Symbolic Perspective Research Articles

Embracing uncertainty post-COVID-19 crisis: insights from young people

This article explores the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on everyday life through a qualitative research study focusing on the role of age in managing uncertainty. Grounded in a cultural and symbolic perspective on risk, the study examines how rituals, emotions, and cultural contexts shaped the experiences of individuals aged 15–34 in Milan, Italy, as they navigated daily risks. Drawing on 42 semi-structured interviews conducted between September 2022 and May 2023, the findings reveal that age significantly influenced how young people navigated post-pandemic uncertainties. The youngest participants often felt fear and anxiety, mainly due to concerns for others’ well-being, coupled with a strong need for social interaction and community. In contrast, slightly older young professionals showed a more complex emotional response characterised by caution, frustration, and empathy. Across all age groups in the sample, daily routines and social interactions kept reinforcing societal norms and hierarchies, particularly concerning generations and family dynamics within Italian culture, with a specific emphasis on vulnerable populations, namely older adults. These findings highlight the importance of considering both life stage and cultural context when analysing responses to uncertainty. Still, they underscore young people’s adaptability as both a reactive process and a forward-looking one involving agency. This flexibility was particularly evident in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Lombardy region of Italy, where the virus spread earlier and with more severe consequences than in most parts of the Western world.

The Ancient Tantric in Balinese Contemporary Art

In recent years, artists from various cultures have increasingly drawn on the spiritual and philosophical principles of ancient tantra. This article explores the influence of ancient tantric traditions on contemporary Balinese arts. It employed an innovative art-based research methodology utilizing qualitative, interpretive, and practice-based research methods. These included observation, interviews, and document analysis while integrating theoretical frameworks, symbolic perspectives, and theo-aesthetic considerations. The research reveals how artists transform and reinterpret tantric themes in their work, highlighting the complex relationship between modern expressions and ancient inspirations. Balinese art, as the study shows, achieves beauty by blending opposites, such as masculine and feminine qualities, through the concept of lanang-wadon. By examining this topic, the research provides valuable insights into the evolving relationship between spirituality, creativity, and cultural exchange in Bali and the interconnected world. This study underscores the dynamic interplay between ancient traditions and contemporary artistic practices, showcasing a unique fusion that enriches both the art and its cultural context.

Research on Guangdong She Culture from the Perspective of Symbols and Signs

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an in-depth study of the symbols that coalesce in Guangdong's She culture, and to reveal the historical, cultural, social and spiritual connotations carried by these symbols through the analysis of dress, architecture, craftsmanship, customs and other aspects. Through the study of these symbols, understanding the origins of the She elements and the common cultural symbols and spiritual trust they unite will help to better protect and pass on the She culture, and promote exchanges and integration among various ethnic groups. The symbols of Guangdong She culture are not only the mark of the unique identity of this ethnic group, but also an important force to unite the national emotions, pass on the national spirit, and promote the development of the ethnic group, and moreover, they embody the She people's perception and understanding of nature, as well as reflecting their aspiration and pursuit of a better life.This study starts with the interpretation and aesthetic analysis of the elements of She people's dress, architecture and craftsmanship by using the case study method to examine and research.It studies the cultural symbols of the She people, searches for the origin and attribution of the culture, effectively transmits the value of the excellent national culture, and keeps the She non-heritage culture abreast of the times, attracts more attention and in-depth understanding of more people, so that it can be more widely disseminated and recognized in the modern society. The cultural self-awareness and self-confidence of the She people themselves are also increasing, and they actively participate in the inheritance and innovation of cultural symbols.

