Icons are symbols. For instance, your photograph is your icon. According to Doob (1966:60), "In a symbolic relation, the medium is able to suggest reality because, not through any necessary or inherit connection but through customs and habituation, the symbol arouses response very similar to those evoked by reality, itself."

In some parts of Africa, when people are living abroad want to do their traditional marriages and cannot come home either for reasons of cost, or questionable travel documents or their documents are expired and they might be refused entry when returning to a foreign country, their families normally, place the enlarged or framed photographs of the bride and the groom in a strategic place at the venue of the ceremony to represent the couple. This has become established in many parts of Africa and it is understood by many Africans.

Iconography is a set of specified or traditional symbolic forms, associated with the subject or the theme of a stylized way of life. As icons are culture specific represented and communicated based on a society.

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Flag

A red, white or black flag signifies a shrine or the presence of a traditional priest.

Rainbow

Signifies that no one should visit the stream else?

Shooting Star

Heralds the death of an important individual.

Birds

Pigeon signifies peace; the owl and vulture, are objects of bad omen.

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