SYMBOLATRY Meaning and
Definition
-
Symbolatry is a term derived from the combination of the words "symbol" and "idolatry" and refers to a form of religious worship or reverence specifically based on symbols or symbolic representations. It is a practice in which the worshiper considers symbols or symbolic objects as powerful manifestations of divine forces or as objects of higher veneration.
In symbolatry, symbols are believed to convey deeper spiritual meanings and are seen as mediators between the mortal realm and the divine. These symbols often bear significance or hold associations with specific deities, rituals, or philosophical concepts. They may include statues, images, emblems, or even natural elements such as animals, plants, or natural phenomena.
Symbolatry can be observed in various religious or spiritual traditions, where symbols play a vital role in the expression of faith, devotion, and the pursuit of understanding deeper truths. It can be seen in practices like idol worship, where the faithful engage with and venerate representations of their deities. Symbolatry can also extend beyond religious contexts, encompassing cultural practices, artistic expressions, and even everyday life, where symbols carry meaning and evoke emotions.
This term highlights the significance of symbolism in human belief systems and rituals, emphasizing the power attributed to symbols and their transformative potential in connecting individuals with metaphysical realms or higher powers.
Common Misspellings for SYMBOLATRY
- aymbolatry
- zymbolatry
- xymbolatry
- dymbolatry
- eymbolatry
- wymbolatry
- stmbolatry
- sgmbolatry
- shmbolatry
- sumbolatry
- s7mbolatry
- s6mbolatry
- synbolatry
- sykbolatry
- syjbolatry
- symvolatry
- symnolatry
- symholatry
- symgolatry
Etymology of SYMBOLATRY
The word "symbolatry" is formed from the combination of two words: "symbol" and "atry".
The term "symbol" is derived from the Latin word "symbolus", which comes from the Greek word "symbolon". In ancient Greece, a "symbolon" referred to a token or a mark used to establish identity or to verify agreement between two parties. Over time, the meaning of "symbol" expanded to include any object, image, or sign that represents something else.
The suffix "-atry" is derived from the Greek word "-atria", which means "the practice of" or "the worship of". It is commonly used in terms related to religious practices or belief systems, such as "idolatry" (the worship of idols).
Therefore, "symbolatry" can be understood as the practice or worship of symbols.
Similar spelling words for SYMBOLATRY
- symbolically,
- symbolisation,
- symbolical,
- symbolise,
- symbololatry,
- symbolizer,
- symbolize,
- symbolist,
- symbolization,
- symbolic,
- symbolism,
- symboliser.
