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Often misused as a symbol of control and surveillance, this symbol of God represents spiritual sights and higher knowledge. Depicted on the US one-dollar bill, the all-seeing eye is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt.
Observed in the Moon and the Sun, the simple circle has been known since before the beginning of recorded history. In mathematics, the study of the circle has helped inspire the development of geometry, astronomy, and calculus.
The symbol of Hermes and Mercury in Greek and Roman mythology features two snakes around a winged staff. Often used in a medical context, it was popularized by the US Army Medical Corps in 1902.
Sometimes referred to as the key of life or the key of the Nile, the ankh symbol represented eternal life in ancient Egypt. Some believe it's the first cross.
The ampersand, also known as the "and sign", originated as a ligature of the letters et, Latin for, you guessed it, "and."
Across the globe, the cross is associated with Christianity, specifically representing Jesus' crucifixion. The red cross is commonly used as a symbol for medical and humanitarian relief workers.
Originating in the Bronze Age, the double-headed eagle is used within the concept of an empire. From the 13th century onward, it has been used by the Holy Roman Empire, Serbia, Albania, and Russia.
Found in many cultures in the Mediterranean region, it is believed to be a curse cast by a wicked glare, usually to an unaware victim. The earliest known evidence of the evil eye can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome.
A symbol meant to represent proletarian solidarity and union between agricultural and industrial workers, it was first adopted during the Russian Revolution. The hammer represents workers and the sickle represents the peasants.
One of the most revered symbols in Asian culture, the dragon represents strength, power, wisdom, luck, and magic.
Universally used by major world religions, such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, the white dove represents peace, grace, and divinity. Its symbolism can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia.
Now also known as the Jesus fish, before early Christians adopted it the ichthys was used by the Greeks, Romans, and many other pagans. Ichthys was the offspring son of the ancient sea goddess Atargatis, so it was linked with fertility and women.
Sources: (HuffPost) (BBC)
See also: Famous Christian symbols explained
This symbol has been used by several European nations. However, it's heavily associated with French royalty, having also represented French saints.
The single most recognizable symbol of Freemasonry, both the square and compasses are architect's tools and are used in Masonic rituals as emblems for symbolic lessons.
Known as the "king of the jungle," the lion traditionally symbolizes courage, nobility, royalty, and strength. It also has Judeo-Christian symbolism.
The ultimate symbol of love and affection, the historic origin of this symbol is hard to trace. However, its use as a heart metaphor can be traced back to the end of the Middle Ages.
Often found in coloring books in the West, in Buddhism the mandala, meaning circle, is a geometric pattern that represents the universe and wisdom.
An ancient symbol used by Wiccans and in paganism, the pentagram is made up of five points. The upward point represents a spiritual being, such as Gaia or Mother Earth. The other four points represent wind, water, earth, and fire. Often found in ancient amulets and jewelry, it was believed to protect against evil.
The star and crescent are used in various historical contexts, including as a symbol of the Ottoman Empire. Today, it's widely recognized as the symbol of Islam.
Seen as a symbol across many cultures, the historical popularity of the owl is largely because one always accompanied Athena, the Greek goddess of learning. Therefore, the owl is highly associated with lessons, intelligence, and wisdom.
A mathematical symbol, it represents a constant, the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. It's also the 16th letter of the Greek alphabet, Ππ.
In the '50s, the peace sign, as it is known today, was designed by Gerald Holtom as the logo for the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. It was later adopted by anti-war and counterculture activists in the '60s.
Whenever we see the skull and crossbones symbol, we probably think about warning labels on poisonous substances, piracy, and mortality. The design we see today originated in the Late Middle Ages as a symbol of death.
A symbol of Jewish identity and religion, the Star of David is a hexagram, or two equilateral triangles joined together. It appeared as a decorative motif in both 4th-century synagogues and Christian churches in the Galilee region.
The basis of almost all Chinese philosophy, the yin and yang symbol represents perfect balance. Mostly used in Taoism, it symbolizes two halves, which combined make for complete wholeness.
Illustrating faith and devotion, the Celtic trinity knots can be traced back to the 6th century. Its three points represent the Holy Trinity.
A symbol of eternal life, energy, and renewal, the tree of life may have originated in Central Asia, and then was absorbed by other cultures. It's portrayed in various religions and philosophies, such as Scandinavian mythology and Altai shamanism.
Universally representing rebirth, resurrection, and immortality, the legendary "firebird" is linked to the worship of the Aztec sun god, Huitzilopochtli.
Since the beginning of human civilization, symbols have played a vital role. These cultures used symbols as a way to express themselves in various ways. The prehistoric man carved his life experiences on cave walls, not expecting we'd still be talking about them today. Indeed, to this day, we still use many of the symbols inherited from the past. Be it in religion, political ideology, or art, we still come across many of these symbols in our day to day, often without knowing their true meanings and origins.
To learn more about the world's most common symbols, check out the following gallery.
Exploring the origins and meanings of some of the world’s most famous symbols
The history and cultural significance of some iconic signs
LIFESTYLE Curiosities
Since the beginning of human civilization, symbols have played a vital role. These cultures used symbols as a way to express themselves in various ways. The prehistoric man carved his life experiences on cave walls, not expecting we'd still be talking about them today. Indeed, to this day, we still use many of the symbols inherited from the past. Be it in religion, political ideology, or art, we still come across many of these symbols in our day to day, often without knowing their true meanings and origins.
To learn more about the world's most common symbols, check out the following gallery.