Microsoft Office Word 2007 – Symbols

Microsoft Office Word 2007 allows you to enter a wide range of symbols into the document. The symbol dialog box is a bonus tool in the Microsoft Office Word 2007 which was not available in previous version.

First of all, you should place the insertion point at the place where you want to insert the symbol. After that, you should go to Insert > Symbols. From the Symbols drop down menu, you should select symbols. After you have selected Symbols, a menu list will appear to the right. The menu list contain the most frequently used symbols.

If you cannot find the symbol you want to use in the right menu, you should click on the More Symbols. After you click on More Symbols, the Symbols dialog box will appear. To insert a symbol, you simply double click on it. From the Font drop down menu, you can select the type of font face for the symbols. From the Subset drop down menu, you can select the subset style of the symbols. Most people use the Basic Latin subset. Under Recently used symbols, there is a list of symbols that you recently used. The most recently used symbol will be displayed at the beginning.

If you want to insert special characters, you should click on the Special Characters tab. To insert a special character, you can double click it and select the Insert button. If you want to know the shortcut key of a special character, you should select the special character and click on the Shortcut Key… button. If you want to replace a symbol in the document, you can click the AutoCorrect button. When the AutoCorrect dialog box appear, you should enter the search term in the Replace field and replaced term in the width field. For example, if you enter the search term © in the Replace field and (c) in the with field, the © symbol will be replaced with (c) as you type.

The Scarlet Letter – Manipulation of Pearl As Plot Device and Symbol

A distinguished novel applies numerous literary devices to magnify and enhance the protagonist of the work. By amplifying the environment that surrounds the character, the author creates for himself a sphere of options concerning character development, situational responses, and peer interaction: he is allowed complete 360 degree control of the modified character, and can compose a well-developed, attractive personage.

Hawthorne manipulates one of the more popular techniques of this literary device in his novel The Scarlet Letter by applying secondary characters who comment on the internal forces that rage within the protagonist of the novel – Hester Prynne. Perhaps the most influential of which is her very daughter – a symbol in herself of Hester’s mortal sin who is also capable of providing valuable insight to the reader about Hester’s internal pain and anguish. As we read through the work, we learn that as Pearl develops so too does the levels of intricacy and pain of Hester Prynne’s sin.

Hawthorne first reveals the significance of Pearl when he introduces Hester during her public shaming. The horrified women of the town scold and humiliate her for the entire world to see – the proof lying in that growing mass in her stomach. The issue is that in reality all Puritans were victim to sin occasionally; Hester was simply one of the few who carried the proof on her – to live her repentance. Alternatively, the rest of the Puritan society would hide their sins from the light of day: preferring the drag them to judgment day rather than unveil them before the scrutinizing community. In this way, pearl acts as one of the many representational symbols she portrays throughout the book. Her very existence acts as a possible salvation that Hester may achieve. Merely being around for the community to see serves as a beginning for the heavy amount of penance she will have to endure to her death.

Later in the book, after Pearl’s arrival to the world, we begin to see the stark differences between a child who is raised in a traditional puritan society and a child developing in an environment of freedom; cut off from the rest of the world with minimum human interaction. While other Puritan children were rising like yeast in the confines of a pan, crafted to fit the mold of the creator, Pearl was unfolding to the world like a sunflower opening to the sun. Pure radiance and individuality finding its way not by virtue of strict word and harsh whip, but by the burning passion that lies within her heart. However, this lack of human contact did hurt Pearl in other ways.

Her withdrawal from society left her stripped of the ability to interact humanely with traditional Puritans. It also constructed a sturdy dependence on her mother, who, as much as she tortured, was the only true source of comfort in the world. We see this when Pearl and Hester travel to town one day to deliver a pair of gloves to the Governor. When a group of children threw sticks and mud at the two, Pearl erupted in a fit of rage – throwing rocks, kicking, and screaming at all of the children with no regard to any possible repercussions. Today, psychologist would agree that the lack of diversity in the people Pearl interacted with at a young age was dangerous to the proper development of her personality.

Hester also unloads her guilt for her sins on Pearl. She understands that as a result of her own actions, Pearl would have to work very hard to achieve any sort of a normal life in traditional Puritan society. There are doubts in Hester’s mind that her adulterous ways would break the synonymous relationship with Pearl. To quell her guilt to some degree, Hester dresses Pearl in the finest materials available and herself in rough gray fabric. This stark contrast acted as a way of distancing herself from Pearl as much as she could in any way the Puritan community could interpret as negative.

