Medicinski vjesnik, Vol. 42 No. (1-2), 2010.
Professional paper
Man and his symbols
Pavle Hegeduš
Ivana Hegeduš
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to identify the function and the meaning of symbols, both in historical and in everyday life. The symbol is a historical artefact of visual arts, the repository of collective emotions and has always had certain magical attraction for searching and revealing the hidden essence. The symbol is an image, statue or architecture whose meaning is established subconsciously. Through it, the meaning of life has become present thereby the continuity itself ensured. The human need to explain mysteries and reveal the meaning of life has also found its expression in monuments of remarkable beauty and power. The symbols have also protecte the integrity, the level of integration and the health of the ancient man. By differentiating the responsibility for historical survival, they have contributed to the dignity of medical profession. The presentation of symbol genesis based on the pattern of vesica piscis (lat. swimming-bladder) introduces one of the possible modalities of creating and distinguishing between symbolic structures. Nevertheless, the symbols are only means of identification and communication; everything else depends on “maturity” of certain culture.
Keywords
Animals; Archetype; Circle; Cultural evolution; Culture; Ethnology; Humans; Mythology; Stone; Symbols; Vesica piscis (swimming bladder)
Hrčak ID:
191883
URI
Publication date:
1.12.2010.
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