Decoding the Mystery of Symbols on Currencies

Would you believe it if I tell you how a country’s paper money looks affects the economy of the country? Maybe not (a few of you may even laugh at such an idea) but I am not easily discouraged, let me try….. A currency from Middle English curraunt, means in circulation. The use of national personality (a leader or royalty) on most currencies is a popular theme but also take note of few pictures and symbols that are incorporated into the design of the currencies and these symbols have mysterious meaning and affect on the popularity and economy of the country. Let me start with some of the stronger currencies of the world---

1)    American Dollar— The occult symbols on the back of the U.S. one dollar bill is a source of great consternation for modern symbologists (?). Dan Brown, the famous writer, has also written about symbols in his book ‘The Lost Symbol’. In spite of financial recession and fluctuations, the country’s currency continues to grow.  There is an image of its past American presidents on one side and eagle, pyramid with an eye at the top on the other side. Pyramid is one of the most auspicious symbols of prosperity in Feng-Shui and eye is considered to be a great symbol of protection. You would be surprised to know that the design with these symbols has not been changed since… I don’t when!!! Okay, one more thing this currency is green in color. 

2)    Chinese Yuan--- Recent years have seen the amazing rise of Chinese currency -‘Yuan’ and is it any coincidence this started only when the country introduced its new currency notes (in early 1980’s) and since then there is no looking back for China. The currency and the economy of the country is a growing ever since. There is a picture of Chairman Mao on one side. The note has one of the most powerful and auspicious Feng-Shui element- a flowing river, and the Great wall as a symbol of protection. There are other Yuan notes that feature-Dragon, a symbol considered very lucky in Chinese tradition. 

3)    British Pound--- British Pound has the image of Queen (recently it is in news the new currency notes may have the image of famous English novelist, Jane Austen). The different denominations of currency have lucky Feng-Shui symbols—bird and sailing ship. A round mirror is a great symbol of protection.  There are many countries (Canada, New Zealand, UAE, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, to name a few) whose currencies have –bird. Birds signify opportunities whereas ships, air planes bring wealth. Lack of protection symbol mitigates the effect of auspicious symbols.

Singapore paper money was given a fresh new look and now has fish, ship, dragon and river- the auspicious symbols .I can discuss many other currencies of the world but I want to discuss my own country’s currency-Rupee. Do you think the new symbol that Indian Rupee has got is lucky for our Indian currency??? Anyway, the 100 rupee note has one auspicious symbol—the mountain and a good protection symbol—Lions, but  now popular and more circulated denomination ‘500’ rupee note has got no auspicious symbol at all, on the contrary, the 500 rupee note has the image of ‘Gandhi March’, a symbol of past struggles!!!! And you wonder why Indian currency is struggling ……There are no auspicious symbols even on 1000 rupee note.

We have walked in space, uncovered the building blocks of life, DNA, ventured deeper into the oceans and there have been many new inventions and discoveries than ever before, however even with our amazing progress as a species there are still mysteries out there to which the solution eludes us and will continue to elude us but things, no matter how illogical they sound, should be adopted if they make our life easier, yes or no?

© Sunita Chabra 2013 [Cannot be re-produced without permission]