding, an applause-o-meter reaching 10 or whatever the top number is. An Olympic gold medal. On the opposite end, what symbol would denote failure? Sadness? Stress? Disharmony?

For your own presentation, tailor your images to your message. Use pictures, graphs, flowcharts, diagrams. Animation. It's all there on the internet, ready to help you capture and motivate your audience.

"I need to get my wife some leather," my friend told me.
"Whatever keeps the marriage going," I said.
"No, stupid." He showed me the chart. "It's our third anniversary."
I read down the table. The third anniversary gift was leather. A second column said crystal or china was also appropriate.
"How about some new china plates?" I said. "Or new glasses? That seems more... I don't know. Gift-like?"
"She's traditional," my friend said. "She'd want the leather."

Many wedding anniversaries, by tradition and modern design alike, carry themed gifts that spouses can exchange with one another. Most people realize the fiftieth wedding anniversary is celebrated with gifts of gold, and the 25th with gifts of silver. But there are many more customary gift symbols, especially in the early years of marriage.

Celebrating the Symbols

The symbols were designed as a means of rewarding long-running marriages. In the traditional scale, the price and value of the goods gradually escalates, culminating in the diamond on the 60th Anniversary. In fact, the tradition of giving diamonds started when Queen Victoria of England celebrated the sixtieth year of her rule in 1897. Her "diamond jubilee" drew well-wishers from around the world and jump-started the diamond gift market.

Modern anniversary symbols are more skewed to current standards of wealth. (The diamond comes on the tenth anniversary – quite a leap up!) and practicality.

Matching the Right Gift to Its Symbol

As you plan your anniversary gift, the symbols should be used as a guideline. For example, leather gifts for the second or ninth anniversary might include wallets, purses, a new coat, or any other leather accessories. The fourth year gift of electrical appliances could be interpreted to include a wide-screen television.

The gifts you give for an anniversary should be fun, and of course they should also be as affectionate as you like. There's no mention of price related to these symbols, either. (A "paper" gift on the first anniversary could be two paper tickets to the Super Bowl.)

So here's the list of symbols, drawn from a variety of online sources. The traditional gifts are taken from American custom – British customs vary slightly.

The First Ten Years
1st - Paper (Traditional) or Clocks (Modern)
2nd - Cotton (Traditional) or China (Modern)
3rd - Leather (Traditional) or Crystal & glass (Modern)
4th - Fruit & flowers (Traditional) or Electrical appliances (Modern)
5th - Wood (Traditional) or Silverware (Modern)
6th - Candy or iron (Traditional) or Wood (Modern)
7th - Wool & copper (Traditional) or Desk sets (Modern)
8th - Bronze & pottery (Traditional) or Linens & lace (Modern)
9th - Pottery & willow (Traditional) or Leather (Modern)
10th - Tin or aluminum (Traditional) or Diamond jewelry (Modern)

Years 11 – 20
11th - Steel (Traditional) or Fashion jewelry (Modern)
12th - Silk & linen (Traditional) or Pearls or colored gems (Modern)
13th - Lace (Traditional) or Textiles or furs (Modern)
14th - Ivory (Traditional) or Gold jewelry (Modern)
15th - Crystal (Traditional) or Watches (Modern)
20th - China (Traditional) or Platinum (Modern)

Later Years
25th - Silver (Traditional) or Silver (Modern)
30th - Pearl (Traditional) or Diamond (Modern)
35th - Coral (Traditional) or Jade (Modern)
40th - Ruby (Traditional) or Ruby (Modern)
45th - Sapphire (Traditional) or Sapphire (Modern)
50th - Gold (Traditional) or Gold (Modern)
55th - Emerald (Traditional) or Emerald (Modern)
60th - Diamond (Traditional) or Diamond (Modern)
75th - Diamond (Traditional) or Diamond (Modern)
90th - Granite (Traditional) or Granite (Modern)

Most of the symbols used in Wicca remain obscure to the uninitiated, the uninformed and the uninterested. There are some however that have become fairly well known but because of mis-understandings, mis-associations and mis-interpretations, have fallen into bad repute. Religious intolerance and dogmatism on the part of some non-pagan groups exacerbates the matter.

The Pentagram, the Moon and the Mano Cornuto (Horned Hand) are probably those best known by the general public and will be discussed in this article. All of these Wiccan symbols are erroneously associated with Satanism in spite of the fact that Wicca and Satanism are two completely different religions. Many a treatise has been written on the differences and I recommend that those interested in informing themselves of the facts visit the following two Religious Tolerance web pages for an objective overview of each: http://www.religioustolerance.org/satanis1.htm & http://www.religioustolerance.org/witchcra.htm

Pentagram and Pentacle

The Pentagram is a five pointed star surrounded by a circle. As a symbol, it is ancient and was widely used over millennia by different cultures (as far afoot as the Mayans) and different religions (including Christianity). In Wicca, the Pentagram is a sacred symbol and representative of the earth aspect during ritual. It contains all the elements that give life. The circle surrounding the five pointed star represents the sacred space where Spirit (Deity, the Divine) rules over the four mundane elements of earth (work, home & hearth, etc), air (intellect, thought, etc), fire (action, energy, etc) and water (emotions, love etc). The pentagram is considered a protective symbol in most traditions, just as the cross is considered a protective symbol by Christians.

The upright Pentagram, as used in Wicca, is often confused with the inverted Pentagram and the Baphomet Pentagram. The latter is an inverted pentagram containing the head of a goat. Anton La Vey, who was the founder of the Church of Satan (mid 20th Century), used the Baphomet Pentagram as the main symbol of his church. The Christian Church condemned the pentagram as a symbol of evil soon there after. No distinction was made between the Wiccan pentagram and the Baphomet Pentagram.

The Moon

The Moon is a sacred symbol of the Goddess and representative of cycles of rebirth, maturity, old age and death, followed by rebirth. The waxing crescent moon represents a young woman (maiden) and symbolizes new beginnings and growth. When the moon moves towards full, the woman enters the "mother" phase of her life. When the moon wanes, and the woman enters her "crone" years. For Wiccans, this stage is associated with wisdom and knowledge. In Wicca all stages of a woman's life are valued and respected.

Witches celebrate the phases of the moon as a representation of life and make use of the different phases to lend power to specific spells. In example, the waxing moon could be used to lend power to a spell to aid the recovery of someone after illness, whereas the full moon could be used to lend power to a spell seeking to maintain good health and the waning moon to reinforce a spell seeking to destroy a disease.

The misconceptions around the Wiccan moon symbol stems from the fact that Satanists describe their symbolism of the moon as death and blood. This is illustrated from the following excerpt by Vexen Crabtree, a known and published Satanist:

"Primitive religions, sun worship, has recognized the moon for what it is: A symbol of death and blood. [...] The moon, the symbol of the night, symbolizes the victory of everlasting darkness and of sexuality. [The Moon has] always perturbed Humanity. [...] But this fear, in modern Satanism, is faced and accepted full on without the barriers that other religions erect."
"The Sinister Left & Fear of the Moon" by Vexen Crabtree 2002 Oct 26

The contrast is self explanatory.

Long ago romantic symbols of St. Valentine’s used to be hidden in cakes sometimes. Each guest got a piece of cake and if he was lucky there was an emblem in it. The emblem was a symbol of his luck. Sometimes the symbols were put into presents instead of parcels. Rice symbolized wedding. Ring symbolized wedding or engagement. Coin meant a rich marriage. Sometimes fellows used to get a red glove. "To get a red glove" meant a girl liked him.

Heart – once upon a time people used to believe that such feelings as love, luck, anger or fear were hidden inside one’s heart; later they supposed that only love took its place in people’s hearts. Thus heart nowadays is a symbol of love and St. Valentine’s Day.

Red Rose – is a favorite flower of Venus, a goddess of love. Red is a color of strong feelings. That’s why red rose is considered to be a flower of love.

