Ambivalence and Multiple Function of Symbols

Before the analysis of the semantics of symbols begins, it is worthwhile to take a summary look back at the phenomenal range of what has so far appeared as a specifically symbolic form of representation. Rank and Sachs have endeavoured to summarise the characteristics of the symbol, which can be adopted here with reservations: The symbol is determined as “a vicarious descriptive substitute expression for something hidden, with which it has sensible features in common or is associatively connected by inner connections.” In addition, “constant meaning, independence of individual conditions, developmental basis, linguistic relations, phylogenetic parallels (in myth, cult, religion, etc.)” are regarded as its further characteristics.