The Theological Message of the Opening Vision of Isaiah 6

The main objective of our present study is to underline the theological feature of Isaiah's first vision (Is 6). In the first part, the author presents some isagogic directions concerning The Book of Isaiah and its early vision. In the second part of our study, the vision from Is 6 is analysed more theologically, covering topics such as angelology, eschatology, divine glory and the prophet's ministry. The author suggests that the earthly world and the heavenly one should be viewed in a more connected way, even as a unity (this being possible only from a liturgical perspective). Is 6:9-13 contains not only the announcement of God's justice but also the promise of recompense; in Is 6, the glory of God is closely connected to the Temple from Jerusalem and the Temple emptied by the glory of God, the punishment of Israel is envisaged. Even thou God's punishment was imminent, and the prophet Isaiah was sent to “make the heart of this people dull” (Is 6:10) he never ceases to urge the people of Israel to repentance. The study concludes by highlighting the perennial character of Isaiah's revealed words. All four gospels of the New Testament connect Jesus's saying by referring at least once to Is 6:9 (Mt 13:14; Mk 4:12; Lk 8:10; Jn 12:40). This verse is also used by Paul the Apostle regarding the Jews from Rome (Acts 28:25-26). Having studied both Romanian and Western literature, the author's interpretation is characterised by historical, literary and symbolic perspectives; the goal being spiritual enrichment from the presented text.

Chief executive officer narcissism, power and sustainable development goals reporting: An empirical analysis

AbstractGrounded in both agency and upper echelons perspectives, this paper examines the effects of chief executive officer (CEO) narcissism and power on corporate reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We theorise that CEOs' narcissistic tendencies and power will influence their firms' SDGs engagement and reporting practices. We also examine whether SDGs reporting affects firm performance. Based on a sample of FTSE 100 companies for the period 2018–2022, we test our ideas using generalised estimating equations. The results show that CEO narcissism is positively related to SDGs reporting; however, this effect is weaker in firms led by older narcissistic CEOs. Further, CEO power is negatively associated with SDGs reporting, suggesting that firms led by powerful CEOs are reluctant to integrate the SDGs. Finally, corporate SDGs reporting lacks any value‐enhancing effect on firm performance, supporting the symbolic perspective of sustainability management. Our results contribute to the literature on SDGs accounting and enrich our understanding of the underlying dynamics shaping corporate disclosure practices.

More than floors and domes – contexts around ovens in the late neolithic of the Central Balkans

Even though ovens are the most prominent feature in the Vinča culture houses, they have often been neglected in the archaeological publications. Usually, only the information about their location or number of floors is provided, but more detailed descriptions are missing. This is also influenced by their poor preservation in the archaeological record, as parts of their upper structure are often missing. But, although fully preserved ovens represent quite a rarity, contexts surrounding them are usually filled with different categories of artefacts and architectural features. These complex contexts that include ovens, offer plethora of information about different socio-economic phenomena in the Late Neolithic of the Central Balkans. Therefore, ovens should be perceived as more than just fire installations for food processing and house heating, as they can offer insight into household organization and symbolic aspects of the Neolithic life. Additionally, ovens located in the outdoor spaces can provide information about settlement organization and social dynamics on a larger scale. In this paper, different contexts around ovens are presented and interpreted – from functional, economic, social, and symbolic perspective.

QAnon: A False Prophets Conspiracy

Examining the QAnon movement through a Jungian lens, this analysis draws parallels between archetypal defense mechanisms and the Homeric myth of Odysseus, specifically his stay on Ogygia Island. The paper introduces terms like "Dark Religion" and "theocalypse," exploring the phenomenon of mind possession in religious fundamentalism and conspiracy theories. Symbolically, Calypso, as "the concealer," functions as an archetypal protective system, diverting ego-consciousness from reality and constructing a false belief system. "Theocalypse" describes religious inflation by unconscious contents, resulting in specific mytho-poetic ideologies and archetypal images whose function is to protect ego from experiencing painful emotions.
 The manifestation of Dark Religion is evident in QAnon Conspiracy Theory followers who believe in a secret war led by Donald Trump against a satanic child-trafficking cabal. This dark belief system is characterized by traits such as seeking secret signs and clues, absolutism, rejection of modernity, reactivity, aggression, a paranoid worldview, and the assertion of a special ability to see with their hearts—reading between the lines, to name a few.
 Commonalities between conspiratorial and fundamentalist thinking emerge from the dynamics of inferior consciousness and subsequent ego inflation, explaining both the archetypal nature of conspiracism and its resistance to rational correction. Conspiratorialists assert additional qualities, such as being chosen to perceive the truth, promoting a superior truth without relative values or "gray" areas (superiority). Their knowledge is held unwaveringly and treated as infallible faith, often invoking sources like idols and refusing to question their authority. Vehement rejection of opposing theories (defensive selectivity) characterizes their mindset, along with a surrender of will to their leaders (submission to authority). Conspiracists actively pursue the goal of converting others (reactivity) and accept responsibility for the state of affairs only in a fantasy world, avoiding self-reflection (projection).
 Conscious thinking remains free from unconscious influence only when recognizing numinous contents and withdrawing projections from objects. A symbolic perspective, treating conspiracy theories as symbols rather than rational constructs, provides a non-dismissive understanding of strong adherence to such beliefs. Examining QAnon symbolically through the lens of Jungian psychology, while understanding how adherents enact unconscious complexes and cultural complexes, offers more effective ways of understanding their beliefs than what traditional schools provide.
 Breaking away from restrictive beliefs requires embracing living symbols tethered to reality, facilitating genuine feeling-insight, authentic suffering, and thereby fostering a connection with one's psyche.

