2533

esl 21a

essay 1.2

806 words

Symbol

There are many symbols around us and we can see them. However, we might not notice them because we usually don't try to see them. I will appreciate it if you try to see some symbols around you by reading my essay. Now I discuss the symbol. It means a sign or object that has to necessary or natural connection to the thing it signify. It has two general types. One of them is metaphor that is an important analytical concept used by anthropologists. Other one is metonym that is based on a substitution of one thing for another.In a word, the symbol is a sign. I have some examples for the symbols. Firstly, food is a symbol of cultural rules. Secondly, particular individual objects in positions of authority are symbols of the office thy hold. Thirdly, magic refers to supernatural techniques designed to accomplish specific aims. Finally, Asian who are Korean, Chinese, and Japanese have each symbols to distinguish.

Firstly, food is a symbol of culture. Culture rules determine every aspect of food preparation. In fact, eating is a symbol that is used to signify marriage in Trobriand Island, New Guinea. The nuclear family doesn't eat together. The men eat in men's group house. They separate from women and children. The women eat with their children in their own house, so only men move to men's house when they eat. However, only one day is allowed that a man and woman eat together. The day is their wedding day. Therefore, Marriage is symbolized by the couple's eating together for the first time.

Secondly, individual objects refer the office. If you see a person wearing a black suit, a gold button, and a gun, you can notice that he is a policeman easily. The curved staff of the Pharaoh of Egypt was also the symbol of office. A parallel is found in the term referring to the leader of an academic department at college or university. He or she is referred to as either the chair or the head. In addition, during the 17th century, the Cavaliers of King Charles 1 of England wore their hair long, while those who opposed them, the Puritans led by Oliver Cromwell, wore short hair and were called Roundheads. This example says the general principle that those who oppose the established authority will choose as their symbol something that is the reverse of the symbol of those in authority. Other example, all men in authority had short hair in the United States in the 1960s and young men created a symbol of opposition when they allowed their hair to grow long. Therefore, long hair was a symbol of young people, but today long hair doesn't sign young people. As a result, some symbols are changed by time. Symbols aren't eternal things forevermore. They are merely a sign that represent something at this time.

Next, magic shows supernatural things over our understanding. Our science is based on knowledge obtained through the five senses, but it doesn't include the supernatural, so people often turn to magic. In many cultures, people have a lucky charm or amulet. They may say magic words to bring rain or stop a storm or make their crops well. In other case, sailors depend on magic to keep their ship safe because sailing is danger, and they can't control the weather. American baseball players also use magic ritual and formulas in areas of game. Magic is also a symbol in religion. In my opinion, our science is developing, so I think magic is decreasing, and someday magic might disappear except popular belief. Asian people have recognizable own symbols. Occidental people often say all Asian people are very similar, so they can't distinguish the difference of Asian people. However, I notice how they are different because there are some symbols to distinguish. First, Japanese people usually fix their eyebrows up even if they are men, and their eyes are bigger compared with Korean and Chinese. They wear fashionable cloth. In addition, many of them change their hair color. Next Chinese people have light color skin. They are usually taller compared with Japanese and Korean and they are also slender. Finally, Korean people generally have single edged eyelids. Their eyes are a little smaller than Japanese one and Chinese one. These are each symbols which I find.

As you can see, the symbol refers to a sign or object that represents a more general quality or situation. For example, the symbolism of food, special individual object, magic of religion, and each symbol of each Asian countries. We understand about the symbol by these examples. The symbol shows a thing that we never think once in a while. It is not definitely an eternal thing. Also, it is found easily for us if we have the interesting to see it.