What is a sign, a symbol and the difference between the two?

A symbol is a physical object that stands for something
else. An example of this could be something like the sun that stands for joy, or clouds
that stand for trouble and sadness. Symbols are often used in literature, and especially
poetry, to express what the author or poet wants the reader to see or feel. In this way,
it is often used to help the reader experience the author’s emotion or
thoughts.

Signs are more closely connected to
the idea that they promote. It could be a gesture or word that directly state what might
be expected. A thumbs-up sign, for example, is the universal sign that things are
alright. Signs can also be words or names to provide visitors with information about
shops or merchandise. Commonly, these types of signs can be street or shop
names.

For a symbol, it is therefore necessary
to think a little bit about the connection between the object and its meaning. This
meaning is often fluid.  Signs are generally less fluid and more likely to have a
clearer and concrete meaning.