SYMBOLS AND

THEIR HISTORY
• THUMBS UP SYMBOL
It is an Anglo-Saxon word which is used to denote the victory or failure of the
warriors among the gladiatorial combat during the Roman Empire. On victory the
thumb is held up and on losing the thumb is held down. These days, this symbol is
also used to express the agreeing or disagreeing to any
situation/statement.                                                                                                                                     
                                                                     
 DANGER SIGN: This sign was started to identify toxic and poisonous substances
in New York in 1929. Though some people use it to denote the danger from electric
appliances and power, this is not the right practice as there is a separate symbol for
that.
 HANDICAPPED:  This symbol was devised by the International Commission on
Technology and Accessibility in 1968. Ms. Susan Coroade has been given the
credit for devising this symbol.
 Anjali, the gesture of two hands brought together near the heart, means to "honor
or celebrate." It is our Hindu greeting, two joined as one, the bringing together of
matter and spirit, the self meeting the Self in all.
 Nataraja is Siva as "King of Dance." Carved in stone or cast in bronze, His
ananda tandava, the fierce ballet of bliss, dances the cosmos into and out of
existence within the fiery arch of flames denoting consciousness. Aum.
 Tripundra is a Saivite's great mark, three stripes of white vibhuti on the
brow. This holy ash signifies purity and the burning away of anava, karma and
maya. The bindu, or dot, at the third eye quickens spiritual insight.