Lace – a hundred years ago women used to carry lace handkerchiefs. If a woman dropped her handkerchief the man near her had to pick it up. Sometimes women used to let their handkerchiefs fall advisedly to get familiar with the man she liked. Soon lace got association with love roman. That’s why nowadays they use casing-paper in the form of lace to pack presents for St, Valentine’s.

Gloves – long ago when a man wanted to marry a woman he asked for her hand. Hand became a symbol of love and marriage, so did gloves.

Rings – in most countries people exchange rings while marriage or engagement. Two or three hundred years ago it was popular to get engaged on St. Valentine’s.

Love birds and doves – colorful parrots living in Africa. Most of them have red beaks. They are called love birds cause when they make couples they sit very close to each other. Doves are considered to be favorite birds of Venus. They never change their partners during the whole life and they take care of their babies together. These birds symbolize love, faith and St. Valentine’s Day.

Cupid is a son of Venus, goddess of love. He can make a person fall in love with his magic arrows.

Nowadays we have more symbolic presents dedicated to this day, particularly teddy bears, Valentine’s cards in the form of hearts, chocolate, sweets, perfume, jewelry heart shaped and all the rest that can be associated with love and romance. To make a good present to your beloved find out what he or she loves most and associates with this holiday. If your relations have just got started you can preset something from those mentioned above and your beloved will be delighted.

Love and be loved.

Religious rosaries are fast acquiring the status of gang symbols- a ludicrous thought isn’t it? Just imagine, a rosary, a string of beads used to take the Lord’s name, to ask for peace for one and all and to spread the message of kindness and benevolence becomes symbolic of gangs that kill for money, indulge in carnage and take the law into their own hands. How unpalatable is that? But can it be ignored just because it is difficult to swallow? One should think not because the rumbling of storm clouds can be heard the world over and instances are pouring in when the rosary is being increasingly recognized as a symbol of gangs. It is one thing if a particular fad has become a rage or even has caught the fancy of the common man so as to generate mass following, but quite another when the law endorses it by acting on cues related to it and institutions bend and turn their laws to make room to give such fads credence.
The conscientious call the rosary gang connection a protracted stretch of imagination and urge caution but for educators and public safety officials who are committed to blocking visible gang trends rosaries have become one more beacon indicator to track suspicious activity. Who can ignore the effect of peer groups and celebrities on a generation that is metamorphosed in a mountain fire of media and cinema? Although religious jewellery has been around and worn by the religious minded since centuries, it has now burst upon the fashion scene with a flourish and there is a kind of a gold rush to own the latest in religious jewellery. When the likes of David Beckham and actors of ‘The Godfather’ like movies are seen sporting religious jewellery at public events it expectedly, provides impetus to fashion trends and leads to a subconscious underlining of the desirability and acceptability of the rosary as a fashion statement.
Also, regardless of the controversial advent on the fashion scene of the juxtaposition of evil symbols along with religious symbols, more and more of the rich and famous are seen sporting diamond skulls and crossbones jewellery as stylistic accessories, which in turn leads to emulation by all. The question does arise though, of a person’s right to practice sport or follow a trend as he pleases without doctoring or moral policing.
As such a multitude of questions have been triggered over the evolving role of rosaries in religion, fashion and street gangs. The question does arise though, of a person’s right to practice sport or follow a trend as he pleases without doctoring or moral policing and before branding it should be the behaviour and not the rosary that should be the deciding factor. If someone is engaged in violence, it is that fact that should come up for cynosure, not the fact that he may be sporting a rosary which is construed as a street gang symbol. It is prudent to be sensitive to cultural and religious traditions and to refrain from killing that which is still alive in man by way of compassion, reverence and prayer.

Humankind has always been obsessed with the creation of wealth. Money is one thing that people just cannot get enough of. Unless you are some kind of a saint or a social worker who passionately feels for the needs of others to the detriment of your own needs, you will constantly be wondering how you can raise your own income levels. Now, as the nations of the world continue to progress and develop, the economies keep improving. As a result, the people of the world have been improving their living standards with every passing year. Of course, inflation puts a check on the number of cars that we can own. However, we continue to endeavor to improve our lots in the constantly changing world situation.