Study on the Construction of New Tea Drinking Consumption Space under the Symbolic Perspective

Under the dual background of urbanization and socialization, along with the rapid development of social media, the consumption orientation of China's consumer groups presents diversified characteristics, and new-style tea drinks are an important part of them. In this paper, we study the spatial production and business model of new-style tea drinks, and explore the construction of new-style tea drink consumption space under the symbolic perspective.

Geography and philosophy – space, time and being: the symbolism of the ideal man in the religious being from Athanasio of Alexandria in Vita Antoni

The philosophy of Western monasticism was born on the fringes of the official Church, especially when the Church had just become imperial. The search for a lived space referenced in the symbolism of the desert and for an ideal Christianity was also influenced by the hagiography of St. Anthony, in a broad space-time relationship. Athanasius of Alexandria, the Coptic bishop, when faced with the embryonic counterfeits of the friction between Church and State, projects in Vita Antoni an ideal presupposition of being Christian as humanity. This anthropological symbolism will crystallize in a trajectory of lived space and time, directly influencing Western civilization from an idealism that develops as a materiality and phenomenon in the deserts: the monasteries and the fuga mundi lifestyle. In the late period of the history of religions, a "father of the church" emerges who boldly describes the nuances of the pious character of the one who will one day be considered the father of monks, St. Anthony. This proposal analyzes the phenomenon of fuga mundi and its articulation with the locality of the monastery, from the perspective of Athanasius of Alexandria, with reference to the biography of Saint Anthony, observing its practical manifestations and how this enunciation occurred in the geohistory of Western Christianity, as well as identifying how this symbolic perspective influenced the Christian religious tradition. The methodology used in this work was applied research, using as a method the systematic analysis of the work of Athanasius of Alexandria and the hagiography present on St. Anthony, considering the evidence of socio-anthropological and symbolic aspects and the scientific convergence of geography, philosophy and the science of religion as an analytical proposal that unites categories such as space, time and being.

An Analysis of Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Dreamers from a Symbolist Perspective

Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Dreamers, adapted from the novel The Holy Innocents by Gilbert Adair, is set against the backdrop of Events of May 1968 in Paris, though without making much visible effort to reconstruct the look of the period. This paper attempts to analyze the character behavior of The Dreamers from the perspective of Freudian psychoanalysis and explore the ideology and culture represented by Isabella, Theo, and Matthew from the perspective of symbolism, with the interperation of the story background and metaphor of the whole film.

An Overview of Strategies for Conceptualizing Derivative and their Applications in Daily Life for Secondary-Level Mathematics Students

Derivative is a foundational concept in calculus but can be challenging for secondary students to grasp conceptually. This paper provides an overview of research-backed strategies for developing a strong conceptual understanding of derivative. Visual and intuitive approaches are discussed, such as relating the derivative to real-world con-texts involving speed, growth, and modeling phenomena. The importance of multiple linked representations and building connections between graphical, numeric, verbal and symbolic perspectives is emphasized. Strategies for motivating learning through real-world applications and simulations relating concepts to students' lives are out-lined. Procedural expertise and conceptual mastery are cultivated together. The benefits of a conceptual learning, problem solving abilities, and STEM-related fields are noted. Curricular recommendations focus on conceptual exploration prior to for-mal definitions. Thus, the paper highlights best practices for conceptualizing deriva-tive through visual-intuitive, multi-representational and application-based ap-proaches to promote flexible, adaptive understanding and lay the groundwork for calculus success.

