100 Common Objects – Powerful Symbols in Performance
Objects used as props are the easiest way for drama students to understand and implement symbol in theatre performances. Objects become symbolic when we give them context via plot, characters and themes. A simple prop can suddenly become significant and represent something beyond its literal meaning. This is often an abstract quality such as a concept usually linked by association or resemblance. In the late 19th century, there was an important but short-lived movement in the theatre relating to symbolism. Objects can also prove very powerful symbols in films.
Below is a list of 100 common objects with their symbolic meaning(s). Reasons vary as to why particular objects are symbolic of certain abstract ideas, though it is usually steeped in history, religion and culture.
Common Objects and Their Symbolic Meanings
| Object (A–Z) | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| anchor | hope |
| angel | spirituality, God, heaven |
| arrow | mortality |
| apple | temptation, original sin |
| balloon | childhood, holding on, letting go |
| bell | warning, alarm, time, religious, Christmas, wedding |
| bible | religion, Christianity |
| bicycle | progress, circle of life |
| bird | freedom |
| bones | death, mortality |
| book(s) | knowledge, wisdom, learning |
| bowl (full) | prosperity |
| briefcase | ambition, importance, psychological baggage |
| broken mirror | misfortune, bad luck, separation |
| butterfly | transformation |
| camera | memories |
| candle (lit) | life |
| candle (snuffed) | death |
| chain | union |
| clock | inevitability of change, deadline |
| clouds | trouble brewing, impending storm |
| coffin / casket | death, mortality |
| coin | power, luck, superstition |
| compass | safety, protection |
| cross | Christianity, faith, healing |
| crown | power, authority, immortality, righteousness |
| door (open) | welcome, opportunity, transition |
| door (closed) | safety, imprisonment, exclusion, privacy, control, protection |
| dove | peace, innocence |
| dying flowers | transience of life |
| eye glasses | intelligence, insight |
| feather | freedom, travel, truth, ascension, wisdom |
| fire | desire, destruction, passion, anger, punishment |
| flame | eternity |
| flowers (living) | friendship, sympathy, affection, love |
| flowers (dead) | sadness, grief, death, decay |
| fog | uncertainty, mystery |
| four-leaf clover | good fortune |
| gates | passage into the afterlife |
| gavel | authority, law |
| gold | wealth |
| hammer | justice, revenge, destruction |
| harp | hope |
| hearth | warmth, family |
| horseshoe | good luck, protection |
| hourglass | passing of time |
| key | opening, closing, access |
| knife | betrayal, division, sacrifice, superstition, survival, martyrdom |
| knot | life everlasting |
| ladder | ascension, relationship between heaven and earth |
| lamp | knowledge |
| lantern | enlightenment, illumination, the right path |
| light bulb | invention, intelligence |
| lily | beauty, temptation |
| lipstick | sexuality, strength, defiance |
| match | warmth, comfort, safety |
| mirror | vanity, reflection of one’s soul |
| mistletoe | love, friendship, good luck |
| musical instruments | beauty, transience, romance, wealth, leisure |
| olive branch | goodwill |
| parasol | protection, royalty |
| pen | stability, power, authority |
| pet | unconditional love |
| photograph(s) | memories |
| piano | family, romance, prosperity |
| pipe (tobacco) | contentment, contemplation |
| poppy | remembrance of World War I |
| pram | protection, tenderness |
| pumpkin (carved) | Halloween |
| purse | wealth, vanity |
| quill and ink | learning |
| rainbow | hope for tomorrow |
| ring | friendship, eternity |
| ring (wedding) | love, eternity |
| rose (red) | romance, love |
| rope | unity, loyalty |
| scroll | learning, knowledge, wisdom, life, time |
| seed | new life |
| shell | birth, good fortune, resurrection, fertility |
| sickle / scythe | death (final harvest) |
| skull | death, mortality |
| snow | purity, innocence, calmness |
| spade | mortality |
| staff | leadership, comfort |
| star | achievement, success |
| stars | distance, magic |
| stones | endurance, permanence, stability |
| storm | chaos, turmoil |
| suitcase | journey, travel, holidays |
| table (round) | equality |
| torch (on) | life |
| torch (off) | death |
| trumpet | victory, resurrection |
| umbrella | shelter, protection |
| urn | mourning |
| vase | wealth, prosperity |
| violets | shyness |
| water | birth, fertility, cleansing |
| weapons | power, violence, vengeance |
| wrist watch | prosperity, innovation, fashion |
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