When the automobile was first invented, only the very rich could afford to drive around in one. Slowly we saw the emergence of cars for the middle classes. It may not be a Mercedes-Benz, but a car with a modest selling price has a lot of benefits. It is more fuel efficient. Regular servicing costs are a lot less. Repairs are expensive by middle class standards, but they are not unmanageable. Moreover, if a person has invested in car insurance, a lot of repair costs are covered by the insurance company. Today, anyone can afford to buy a car. All you have to do is find a good personal loan to help you fund your new status symbol.

Even houses work as status symbols a lot of the time. You could be living in a beautiful rented apartment in a very nice area, but if you own a house in the same area, it would work better as a symbol of of your monetary standing. Those of us that do own houses still look out for better houses in better localities. We may not make the shift to a new house on account of factors such as the ties that bind -- friendly neighbors, nice shopkeepers, proximity to the office. However, most of us dream of someday owning a palace in the green countryside, or maybe even a secluded island in the Mediterranean.

As it is with cars, so it is with houses -- they cost quite a bit. So most often, we have to turn to a loan provider or two to help us find a suitable loan to meet our desire to buy some status symbols. Most of us may never be able to afford a private jet. But we can at least get our money's worth.

Man is constantly trying accumulate greater quantities of wealth. Money is one thing that people keep wishing they had more of. Unless you are some kind of a saint or a social worker who passionately feels for the needs of others without giving a thought to your own needs, you will constantly be thinking about ways to raise your own income levels. Now, as the nations of the world continue to progress and develop, the economies keep improving.

As a result, the people of the world have been raising their standards of living with the passage of time. Of course, inflation puts a check on the number of cars that we can own. However, we continue to try to live in better conditions in the constantly changing world situation.

When the automobile was first invented, only the very rich had access to the wonderful invention. Gradually we came to witness the rise of cars for the middle classes. It may not be a Mercedes-Benz, but a car with a modest selling price comes with several benefits. It is more fuel efficient. You won't have to pay to much for servicing. Repairs are expensive by middle class standards, but they are not unaffordable.

Moreover, if a person has invested in car insurance, a lot of repair costs are covered by the insurance company. Today, most of us can afford a car. All you have to do is find a good personal loan to help you fund your new status symbol.

Even houses work as status symbols a lot of the time. You could be residing in a beautiful rented apartment in a very nice area, but if you own a house in the same area, it would certainly be a better indicator of of your monetary standing. Those of us that do own houses continue to look at better homes in better localities.

We may not make the shift to a new house on account of factors such as the ties that bind -- friendly neighbors, nice shopkeepers, proximity to the office. However, many of us harbor dreams of owning a palace in the green countryside, or maybe even our own private jet.

As it is with cars, so it is with houses -- they do not cost a small amount. So most often, we have to turn to a loan provider or two to get us a loan offer to meet our desire to buy some status symbols. Most of us may never be able to afford a private jet. But it should not be because we did not try.

The new era of World Wide Web, Web 2.0 is doing one hell of a great job with its simplicity of creating services easy enough for the people to have access to. Although these services of Web 2.0 are currently being used by regular 'blog visitors', there have been an increasing number of Internet users who are using these services everyday.

These Web 2.0 services have their own respective logos or icons to differentiate their services from one another. Look out for some of these symbols because you're practically going to see them in almost every website you go to in the near future. In this article, I'm featuring three popular symbols of Web 2.0.

1.RSS Feed Icon

Now why do you need an RSS feed for?

An RSS feed is for you to track your favourite websites and find out if those websites have been updated or not. It's pretty handy if you have multiple websites you like to view every once in a while and when you find it is too tasking to go through every single one.

To subscribe to an RSS feed, simply look out for a square logo that is orange and white color. When you click on it, It will take you to the 'feed' page of the website. Once you're there, simply click on the 'Subscribe to this feed' link. Your Internet browser will then ask where you'd like to place this feed. After that, click 'Subscribe' and there you have it!

