A Conceptual Correspondence of the Symbol of Fish in Mythology, Holy Quran and Masnavi and Its Application in Artworks

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student, in Persian literature, Varamin Pishva branch, Islamic Azad University

2 Assistant Professor of Persian literature, Varamin Pishva branch, Islamic Azad University.

3 Assistant Professor of Persian literature, Varamin Pishva branch, Islamic Azad University

4 Assistant Professor of Persian literature, Member of Young Elite's Center, Islamic Azad University of Shahr=e=Rey, Yadegare Imam Branch

Abstract

Abstract
"Symbol", "Keyword" or "Sign" are words that have diverse connotations. Symbols or mysteries (in its true sense) have enriched human life, so that no part of human life is free of the enigmatic. Symbol has long been used extensively in the arts and literature; furthermore, by the use of symbolism, the appearance of a word finds a hidden and symbolic meaning, which can diversify the expression of philosophies and ideas. Symbols in world arts and literature may have a diverse meaning depending on the culture and tradition of that nation, or in appropriate artistic and literary themes. Fish symbols have been widely used in mythical, religious and poetic literature as well as on the artworks of worldwide nations for various purposes. The artworks of Iran from the pre-Islamic era and beyond have hosted this pattern. The present research follows a descriptive-analytical approach and data collection is accomplished via library means. The results indicate that in mythology, fish are generally recognized as symbols of fertility and productiveness and have been applied in all faiths. In the Holy Qur'an, in the stories of Prophets Jonas, Moses and Khezr (PBUH), this symbol represents the search for the inner-self. From the study and comparison of the symbol of fish in mythology, Qur'an and the Masnavi on artworks, it appears that its implied meaning is related and in correlation with all the mentioned sources. In addition, from past eras, this symbol has long been used in decorative elements and handicrafts.
Research aims:
1-To identify the commonalities and symbolic distinction of the fish symbol in mythology, Holy Qur’an and the Masnavi Manavi.
2- To examine how fish symbols are applied in artworks.
Research questions:
1- How has the symbol of fish applied in mythology, Holy Qur’an and Masnavi Manavi?
2- How is the symbol of the fish applied in artworks?

Keywords

References

Quran
Abrams, M. H. (1999). Descriptive Dictionary of Literary Terms, translated by Saeed Sabzian, Tehran: Rahnama.
Amoozgaz, J. (2008). Mythical History of Iran, Tehran: Samat.
Ahmadi, B. (1999). Text Interpretation Structure, Tehran: Center.
Pournamdarian, T. (1985). Mysteries and Mysterious Stories in Persian Literature, Tehran: Scientific and Cultural.
Travik, P. (1994). History of World Literature, translated by Arab Ali Rezaei, Tehran: Forouzan.
Chadwick, Ch. (1996). Symbolism, translated by Mehdi Sahabi, Tehran: Markaz Publishing.
Hosouri, A. (2007). Fundamentals of Traditional Design in Iran, Tehran: Cheshmeh.
Dehkhoda, A. A. (1991). Dehkhoda Dictionary, Tehran: University of Tehran
Dehghan, Kh. and Chit Sazian, A. H. (2015). Symbolic interpretation of fish motif in pottery of the 6th and 7th centuries AH of Iran with a view on Rumi's Masnavi. Journal of Islamic Art Painting, No. 5, pp. 86-74.
Rashidi, H. (2013). Living Symbols in the Quran, Journal of Islamic Studies, Science, Quran and Hadith, Fourth and Fifth Year, No. 90, Spring and Summer 2013.
Zarrinkoob, A. H. (1987). The Sea in a Jar, Critique and Interpretation of Masnavi Stories and Allegories, Tehran: Scientific.
Sattari, J. (2000). Research in the Story of Younes and the Fish, Tehran: Markaz Publishing
Shayestehfar, M. and Sabbaghpour, T. (2009). Interpretation and symbolic meanings of fish motifs in Safavid period carpets according to Rumi's Masnavi, Iranian Carpet Scientific Association Quarterly, Goljam, No. 12, pp.
Shaygan, D. (2004). Mental Idols and Eternal Memory, Tehran: Amirkabir.
Taheri, S. D. (2009). The theme of tangled fish in Iranian carpets, Foroozeh Quarterly, pp. 101-98.
Ghobari Bonab, B. and Nosrati, F. (2018). The study of the human psyche in the light of the stories and verses of the Qur'an.
Ghanimi Hilal, M. (1994). Comparative Literature, translated by Seyed Morteza Ayatollahzadeh Shirazi, Tehran: Amirkabir.
Carnoy, A. J. (2004). Iranian Mythology, translated by Ahmad Tabatabai, Tehran: Scientific and Cultural Publications.
Carbon, H. (2004). The Enlightened Man in Iranian Sufism, translated by Faramarz Javaherinia, Tehran: Teacher of Wisdom.
Cooper, GC. (2007). Illustrated Culture of Traditional Symbols, Maliheh Karbasian, Tehran: New Publishing Culture.
Mohammadi, A. (2009). Tafsir Masnavi Manavi, Tehran: Bo Ali Sina University Press.
Mokhtarian, B. and Sarami, A. (1984). Structural analysis of the duality of the two-month symbol, Iranian Anthropological Research, Volume 4, Number 20, Autumn and Winter.
Molavi, J. M. (2007). Generalities of the Divan of Shams Tabrizi, correction of Badi'at al-Zaman Forouzanfar by Abolfotuh Hakimian, Tehran: Research.
Zamani, K. (2006). Comprehensive Description of Masnavi Manavi, Tehran: Information.
Zamani, K. (2002). complete description of Fih Ma Fih, Tehran: Moin.
Meybodi, R. D. (1984). The Discovery and Secrets of the Promise of Abrar, translated by Mohammad Ali Asghar Hekmat, Tehran: Amirkabir.
Nazerzadeh Kermani, F. (2001). Symbolism in Dramatic Literature, Tehran: Barg.
Namvar Motlagh, B. (2015). Illustrated Culture of Iranian Symbols, Tehran: Shahr Publishing.
Ya Haghi, M. J. (2007). The Culture of Myths and Stories in Tehran Persian Literature: Contemporary Culture.
Jung, C. G. (2004). Research Ion in Self-Phenomenology, translated by Parvin Faramarzi and Fereydoun Faramarzi, Mashhad: Published.
Soltanieh, M. (2016). Man and His Symbols, translated, Tehran: Jami.
Faramarzi, P. (1997). four examples of translation, Mashhad: published.
Faramarzi, P. and Faramarzi, F. (2002). The Secret of Research Link in the Analysis and Composition of Psychological Opposites in Alchemy, Mashhad: Published.
Faramarzi, F. and Faramarzi, l. (2003). Modern man in search of his soul, Mashhad: Published.
Islamic Art Studies
Volume 15, Issue 36 - Serial Number 36
February 2020
Pages 259-278

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics