- Secular icon
:"For other uses of the term see
Icon (disambiguation) . For a list of icons for use on Wikipedia, see ."A secular icon is an image or pictograph of a person or thing used for other than religious purpose. (See
icon for such use.)Icons versus symbols
*An "icon" is a graphic device that represents some object or action, the graphic device being ascribed "symbolic meaning(s)" beyond the object represented.
*A "symbol" has only the meanings ascribed to itself, representing only a concept and not recognizable as a particular object.Language and cultural neutrality
International standards have been developed to harmonize icons and symbols. These can be seen particularly in international airports and for roadside signs to assist travellers. Icons are also becoming standardised for consumer electronics and automobile controls.
Warning symbols (such as thebiological hazard symbol) are sometimes not self explanatory but well known within the relevant art or craft - such are symbols but not icons.Political and governmental iconic symbols
Secular icons are seen particularly in
editorial cartoon s, where a simple image can be used to represent a complex concept or entity. These are often cultural specific, as recognition of some symbols may depend upon a deep understanding of the current local situation and the players involved, while others are so common that they are understood over a wide range of cultures (but not worldwide). Edifices such as theUnited States Capitol Building or theWhite House , the Tower of Westminster, andSaint Basil's Cathedral have become representations respectively of the "Governments" of the United States of America,Great Britain , andRussia . Other symbols (such as thebald eagle for the United states, thebear for Russia, or thechinese dragon for China) are used to represent nations, as distinct from (yet inclusive of) governments.Modern computer systems
Modern personal computers and control systems make extensive use of icons in the form of small images representing such "objects" as file folders, documents and applications within a
graphical user interface .ee also
*
Cultural icon
*Gay icon
*Semeiotic s, the analysis of icons and symbols.
*Symbol
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