2.Digg It Icon

Digg is a popular social bookmarking site. Social bookmarking works by 'bookmarking' a website, blog post or an article to show that you like it and you want to share it with other people. Digg works by having someone liking an article and asking them to approve of it by clicking on the 'Digg It' icon.

You will need a Digg account in order for you to 'Digg' someone else's article and for you to showcase your article to be 'Digged' by other people.

A Digg icon includes a light orange square containing the number of times the article has been 'Digged' and a rectangular 'digg it' icon below it, to indicate where to click to 'digg' the article.

3.A Wiki Icon

A Wiki is a social service that allows visitors to edit the information available on the website. One such example of a website that offers this is Wikipedia.

Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia where information is built from the minds of thousands of people on this planet. Although information available in this website is not a hundred percent credible, it is amazing how many people have contributed to the success of Wikipedia.

A Wiki icon in Wikipedia is available before every article, conveniently named 'edit this page'.

Other websites are skeptical to include Wikis for fear of plagarism, but it won't be long before more sites find the potential of wikis and start to use it more intensively.

These three symbols are well-known for their services of helping Internet users get used to the new generation of the World Wide Web. And knowing the speed and wrath of Internet technology, I wouldn't be suprised if every single Internet user in the world know about these services and use them by the end of the year.

Copyright (c) 2007 Jo Han Mok

The Chinese penchant for looking at objects and interpreting their hidden meaning is revealed by the prolific use of symbols within their culture and these symbols are like a secondary language, rich in nuances and that penetrates all their communication. In Chinese, each written character represents an entire word which is in deep contrast to our alphabetical text where a sequence of individual letters signifies a word. This means that more or less every word in the Chinese language is represented by a different symbol so it is not unrealistic to consider that whenever pen is put to paper or in carvings it usually has some mysterious or obscure meaning.

Symbols are generally categorised as either auspicious or inauspicious and can be viewed as conveying the unseen messages of good or bad luck. All Oriental artworks are viewed as symbols, and their characteristic themes water, clouds, flowers, trees, animals, rocks even colours portend not only themselves, but also something beyond themselves there is meaning far beyond the visual experience. There is virtually nothing in all of nature or any artefact that the Oriental does not see as imbued with particular significance.

I simply love the meaning of things!!! On my first journey to Singapore back in 1986 I purchased a silk painting and it s always been dear to my heart and this painting still hangs in a special place within my home. I was told that this beautiful piece of art depicts the story of the Eight Fairies or as I first came to know them - the Eight Good People of the world. Now these Fairies or immortals are on a special journey travelling the world dispensing good fortune to everyone they meet and each one of these good people has a special object that they always carry with them. In Chinese culture these items still carry auspicious meanings as they have done over the ages and generally, they can be hung anywhere in the home.

There is much controversy as to exactly when the eight immortals came to be however most stories and artworks can be dated back to the Song, Yuan and Han dynasties. I have listed the items carried by the eight immortals and I hope that you will be able to put at least one of them to good use for yourself in your own home or place of business.

The Gourd: - This wonderful object hangs around the knob of my bedroom door as it symbolises good health and longevity. It is one of the items carried by Li Tie-guai, one of the most recognisable of the eight immortals as he is lame. Legend has it that he would frequently leave his body to wander the land and heavens. On one particular day whilst his spirit was wandering around the mountains his body was found lifeless and he was subsequently pronounced dead. In keeping with the custom of the time he was cremated so, upon his souls return he could not find his own body and therefore he had no option but to take refuge in the first available body. This happened to be the body of a crippled beggar and so it was that Li Tie-guai continued his existence supporting himself on a crutch or staff and is therefore always depicted as a lame beggar. The gourd is said to contain the holy nectar of the Gods, therefore, it is a popular accessory of many Buddhist Deities. Shao, the God of Longevity carries a staff with the gourd containing the elixir of immortality on the end of it. In art a gourd decorated with arabesques and roses signifies the wish that spring may last for ten thousand generations . In other words this is a wish that your family lasts forever.

