Light Bulb Symbolism – What It Means
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Over the years, the light bulb has been a popular symbol of creative ideas, featured in cartoons and movies around the world. However, the light bulb has various other types of symbolism as well. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the light bulb, its symbolism, and relevance today.
Brief History of the Light Bulb
In order to understand the symbolism of the light bulb, it’s important to look into its history. Before the creation of the light bulb, the electric light which was invented by Humphry Davy was in common usage. Although it produced light, it did not last long and was far too bright to use.
Over the next few decades, many other inventors created different versions of the light bulb, but there was no practical design that could be used for commercial purposes. In 1874, a medical electrician, Henry Woodward, and a colleague, Matthew Evans, created an electric lamp which they tried to commercialize but were unsuccessful. As a result, they sold their patent to Thomas Alva Edison.
It was Edison who finally discovered that the ideal filament for the light bulb would be a carbonized cotton thread. In 1880, he patented the world’s first incandescent light bulb that could be used commercially. This was a turning point for humankind, completely changing the way that people lived their lives.
Why Do Light Bulbs Represent Ideas?
Light bulbs are most associated with a clever idea, and there’s a scientific reason behind it. When the human brain is active, it produces electrical currents caused by chemical reactions. These reactions occur in the tiny nerve cells found in the brain called ‘neurons’.
Neurons are responsible for processing and transmitting information through chemical and electrical signals which they pass from one to the other at a speed of 420 km per hour. Once the brain processes the information and we have an insight, our brain lights up, much like a light bulb.
Fun Fact: The human brain can generate enough energy to light up a small light bulb (about 12-25 watts).
Light Bulb Symbolism
Light bulbs can be depicted in different ways, with each having its own meaning. Here are some of the most common representations of the light bulb.
1- Innovation
The light bulb is a popular symbol of innovation. As a motif, it’s used to represent the origination of a brilliant idea, a sudden insight or flash of understanding of how to achieve something, usually in a new or different way.
It’s commonly used in popular culture, from cartoons to movies as a physical representation of a new idea. For example, when a character from a cartoon comes up with a plan, a light bulb appears above its head to represent this idea.
2- Intelligence
Light bulbs are a symbol of intelligence. Light, in general, is associated with intelligence, wisdom, awareness, and the known, meanings which transfer to the light bulb as well. By switching on a light bulb, the dark becomes light, representing ignorance being dissipated by knowledge.
3- Creativity & Problem Solving
Light bulbs are commonly regarded as symbols of creativity and problem solving. They represent a Eureka moment, signifying a sudden burst of inspiration.
Symbolism of Different Light Bulb Depictions
Light bulbs are depicted in various ways, depending on what they’re meant to represent.
- A Plain Light Bulb – Light bulbs are popularly regarded as symbols of grace and the illuminated path, especially among tattoo enthusiasts. Those with religious backgrounds sometimes believe that their life’s path is illuminated by the grace of God, an idea which can be represented by a light bulb.
- Brain Light Bulb -A light bulb depicted with a human brain within the bulb is typically associated with brilliance, ideas, and intelligence. It’s a popular design for tattoos and many people choose to have it as a way of expressing their intelligence as well as creativity.
- A Broken Light Bulb – A broken light bulb usually represents loss or the act of letting go. It can also represent transition, usually into something better, or the loss of control.
- Lit Light Bulb – A lit light bulb generally represents a sudden, bright idea. In some cartoons and films, the word ‘Eureka!’ is usually used with a sound that goes ‘ding’ alongside a brightly lit bulb to show that the character has had a brilliant idea.
- Light Bulb with Color Pencils – The image of a light bulb surrounded by color pencils is often used to represent the creative flow of ideas as well as art. The color pencils are placed so as to symbolize the rays of light emitted by the bulb.
In Brief
The United States no longer manufactures or imports incandescent light bulbs, although some stores continue to sell the bulbs they have in stock. This is due to federal rules and regulations that have been put into place to switch light bulbs that are more energy-efficient. However, the standard incandescent light bulb continues to be used as a popular symbol of genius, creativity, and innovation around the world.
