Section A: 2.1 The language of symbol

From the earliest recorded civilisations, the search for meaning has found expression in the language of symbol and myth. Symbols can serve as a means of representing abstract concepts and interpreting mystery. They emerge as a response to life’s great questions, particularly when those questions bring us face to face with the unexplainable (e.g. the existence of good and evil, and the experience of suffering). 
For this reason, symbolic language is used by those seeking to express their fears, desires and hopes about suffering and immortality. The symbol of ascent is used to mark a breakthrough to another level of existence. Death is viewed as transcending the human state and passing onto the beyond. Typically the journey to a ‘higher sphere’ is understood as an upward journey. This is seen in various mythologies, for example, in Indian myth Yama, the first person to die, leads others through mountain passes. In Egypt, Ra uses a ladder to climb from earth to heaven. Australian aboriginals spoke about a great tree that souls climbed to go to heaven. In each case, the concept of ascending to a higher state is present.



Past Exam Question


People often express their search for the meaning of life using different symbols. Referring to two examples that you have studied, explain why people often use symbols to express their search for the meaning of life.

Symbols have an impact on individuals, groups and societies and serve as powerful reminders of core beliefs or ideologies. For example, in Christianity the cross is symbol loaded with historical and spiritual significance. Within this simple symbol a multitude of complex ideas and emotions are conveyed. It represents Christ’s death and resurrection, and for some it serves as a symbol of hope, redemption and life after death. It also serves as a reminder of Christ’s suffering and the depth of his love for humanity. It is a symbol of faith and devotion, illustrating belief and trust in the life of Jesus and Christians’ willingness to follow in his footsteps.

Similarly symbols of national identity have the ability to convey complex ideas. National flags often incorporate an aspirational goal – they don’t necessarily reflect what the state of the nation is, but rather what people desire it to be. Ireland’s tri-colour flag (green, white and orange) represents our nation’s past and its hope for the future. There has been historical conflict between nationalists (green) and unionists (orange). White represents peace between these factions and the hope that a new Irish state would herald an era of cooperation and peaceful coexistence. Inherent in this symbol is the primacy of peace in the national mind-set.

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