Ma`rifat Farhangi Ejtemaei

Using an analytical and documentary approach, this paper seeks to conduct a sociological study of the meaning, concept, role, status and use of symbols in life believes that man's social life cannot continue without symbols. Man is a social creature, and interaction, exchange of thoughts and ideas, and establishing relations with fellow human beings, are pre requisites for social life and they require the use of symbols. Therefore, generally speaking, all aspects of human life are symbolic. The instruments of this interaction are language, script, writing, gesturing, pointing, encryption, sign and symbol, which encompass like man's surroundings, and dominate his life so that the interaction and communication with the world around him will not be possible without understanding the meaning of these symbols. The main function of symbols in human life is to foster cooperation and solidarity. They also serve as an indication of individuals' strong attachment to a particular nation and culture. The two important functions which symbols have in the field of architecture and man's social environment are "the expression of meaning" and "creating a sense of identity". Each symbol and sign relating to this field is a manifestation of a sense of relation with and dependence on the culture of a particular society. As these signs are frequent in our daily life, they heighten a certain sense of meaning and identity.