Meaning & use
white smoke symbolism
Last updated
Meanings
phraseuncountablereligion
The use of white smoke as a sign or symbol, especially to announce that a new pope has been chosen.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable phrase; you normally say the symbolism of white smoke or white smoke symbolism.
Patterns
- the symbolism of white smoke
- white smoke as a symbol of something
The white smoke symbolism in the Vatican dates back centuries.
Crowds in St. Peter's Square waited for the white smoke symbolism that means a new pope has been elected.
phraseuncountable
The general use of white smoke to represent peace, purity, or a new beginning in art and culture.
Grammar: Used in discussions of art, literature, or religion; often followed by of.
Patterns
- white smoke symbolism in something
- the symbolism of white smoke
In the painting, the white smoke symbolism suggests hope after the war.
Her essay explores white smoke symbolism in modern poetry.
Common combinations
- the symbolism of white smoke
- The documentary explains the symbolism of white smoke in papal elections.
- white smoke as a symbol
- They discussed white smoke as a symbol of peace.
- the white smoke signal
- The white smoke signal told the world a decision had been made.
Synonyms and how they differ
- white smoke signal
- Focuses on the smoke as a message or announcement rather than on its symbolic meaning.
Commonly confused: white smoke symbolism or black smoke?
white smoke symbolism vs black smoke
In the same tradition, black smoke means no decision has been reached yet, the opposite of white smoke.
Practice
In the Vatican, white smoke is a symbol that a new ______ has been chosen.
Choose one answer.
White smoke is traditionally used at the Vatican to announce a new pope. The other options are political leaders not chosen by this tradition.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “white smoke symbolism”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.