A symbol is a drawing, shape, or object that represents an idea, object, or amount of something.

The most common symbols are letters, which are symbols of words and sounds. A symbol can be an actual object, such as the crucifix (a symbol of Christianity) and the scepter (which symbolizes royalty and power). Symbols can even be colors or patterns. Symbols are used often in poetry and other types of literature, most often used as metaphors or similes.

List of common symbols

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There are thousands of symbols that are recognized by most people all over the world, and many more that are limited to certain regions, religions, sciences, etc.. Some of the best known ones are listed below.

• Alpenhorn -> Switzerland
• Balance (scale) -> justice
• Bat -> vampire (western), luck (Chinese)
• Bear -> the U.S. state of California
• Beaver -> Canada
• Boomerang -> Australia
• Caduceus -> Medical profession
• Cadillac -> top of the line (in USA only)
• Cedar tree-> Lebanon
• Cheetah -> speed
• Cherry Blossom -> Japan
• Compass rose -> navigation
• Cowboys and Indians -> the old Western USA
• Crucifix -> Christianity
• Cupid, heart -> love
• Donkey -> United States Democratic Party
• Dragon -> China / Wales
• Eagle -> USA
• Elephant -> United States Republican Party
• Flags -> the associated countries
• Fleur-de-lis -> scouts, the Canadian city of Quebec
• Geneva cross -> ambulance, neutrality, humanitarian
• Great Wall of China -> China
• Hammer and sickle -> U.S.S.R., Communism
• Hat and wand -> magic
• Horseshoe -> luck
• Igloo -> North Pole
• James Dean -> rebellion
• Kangaroo -> Australia
• Kiwi -> New Zealand
• Liberty Bell -> USA
• Lightbulb -> idea
• Lightning bolt -> electricity, speed
• Lion -> England
• Llama -> South America
• Lotus -> Hinduism and Buddhism
• Marilyn Monroe -> sex
• Maple leaf -> Canada
• Mortar and pestle -> Pharmacy
• Mount Fuji -> Japan
• Mount Rushmore -> USA
• Owl -> wisdom/education (western worlds), may mean evil in other place.
• Panda -> China
• Peace symbol -> hippies
• Penguin -> South Pole, Linux
• Pink triangle -> gay men
• Pine tree and crane -> longetivity (Chinese)
• Plum flower -> China
• Pocket protector -> nerds
• Poinsettia -> Christmas
• Polar bear -> North Pole
• Rainbow -> homosexual people
• Rams -> Guangzhou
• Rolls Royce -> luxury, top of the line
• St. Bernard (dog) -> rescue
• Shamrock -> Ireland, Trinity
• Shogun -> Japan
• Skull and crossbones -> poison, danger
• Star and crescent -> Islam
• Star of David -> Judaism
• Statue of Liberty -> USA
• Swastika -> Hinduism, Buddhism, Nazi
• Tulips -> Netherlands
• Turkey -> Thanksgiving holiday
• Uncle Sam -> USA
• Unicorn -> luck
• Volvo cars -> bad/elderly drivers (Australia), prestige (European Union), Sweden
• Windmills -> Netherlands
• Yin yang symbol -> Daoism

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