Cabala
A mystical tradition interpreting hidden spiritual truths through symbolic, numerical, and metaphysical frameworks.
Themes: esoteric systems and spiritual traditions
Glorifying military paraphernalia
Presenting military-related objects in a way that praises, romanticises, or elevates them, often ignoring their violent or political context.
Themes: ideology and representation
Habdalah
The Jewish ritual that marks the end of Shabbat, using blessings over wine, spices, and a braided candle to signify the transition from sacred time to the weekday.
Themes: religious ceremony and ritual
Iconary
A collection or system of icons; a set of symbolic images used to represent ideas or concepts.
Themes: symbol system and visual language
Iei dō
A Japanese martial art focused on the precise, mindful drawing of the sword and delivering controlled cuts with discipline and fluid motion.
Themes: martial art and traditional practice
Jabot
A decorative ruffled or pleated fabric panel worn at the neck, traditionally part of formal attire, symbolising elegance, detail, and ornamental craftsmanship.
Theme: clothing accessory
Ks (the five)
The five sacred articles of faith worn by initiated Sikhs, symbolising devotion, discipline, and Sikh identity.
Theme: religious symbol
Kabba
A symbolic focal point representing unity, orientation, and spiritual centering, often denoting a sacred axis or gathering point in cultural or devotional contexts.
Theme: symbolic center
Kabala
A mystical tradition focused on interpreting divine truth, symbolic cosmology, and spiritual transformation through esoteric teachings.
Themes: mysticism and spiritual traditions
Kabaka
The hereditary monarch of the Buganda Kingdom in Uganda, symbolising cultural authority, lineage, and traditional leadership.
Themes: institutions and roles
Kabaddi
A fast-paced contact sport where players raid the opponent’s side, tag defenders, and return without being tackled, combining agility, strength, and teamwork.
Theme: sport
Kabab
A seasoned, skewered and grilled meat dish, often paired with vegetables, known for its smoky flavour and cultural roots in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines.
Theme: food dish
Kaaba
A sacred cubic structure in Mecca, Islam’s holiest site, regarded as the spiritual center toward which Muslims face during prayer.
Theme: religious structure
Labarum
An ancient Christian military standard bearing the Chi Rho symbol, signifying divine authority, protection, and victory.
Themes: religious artifact and symbol
Mabinogion
A collection of medieval Welsh prose stories, especially the four interconnected tales known as the Four Branches of the Mabinogi.
Themes: literature and mythology
O antiphons
A set of seven ancient Christian chants sung during the last seven days of Advent, each beginning with “O” and invoking a biblical title of Christ.
Themes: liturgical music and religious tradition
Philistine
A person indifferent or hostile to culture, art, and intellectual pursuits, often valuing materialism or practicality over creativity or refinement.
Theme: attitudes toward art and intellect