A secondary way Hester tries to clean herself of her guilt is the way she actually raises and treats Pearl. The hands off approach she applies is a result of a combination of an inability to raise a child alone, her need to never hurt Pearl in any way, and her incompetence in the ways of traditional Puritan discipline. The results are not all positive. Pearl turns out to be almost impossible to control in important situations, and is too independent to attach herself to her mother’s sadness. Hester creates for herself a precarious situation: her child is very free and loving, but is nearly impossible to control. All things aside, however, Hester does manage to provide one valuable service to Pearl: allowing her to develop on her own path rather than on the strict steel ties of traditional Puritan tracks.

Pearl is important in the novel because she acts as a deep character, full of contrast and device, various symbols – most importantly a physical manifestation of Hester’s sin, and a light in Hester’s dark existence. The product of a fatal sin in a strict religion-based community, Pearl develops in a curious way, and the reasons to her actions can only be speculated about. Hawthorne explores this unique situation and exploits it for its rich veins of contrast and plot line commentary.

Celtic Sun Symbols

The most universal Celtic symbol for the sun is called the Sun Cross. This symbol comprises a simple cross inside a circle and has been found amongst artifacts dating back to prehistoric Europe during the Bronze Age. It is particularly attributed to the ancient Celts, in particular the Druids and paganism. The Sun cross is a simple representation of the polarities of the western world and stood for the sun and the tree of life.

The Wheel

Another sun symbol dating back to the Bronze Age is connected with the chariot wheel. It is not clear whether it has roots in Celtic culture but the four-spoke wheel was meant to represent its solar connection.

However, the sun wheel was an important symbol and was often depicted in their art. The ancient Celts presented wheels as offering to the gods. They left them at shrines, threw them into rivers and many are found in tombs cast as amulets in bronze and worn as decoration.

The Celtic sun wheel is associated especially with the Celtic sky god Taranis. Taranis was depicted wielding a thunderbolt and a wheel. Celtic coins are also thought to depict wheels yet more importantly they correspond to pagan sun cult worship as the wheel for the druids represented the sun.

Celtic mysticism

Apart from the wheel representing the sun, the ancient Celts created the symbol we are most familiar with today and which we call the sun cross. The sun cross was used in many pagan pre-Christian religious ceremonies and rituals. Some say it may even have been used in druid sacrifices. The druids attributed its power with being able to preserve and create life.

Celtic Cross Meanings

The sun has long been attributed with cosmic power and is commonly found in ancient Celtic artifacts. It is thought that the druids attributed many powers to the sun such as strength, energy, force and life and they placed female powers within its rays. Today we see many of these depicted in Celtic symbols such as wheels, spirals and circles. The triple spiral in particular is associated with the Sun

The pagans considered the sun to be the center of existence perhaps for its life giving essence. These were a people who lived many centuries before Christianity and today their beliefs and worship symbols are legendary. It is believed that they made their appearance in Britain as far back as 1000 BC. Their social culture was a mix of cosmic religion and pagan worship. They left no written word that could explain their practices. Instead they left us symbolism and as a result their exact meanings are lost forever.

The Celtic symbol for the sun depicted by a circle is easy to understand. The cross captured inside the circle is easy to understand as being the tree of life. Why they coupled the two together is evident as they were a people who worshiped nature and attributed great power to its elements. .

The word Druid is derived from the Greek word Druidae. Today we understand it to mean someone immersed in knowledge. Each clan had their own sacred tree called the Tree of Life which stood as totem in the middle of their territory. This tree was purported to being the center of their universe. The fact that they coupled it with the sun speaks of the importance they placed on the sun and its symbiotic relationship with the center of the universe.

The symbolism of sun crosses

What is less obvious is what the druids read in the meaning of this sun symbol. There are different schools of thought pertaining to the symbolism attached to this pagan cross. One school believes that the four sections of the arm are equidistant from the center and depict their desire to understand self, nature, wisdom and the gods. Where the arms meet is said to symbolize the concentration of cosmic power.

Other explanations tell us that this symbol is rooted in the four elements of the earth while others believe these four sections depict the four compass points. Where the arms join it is meant to imply the joining of heaven and earth.

There is a belief too that the ancient Celts saw the sun as being something different from that of a cosmic power capable of giving life. Instead they believed the sun to be a god and the name given this sun god differed from tribe to tribe.

Celtic Swastika

The word swastika is derived from the Sanskrit svastika. Its design is made up of an equilateral cross with its arms bent at right angles facing either to the right or to the left. Archaeological evidence points to the swastika’s origins dating back to Neolithic era and was first found on the Indian subcontinent where it is still used as a religious symbol.