A Critical Study of the Myths, Classical References and Allusions in the T. S. Eliot's' the Waste Land

Abstract:- The present paper sought to analyze myths, allusions and classical references used by T. S. Eliot in his magnus opus poem ‘The Waste Land’. A poem contains symbolic representation of myths, classical references and allusions. The study concentrates on the poet’s attitude towards the contemporary society. He justifies his uneasiness by giving the passing references from classical literatures. A study pinpoints the cultural and social decadences depicted by the poet by presenting the major classical personas and the symbolic events from the great classics. A poem depicts the spiritual deadness and barreness on the glorious land of England. To express his views on the spiritual deadness of the land; he gives classical references and allusions to depict the contemporary situation of the land. Every reference stand symbolic. It presents the loss of spiritual aspects of the glorious land. He uses farfetched classical references and biblical allusions to depict the contemporary perturbance. It is critical commentary on the chaotic situation of the contemporary society. The classical references and allusions used here are very apt and convincing. Eliot has brought it poignantly. The present study is confined with only critical study of allusions, references and symbolic perspectives used by Eliot in his poem, ‘The Waste Land’.

Research on the Design of Shimao Heritage Tourism Cultural and Creative Products Based on Visual Cultural Symbols

Cultural heritage tourism has been favored in recent years. It has become a “powerful commercial force” and also brought vitality to heritage protection and revitalization and the development of contemporary cultural and creative industries. Based on the perspective of visual cultural symbols, this article explores and creatively transforms cultural elements of Shimao culture, which contains extensive and profound Chinese civilization, and constructs methods and means for the design of cultural and creative products for heritage site tourism, aiming to broaden the activation of heritage culture. Cultural heritage tourism can better continue its cultural genes, exert its charisma and influence on cultural communication, and meet modern tourists’ needs for rich cultural experiences.

Souvenirs in Tourism Studies: A Thematic Analytical Framework

Among the most common cultural tourism consumption practices is the purchase of products as souvenirs, frequently acquired as symbols of local heritage and extension of memorable tourist experiences, and sometimes as gifts permitting a sharing of those experiences. These items are complex, diverse, and multidimensional in their nature, format, and meanings. This article contributes to the debate of the role of souvenirs within tourism, through a comprehensive literature review highlighting two dominant perspectives: a) the economic and b) the symbolic. Results further reveal as thematic research categories those focusing on a) the object, b) its consumption, and c) the territory of its origin, from both mainly economic and symbolic perspectives. This research provides an analytical framework to help researchers navigate through past research and integrate new contributions into the identified research streams. It shall help identify research gaps, potential new themes, and interesting and relevant approaches to be considered in future souvenirs research.

Body and Power: Analyzing the Body Narrative in the Movie The Power of the Dog from the Perspective of Image Symbols

Renowned director Jane Campion is celebrated for her distinctive films that offer a female perspective and emotional depth. Her Netflix film, Canine Power, even won her the Best Director award at the 94th Academy Awards. Campion consistently employs the human body as a potent storytelling tool, addressing complex societal issues. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Campions use of the human body in her films. It employs literary and textual analysis methods, starting with the researchs significance, methodology, and existing scholarly context. Key concepts in cinematic body narrative theory are also explained. The paper dissects Campions body narrative techniques, emphasizing the symbolism in portraying bodily elements like limbs, facial expressions, and costumes. These elements serve as vessels conveying profound themes and connecting characters to the narrative. Moreover, it delves into the representation of the body and self-awareness from a feminist standpoint in Campions films, exposing the physical challenges within a patriarchal society and exploring themes of loss and identity crisis. The analysis also scrutinizes how the body symbolizes power structures. Finally, the paper explores the cultural significance in Campions body narrative, examining the interplay between physical and spatial dimensions in society. The researchs significance, methodology, and existing scholarly context.

