One of the most common cultural symbols is language. For example, the letters of an alphabet symbolize the sounds of a specific spoken language. Symbolism leads to the “Layers of Meaning” concept. Culture is the meaning that is shared to provide guiding principles for individual meaning.
Symbols help people define and understand their culture because of the shared meanings of different symbols that are learned during the process of socialization, the process through which people learn the values, norms, beliefs, and expectations of their society.
The source of the attached painting of Michelangelo
Buonarroti’s, Last Judgement is in the book of revelations in the bible. The painting depicts the Second Coming of
Christ and the final judgement by God for all human souls. The soul of humans
rise and descend to their fates as judged by Christ surrounded by known saints.