The swastika however has become taboo in much of the Western world because of its Nazi connections. In many areas it is outlawed yet many other political extremists use it as their symbol including neo-Nazi groups and the Afrikaner Weestandbeweging in South Africa. Stylized versions are also used by the Syrian Social Nationalist Party as well as the Russian National Unity.

The Celtic Connection

A bronze front piece used by the ancient druids in their religious ceremonies was found near the River Thames. Named the “Battersea Shield” and comprising 27 embossed swastikas wrought in bronze and red enamel it dates back to 350-50 BCE

As well as this an Ogham stone found in Co-Kerry which was modified as an early Christian gravestone and was found decorated with two swastikas in West Yorkshire a swastika shaped pattern can be found engraved into a stone called the Swastika Stone. Its design is made up of a double outline with 5 curved arms and no other symbol like this has ever been found since.

All these finds are traced back to Celtic heritage and is said that the swastika meaning is related to the sun in ancient Celtic civilization, yet this has never been confirmed. What is confirmed however is that the swastika symbol has been dated back as far as the Bronze Age and it is a symbol that is unquestionably related to the ancient Celts.

The swastika on Scottish gravestones

The ancient Celts had no written word and left us evidence of their culture in the form of Celtic symbols. As a result not much is known about the swastikas to be found in Scotland. There is however some folklore that may explain their existence.

The story encompasses a collection of Celtic warrior tribes, known as the Picts. The Picts were heralded for their artworks which can be seen today on many carved stones around the country as well as in many parts of England and in some parts of Europe.

Among these designs is a simple swastika as well as others that are more complex but which give the appearance of a swastika. An example of this is one that was found engraved on a grave slab and which now stands in the Meigle Museum in Australia. It consists of four figures arranged in a swastika type pattern. A similar one can be found on the Kells Market Cross in Ireland.

These swastikas are evidently from the pagan period of the Celts yet others have a clear leaning toward Christianity. In this case the swastika is known as a Gammadion. The name is greek in origin and is derived from the quadruple capital Greek “gamma”.

An example of a Gammadion is to be found on grave slabs, one in particular stands out. Called the Barhobble cross slab it was discovered in Wigtownshire during excavation works towards the late 1800’s. It has been dated back to around the 10th Century and was closely related to christian worship.

Was the swastika pagan or christian?

Many people have long accorded the swastika with the ancient pagan Celts or druids. Yet it has recently been suggested that the swastika came about as a result of the Vikings forays, bringing with them their sacred symbol the Gammadion. If this is in fact the truth then neither paganism nor Christianity can lay claim to it.

There is certainly a relation between the Celts and Viking traditions which shows in their art. Christian sculptors have been more than eager to incorporate these ancient symbols into their artwork, give them new meaning and take full credit for them.

The christian influence on the swastika may have then come about as a result of sculptors having a free hand in representing the Christian Cross with more ancient designs.

What seems to be more factual is the Celtic influence on the swastika. It is said and can perhaps be confirmed that the swastika came about as a result of the evolution of the three legged Spiral design. When it later became a four legged design the spiral essentially became a swastika.

The Butterfly – A Symbol of Resurrection

The butterfly has long been a symbol of the resurrection. The butterfly symbolizes rebirth into a new life after being inside a cocoon for a period of time.

To understand the symbolism, it is important to understand the life cycle of a butterfly. The butterfly has three phases during its life: the caterpillar, the chrysalis or cocoon, and the butterfly. The caterpillar just eats-symbolizing normal earthly life when people are preoccupied with taking care of their normal earthly needs. The caterpillar spins itself into a chrysalis or cocoon, resembling the tomb. The butterfly emerges from the cocoon, representing the resurrection and a glorious new life, free of material restrictions.

This symbolism also tracks the life of Christ. When Christ died on the cross, he was placed in a tomb. At the end of three days he arose from the dead. In the resurrection of Jesus, God was doing the same kind of thing he does when he makes butterflies out of worms. When people die, because of Christ’s resurrection, we know it is possible for them to live again, too.

The butterfly symbolizes the resurrection. The symbolism is related to the following verses, written by Paul. The theme of Paul’s teachings is that “we shall all be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51) The Christian hope is that what is sown in the grave as a weak mortal body will be raised an indestructible spiritual body not subject to temptation, sorrow, death or pain. (1 Corinthians 15:44-54) Through death the spirit will escape-not from its body but from the vulnerabilities and hardships of mortal flesh. The victory of eternal life over death represented by the butterfly makes it a favorite image on old tombstones.

“So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)

“For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.(1 Corinthians 15:52b)

There is a butterfly by the name of the Cleopatra butterfly which appears during the Easter season. In some countries the nickname of this butterfly is the “Easter Jesus.” The “Easter Jesus” and, in fact, all butterflies can serve as a reminder of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and how his sacrifice has given all of us the opportunity for life eternal.