The Fan: - Fans first appeared in China during the 10th Century AD and these beautifully painted fans have been a specialty of the great Chinese artist ever since. One of the eight immortals, Zhong Li Quan, who is said to have lived during the Chou Dynasty around 112-249BC, is the chubby chief of the immortals and recognisable by the Fan which he uses to revive the dead. Many other Gods also use the fan to drive away evil and as a result, from a Feng Shui perspective it has been said that fans have the power to deflect negative chi or energy that has been directed your way by a hostile source.

Lotus: As the symbol of purity modesty and love, the lotus enjoys a unique importance in Chinese folklore and it seems that this is largely due to the influence of Buddhism. The lotus comes out of the morass and yet is not itself tainted. It is inwardly empty, outwardly upright. It has no branches and smells sweet. There are two Chinese words for lotus: lian and he. Lian is to love, bind, connect uninterrupted as in marriage and also means modesty. A lotus bloom with a leaf and a bud means complete union whilst a boy with a carp beside a lotus means abundance year in year out. He Xian-gu was the immortal carrying the lotus and was brought into the group by Lu Dong Bin after he rescued her from a demon by using his magic sword.

Castanets: - Cao Guo-jiu is the finest dressed of all the immortals. He is always depicted in court dress and is often seen holding an official sceptre or castanets. So, for those budding thespians ensure you have this deity around you to help you on your way.

Flute: - A patron saint of musicians, this happy immortal is always depicted carrying or playing the flute. It is said that Han Xiang-Zi could make flowers bloom at will and soothe wild animals with his music. He is said to be the great nephew of the statesman and philosopher Han Yu who lived AD 768 824. There are many types of Chinese flutes, however; the vertical flute which has only five holes in the upper part and one in the lower section with only one end open is played mainly by women. In Feng Shui a pair of flutes are often used to divert the negative flow of energy.

Sword: - A demon slaying sword is the attribute of Lu Dong-bin (born around AD 755) another of the eight immortals. There are many legends regarding swords and their magical properties. In fact, it is said that an ordinary sword can be turned into one that will repel demons by going through a special ritual and then reforged. In Feng Shui terms there is the sword of coins. Coins are usually associated with prosperity; however, they were also used as protective charms. So it came to be that a cluster of coins were strung with red cording in the shape of swords. These were then worn around the neck to ward off sha chi directed your way by a hostile source.

Bamboo cane: Zhang Guo-lao is the immortal that is always shown carrying a long bamboo cane, the so called Fish Drum . Inside the cane are two rods fitted with hooks, and the whole piece can be used as a means of making various sounds and music. Legend has it that he flourished around the late 7th and early 8th centuries and is always accompanied by a donkey on whose back he would sit backwards and could cover a thousand miles a day.

Basket of flowers: - Lan Cai-he is one of the eight immortals and is represented by a basket of fruit or flowers. A decorated basket of flowers represent riches and therefore the motif is a popular one used during the New Year period

If you are looking for that perfect piece of jewelry to let her know just how much she is loved, it can be helpful to know how to quickly identify the symbols that will convey your message in an instant. Whether you re buying as a gift for someone else or you simply appreciate the reminder that love, in general, is an important part of life and you want to treat yourself to a beautiful piece of jewelry, there s no time like the present to start shopping.

The Claddagh is a longstanding symbol of love, which was first created during the 17th century. Recognized as a design that features a crowned heart in the center, which is being held by a pair of hands, this symbol is one of the most recognized in jewelry today. The hands are said to stand for friendship, the crown for loyalty and the heart in the center was created to symbolize, you guessed it, love.

In recent years, the circle design has become a staple in the jewelry market. Although it remains a popular trend, it has already earned the right to be called a classic. It s clean and polished design offers a simplistic symbol for a very powerful emotion - love. A circle, like a wedding band, is an unbroken line. It s continuity symbolizes an endless devotion to another, which is why it s a popular way to show someone just how much they are loved. This beautiful design, however, is not just for lovers. In fact, it can be worn by anyone who simply adores the beauty of a circle design and it can also be exchanged between friends or relatives as a gift of love.

