What do shapes mean

Most commonly these come in the forms of icons, such as the abstract humanoids used in bathroom signs. Instead of the explicit shapes, the circles and rectangles make up this abstract icon. And we understand the shape to represent a person due to our familiarity with the symbol. In short, abstract shapes depend on prior context or cultural knowledge. By kimhubdesign Another concern for designers is how shapes are formed. This logo design by bayuRIP uses rounded shapes along with warm colors to create a happy, friendly chef character.

This friendly logo design by VectoruX uses both a literal circle and rounded shapes in both the dog and the letters. This logo design by ludibes for a tattoo brand uses triangular forms to communicate edginess and mysticism. This poster design by tale uses triangular shapes to convey a sense of energy and unpredictability.

By luisashala. By aleT. Although abstract shapes contain geometric shapes, their meaning is based on reference and symbolism. Icons by JansDesign. Want to get the perfect design for your business? Work with our talented designers to make it happen.

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Sign me up! Join the community. Current design contests Designers, check out these contests so you can start building your career. Designers, see opportunities. Spirals represent the notion of growth and evolution, the circles of life, seasons or time. Spirals represent transformation, fertility, life and death. They are creative and due to their curved nature also have a feminine feel.

Spirals can move in clockwise of anti-clockwise directions and can take you on a journey. They are free flowing, boundless and open. The spiral is a shape that can go on for eternity.

Spirals have been closely linked with mystery, mainly due to the awe inspiring spirals in the galaxy where men used to look to the stars and wonder what was beyond our horizon. We see shapes every day, yet did you realise that there is a psychology behind them? Abstract shapes Abstract shapes are recognisable in form, but are essentially not real as they are simplified versions of organic shapes. Squares and rectangles These shapes represent stability.

Cultural: The square in Buddhism symbolises being earthbound. Triangles Now triangles are an interesting shape as they can be viewed differently depending on if their sides are equal or different in length, whether they are sitting on their base or unstable when not. Cultural: The triangle when balanced is the symbol for justice, science and religion. Circles and ovals These rounded shapes tend to send a positive emotional message of harmony and protection. Spirals Spirals are shapes that are most often fund in nature, from shells and snails to stars in the galaxy, water draining or dirt being whisked up by the wind.

The spiral is a shape that can go on for eternity Cultural: Spirals have been closely linked with mystery, mainly due to the awe inspiring spirals in the galaxy where men used to look to the stars and wonder what was beyond our horizon.

Don't forget to share this post:. Recent Articles. By John Becker on June 1, 5 min read. By Ramona Sukhraj on April 17, 1 min read. By Ramona Sukhraj on April 4, 5 min read. By Liz Moorehead on December 23, 9 min read. By Ramona Sukhraj on November 13, 4 min read. By Ramona Sukhraj on October 10, 7 min read. By Natalie Davis on May 23, 3 min read. By Ramona Sukhraj on March 9, 6 min read. By Ramona Sukhraj on January 3, 7 min read. The cross is best known in its Christian context as a symbol of sacrifice and salvation referring to Jesus' death by crucifixion.

The cross has numerous other religious meanings, most of which reflect groups of four, corresponding to the four points on the cross. Crosses commonly represent the earth and the physical universe, particularly in Western culture, primarily from two associations: the four physical elements earth, water, air, and fire and the four cardinal directions north, south, east, and west.

The astrological symbol for Earth is a cross inside a circle. This symbol, also known as a sun cross or solar wheel, has been associated with the sun and its four seasons. Crosses share many properties with squares , which usually have more material meanings than crosses.

Pythagoras associated the square with the number 4, and that number in many cultures is commonly associated with material things—physical elements, compass directions, and seasons. Thus, squares and crosses are often used as symbols of the material world.

However, squares have visual solidness that crosses lack. A square has volume; it contains space. Squares represent solidity, a perfection that is static, dependable, earthly and material. In Hinduism, the square represents cosmic order and the balance of opposites; in Native American religions, the square represents permanence, a safe place.

In Chinese symbolism, the square represents the earth. In many many cultures, a square is a meeting place, a plaza at the heart of a city. The five-pointed star, called a pentagram, has been used for millennia by a variety of cultures. Five-pointed stars are found in Mesopotamia from the 4th millennium BCE; stars are used in conjunction with a crescent to represent Islam. Muhammad said that the star represented "our smiling hope, the beauty of aim and object, and the light of our belief in God.

Most uses in Western society descend from occult traditions, and in Wicca, the pentagram is a symbol of protection and warning, while in Satanism it represents the Goat. Pythagoras associated the number 5 with the star; the Mah Jong tiles marked a five-pointed star represents the number 6.

To Pythagoras, a five-pointed star represented the five elements that make up humans: fire, water, air, earth, and spirit. The pentagram is also the official symbol of the Baha'i faith. Seven-pointed stars are known as heptagrams or septagrams.

There are two configurations for heptagrams; the acute heptagram, shown here, and the obtuse heptagram. In addition, the heptagon—a seven-sided polygon—can represent the same things as heptagrams.

Astrological Significance. The ancient world recognized only seven "planets" other than Earth: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, plus the moon and sun.

Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are not visible to the naked eye and thus unknown. The heptagram often reflects these seven planets, and in western occultism, systems were often based upon astrological correspondences of these seven points. It was believed that each planet radiated certain influences. Understanding those influences is the realm of astrology.

Because the planets are represented equally in the heptagram, the symbol can be off balance, equally representing the seven great powers of planetary magic.

Seven combines pairing the numbers 3 spirituality, referring to the Christian trinity and 4 physicality, referring to the four elements and the four cardinal directions , which can also represent universal balance.