70 Powerful Objects – Symbols in Performance
Objects used as props are probably 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. These are often abstract, such as a concept or quality, usually linked by association or resemblance.
Below is a list of 50 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 | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| suitcase | journey, travel |
| hourglass | passing of time |
| hearth | warmth, family |
| gold | wealth |
| lamp | knowledge |
| staff | leadership |
| ring | friendship, eternity |
| wedding ring | love, eternity |
| crown | power, authority |
| olive branch | goodwill |
| cross | Christianity, faith |
| stars | distance, magic |
| lit candle | life |
| snuffed candle | death |
| skull | death, mortality |
| purse | vanity, wealth |
| carved pumpkin | Halloween |
| anchor | hope |
| red rose | romance, love |
| key | opening, closing, access |
| torch on | life |
| torch off | death |
| book(s) | knowledge, wisdom, learning |
| sickle, scythe | death (final harvest) |
| four-leaf clover | good fortune |
| photograph(s) | memories |
| star | achievement, success |
| quill and ink | learning |
| bones | death, mortality |
| chain | union |
| full bowl | prosperity |
| mirror | vanity, reflection of one’s soul |
| harp | hope |
| seed | new life |
| flame | eternity |
| round table | equality |
| living flowers | friendship, sympathy, affection, love |
| dying flowers | transience of life |
| musical instruments | romance, wealth, leisure |
| wrist watch | prosperity, innovation, fashion |
| balloon | childhood, holding on, letting go |
| coin | power, luck, superstition |
| knife | betrayal, division, sacrifice, superstition, survival, martyrdom |
| pet | unconditional love |
| bell | warning, alarm, time, religious, Christmas, wedding |
| bird | freedom |
| fire | desire, destruction, passion |
| hammer | justice, revenge, destruction |
| scroll | learning, knowledge, wisdom, life, time |
| ladder | ascension, relationship between heaven and earth |
| broken mirror | misfortune, bad luck, separation |
| storm | chaos, turmoil |
| snow | purity, innocence, calmness |
| butterfly | transformation |
| fog | uncertainty, mystery |
| gavel | authority, law |
| dove | peace, innocence |
| poppy | remembrance of World War I |
| mistletoe | love, friendship, good luck |
| eye glasses | intelligence, insight |
| clock | inevitability of change, deadline |
| violets | shyness |
| lily | beauty, temptation |
| clouds | trouble brewing, impending storm |
| rainbow | hope for tomorrow |
| gates | passage into the afterlife |
| spade | mortality |
| shell | birth, good fortune, resurrection |
| apple | temptation |
| musical instruments | beauty, transience |