Speaking of a classic design, the cameo is one that promises to remain so for years to come. When you look at a cameo, you see a piece of jewelry that consists of a carved profile portrait that sits atop a background of a different color. Believe it or not, this traditional image is one that also symbolizes love. It has been given by grandmothers to granddaughters, from mothers to daughters and from husbands to their wives.

If you or someone you know loves color or is born in the month of May, the emerald may have a special place in your heart. What you may not know is that this gemstone is also the stone of success and love, which makes it a perfect gift to give to show someone how much they mean to you. Whether it s an emerald ring, a pair of earrings or a necklace, this rare and precious gemstone is a favorite of many. If you can t afford the real thing or you typically shy away from gems that feature inclusions, of which a natural emerald has, you can find simulated emerald that offers an eyeclean appearance at a fraction of the cost.

If you re still in the market for a piece of jewelry that symbolizes love, you can t go wrong with the traditional image of a heart. Available in both polished, textured and covered with gemstones, this universal symbol of love is a popular pick in jewelry. Certain designs are known to convey a message without even saying a word and, when it comes to jewelry, a subtle reminder of how someone feels about you is the most precious of all.

It's been around for probably longer than people realise but the mobile phone has evolved into one of the most popular status symbols since the sports car. Your position in society seems directly linked to the make, model, colour and style of your phone, while your choice in ringtones and attachments can give away your age and personality.

Having a customisable mobile phone is a fashion must-have. Nobody wants the boring old brick with the green screen and fixed covers. That doesn't say anything about the person who owns it other than they're living in the past.

We want the latest slider phone with the ability to play our favourite songs while we're sending, via Bluetooth, the videos taken with the 5.2 megapixel camera to a person on the other side of the room with the exact same phone in a different colour. We want to be able to surf the internet or play games while sitting on a train, and watch ourselves on the SatNav.

The UK can't do without their mobiles. You can't go anywhere on public transport without hearing at least one ringtone, or seeing gangs of schoolgirls comparing pictures from their handsets. Even the cheap mobile phones have enough features to keep one entertained for a short while, with a camera, games and internet as standard on almost all handsets.

We expect a lot from our mobile phones, and the makers are more than happy to deliver. It seems like every day there's yet another phone coming on the market with yet another feature than you never thought of, but now can't live without.

With mobile technology changing so frequently, more people are opting for a contract phone as opposed to a pay as you go one. Having a contract enables you to get the latest handset at a cheaper price, then trade it in for another small sum after as little as a year. This way you can be sure of always having the latest model and mobile technology.

Without taking a position or advocating a candidacy for president in November, let me offer up an assessment of what I think is becoming a political ground swell. Beyond just the message or hope or the book that's entitled, "The Audacity Of Hope", I believe there's an unconscious attraction to Barack Obama for two priamry reasons.

We all know what Hillary represents. Her time may yet come, but.

Without saying a word Barack can flash his fresh smile and it says something both domestically and internationally. On the domestic scene he is the symbol of healing between blacks and white. The elction of Barack would take the reparations being sought out of the limelight. Electing a "black president" would speak volumes about the maturity and healing so needed in America.

Internationally, the election of a president with the name Barack Obama, coupled with his past, would greatly take away much of the vitriolic language being espoused by Muslim terrorists. At least it would, or should, give a pause to a growing Islamic population that now sees America as an all Christian nation. It matters not that Obama is a Christian himself. His past says he understands.

Can Hillary heal the nation with her right wing conspiracy theories?

Can Huckabee heal the nation with his deeply ingrained Baptist theology that it's the "Jesus way or the highway"?

Granted, it's an uphill battle for Obama especially in light of the fact that Michael Bloomberg might throw his Jewish hat in the ring. But at least with Bloomberg it woulnd't be politics as usual. Hardly! A third party candidate leading the nation would mean that there would have to be some unification of both left and right to get anything done.

But first, let's see how things sahke out in the primary parade that moves from Nevada to South Carolina, and then to Florida.
Between now and Febraury 5th we'll know a lot more about the American poltical collective psyche!