Symbolic Study- Representation in Nyongsong Dance

Nyongsong dance tells of the activities of clove harvesting farmers in the Anambas Islands. Harvesting cloves includes climbing, picking, crushing, and drying cloves. This research is qualitative. The data collection technique was carried out by researchers through participatory observation, and the data analysis stage used qualitative descriptive methods. The presentation of the Nyongsong dance consists of three rounds, act 1 presents the farmers climbing and picking cloves symbolized by up and down movements exploring the clove tree setprop, act 2 presents the activity of crushing cloves symbolized by female dancers exploring the movement of ukel and exploring the properties of the jute sack by male dancers, and in act 3, the activity of farmers drying cloves is presented, symbolized by seven dancers exploring brown cloth together. This Nyongsong dance used corrective makeup with brown and green clothes. The props used in this dance are inspired by the tools farmers use when harvesting cloves, such as bags, winnowing, and burlap sacks. Danced by seven dancers, including two male dancers and five female dancers. The accompanying music is created life using Malay musical instruments such as selondang, serunai, violin, mong, gong, bebano, darbuka, flute, multiped percussion, and sequencer. This research aims to examine the Nyongsong dance from the perspective of representational symbols as enriching knowledge about the study of choreography through symbols and representations.

An Overview of Strategies for Conceptualizing Derivative and their Applications in Daily Life for Secondary-Level Mathematics Students

Derivative is a foundational concept in calculus but can be challenging for secondary students to grasp conceptually. This paper provides an overview of research-backed strategies for developing a strong conceptual understanding of derivative. Visual and intuitive approaches are discussed, such as relating the derivative to real-world contexts involving speed, growth, and modeling phenomena. The importance of multiple linked representations and building connections between graphical, numeric, verbal and symbolic perspectives is emphasized. Strategies for motivating learning through real-world applications and simulations relating concepts to students' lives are outlined. Procedural expertise and conceptual mastery are cultivated together. The benefits of a conceptual learning, problem solving abilities, and STEM-related fields are noted. Curricular recommendations focus on conceptual exploration prior to formal definitions. Thus, the paper highlights best practices for conceptualizing derivative through visual-intuitive, multi-representational and application-based approaches to promote flexible, adaptive understanding and lay the groundwork for calculus success.

Information and helix mechanism of entropy increase

The principle of entropy increase not only constitutes the basis of statistical mechanics but is also closely related to the irreversibility of time, the origin of life, chaos, and turbulence. In this paper, by discussing the definition of the dynamic system of entropy from the perspective of symbols and partition of information, the entropy transfer characteristics based on the set partition are proposed. By introducing the hypothesis of limited measurement accuracy into the dynamic system with continuous phase space, two necessary mechanisms for the formation of chaos are obtained, namely, the transfer of entropy from small scale to macro-scale and the dissipation of information in macroscale. Furthermore, the relationship between the increase in local entropy and the Lyapunov exponent of the dynamic system is established. Then the entropy increase and abnormal dissipation mechanism of helical waves in fluid and general physical systems are discussed.

Symbolic forms in Church architecture: a case study of Saint Augustine Catholic Church Ikorodu, Lagos State

A religious building is nothing less than the symbolic representation of the tradition, values, culture and creativity levels of the special territory in which it stands. Each type of church architecture may have different symbolic qualities, but every church building transmits some symbolic messages. Human beings provide meanings to the images that are received from objects by their symbolic minds. The study examined architectural spaces in Saint Augustine Catholic Church Ikorodu, in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State Nigeria enacting from the perspective of indigenous form, art and symbols. It demonstrates the integration of cultural heritage, traditional forms, material availability, arts and symbols into the architecture of Catholic Church. The study is an historical, explanatory, qualitative using the methods of observation and focused interviews. The Church architecture illustrates how influences from indigenous and local forms and symbols have been incorporated in sacred spaces in the Catholic Church. The study expounded knowledge for the clergy and the institution of religion bodies and the enlightenment of academic expository. KEY WORDS: Catholic Church, Church Architecture, Culture, Ikorodu, Symbols.

Mawlawī Samā Ritual from the Perspective of Sufi Symbolism

Mawlawī Samā Ritual from the Perspective of Sufi Symbolism