Patterns & Metaphors
Human body fluids
Other Names:
Excreta
Hair and nails
Template:
Symbols that can be classified as body fluids are many and include blood, sweat, tears and saliva or spittle. Human milk, and urine may also appear symbolically. Other effluxes or emanations from in the body that have a place in visual, verbal or literary symbolism include bile, pus, vomit, and watery excrement, human hair, finger-nails, and faeces can be included in the class of human body fluids and excreta.
Metaphor:
Blood is a symbol of life; sweat of work; tears of sacrifice or sorrow. Spittle and excrement may symbolize rejection. A male urinating may symbolize semen or virility. Long finger-nails may indicate gentility or feminity. Excessive body hair may represent a brutal nature. Luxuriant head hair may indicate energy, mental or physical (e.g. Einstein and Samson).<
