Refers to any object that represents something else

Usually has one simple meaning

It is always that meaning

A stop sign always means STOP

A SIGNature is always a sign of someone’s name

American Sign Language

Like a sign, refers to any object that represents something else

Is more complex than a simple sign Three characteristics that distinguish a

sign from a symbol:1. A symbol may have more than one

meaning2. What a symbol stands for is connected to

what it is3. A symbol evokes more than one kind of

response from us

Universal Symbol Cultural Symbol

Symbolic thinking calls us to think “outside the box” rather than literally.

Symbolic thinking allows us to describe emotional, intellectual, moral, and spiritual experiences.

Literal thinking: “You scored more points than anyone else last night!”

Symbolic thinking: “You were on fire last night!”

RoutineRepeated, practical actions with one meaning

and purposeBrushing your teeth“Morning routine”Workout programDaily school schedule

Rotating, special, assembly, single block—these break the routine

Any other examples?

RitualSymbolic actions that help us concretely or

physically express our beliefs, values, or concernsLike routines, rituals have repeated actionsUsually involve the whole communityImportant movements, events and celebrations

Making the Sign of the CrossBirthday party, Thanksgiving dinnerOlympic Opening Ceremony, Presidential

InaugurationMass, the Sacraments

Reconciliation, Baptism, Anointing, OrdinationAny other examples?

Routines are often mistakenly called ritualsThe morning “ritual”

Rituals can often become routinesExample: Sunday Mass, the same actions and

order repeated over and over, can lose its special meaning.

How can we make a ritual (like Mass) more meaningful?