Koi Fish Tattoos – The Perfect Symbol For Strength and Resilience

Are you looking for a great tattoo symbol but you just cannot make up your mind on what design to use on your arm or waist or back or behind?

Then answer the following questions.

– Are you the type of person that is very energetic and animated? Are you the life of the party?

– Does your drive and passion to excel surprise both you and your superiors?

– Is courage a known trait of yours?

– Are you resilient amidst trying times?

Then you may want to consider getting yourself a koi fish tattoo, or even koi fish tattoos for that matter.

Literally, koi fish, or nishikigoi, are carps that are used to cold water but they cannot survive below 10 degrees Celsius. Koi simply means carp in Japanese but the homophone koi also takes on the meaning of love, romantic love specifically.

There is a legend in Japan that says if a koi succeeds in going up the falls of Dragon Gate, then the koi transforms into a beautiful majestic dragon. So, among all Japanese tattoos, this is the perfect design if you want to exude that you are someone who is ready to face the most impossible of circumstances to reach a fantastic and almost hopeless goal.

The koi fish tattoo is just one Japanese tattoo design that will work great for anyone who wants to show strength and power. You can also try Japanese dragon tattoos or Asian dragon tattoos as these also symbolize power.

I hope this help you better understand the true meaning of these tattoos.

What Are the Different Types of Symbols and Colors Used in Muslim Wedding Cards?

In Muslim culture, marriage invitations are known as Nikah or Walima cards and denote the spiritual significance and rituals observed in this community. These cards are sent out to announce the wedding ceremony and form an integral part of the whole event. Muslim wedding cards are famous worldwide for their unique symbols, designs and colors. The presence of these features makes Nikah cards appropriate for the wedding ceremony, and without them the event is incomplete.

Below are the various types of symbols and colors used in Muslim wedding cards.

Symbols:-

Star and Crescent-

The star and crescent are an internationally recognized symbol of Islam and represents faith in God. This religious symbol includes an image of a crescent moon and a star. In Muslim culture, star and moon are seen as the valid symbol of believing in almighty God. It features prominently on the marriage invitation cards as a holy symbol and denotes the faith in God to make the ceremony successful.

Bismillah-

The Bismillah symbol contains the true essence of the holy Quran and denotes the name of Allah. The symbol reflects the blessing, adoration and support from god. This beautiful symbol is a magnificent reminder of our relationship with the creator and all its creation. Due to this characteristic, Bismillah symbol is printed on Muslim wedding cards to seek the blessing and support of god.

Allah-

The Allah symbol means God, and it is used by Muslims for referring to God in Islam. It represents faith, blessing and purity. This symbol is printed on the Muslim wedding cards to make the ceremony holy and divine. It is also believed that Allah symbol on the card will guide the marriage to the best of understanding, happiness and love between the bride and groom.

Shahadah-

Shahadah symbol means testimony of faith in god. It is the first pillar of the 5 pillars of Islam and means there is one God (Allah). The symbol of the Shahadah is printed on the Muslim wedding cards to bring oneness among the guests attending the marriage. It symbolizes the sanctity, harmony and union with God.

Colors:-

Green-

In Muslim culture, green color is considered as a traditional color of Islam, and it has a special mention in their holy book (Quran). It was first used by the prophet and represents cleanliness, purity and nature. To Muslims, green color denotes the freshness of Islam and brings unity among them. The Green colored marriage invitation is a universal symbol of peace, love and harmony. It highlights the rites of a wedding and enhances the grace of the ceremony. The green color depicts the true happiness of Muslim wedding.

White-

In Muslim culture, white color is regarded as ideal and perfect. It represents truth, kindness and positivity. It portrays the sense of being complete and happy. Due to this characteristic, white colored marriage invitations are printed to bring peace, purity and simplicity to the wedding ceremony.

Celtic Symbols and the Number Three

Students of Celtic culture and mythology, as well as people interested in the esoteric, mystical, sacred geometry and/or neopaganism, have often noticed that 3 is an especially important number in many traditions, the Celtic in particular. Some examples of this include the shamrock, which is a three-leafed plant, the triple aspect of ancient gods and goddesses, and the ancient triple spiral symbol, also known as the triskele.

The idea of the Triple Goddess is especially popular in Wiccan and neopagan circles. Robert Graves helped to bring this idea to the modern world in his influential book, The White Goddess. Graves, and many others to follow, illustrated the archetype of the Mother, Maiden and Crone as the triple aspects of the one Goddess.

