Semiotics

Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

Semiotics is the study of symbols. What are symbols? The word comes from the Greek, symbolon, which translates as 'to throw together’, and means an emblem, mark or token which connects to a larger body of information. Many people learn the meaning of symbols by rote rather than through true understanding. 

A mark, sign or word is just that, nothing more. However, like 'beauty' symbols 'lie in the eye of the beholder'. For instance U can be an accidental mark, but if it is a symbol, such as the letter of the alphabet, U, it carries a meaning. Just as the image can be a sign for a cup of coffee and, if outside a shop that sells hot drinks, it could mean coffee is available. For some, personal associations could mean a comfortable place to relax, make friends, and have an enjoyable experience. The connections to the mark are dependent on the person’s personal experience, and what meaning they place on the mark. Some  might have prejudices or judgments about that symbol or might not want a drink at that time. What might be a clear meaning for one person might confuse another, and what might attract one person, might not attract another. What might have one meaning in one country, might mean something entirely different in another, and what might have meaning in one era, might have a different meaning in another. Symbols are personal according to our knowledge, our past associations, and the meaning that it has acquired.

So in order to find out more, we examine the potential history of a mark, who placed it and why? Assessing the intention, agenda and motive of those who placed the mark is necessary to discover whether it  could be an accidental mark - or is a symbol - which has meaning. We begin our research with an open mind, and examine all possibilities. We can consider whether it is a random and meaningless mark, or whether it has meaning, and what that meaning could be. If there is no evidence, we don’t assume. Primitive mankind made what are called ‘cup’ marks in rock. We do not know the  reason did they did this. Was it to collect water and if so, was it for some specific purpose? Though perhaps uncomfortable, we have to say that we do not know! The original meaning is hidden from us but we can consider possibilities. 

Symbols arise naturally in the unconscious mind and Carl Jung suggested that some symbols are universal and mean the same to everyone, such as a cup as a container. but symbols can also be highly personal. The same cup can mean different things to different people and might have different uses at different times. Some symbols have different meanings to different people, according to their personal associations. For some, a gold cup could be associated with a sports trophy, for another, an antique porcelain tea cup, to another person, it could represent a mythological Grail. Other defining aspects of the symbol need to be assessed to discover any relevant meaning. 

For example, a six pointed star ✡️ could be, if quickly scrawled, just a simple doodle or it could represent a star. If carefully measured, it could be a mathematical design. It could, for instance, have a Jewish connection, and if yellow in colour - and from the Nazi era - it could represent the suffering of many millions of Jews during World War II and all that that Holocaust involved. So one simple mark could be a mystery, could be meaningless - or it could represent a vast amount of information depending on the knowledge of the person and their personal connection to the information behind the mark. A mark is only a mark. Greater information is required concerning who made the mark in that particular place and why. The association of ideas coverts a mark into a symbol. 

A cup, as a symbolic object is a very popular symbol for the ‘Holy Grail‘, reputed to be the cup that Jesus used at his last supper with his disciples, prior to his arrest, trials, torture and crucifixion. When he picked up the cup (it probably held wine), he said “This is my blood that represents a covenant that I shed for you for the remission of sins.” Jesus came from a royal bloodline and by drinking of his symbolic blood, they became of his bloodline as Christians do to this day when they share in the Eucharist service where the bread is changed into his body, and the wine is changed into his blood. This Grail cup was first described in poems in the Middle Ages. For some this symbolic cup represents treasure and wealth, for others, celebrity and popularity. But it is important to go back to original source material, as the cup tells a story of that Passover meal when Jesus was betrayed by one of his closest friends. The Passover was an important religious occasion, and it celebrated the time when Jews escaped from captivity in Egypt because the Angel of Death passed over their homes. That last Pascal meal that Jesus had with his disciples honoured this occasion, but the Angel of Death would not pass over Jesus. He was the sacrificial lamb and the Scape Goat, and this provided proof to his followers that he was the Messiah that was foretold throughout the Old Testament. The Grail would therefore symbolise his teaching, his miracles, and his sacrifice and resurrection as the Messiah. From one symbol, an vast body of knowledge is transmitted. When this knowledge is extensive - and can change lives - it becomes a powerfully meaningful symbol. 

The map is not the territory! The map is easily seen, the territory requires knowledge. 

Article Wendy Stokes: https://wendystokes.co.uk