Friday, April 10, 2009
symbols of the ear...
After our multiple discussions on the "system of symbols" i started thinking about all the different expressions of symbols and if all symbols had to be visual to fall under this definition.... is the idea of a symbol have to be primarily visual? or can it be the symbol for the ear? obviously lots of groups think so because music and chants are a large part of what makes up some religions. But then i wonder wether music/chants are symbols for the ear, or are they considered rituals for that religion? I can definitely see how they could be considered either one. So, the best way so far for me to understand it myself or decipher the difference is also looking at what is interpreting the outside influence. If its your body thats interpreting then a symbol could be something kinesthetic like dance or any kind of movement... or pain for that matter. egh. like sacrificing something from your body and the physical effect even if it is not visual to the outside world it is symbolic to the body being influenced by it. So chants and or music used in a religious setting I believe is symbolic to the ear, and a ritual are more the outsiders perspective viewing the one interpreting it, or possibly rituals are to strengthen the community aspect of a religion and that is a symbol to the group as a whole.
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I think perhaps one symbol that is indeed auditory could be that of the bell perhaps? A symbol is something (like the toll of a bell) that has a deeper meaning or stands for something else. Could a bell toll therefore be a symbol? Because according to the time of day, or specific events that may have occured, a bell toll of chime pattern can mean different things right? Would that count as a symbol? Or would the tolling of a bell be more of a ritual? It is a difficult question to answer.
ReplyDeleteDifferent music systems immediately call to mind cultures.. I think if we played Middle Eastern music the class would know where it was from. So definitely I agree that sounds carry symbolic content. I also like Ariana's comment..
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