Introduction
One of the most significant and well-known symbols is angels, and it has both religious and cultural underpinnings. However, the beings, typically viewed as “messengers of God” and serving as a link between him and people, are not only an integral part of the culture but also a phenomenon with additional meaning (Jay). It is multifold as the components of the visual representation of angels are critical for the analysis, and one of the most informative details is the wings. According to Hopler, they are universal symbols for many cultures, and they are frequently used by Western people in popular images alongside religious purposes. Hence, angels and their wings are important cultural symbols, and they signify divine protection and support.
Angels and Their Wings: The Importance of This Element
The selection of this element is conditional upon its importance for the interpretation of the figures of angels in general, as well as its popularity in different products, such as greeting cards or presents. Thus, these winged beings are representative of the American culture, and their prevalence compared to their counterparts without wings can be explained by the desire to make them closer to people. Even though these creatures are powerful enough without this characteristic, it still contributes to the correspondence of their physical form to human perceptions (Hopler). In this way, winged angels can be viewed as genuinely connected to both God and his people and, consequently, important messengers with clear powers.
Angels’ Wings as Symbols
The significance of angels’ wings is emphasized by their interpretation by researchers. According to Hopler, they generally symbolize the link between “the heaven and the earth” and their strengths can be determined by their number and size since these creatures might even have six wings. Their meaning for humanity should not be underestimated since they exist in all cultures, specifically in the Western world; they are more popular among the creators of different illustrations, from advertisements to books. In addition, the depiction of white wings seems to already imply the presence of angels, as these images frequently replace these beings (Matthew). From this perspective, the discussed elements of these divine messengers are frequently more informative than their owners and signify the relationships between God and people.
Effectiveness of the Symbol
Overall, the symbols of angels and their wings seem extremely effective for supporting the above provision as it has roots in history, are included in idioms, and are used for making jewelry or clothes. As follows from Jay’s article, these concepts can be traced back to the emergence of the main world religions and their records; hence, it is not surprising that for Christians, the expression “angel in the house” when referring to a devoted housewife or “you are an angel!” when praising someone is common (Jay). In this case, wings might be the main feature, visibly distinguishing people and divine creatures, and the protection and support they guarantee apply to, for example, women’s earrings. Therefore, it can be claimed that the intention of individuals to subconsciously be assisted by angels is explicitly seen in popular products and cultural phenomena.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the symbolic importance of God’s messengers and their wings in particular for the Western culture, is highlighted by the support they are believed to guarantee to people while connecting them to the creator. The main reason why this feature of angels is selected for the analysis is the frequency of cases when they replace these creatures in popular images. In turn, this symbol seems clear after reviewing its meaning for promoting the relationships between God and his people as it ensures the link between them. It is particularly effective due to its presence in idioms, historical records, jewelry, and clothes, making it an integral cultural part.
Works Cited
Hopler, Whitney. “Meaning and Symbolism of Angel Wings in Bible, Torah, Quran.”Learn Religions, 2019.
Jay, Nina. “What is the Symbolism of the Angels? – History and Meaning.”Symbol Sage.
Matthew, Doraab. “The Cultural Significance and Meaning of Angels Through Art and History.”YOAIR Blog, 2022.