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A secular icon is an image or pictograph of a person or thing used for other than religious purpose. (See icon
Icon

An 'icon' is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, from Eastern Christianity. More broadly the term is used in a wide number of contexts for an image, picture, or representation; it is a sign or likeness that stands for an object by signifying or representing it either concretely or by analogy, as in semiotics; by extension, ...
 for such use.)


rnational standards have been developed to harmonize icons and symbols.






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Motherhood and Apple Pie
A secular icon is an image or pictograph of a person or thing used for other than religious purpose. (See icon
Icon

An 'icon' is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, from Eastern Christianity. More broadly the term is used in a wide number of contexts for an image, picture, or representation; it is a sign or likeness that stands for an object by signifying or representing it either concretely or by analogy, as in semiotics; by extension, ...
 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.

Biohazard Symbol
Warning symbols
Warning symbols

'Warning symbols' are mainly graphic images which identify a dangerous object or place. Warning symbols are used in many places in lieu of or addition to written warnings as they are quickly recognized and more universally understood ....
 (such as the biological hazard
Biological hazard

A biological hazard or biohazard is an organism, or substance derived from an organism, that poses a threat to human health. This can include medical waste or samples of a microorganism, virus or toxin that can impact human health....
 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
Editorial cartoon

An editorial cartoon, also known as a political cartoon, is an illustration or comic strip containing a politics or social message, that usually relates to current events or personalities....
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 the United States Capitol Building or the White House
White House

The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., it was built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the late Georgian architecture and has been the executive residence of every U.S....
, the Tower of Westminster
Clock Tower, Palace of Westminster

Big Ben is the nickname for the great Bell of the clock at the north-eastern end of the Palace of Westminster in London. The nickname is often also used to refer to the clock and the clock tower....
, and Saint Basil's Cathedral
Saint Basil's Cathedral

The Cathedral of Intercession of the Virgin on the Moat is a multi-Tented roof on the Red Square in Moscow that also features distinctive onion domes....
 have become representations respectively of the Governments of the United States of America
United States

The United States of America is a Federal government constitutional republic comprising U.S. state and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its Contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., the Capital districts and territories, lie between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Oceans, Borders of the U...
, Great Britain
Great Britain

Great Britain is an island lying to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the List of islands by area, and the largest in Europe. With a population of 58.9 million people it is List of islands by population....
, and Russia
Russia

Russia , or the Russian Federation , is a list of countries spanning more than one continent country extending over much of northern Eurasia....
. Other symbols (such as the bald eagle
Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America that is most recognizable as the List of national birds and national symbol of the United States....
 for the United states, the bear
Bear

Bears are mammals of the family Ursidae. Bears are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans, with the pinnipeds being their closest living relatives....
 for Russia, or the chinese dragon
Chinese dragon

The China dragon or Oriental dragon is a mythical creature in East Asian culture with a China origin. It is visualized these days as a long, scaled, snake-like creature with four legs and five claws on each ....
 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
Graphical user interface

A graphical user interface is a type of user interface which allows people to human-computer interaction such as computers; hand-held devices such as MP3 Players, Portable Media Players or Gaming devices; household appliances and office equipment....
.

See also

  • Cultural icon
    Cultural icon

    A cultural icon can be an , a symbol, a logo, picture, name, face, person, or building or other image that is readily recognized, and generally represents an object or concept with great cultural significance to a wide cultural group....
  • Gay icon
    Gay icon

    A gay icon or LGBT icon is a historical figure, celebrity or public figure who is embraced by many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities; the term Dykon, a portmanteau of the words "dyke " and "icon," has recently entered the lexicon as a word to describe lesbian icons....
  • Semeiotic
    Semeiotic

    Semeiotic is a term used by Charles Sanders Peirce to distinguish his theory of triadic relation sign relations from other approaches to the same subject matter....
    s, the analysis of icons and symbols.
  • Symbol
    Symbol

    A symbol is something such as an entity, picture, written word, sound, or particular mark that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention....