Semiotics of a Triangle

The triangle in this image represents a commonly recognised basic geometric shape. Thus, its depiction can be regarded as an Icon because it looks like the object that it is describing.

But the triangle also offers other signs, it has developed a gendered interpretation from both ancient and contemporary usage that is subject to differing interpretations based on cultural understanding and,  therefore can be considered a Referential sign.

Within the Hindu religion symbols used as Yantra (instruments of support for meditation and contemplation) are composed of triangles, which are also known as the Tantric Triangles. The Downward facing triangle represents the goddess Shakti, it is a feminine symbol. The upward-facing triangle represents the god, Shiva. In UK contemporary signage, however,  the gendered symbolism of these signs is reversed. The Downward facing triangle acquires male-gendered significance (referring to the wider shoulders and narrower hips of a male) and the upward-facing, female (a reference to a dress).

In addition, its usage is often symbolic. Triangles on signage may connote a required direction of travel, on either the horizontal plane, as in traffic or pedestrian signs, or the vertical as in buttons in elevators. When used as road signs in the UK and other countries that follow the Convention on Road Signs and Signals Vienna 1968, the triangular sign is used to convey warning information (Hamid 2015). Road users are taught and tested on their ability to recognise these signs along with others before being able to drive alone. The sign referential as understanding requires explanation and could be misinterpreted.   

As a “play” button on audio equipment, the point of the triangle references a direction of travel. This is both a referential sign, requiring a historical understanding of its original use in tape player/recording devices, and a denotative symbolic code because it is commonly understood to mean “play”

The semiotics of a triangle is not straightforward, a triangle can offer the recipient more than one code, which will be delivered and translated by the recipient synchronously (at the same time). This complexity of messaging can, of course,  be true of other visual signs, but the ubiquity of the triangular image in our daily lives, and our familiarity with them often allow for subconscious comprehension of their message.

BARTHES, R., 1977. Image Music Text. London: Fontana Press

HAMID, S.A., 2015. Road Signs: Geosemiotics and Human Mobility. Denmark: Aalborg University Press

SIVASATKI, n.d. Yantras [viewed 07/10/2024]. Available from: https://www.sivasakti.com/tantra/introduction-to-yantra/