The Meaning Behind The Icon

Perceptive viewers may have noticed the icon I have employed for this site in the address bar. For those of you who have not noticed, the icon is replicated below.

Sometimes images can be simplistic in their meanings and the meaning behind them readily apparent. I would contend that this icon is the same, though for the sake of elaboration and completeness I offer you the reasoning behind the use of such an image.

There are two converging themes that underpin the icon. But first, what is it? Quite simply, it is a path curving up from the bottom-left to the top-right. As someone with an interest in the outdoors (namely tramping, or hiking as it is known in countries outside of New Zealand), tracks are the typical sight on any venture into the outdoors. It so happens that much of the protected forest and conservation areas in New Zealand are hills, so obviously that involves climbing (hence the upwards gradient). Nevertheless, drawing it as such makes it more obvious as to what it actually is - a straight line or a series of squiggles across a could mean anything - simplicity lends itself to clarity. Of course, one could also contend that the track vaguely resembles a stylised fern (insofar as it copies the general shape of some stylised depictions such as one rather revolting suggested alternative flag), and black is the national colour of New Zealand (thanks to our rugby team, and our unhealthy obsession with that sport). I mentioned another theme though, did I not?

The other theme which underpins this icon is perhaps the more dominant of the two themes. Rather than define it, however, it is better to describe it. Those who have a passing familiarity with the Bible will be aware of the frequent references to the pilgrimage or journey through this world to that beyond. This imagery is perhaps most pervasively employed by John Bunyan in his incredible allegorical work 'The Pilgrim's Progress', but can be found in scripture. For instance in Paul's epistle to the Hebrews, he exhorts his readers to "go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come." (Hebrews 13:13-14). Previously he refers to members of the "Faith Hall of Fame" in Hebrews 11 as strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Hebrews 11:13). The reference is obvious - Christians are called out of the world ("the camp") to seek a city to come (The New Jerusalem, established after the final victory of God against Satan at some point in the future) - we journey through this world on a trip to the next, just as Pilgrim wandered the route from the City of Destruction to the Gates of Heaven.

Another reference to paths in the Bible is that found in the book of Jeremiah. The particular verse in question states "Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein." (Jeremiah 6:16). This verse commends us to seek out the old paths found in the Bible, to follow the narrow road to salvation (Matthew 7:13-14). It is tempting at times to jump on the "new, popular and relevant" bandwagon, and leave behind that which works. While it is tempting at times to be "cool" to the world, we are commanded to follow the right path. Of course, this does not mean a doctrinaire adherance to the customs of 100 years ago, for many of those customs bear no relevance to modern life. However, neither should we discard all that was done in the past in order to try and reach people today. I strongly believe in asking for the old paths, and this will no doubt reflect itself through my writings. However, readers will note that I have no aversion to wearing a new pair of boots and using a modern pack design in walking to my destination!

Hopefully the above sentences enlighten my reasoning behind the design of my chosen "Favicon" which inhabits your address bar. Perhaps too, it allows you to see the deeper meaning behind such a small icon.

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