Solar symbol

A solar symbol is a symbol which symbolises the sun. Solar symbols can have significance in psychoanalysis, symbolism, semiotics, astrology, religion, mythology, mysticism, divination, heraldry, and vexillology.

Some solar symbols include:

Circular symmetry

Circle

A simple circle or circular disk can be a solar symbol, as in the flag of Japan, the flag of Bangladesh, and the Australian aboriginal flag, or in three-dimensional form as part of the Trundholm sun chariot (though obviously a circle can have many other possible meanings).

Circle with a point at its centre

This is an ancient solar symbol featuring a circle with its center marked with a dot (⊙). It is the astrological/astronomical symbol for the sun, and the ancient Egyptian sign for "sun" or "Ra" in the hieroglyphic writing system. The character for "sun" or "day" in early Chinese script was similar, but it has become square in modern script: 日 (ri).

(See Circle with a point at its centre for non-solar meanings.)

Four-fold symmetry

Sun cross

The "sun cross" or "solar wheel" is often considered to represent the four seasons and the tropical year, and therefore the sun (though as an astronomical symbol it means "earth").

See article Sun cross for main discussion.

Swastika

The swastika can be derived from the sun cross, and is another solar symbol in some contexts (though it may not have this meaning in all religious or cultural traditions). It is used among Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus (see manji) in addition to its infamous Nazi associations.

Eight-pointed star

Varying forms of an eight-pointed star (but usually having only four-fold symmetry) with solar meaning appear on the flags of several Russian subdivisions — such as Udmurtia, Mordovia, Mari El, and Chuvashia — and had a similar meaning on the 1959-1963 flag of Iraq. An example of a fully-symmetric star can be seen in the flag of Cartagena.

Threefold symmetry

Some forms of the triple spiral or triskelion signs are sometimes considered to be solar symbols. The triskelion on the flag of Ingushetia is given this meaning.

Rayed depictions

A circular disk with alternating triangular and wavy rays emanating from it is a frequent symbol or artistic depiction of the sun. Minimally, there are four straight rays and four wavy rays (as in the ancient Mesopotamian symbol of the sun-god Shamash), but there can be a higher number. The Jesuit emblem (see left), the flag of Uruguay, the flag of Kiribati, some versions of the flag of Argentina, the Irish Defence Forces cap badge, and the 1959-1965 coat of arms of Iraq are official insignia which incorporate such symbolism.

The depictions of the sun on the flag of Taiwan, the flag of Kazakhstan, and the flag of Nepal have only straight (triangular) rays, while that on the flag of Kyrgyzstan has only curvy rays. The flag of the Philippines has short diverging rays grouped into threes.

Another form of rayed depiction of the sun is with simple radial lines dividing the field into two colors, as in the military flags of Japan and the current flag of Macedonia, and in the top parts of the flag of Tibet and the flag of Arizona.

External links

Symbols | Sun | Sun myths | Sun in fiction

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