Signs & Symbols: History, Communication, and Design

A large encyclopedia for symbols, signs, flags, and glyphs. In addition to traditional categories such as culture, country, religion, includes contemporary categories such as Pokémon, Game of Thrones, corporate and sports team logos, and awareness ribbons. Descriptions, histories and graphical characteristics are all searchable.

Symbols and icons with their meanings. Despite its name, symbols from the recent past are included. Symbols are arranged into categories: cultural (such as Irish or Buddhist), meanings (ex: good luck or healing), topics (ex: math or zodiac), and imagery (ex: birds, celtic knots, colors).

Part encyclopedia of symbols, part professional graphic design resource (thus frequent prompts for licensing), Symbolikon is an ongoing project including symbol families from cultures in the Americas, Pacific islands, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

A brief but scholarly introduction to signs and symbols, including links to additional resources.

The symbolism and iconography of the fifty states and the country, commemorating natural, historic, and cultural treasures.

Identifies the design elements of coats of arms imagery,

Information on heraldic traditions, including national symbology for countries in greater Europe and some international territories.

A Web collection of icons to provide an international visual language. No contextual info, though. Artwork is submitted by designers around the world. Search by object name or concept; browse a designer's thematic or stylistic collections.

The system of symbols used internationally for passenger & pedestrian wayfinding, such as in airports. No contextual info, though.