Symbols often convey profound meanings and secrets, and they’ve been used for millennia to convey messages, represent groups, or simply for art.
Here are 10 symbols that are hidden in plain sight, and often overlooked in our daily lives:
All-Seeing Eye on the Dollar Bill:
Embossed upon the U.S. one-dollar bill is the enigmatic All-Seeing Eye. Historically linked with Freemasonry, this symbol represents God’s omnipresent and watchful eye.
The notion is that the country’s actions and endeavors are not just by human will alone but are watched and sometimes directed by a divine presence.
Pyramid:
Directly beneath the All-Seeing Eye on the dollar is an unfinished pyramid. With its strong base and missing top, it serves as a metaphor for the nation’s enduring strength and yet-to-be-realized potential.
The thirteen steps leading to the top correspond to the original 13 colonies, foundational blocks of the nation.
The Ouroboros:
This powerful symbol has been represented in diverse cultures from ancient Egypt to the Norse. It usually appears as a snake, or sometimes a dragon, consuming its own tail.
It’s a potent representation of cyclical life, the concept of eternal return, and the inherent balance in the universe where endings feed beginnings.
Apple’s Apple:
Apple Inc.’s iconic bitten apple logo is rife with interpretation. Some consider the bite a nod to the biblical tale of Adam and Eve and the apple from the Tree of Knowledge.
Others propose that it’s merely a design element ensuring the apple is not mistaken for a cherry or tomato.
Starbucks Siren:
While sipping your latte, you might overlook the twin-tailed siren emblazoned on your cup.
Rooted in ancient Norse mythology, the Starbucks siren is intended to signify the allure of the seas, perhaps drawing parallels to Seattle’s maritime history and the adventurous spirit of coffee traders.
Caduceus:
It’s not uncommon to see the caduceus in medical contexts. However, the intertwining snakes and staff are historically linked to Hermes, the ancient Greek messenger god.
The true emblem of medicine is the Rod of Asclepius, which showcases just a single serpent coiled around a rod.
Flower of Life:
A labyrinth of interconnected circles, the Flower of Life has roots in various ancient cultures.
The pattern represents the interplay of life’s various cycles, the intricacies of existence, and the interconnectedness of everything in the universe.
Hamsa Hand:
This emblematic hand with an eye embedded in its palm crosses cultural lines.
Primarily seen in Middle Eastern and North African cultures, the Hamsa serves as a protective amulet, guarding against the malign influence of the “evil eye” and drawing positive energies toward its possessor.
The Owl:
Beyond its nocturnal nature, the owl has long been a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. In ancient Greece, it was tied to Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
In contemporary settings, particularly within educational contexts, the owl continues to signify the quest for knowledge.
The Pinecone:
Scattered through art and architecture over centuries, the pinecone stands as a symbol of human enlightenment. For some, it’s an emblem of the “pineal gland” or “third eye”, suggesting an awakening of inner consciousness and spiritual insight.
Have You Seen Them?
These symbols, with their layered meanings and profound histories, permeate our daily lives, serving as silent reminders of deeper truths and long-held beliefs of humanity.