Scholars have criticized the literal truth of Graves’ work, and while it definitely has a poetic logic to it, it probably is oversimplified as a description of ancient Celtic symbolism or cosmology. Nevertheless, the Celts have always thought in threes, and this includes their mythology. The goddess Brigit, in many tellings, is not one entity but three sisters -a poetess, a smith and a doctor.

The shamrock is often associated with St. Patrick, and this symbol is prevalent on St. Patrick’s Day. This saint supposedly used the shamrock to illustrate the principle of the Trinity when bringing Christianity to Ireland. Prior to this, the shamrock was held sacred by the druids, who may have associated it with the Triple Goddess. Thus, the sacredness of 3 was maintained from the pagan to the Christian era in Celtic lands.

The Triskele, or triple spiral is a symbol found in very ancient, even pre-Celtic sites in the British isles, such as Newgrange. With something like this, dating back to prehistory, it’s hard to say exactly what it meant –other than that people have held the number 3 as significant for a very long time.

Today, Celtic symbols are resurfacing in the form of art, jewelry and tattoos. While not all of these illustrate the “power of 3,” if you take notice you will probably find a surprising occurrence of threes in Celtic images even now.

Butterfly As a Tarot Symbol

Butterflies, for centuries, have been a universal symbol for change and transformation. This is because butterflies go through a transformation process called metamorphosis, which goes through stages – from egg and larva and then to caterpillar until it becomes a full-blown butterfly. It is really an amazing transformation especially when the worm-like caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly in all its glory.

Human beings go through many transformations, from infancy to puberty and then to old age. Just like the butterfly, which has to struggle, human beings also have to go through challenges before they can become their perfect selves. In ancient times, butterflies were known to symbolize the human soul. In fact, the ancient Greek word “psyche” means “soul” or “butterfly”. Those who believe in reincarnation see the butterflies as wandering human souls awaiting rebirth or reincarnation.

Butterflies have mystical symbolism as well. Even in dreams, it has various interpretations. When a dreamer sees a butterfly in his or her dream, it generally means that he or she is about to go through changes, which are generally positive. It can also mean opportunities that will allow to the dreamer to step forward. The butterfly is also a symbol of fulfilling one’s destiny.

In tarot readings, butterflies are shown on the queen and king of sword cards. It usually indicates a change in the thoughts of the querent or someone close in the querent’s life. The other tarot symbolisms of butterflies are: rebirth, immortality, freedom, marital bliss, happiness, new hope, and journey of transformation.

The Cross Tattoo As a Symbol of Protection

The cross tattoo has long been associated with religion, mainly the Christian faith. They are a strong religious symbol that also acts as a symbol of faith, hope, and belief. The cross tattoo looks great in both large and small designs. It can also be combined with other tattoos such as the tribal design.

There are different types of tattoos; the Celtic cross and the tribal cross. The Celtic tattoo is one of the most requested today because of its beauty and intricate detail. The Celtic design comes from both the Christian religion and Pagan religions. To the Christian religion, the cross symbolizes the death and resurrection of Christ. To other Pagan faiths, it may symbolize the four elements of the earth. It does not matter the religion as the cross has been around and used by people of all faiths and backgrounds for hundreds of years. Some people see the cross tattoo as a guide in life while others know its symbol for their faith.

The Tribal cross combines the elements of the cross with the elements of tribal art. This is usually done using bold black lines and designs. You can always tell if a tattoo is a tribal tattoo based on the dark features and boldness of the tattoo. Usually tribal tattoos are large, dark and bold, they stick out of the crowd of tattoos.

The Calvary Cross is mounted on three steps that represent the Hill of Calvary. This is usually a design that symbolizes faith, hope, and love.

The Crucifix is the type of cross that shows Jesus on a wooden Cross and symbolizes the Christian faith.

The Crown of thorns is depicted as a cross with a crown of thorns hanging on one side.

The cross of nails uses the image of large nails, the kind that were driven through the hands and feet of Jesus. Sometimes the Crown of thorns is added to the cross of nails.

The Crusaders design is usually a large cross surrounded by smaller ones. This is thought to symbolize the message of Christ to spread the gospel.

The type of tattoo design that you choose is entirely up to you. This is a great symbol if you want to represent your religion or faith. It is also a popular choice just because people like the appearance.

The cross tattoo is one of the few designs seen as unisex. It deals with the spiritual rather than the physical. Two of the most common placements for this tattoo are on the arm and back, however they can be placed anywhere on the body. A smaller cross can be placed on the ankle or wrist. They can also be used as the center piece of an arm or leg sleeve, or can be the center of a large back piece. The placement is entirely up to you, it all depends on how visible you want your statement of faith and religion to be.

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