I recently photographed a beautiful butterfly on a Carolina Island
that was liked by many of my Internet friends.
As I revisited the image it became apparent that although both the
colors and setting were eye catching, the symmetry of the butterfly’s patterned
wings also drew one into the picture.
That’s when it occurred to me that many of my most liked photographs had
similar traits of symmetry.
I think symmetry subconsciously permeates our daily lives more
than we realize! Any sight that we
perceive as harmonious with beautiful proportion and balance is very probably
symmetric. Symmetry is a key component
in mathematics, science, nature and the arts including architecture, art and
music. It’s considered “the composition
of similar parts facing each other or around an axis”. Examples of mirror symmetry include
reflections in bodies of water, wings of butterflies and some human faces. Some beautiful flowers have a radial
symmetry. And humans are naturally
attracted to symmetry!
Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man is often used as an illustration
of our human body’s symmetry and the natural universe. Facial asymmetry is very common and rarely noticeable
to others, while the aesthetics of exceptional symmetry is subconsciously perceived. The body plans of animals including humans
exhibit mirror or bilateral symmetry. It
is so prevalent that many scientists don’t believe it’s a coincidence.
Geometric shapes are symmetric if
they can be divided into two or more identical pieces that are arranged in an
organized way. Just a few examples
include Gothic cathedrals, the Taj Mahal and The White House. Teaching symmetry in everyday life to
elementary children sets the stage for a more enriched experience in math. The probability bell curve most people
understand is a symmetrical normal distribution of data.
The invention of the potter’s wheel
has resulted in rotational symmetry of clay pots for centuries. Symmetry also touches many aspects of music
creation and perception. Palindromes in
both words and numbers are found in literature where a series of words, phrases
or numbers can be read both forwards and backwards. Examples include “racecar”, “never odd or
even” and 02/02/2020.
Mankind was created in God’s
image. And the human job description is
to strive for symmetry.
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