Triangles

Escalated indents result in type being set in inverted triangles. Shapes, like colours, have no intrinsic meaning—just different values imposed onto them. Collected here are various examples of triangles in history & culture with an explanations of their significance.

Pyramids—The distribution of weight in a pyramid, with more weight applied from above the higher the structure rises with greater support from bellow, made the pyramid structure ideal for early civilisations to build monumental structures. Also, they pointed towards the heavens, which was significant for cultures that often believed in many gods.

Holy Trinity—Often represented as a triangle.

Dragon's Eye—Ancient Germanic symbol. Combines triangle, meaning threat, with 'Y' meaning a choice between good and evil.

Nazi Classification—The Nazis used a code of coloured triangles to classify prosecuted cultures. Pink triangles were used to identify homosexuals, but the symbol has since been adopted by the gay community.

Recycling Symbol—Triangle most likely chosen as it is the simplest shape with corners necessary to create mobius strip effect.

Star of David—Originally a magical protective symbol and only became associated with the Jews in the 17th century.

In Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, the triangle is a male symbol ('the blade'), and the inverted triangle is a female symbol ('the chalice'), and the Star of David is a combination of these. However, it should always be remembered that The Da Vinci Code is purely a piece of fiction.

The Bermuda Triangle – A staple of conspiracy theories, adding to the triangle's seemingly mystical qualities.

'Love Your Vagina' Posters—A contemporary use of escalated indents in a recent poster advertising campaign, but only used for the inverted triangle's obvious visual similarity to a vagina. The only other example I can find of an inverted triangle being feminine symbol is in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, but that is factually dubious at the best of times.